ZAMBIA RED CROSS SOCIETY SUPPORTS FLOOD PREPAREDNESS IN MONZE DISTRICT

Zambia Red Cross Society (ZRCS), in partnership with other key stakeholders, recently held a Flood Anticipatory Action Simulation in Monze District, Southern Province. The exercise aimed to help communities prepare for potential floods by raising awareness, strengthening disaster readiness, and testing proactive response mechanisms.

Thirty households in flood-prone areas, including Nthandabale, Mutiti and Malundu received essential non-food items (NFIs) as part of the simulation. These included mosquito nets, sleeping mats, chlorine, washing soap, and jerry cans. The initiative was organized in collaboration with the International Water Management Institute (IWMI), People in Need (PIN0, the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU), and supported by CGIAR’s Climate Resilience Initiative (ClimBeR).

Mary Malambo a beneficiary from the simulation exercise, who lives in the low-lying areas of Monze District, expressed gratitude to ZRCS and the stakeholders for coming up with the preparedness for effective response initiative to the Community. “We thank the Red Cross for bringing us these items and the important messages on emergency preparedness,” She said.

Speaking during a courtesy call, Monze District Commissioner Mr. Mwanza Malambo commended ZRCS for its swift response and support during past floods. “Zambia Red Cross and its partners have been instrumental in assisting the government to mitigate the effects of disasters,” he said. This simulation exercise also aimed to assess stakeholder preparedness and promote anticipatory action—a proactive approach that uses weather forecasts and early warnings to minimize the impact of disasters. By working together, ZRCS and its partners continue to help vulnerable communities reduce risks and build resilience against climate-related challenges like floods and droughts.