Antalya:More countries are now equipped with multi-hazard early warning systems than ever before, yet significant gaps remain in areas most vulnerable to disasters. This finding comes from a report by the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).
According to World Meteorological Organization, the Global Status of Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems 2026 report reveals that 136 countries have now reported some capability in multi-hazard early warning systems, marking an increase of 17 countries since March 2025. This expansion brings the global coverage to 70 percent, a significant rise since the reporting began in 2015.
The report highlights that countries with substantial early warning capabilities experience significantly lower disaster-related mortality and fewer people affected by disasters compared to countries with limited systems. However, challenges persist, especially in Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Least Developed Countries (LDCs), which have the lowest coverage and comprehensiveness scores despite improvements.
With the current El Niño predicted to be unprecedented in strength, the urgency for effective early warning systems is underscored. WMO's latest seasonal climate outlook warns of extreme weather conditions, emphasizing the need for anticipatory actions to mitigate human consequences.
The report’s release coincides with a high-level event in Antalya, Türkiye, focusing on delivering early warnings globally. The document stresses the importance of planning, community engagement, and financing to ensure early warning systems can trigger timely actions as El Niño's impacts unfold.
In 2025, anticipatory action frameworks increased significantly, reaching 75 countries, with interventions backed by substantial pre-arranged financing. Progress is noted in regions like Africa, which saw a rise in countries reporting early warning capabilities, though disparities remain across different regions.
The report, part of ongoing efforts by UNDRR and WMO since 2022, tracks global progress against the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction and supports the Early Warnings for All initiative.
Source World Meteorological Organization
