Georgia Investigates Early Warning Systems in Disaster Prevention

During the last ten years, as a result of natural disasters 23 million people worldwide have been left homeless, over 1.4 million have been injured and 700 thousand people have lost their lives. In Georgia, in 2012, approximately 75 000 people were affected and 202 mln Gel of economic impact was registered as a result of natural disasters in Kakheti. Added to that the more than 700 people affected by the recent tragic flood in June.

To prevent such cases, the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), together with the National Environment Agency of the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources Protection of Georgia, launched the international conference on early warning systems in Georgia.

Georgian government officials, international organization representatives and invited experts from Switzerland and France, the World Meteorological Organization, consultants from UNDP Georgia and Macedonia gathered together and spoke about modern technologies in early warning of natural hazards.

“It is necessary to be able to ensure that we know about disasters, recurring or even before they occur, so that we can prevent the impact of the potential disaster. Today’s discussion is essential because we have invited a vast number of experts here to discuss their experiences, good practices, what worked elsewhere in terms of early warning. I am sure it will have a very good impact for the future,” said Niels Scott, UNDP Head in Georgia.

The Early Warning Systems, in order to be effective, need to actively involve communities, facilitate awareness of risks, ensure the constant state of preparedness, and effectively disseminate messages and warnings.

Meri Taliashvili