Early warning

An early warning system is 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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Early warning and early action in response to cascading risks to food security: Bangladesh study reportDocuments and publications

Early warning and early action in response to cascading risks to food security: Bangladesh study report

Practical Action

Update

13 November 2026

COPE launches Early Warnings for All – A Children’s Edition

The book shares four key steps to help children stay safe: KNOW, WATCH, SHARE, ACT; know the risks, watch for warning signs, share the message and act in time.

COPE Disaster Champions

Case study

Uganda

All voices matter: Strengthening protection and community resilience through inclusive early warning systems

By establishing a community-led radio early warning system, the initiative has improved access to timely climate and disaster risk information, enhanced community preparedness, and created opportunities to participate in decision-making.

International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC)

Update

12 November 2026

El Niño threatens health, too – early warnings done right can save lives

When warnings pair information about the risk with practical actions and local resources, they can empower people rather than leaving them feeling helpless in the face of a disaster.

Conversation Media Group, the

Policy frameworks for early warning systems (EWS) thumbnail

Documents and publications

12 November 2026

Policy frameworks for early warning systems (EWS)

This report examines how different countries have designed and implemented the policy frameworks that underpin their mobile-enabled early warning systems.

GSMA Mobile for Development

Madagascar’s early warning system: an assessment of SMS alert performance thumbnail

Documents and publications

12 November 2026

Madagascar’s early warning system: an assessment of SMS alert performance

This report examines the performance of SMS alerts within Madagascar’s national early warning system.

GSMA Mobile for Development

COP 31, Early Warnings for All Principles and S-G Guterres

Update

12 November 2026

COP31 leaders back a long-term future for Early Warnings for All

At COP31, UN Secretary-General António Guterres and member states recognized the partnership behind the Early Warnings For All initiative's progress, and asked for the work to continue well past 2027.

United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR)

Update

19 May 2026

Advancing mobile early warnings at scale: A regional partnership model for the Pacific Islands

A unique partnership between the GSMA and the Pacific Islands Telecommunications Association (PITA) is advancing the implementation of mobile-enabled Early Warning Systems (EWS) through Cell Broadcast across the Pacific Islands.

GSMA Mobile for Development

Update

6 July 2026

Unlocking Universal Service Funds for early warning systems: Lessons from Thailand and Argentina

Thailand and Argentina demonstrate how Universal Service Funds can finance nationwide cell broadcast early warning systems, offering a scalable model to overcome funding barriers and expand life-saving disaster alerts globally.

GSMA Mobile for Development

Update

13 July 2026

Building disaster resilience through mobile-enabled early warning systems in Asia Pacific

Mobile technology, public-private partnerships, and innovative financing are strengthening disaster resilience and scaling inclusive, mobile-enabled early warning systems across Asia Pacific.

GSMA Mobile for Development

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