In an ongoing effort to reduce the impact of natural disasters, the Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST) in collaboration with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), has developed an Early Warning System (EWS) mobile application. 

The app is designed to send early alerts on potential disasters and provide useful emergency information to help communities prepare and respond better.

On June 17, 2025, MUST conducted an orientation session in Mzuzu for disaster risk program committees from Nkhorongo-Lupaso, Mchengautuba East, Mchengautuba West, and Zolozolo wards.

Participants were guided through the app’s features and how to use it effectively.

The session was also attended by representatives from Mzuzu City Council, Habitat for Humanity, and UNDP.

The EWS mobile app was developed by a group of recent MUST graduates under Optimum Systems, a team that emerged winners in a competition that challenged students to create local solutions for disaster management.

The app sends early warning messages through push notifications, WhatsApp, email or SMS, enabling users to take necessary precautions in time.

Beyond alerts, the app also provides information on evacuation centre locations and directions, emergency contact numbers, local disaster history, incident reporting tools, and an AI-powered chatbot to raise awareness on disaster preparedness in Malawi.

Ezekiel Nyirenda, Chairperson for Mchengautuba East Ward, commended the initiative.

“This is a big step forward in helping our communities act early and stay informed. We’re thankful for the support and collaboration behind this app,” he said after the session.

This hands-on training is part of a larger effort to ensure communities are not only aware of disaster risks but also have the right tools to manage and respond to them effectively.