Africa-Press – South-Sudan. A national training course began in Juba for two days on early warning systems, with the participation of journalists from various parts of South Sudan, aimed at enhancing the delivery of disaster warnings to the public.
The course is being held from June 8 to 9, 2026, under the theme “Translating Warnings into Action: Disaster Risks, Early Warning, and Media Communication for Proactive Action.”
Organizers stated that the course aims to equip journalists with the necessary skills to transform technical information related to risks into clear and actionable messages that communities can use before, during, and after disasters.
One participant in the opening session explained: “The media is the bridge between early warning science and public safety. If a warning is issued but not understood or trusted, it will not lead to proactive measures. This course seeks to bridge that gap.”
Participants learn how to interpret warnings for floods, droughts, and other risks, avoid causing panic, verify emergency information, and work effectively with disaster management agencies. Practical exercises include writing bulletins in simple, local language and preparing radio segments for remote communities.
South Sudan is highly vulnerable to climate change risks, including seasonal flooding, heatwaves, and conflicts over natural resources. Past failures in communication regarding early warnings have resulted in communities not having enough time to evacuate or protect their livelihoods.
A journalist from Jonglei State remarked: “In the past, we received warnings that were either too complex or arrived too late. Now we are learning how to ask the right questions and provide information that can save lives.”
The course concludes with a simulation exercise, where participants produce timely warning messages for hypothetical emergency scenarios.
Organizers have committed to providing follow-up support, including a digital resource package and a network for journalists working in disaster risk reduction across the country.
