The United Nations (UN) has launched a significant initiative to establish universal weather warning systems across the globe, aiming to provide severe-weather warnings to every person on Earth by 2027. A 2025 UN report highlights a critical disparity: approximately half of the world's least developed and small island nations still lack functioning warning systems. This absence contributes to disaster mortality rates that are six times higher in these vulnerable regions. The ambitious initiative carries an estimated cost of $3.1 billion.
Cambodia's Flood Preparedness
In November 2025, the lower Mekong River delta in Cambodia faced substantial flooding. Despite the severe water levels, early warnings played a crucial role in facilitating the evacuation of residents and livestock in communities such as Roka Thom, effectively preventing any fatalities.
Vy Sievmeng, an officer for the disaster management committee in Tbong Khmum province, observed that historical floods in the region once caused considerable loss of life and livestock, a trend that has since been mitigated.
From 2023 to 2025, UN-affiliated agencies invested $5.5 million to enhance Cambodia's flood forecasts and warnings, with an additional $7.8 million designated for future improvements. These funds supported vital upgrades to weather forecasting models and satellite data, now allowing residents to receive flood forecasts up to five days in advance. Furthermore, local leaders, with UN assistance, have revised evacuation protocols to better protect vulnerable populations and have integrated valuable local knowledge concerning flood-prone areas.
Warning System Implementation
The fishing village of Prek Touch, historically plagued by annual flood fatalities, particularly among children, has significantly benefited from these collective efforts. Between 2013 and 2015, the local government, supported by the European nonprofit People in Need, established an evacuation shelter and introduced an initial weather alert system. This system delivered warnings via voicemails and text messages on Telegram for cellphone users.
Under the more recent UN initiative, local officials implemented a crucial low-tech solution for residents without cellphones. During impending floods, warnings are now broadcast through car speakers throughout villages. These alerts also actively encourage recipients to inform others in their community, fostering a network of mutual aid.
In 2025, this comprehensive system was put to the test during severe flooding. Residents of Prek Touch received an alert advising evacuation, and community members confirmed hearing the loudspeaker warnings, subsequently evacuating to the shelter. Reports indicated one fatality during this event: a young child from a family living on a boat who could not evacuate.
Economic Challenges Despite Saved Lives
While the implementation of early warning systems has demonstrably reduced flood-related fatalities, residents continue to report ongoing economic losses.
Chhay Sophal, a 58-year-old farmer, shared that floods destroyed his seeds, leading to lost harvests.
This issue highlights a widespread economic vulnerability, as over half of the Cambodian population is involved in agriculture.
Vy Sievmeng suggested that crucial infrastructure improvements, including levees, dams, and retention ponds, are necessary to effectively manage water. Such projects could not only reduce economic damage but also provide essential irrigation during dry periods. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) acknowledges the critical need for seasonal weather forecasts to aid farmers in agricultural planning and has future plans to develop relevant tools.
Global Context
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has consistently underscored the profound importance of early warnings, not only for protecting lives but also for safeguarding agricultural assets and communities. Despite the 2022 goal, Guterres noted in 2024 that least developed countries still require more significant progress in system implementation.
Major financial contributors to early warning systems include the UN's Green Climate Fund, which has provided over $2 billion, and the Asian Development Bank and World Bank, contributing approximately $2.5 billion collectively. The United States, a historical contributor to the Green Climate Fund, announced its withdrawal from both the fund and the Paris climate agreement in January.