Benguela:The resettlement of families impacted by the April 12 floods in Benguela province and the development of preventive measures for the 2026-2027 rainy season were key topics at the National Civil Protection Commission's second ordinary meeting on Thursday.
According to Angola Press News Agency, Minister of State and Head of the Military House Joo Ernesto dos Santos emphasized the importance of evaluating the recovery measures for families affected by the Cavaco River floods. He noted the commission's working visit to Benguela province on July 9 to assess the conditions of the affected families and monitor the progress of recovery efforts.
The meeting's primary goals included assessing the progress in resettlement and recovery for affected populations, identifying logistical and administrative challenges, and formulating targeted intervention measures. Dos Santos highlighted the urgent need to strengthen prevention, preparedness, and risk reduction protocols ahead of the 2026-2027 rainy season.
He stressed that the exercise should result in an objective assessment of progress, identify remaining constraints, and focus on measures to reduce vulnerability to disasters and ensure a more effective response. As the coordinator of the National Civil Protection Commission, dos Santos called for actions grounded in coordination, readiness, institutional responsibility, and a sense of mission, ensuring that policy decisions lead to tangible community results.
The Minister of State recalled the previous commission meeting on June 29 in Luanda, which reviewed the recent rainy season. During that session, officials approved foundational frameworks such as the Strategic Plan for Disaster Risk Prevention and Reduction (2026-2027) and the National Plan for Disaster and Calamity Preparedness, Contingency, and Response (2026-2027).
Following these approvals, commission members conducted field inspections, focusing on flood zones and housing initiatives. They reviewed the construction of permanent homes for displaced residents, inspected containment dikes along the Cavaco River, and evaluated conditions at local shelter centers.
