The Zambia Red Cross Society acts ahead of drought

The Zambia Red Cross Society acts ahead of drought

The Zambia Red Cross Society has activated its early action protocol for drought to help protect families from the anticipated impacts, amid gorwing concerns over a potential ‘super’ El Niño. This activation builds on sustained investment in volunteer readiness, pre-positioned supplies and coordination with government.

Readiness activities have reached 17 of 19 prioritized high-risk districts. Working with district-level disaster management committees, teams from the Zambia Red Cross Society have identified vulnerable wards, engaged with agricultural extension workers and health personnel, and mapped out boreholes that need rehabilitation. Volunteers have received training in community engagement, protection and inclusion, while supplies and arrangements with a financial services provider are in place to support timely assistance.

Supported by the Anticipatory Pillar of the IFRC’s Disaster Response Emergency Fund, the actions aim to assist approximately 22,530 people through measures including cash assistance, drought-tolerant seeds and access to safe drinking water. The Zambia Red Cross Society is also supporting government-led coordination in its role as secretariat to the National Anticipatory Action Working Group.