01/07/2019 (Agence Europe) – The European Union is mobilising €7 million in humanitarian aid to strengthen disaster preparedness in Southern Africa and the Indian Ocean, the European Commission announced on Monday 1 July. This support will: - improve the preparedness and response capacities of local civil protection personnel and communities at risk of disasters (strengthening early warning systems, raising risk awareness and developing emergency plans); - use innovative technologies such as drones and mobile messaging to help communities respond quickly and avoid loss of life and property; - support schools in continuing to provide education to children in the event of natural disasters. The EU has already mobilised €17 million in emergency aid for Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Malawi and the Comoros, devastated by Cyclones Idai and Kenneth. (AN)