Strengthening Early Warning Systems for All: Evidence and lessons from last-mile communities

This report synthesizes findings from 15 studies supported by the Global Disaster Preparedness Centre across 14 countries to examine why early warnings often fail to translate into timely, protective action - particularly for last-mile communities that are geographically isolated, socially marginalized, or economically vulnerable. Intended for practitioners, policymakers, donors, and researchers, this report serves as both a diagnostic and a practical guide for strengthening people-centered early warning and early action.

The analysis identifies recurring barriers and enabling practices across all four pillars of early warning systems (risk knowledge, hazard monitoring and forecasting, warning dissemination and communication, and preparedness to respond to warnings). Results shows that inclusive engagement with communities, the integration of local and Indigenous knowledge, clear and accessible messaging, and adequate resourcing for early action are critical to ensuring warnings are received, understood, and acted upon. The findings underscore that no single communication channel reaches everyone and that people are most likely to respond to warnings delivered through trusted sources and redundant, context-appropriate channels.