Fostering Resilience: Communities Building a Safer Tomorrow

By António Massipa, Regional Communications and Advocacy Coordinator

In the Mozambican central province of Zambezia, where floods once posed a constant threat, significant changes are taking place. Laurito, a husband and father of three, now resides in a safer area, distanced from the floodwaters that previously plagued his life. This change, for him and his neighbours, is due to the efforts of the local disaster management committee.

Established in April 2023, the committee exemplifies the power of collective action. The committee comprises eighteen volunteers, eleven women and seven men, who are organised into specialised teams that handle various tasks to help community members in disaster preparedness and response.

One team warns people about coming dangers. Another team does search and rescue.  Someone listens to the radio to get important news to everyone. Other teams help people find shelter and leave dangerous areas. Ruben, leader of the damage assessment team, says “Since the committee started people are acting differently. They’re building their homes in the high lands, where it’s safer, rather than in the flood-prone lowlands.”

Laurito’s experience highlights the impact of local disaster management committees. Previously residing in a flood-prone area, he and his family endured severe hardships during raining seasons, especially when cyclones Gombe and Freddy hit. The committee assisted families like Laurito’s in relocating to safer locations, significantly improving their lives. “We're not scared anymore,” Laurito says. “We feel safe now,” he adds.

Beyond disaster response, the committee fosters community resilience and empowers individuals to take proactive measures for their safety. Through community training programmes and workshops, residents acquire the skills necessary to manage future crises, promoting long-term security and self-reliance. In a region frequently affected by extreme weather, the committee serves as a beacon of hope, demonstrating that collective action and community ownership can drive profound and lasting change.

From 2023 to 2024, ten local disaster risk management committees were established and strengthened in central Mozambique. A total of 180 individuals received training, thereby enhancing disaster preparedness and response for 2,700 community members, according to World Vision Mozambique Livelihoods Coordinator, Saute Manuel.