These voicemails save lives

These voicemails save lives

From Short Wave by NPR

April 20, 2026 · 14 min · Episode 1467

About this episode

The episode discusses how voicemails are being used in Prek Touch, Cambodia, to deliver timely weather warnings and save lives amid worsening flooding due to climate change.

For residents of Prek Touch, Cambodia — right on the banks of the Mekong River — flooding is a regular part of life. But as those floods worsen due to climate change, it’s getting harder to adapt. Along with other flood-prone regions throughout Southeast Asia, government officials are facing an issue: how to deliver widespread weather warnings in a timely, effective way. One solution that’s working for Prek Touch? Voicemails. Today on the show, NPR climate correspondent Rebecca Hersher explains how a simple phone alert can prompt preparation, increase evacuation, and save lives. Interested in more stories about natural disaster preparedness? Email us your question at shortwave@npr.org . Listen to every episode of Short Wave sponsor-free and support our work at NPR by signing up for Short Wave+ at plus.npr.org/shortwave . See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy

People in this episode

Guest: Rebecca Hersher

Topics covered

  • climate change
  • flooding
  • disaster preparedness
  • weather warnings
  • evacuation
  • voicemail alerts

Keywords

  • voicemail
  • flooding
  • Cambodia
  • climate change
  • evacuation
  • weather warnings
  • disaster preparedness

Mentioned in this episode

Places: Prek Touch, Cambodia, Mekong River, Southeast Asia

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