Written by: Emmanuel Moyo
The Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA) in Karonga District has on Monday drilled Karonga based journalists on effective reporting on disaster risk management to enhance correct and positive reporting.
Speaking after disaster risk management orientation workshop for news reporters that took place at Chitipa District Council Chamber, the district Relief and Rehabilitation Officer, Shepherd Jere said journalists have a vital role in dissemination of information hence the need for the orientation.
He said: “The media is a very powerful resource in disseminating information about disaster risk management, so to reduce the communication gap between district council officials and the media practitioners we thought it wise to come together.
“Our interaction was meant to share knowledge on what we are doing about disaster risk management and enlighten the media of effective ways of reporting on disaster risk management through which impacts of disasters can be mitigated.”
“Our interaction was meant to share knowledge on what we are doing about disaster risk management and enlighten the media of effective ways of reporting on disaster risk management through which impacts of disasters can be mitigated.”
Jere has since urged journalists in the district to put more efforts in reporting about mitigation of the effects of disasters.
“As much as journalists focus on reporting on the extent of the damage of a disaster, they should also focus on reporting on the mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery measures to the communities to reduce the impacts of disasters when they occur.” He said.
On his part, District Commissioner for Karonga, Paul Kalilombe hailed the workshop saying it is very important because disasters are a very sensitive issue and the media is a the means of disseminating information about disasters.
“It is very important that the media should be oriented on disaster reporting because we want to establish common procedures when reporting on disasters in the district.” He said.
In a separate interview with one of the reporters who attended the workshop, Lusekero Mhango described the orientation as an eye opener.
“The workshop has been an eye opener because we have gained a lot of knowledge on effective reporting on disaster risk management and we need more of these workshops so that we can always report effectively about floods.” He said
The disaster risk management orientation workshop brought together selected reporters who are based in Karonga District.
