Early Warning Systems (EWS)

Early Warning Systems (EWS) are central to measures that help reduce the loss of lives and livelihoods during crises and disasters. 

An early warning system comprises four key elements: risk knowledge; monitoring, analysis and forecasting of risks; communication or dissemination of alerts and warnings; and local capacities to respond to the warnings received. 

Early Warning System (EWS) are applied across various technical sectors, including epidemiological health, food and nutrition security and water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH). They also cover all types of hazards, such as floods and droughts. 

Operational at the national, regional and local levels, these systems that monitor risks, such as rising river levels, alert by transmitting information from local to national levels and enable effective disaster response. Therefore, the development of EWS is a critical component of any national or institutional Disaster Risk Management (DRM) strategy.