BUILDING RESILIENCE, ONE STORM AT A TIME

As stormy weather continues to hit parts of Eswatini, the impact on communities is becoming all too clear. In recent days, heavy rains and fierce winds have affected hundreds across the country, leading to terrible disruptions, damaged homes, and widespread power outages.

According to the Eswatini National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA), a total of 117 houses have been damaged, impacting 621 people directly. Relief has begun to reach some of those in need, with 13 households already receiving support, but the scale of the damage, which includes four schools and over 1 600 power outages, is a stark reminder of the climate challenges Eswatini faces. Amid these challenges, however, there is hope that through effective early warning systems, AI-driven solutions, and increased adaptation finance, Eswatini can build resilience to face future storms and other climate impacts.

Early warnings in action: Reducing harm from severe storms
The recent storms highlight how important early warning systems are in protecting lives and minimising property damage. In Eswatini, early warning mechanisms have been critical in alerting communities to the risks of severe weather. Thanks to timely forecasts and coordinated communication, some people have been able to take necessary precautions ahead of storms. In cases like this, a functioning early warning system means more than just issuing a notice, it requires coordinated communication to ensure that everyone, especially those in remote or vulnerable communities, receive the message.

Eswatini has made significant strides in strengthening its early warning capabilities, working with meteorological services and media outlets to improve communication and preparedness.
However, as extreme weather events become more frequent and intense, early warnings need to be both faster and more accurate. With advancements in technology, especially artificial intelligence (AI), there is potential for even more sophisticated systems that can predict storm patterns and issue precise alerts, tailored to specific regions.

The role of AI: Precision and speed in disaster management
AI is increasingly becoming a game-changer in disaster prediction and management. Through AI-driven data analysis, weather patterns and risks can be detected earlier and with more precision than traditional methods alone. By analysing satellite imagery, real-time weather data, and historical climate patterns, AI can provide detailed forecasts and identify areas at risk before the storm hits. For Eswatini, investing in AI technology could mean enhanced monitoring of rainfall, wind speeds, and storm trajectories, providing authorities with valuable information to coordinate timely evacuations, resource distribution and protection measures for infrastructure.

AI can also support post-disaster recovery by helping assess damage and prioritise resources for the hardest-hit areas. Using drones and AI-based analysis, it’s possible to quickly evaluate storm damage in remote locations, identify areas in need of immediate support, and optimise relief operations. For Eswatini, integrating AI into its disaster response efforts could speed up the relief process, ensuring that those affected receive help faster and more efficiently. Despite the potential, implementing AI requires investment in both technology and training for disaster management teams. By focusing on capacity-building and creating partnerships with international organisations and tech providers, Eswatini can build an AI-driven early warning system that will strengthen resilience to future climate impacts.

Adaptation finance: Building resilient communities
In addition to advancing technology, securing adaptation finance is critical in building long-term resilience to climate change. Adaptation finance provides the necessary resources to help communities and governments prepare for, withstand, and recover from extreme weather. For countries like Eswatini, where storms and other climate-related disasters are increasingly common, having access to reliable adaptation finance can make a substantial difference.

Adaptation finance can support a wide range of initiatives, from strengthening infrastructure, like storm-resistant buildings and power lines, to restoring ecosystems that act as natural barriers against floods and landslides. In recent years, Eswatini has seen an increase in climate-related financial support through initiatives aligned with the Paris Agreement and UN Sustainable Development Goals. However, the need is still greater, and mobilising adaptation finance remains a priority.

Such funding is also essential for vulnerable groups, such as low-income households and child headed homes, who are often hit hardest by storms. With more resources, Eswatini can extend its support to all affected households and improve recovery measures, ensuring that each storm leaves fewer people in precarious situations. As the storms have shown, a resilient Eswatini is one where communities have both the resources and the knowledge to rebuild and adapt sustainably.

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