Strengthening preparedness through partnership

Aligning efforts for collective local impact

In Jordan, flash floods remain one of the most recurrent climate-related hazards. As weather patterns grow increasingly unpredictable, effective preparedness requires stronger coordination across institutions at both national and local levels. Disaster risk management therefore depends not only on response capacity, but on strong national institutions that are grounded in local realities. In this context, localisation is not a slogan; it is the deliberate process of strengthening existing systems and reinforcing institutional coordination to ensure they function effectively where risk materializes. It is within this framework that Mercy Corps’ partnership with the Civil Defense Directorate has evolved. Since 2021, this collaboration has been strengthened through climate resilience programming in Jordan under the Zurich Climate Resilience Alliance, particularly through the ongoing efforts of the Tabeaa project.

Through Tabeaa, Mercy Corps works to enhance community resilience to climate-related hazards, with a focus on improving preparedness for risks such as flash floods and heatwaves. This work is implemented in close alignment with Civil Defense’s national mandate and operational leadership, with efforts directed toward enhancing preparedness systems and response capacities at local level.

“Our partnership with Mercy Corps is one of the Civil Defense Directorate’s key strategic collaborations, one that has delivered tangible impact on the ground. Together, we have been able to collectively advance our shared disaster risk reduction goals and translate strategy into real action for the communities we serve.”, said Shadi Al-Helo, Director of the Disaster Management Department, Civil Defense Directorate.

Civil Defense Day: A Shared Commitment

For three years, on March 1st, Mercy Corps and the Civil Defense Directorate jointly marked Civil Defense Day. Hosting and participating in this annual occasion reflect the depth of the partnership and highlights the importance of aligning efforts both publicly and operationally. This year’s theme, “Managing Environmental Risks for a Resilient and Sustainable Future,” directly aligns with Tabeaa’s focus on strengthening preparedness for climate-related hazards. Civil Defense Day therefore serves not only as a moment to recognize the dedication of frontline responders, but also as an opportunity to highlight the institutional partnerships that enable effective emergency management across Jordan.

"Today, we celebrate the partnerships that underpin our work, demonstrating how public institutions and development actors, national and international organizations can work hand in hand toward a shared commitment to civil protection and the safety of citizens.”, said Assistant Director of Public Security for Judicial Affairs Brigadier, General Nawrez Hakouz.

Partnership in practice

One of the most tangible outcomes of the partnership between Mercy Corps and the Civil Defense Directorate has been the implementation of Flood Preparedness and Response training under the Tabeaa project across five high-risk communities. Delivered jointly under the “Safe Winter” campaign, the five-day training brought together emergency and disaster management focal points from relevant local authorities. The sessions combined technical content on disaster risk management with structured, scenario-based simulations designed to test evacuation procedures and decision-making under pressure during flood events. Beyond technical knowledge, feedback indicated that the most valuable component was the opportunity to test coordination in a controlled environment, allowing participants to identify weaknesses and agree on practical improvements before a real event occurs.

Turning knowledge into local ownership

For Ms. Abeer Al-Salameen, Head of the Planning Department at the Ministry of Education in Wadi Musa, flood preparedness is part of her daily responsibility. As a focal point receiving weather forecasts and early warnings, she is often among the first to be informed when heavy rainfall may pose risks to schools and surrounding communities. During the Flood Preparedness and Response training, simulation exercises highlighted the critical importance of speed and coordination during emergency situations. For Ms. Abeer, the training highlighted the value of locally led coordination mechanisms that allow frontline responders and local officials to exchange information quickly and directly.

Motivated by these insights, Ms. Abeer took the initiative to establish a dedicated WhatsApp coordination group bringing together representatives from key institutions involved in emergency preparedness and response in Wadi Musa. The group enables local emergency and disaster response personnel to share flood warnings, weather updates, and operational information simultaneously and in real time. This simple yet practical solution has allowed alerts to reach all relevant actors at once.

“When roles are clear and information is shared, response can be more effective”, said Ms. Abeer Al-Salameen, Wadi Musa.

For Ms. Abeer, the training strengthened her confidence to take initiative, act decisively, and move from discussion to action. Her response demonstrates how women’s leadership can translate preparedness training into actions that endure. Looking ahead, she intends to formalize the group by clearly defining roles, strengthening alignment with the Civil Defense Directorate and local authorities, and exploring how the model could be expanded to address additional climate-related risks.

Sustaining the partnership over the years

Since 2021, the partnership between Mercy Corps and the Civil Defense Directorate has demonstrated how alignment between development actors and national emergency institutions can strengthen localisation and enhance readiness for climate-related disasters. Throughout the years, this collaboration has extended beyond training activities. Joint awareness campaigns, the development and distribution of emergency preparedness guidance materials, and capacity-building sessions in first aid and evacuation procedures have been implemented across vulnerable communities. In addition, the partnership has provided direct institutional support by equipping Civil Defense units with lifesaving equipment and strengthening operational capacities, in addition through the provision of modern equipment and technologies to the Risk Analysis Office, enabling more accurate identification and analysis of flood risk hotspots across vulnerable communities.

These efforts have reinforced preparedness not only at the institutional level, but also among community members most exposed to climate risks. Together, these initiatives reflect a shared commitment to strengthening disaster preparedness at multiple levels, from frontline responders and institutional focal points to the communities they serve.