Disaster Prevention

We spoke to Margareta Wahlström, UNISDR: Why is disaster risk reduction more important than ever?

In a short interview, Margareta Wahlström explains why disaster reduction and the RISK Award, a substantial prize for better disaster management, are so important. The Award aims to send out a clear message about disaster reduction.  >more

Disaster prevention in Mozambique – Our flood-warning system is being expanded

The flood-warning systems in central Mozambique were consolidated further in 2011. The system is now being installed in the country's north as well. The first major steps in this direction have already been taken. >more

RISK Award: request for proposals

Population growth, environmental changes and climate shifts are causing risks to increase. Successful risk management begins with the people at risk. The RISK Award supports projects aimed at reducing risks and improving disaster prevention. >more

Red alert in Mozambique - Testing times for our flood-warning system

Exceptionally heavy rainfall triggered widespread flooding in Mozambique in late January 2011, putting our flood-warning systems on the Búzi and Save rivers severely to the test. >more

Risk of flooding along the Save River – Who keeps the system running?

Our visit on site in September 2008 indicated that the components of the warning system had been set up on the Save River in central Mozambique. >more

Successful launch of Tonga’s early-warning system

The final station in the current phase of the new early-warning system was set up and tested in August 2008. The system issues warnings in the event of natural hazards such as storms, tropical cyclones, tsunamis or earthquakes. >mehr

Rio Save flood risk – New flood-warning system

Experience gained on the Búzi project has been put to good use in another flood warning system. With the new system in place, communities along the River Save are ready to face the next rainy season. >more

Successful project work on the River Save in Mozambique

The village communities living in the River Save catchment area now have a flood warning system that facilitates better communication and a good data transfer. >more

Teaser_Tonga_Ofa Faanunu

Tonga warning system – First transmission stations in place

The first two stations in the RANET warning system were installed in Tonga in March 2008. Three more will follow shortly – benefiting the islanders, air travel and science. >more

Vulnerability study on the River Búzi completed

Vulnerability study on the River Búzi completed

Stefan Kienberger of Salzburg University conducted a study to identify social and ecological vulnerability factors in Central Mozambique. The field study clearly showed that climate factors play an important role for people at the river Búzi. >more

Warning systems for Tonga

Warning system Tonga

The development of an early-warning system in Tonga is making progress. With the support of the New Zealand Meteorological Service, the system is scheduled to be in place by mid-2008. >more

Training course in Mozambique

Mozambique - Training courses with vice district administrators

The Búzi flood warning is in the process of further development. An intensive training is also taking place. >more

Mozambique flood warning system works!

Mozambique flood warning system works!

A flood warning system which we had helped to set up was put to the test during recent floods along the River Búzi. It saved lives when Mozambique was hit by Tropical Cyclone Favio at the end of February 2007. >more

Flood warning system in Mozambique - Phase 2

Mozambique flood warning system - Phase 2

The work on the Búzi flood warning system in Central Mozambique has been brought to a close. The second phase entails installing the warning system on another river in Mozambique, the Save. >more

Mozambique flood warning system

Mozambique flood warning system - Phase 1

There has been a significant increase in flood catastrophes in recent decades. Scarcely a day goes by without our seeing dramatic images of houses under water and people in need. Good early warning systems are a crucial factor in effective prevention. For this reason, we have decided to give our backing to the setting up of a simple but effective early warning system in Mozambique. >more

International Symposium "Disaster Prevention"

International Symposium "Disaster Prevention"

Being a strong partner for people at risk is the Munich Re Foundation's aspiration and challenge. Only if the concept of risk partnership is filled with life and commitment can we expect to see future successes in the complex field of disaster prevention. >more

Foundation Prize 2006

Foundation Prize 2006: Warning system for Tonga 

Munich Re Foundation grants prize for early-warning system – €50,000 for optimised storm-warning system in the Kingdom of Tonga. >more