Nkhotakota District Council has drilled journalists in disaster risk management to effectively report on disasters in the district.

Speaking on Tuesday when he opened the course, district commissioner Ben Tonho said the training  will help  journalists to understand the background and trend of disasters and improve their capacity in information dissemination.

Journalists pose for a group photo

He said it was important that media houses are well informed on the overview of the disaster risk management structure.

“We want journalists to help create awareness among people to prevent disasters,” said Tonho.

Zodiak Broadcasting Station journalist John-Paul Kayuni said the training was an eye-opener on disaster risk management issues.

He said most journalists focus on response and breaking news before the council undertakes assessment.

“We have been reminded that we should strive to gather facts and seek for clarification and verification to avoid causing an alarm during disaster,” said Kayuni.

Nkhotakota district relief and rehabilitation officer Rhomatchinga Nkhata said it was important that journalists understood the importance of giving out verified information, especially numbers of affected people.

Similar workshops have been held in Likoma, Dedza, Nsanje, Machinga and Mangochi districts.

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