Building trust in MHEWS by understanding people

Localising Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems (MHEWS) fosters community ownership, which builds trust in warning institutions thus increasing the likelihood of timely and effective response. The Community Trust Index for Early Warning Systems, developed by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, is an evidence-based tool designed to measure and strengthen community trust in MHEWS, the actors behind them and the information and alerts they provide. The tool is grounded in a people-centred approach, drawing directly from community voices and lived experiences. It was recently piloted in Mozambique and Nepal. Preliminary findings from pilots there reveal strong trust drivers, such as risk understanding and knowledge, but also point to concerns regarding transparency, inclusiveness, and participation. Monitoring these gaps in trust drivers is essential for decision-makers to improve multi-hazard early warning systems from the perspective of local communities and to advance the effectiveness of MHEWS. 

The Government of Lao PDR, through the Department of Meteorology and Hydrology, conducted a national EWS perception survey under Climate Risk and Early Warning Systems (CREWS) and World Food Programme with support from UNDRR, the World Meteorological Organization and the Asian Disaster Preparedness Center. This assessment surveyed over 1,700 households across nine provinces and included focus group discussions with groups disproportionately affected by disasters, such as women, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, youth and older persons. The results indicated a high level of awareness and trust but also demonstrated the need to improve access for populations in isolated or risk-prone settings. Key recommendations included investing in localised, accessible and tailored information to ensure that early warnings are timely, understandable and actionable to all.