Journalists dared on disaster risk management coverage

Karonga District Council Director of Administration Martin Mkandawire has challenged Journalists to embrace in putting much effort in publicizing disaster related issues in their coverage during the lean period saying the vice is key in cautioning communities on the effects of disasters.
In an interview after the end of a two day workshop at M’buta Lodge in Rumphi District Mkandawire, observed that there is not much attention that is put on writing and reporting about disasters during the dry seasons.

Adding that the training will assist journalists to improve their capacity in information dissemination of disasters as they are now better placed to understand the background and trends of disasters.

“It was important that Journalists understood the importance of giving out verified information especially on the numbers of affected people during disasters thus we thought of conducting the training so as the media can help us to create awareness among people in a bid to prevent disasters,” he said.

Zodiak Broadcasting Station Journalist Adams Wundaninge, said the training was an eye opener on disaster risk management issues and the newly passed disaster risk management act of 2023.

He noted, media outlets usually focus on response and breaking news after the disaster before the council has carried out its assessments.

“As journalists this training is timely considering we are fast approaching the rainy season hence we have been reminded that we should strive to gather facts and clarification instead of rushing to break news as this can cause unnecessary alarm to the communities,” articulated Wundaninge.

Among others the media workshop drew participants from media houses including Nation Publications Limited (NPL) Mibawa Television, Voice of Livingstonia, Dinosaur Radio and Tuntufye FM.