Journalists drilledin disaster reporting

Karonga District Council acting director of administration Martin Mkandawire has emphasised the need for journalists to hone skills on how to report disaster management issues.

He said this on Wednesday at the end of a two-day media orientation for Karonga-based journalists that took place in Rumphi District.

“There is not much attention that is put on writing and reporting about disasters during the dry seasons. However, we hope that the training has provided the capacity that will help journalists to report disaster-related issues,” said Mkandawire.

He said he expected the journalists to report verified information, especially on the figures of people affected during disasters.

Karonga District relief and rehabilitation officer Shepherd Jere unpacked the Disaster Risk Management Act of 2023.

“Anyone who buys any relief item, equipment or other relief commodity intended for distribution or use by an affected person will be fined,” he said.

Karonga district-based Zodiak Broadcasting Station journalist Adams Wundaninge described the disaster risk management training as an eye-opener.

He said: “Media outlets focus on response and scramble for breaking the news after the disasters strike before the council carries out assessment.

“The training has come at the right time considering that we are fast approaching the rainy season. Karonga is prone to disasters and we will utilise the knowledge to report disasters correctly.”

The media orientation drew participants from Nation Publications Limited, Mibawa Television, Voice of Livingstonia, Maravi Post, Dinosaur Radio and Tuntufye FM.