Early warning of natural or human-induced disasters is a major element of disaster risk reduction and decision-support, with the objectives of the prevention of loss of life and the reduction of economic losses to a minimum. The international community and the United Nations system have established a suitable framework for advancing early warning as an essential risk management tool for the reduction of risk and vulnerability–known as people-centered or community based Early Warning System. The main intent of this study was to assess the existing early warning system of Ethiopia, in line with the global people-centered early warning system taking Amhara National Regional State as a case. The data was collected by using qualitative data collection techniques including key informant interviews and focus group discussions. Secondary data was collected through reviewing reports and existing literatures. The study reveals that, from the zone to the Keble levels there is limitation in early warning knowledge and understanding of its applications, lack of scientific monitoring and warning at expected levels and lack of clear system of dissemination and communication of warnings to the people at risk. On the contrary, though there is no up to date and tested community based response plans observed, each community has the capacity to mitigate respective hazards and cope up with risks. This is reflected for instance in dam building for flood and working as daily laborer for food insecurity.