The VIII Regional Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction in the Americas and the Caribbean (RP23) has successfully concluded in Punta del Este, Uruguay. The event was held in a hybrid format from February 28 to March 2, 2023, under the theme, “Science and Technology for Integrated Disaster Risk Management”. The Government of Uruguay hosted the forum, which aimed to bring together a wide range of stakeholders to discuss and address the issue of disaster risk reduction.

Zambia is a drought-prone country that experiences droughts every 4 to 5 years. This frequency is projected to increase due to climate change. The inadequate infrastructure together with the rural and poor population makes the country highly vulnerable to droughts.

Southern and Central provinces in Zambia are underwater after long-term rainfall starting 11 January, causing overflowing rivers. The floods, reported as “catastrophic” by Zambia’s Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit, have caused widespread damage to homes, farmland, and livestock. The floods have also left numerous communities isolated and sanitation facilities completely submerged, exposing the population to a high risk of waterborne diseases.

UNDRR published a report detailing the main findings and recommendations of the midterm review of the implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030. The report provides valuable insights into the progress made towards achieving the Sendai Framework's goals and identifies key areas for action moving forward. The findings and recommendations are likely to be of interest to policymakers, disaster risk management practitioners, and others working in the field of disaster risk reduction.