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Early warning

An integrated system of hazard monitoring, forecasting and prediction, disaster risk assessment, communication and preparedness activities systems and processes that enables individuals, communities, governments, businesses and others to take timely action to reduce disaster risks in advance of hazardous events. Early warning systems are a key component of disaster risk management activities.

Early Warnings for All is a groundbreaking initiative to ensure that everyone on Earth is protected from hazardous weather, water, or climate events through life-saving early warning systems by the end of 2027. Stay informed about the groundbreaking "Early Warnings for All" initiative.

In Mozambique, experience from past disasters has helped shape a powerful national system for disaster risk reduction.
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Latest Early warning additions in the Knowledge Base

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Seven innovations that buy time before a tsunami reaches the shore
Update
Tsunami Day: Seven innovations that buy time before a tsunami

A tsunami warning is a race against time. A wave triggered close to shore can arrive within minutes, and when a volcano or landslide is the source, systems designed around earthquakes may register the threat late or not at all.

United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR)
Update
USA, Canada: Supercomputing could transform tsunami forecasting

Researchers at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory are using supercomputing and digital twin technology to develop tsunami forecasts in seconds, potentially enabling more accurate early warnings for coastal communities facing imminent threats.

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
Key messages from the Pre-COP31 Early Warning and Early Action session thumbnail
Documents and publications
Key messages from the Pre-COP31 Early Warning and Early Action session

This document summarises the key messages of an event held at Pre-COP31 in Fiji, in October 2026 by the Government of Samoa (REAP co-chair), the Early Warning for All pillars leads, CREWS, SPREP and REAP.

Risk-informed Early Action Partnership (REAP)
An aerial view shows the Rasuwagadhi flood affecting the lower part of the riverbank, hydropower substation, and many houses in Rasuwa, Nepal, on July 08, 2025.
Update
Can AI save lives before the next flood?

Nepal–China flood exposes a missing dimension in the global AI debate. As world leaders focus on future threats, the more immediate challenge is to use AI to anticipate disasters, accelerate cross-border warnings and protect human life today.

Global Policy Journal