Is disaster risk reduction (DRR) communication lost in translation in the South African Development Community (SADC) region?

Climate-induced disasters in the South African Development Community (SADC) are intensifying, but communication gaps between disaster information systems and at-risk communities are undermining preparedness and response effectiveness. Promising solutions exist, integrating Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) with modern early warning systems, leveraging mobile platforms, and building digital literacy can bridge these gaps and strengthen resilience. Effective disaster communication must be gender- and youth-responsive, recognizing women’s roles in food security and youth as digital innovators, to build trust and accelerate the uptake of life-saving information.