Multi-Hazard Identification and Early Warning Systems for Emergency Management: A Review

Multi-Hazard Identification and Early Warning Systems (EWS) are essential in modern emergency management, especially in the face of escalating risks posed by climate change, rapid urbanization, terrorism, and population growth. This review investigates the current state, technological advancements, operational frameworks, and implementation challenges of integrated multi-hazard EWS in Niger State. These systems are designed to detect, assess, and communicate risks from diverse hazards within urban and rural settlements, including floods and pandemics. The study synthesizes global best practices adaptable to the local context of Niger State, emphasizing the importance of healthy and well-planned environments, governance strategies, and the adoption of smart technologies. It underscores the paradigm shift from isolated, single-hazard warning mechanisms to integrated systems capable of addressing cascading and compound risks. It identifies persistent gaps in data integration, community participation, and cross-sectoral coordination, advocating for inclusive, locally relevant, and accessible warning mechanisms. Through the evaluation of critical role of institutional capacity, real-time data analytics, and multi-stakeholder collaboration in strengthening disaster resilience. It also emphasizes the importance of research and development (R&D) and calls for increased investment in adaptive, interoperable early warning infrastructures to support proactive emergency response and long-term risk reduction. The findings provide actionable insights that will give rise to a Niger State Muti-Hazard Early Warning System (NSMEWS) through policymaking, practitioners, and researchers commitment to developing resilient, technology-enabled strategies for disaster risk management in Niger State and similar settings.