10 things you should know about disaster risk reduction

Summary

Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) is essential in managing the impact of disasters by addressing risks. The script outlines key facts, such as the massive economic and human toll of disasters, and explains that vulnerability, not hazards themselves, drives the devastation. DRR focuses on building resilience through education, infrastructure protection, and community involvement. It highlights the interconnectedness of disaster management, climate change, and urbanization, stressing that disaster risk is everyone's responsibility and requires collaboration across sectors to reduce future risks.

Takeaways

• 🌍 Disasters occur frequently, but while they can't always be prevented, their impact can be reduced through Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR).
• 💸 Between 2001 and 2010, disasters caused nearly a trillion dollars in damages and displaced 28 million people, equivalent to Australia's population.
• 💀 Over 1.1 million people died due to disasters during the decade, averaging about 300 deaths daily.
• 🌪️ There is no such thing as a 'natural disaster'; only natural or man-made hazards. The risk of a disaster depends on vulnerability and exposure to these hazards.
• ⚖️ Disasters reveal inequalities. Vulnerable populations, such as those in poorer countries, tend to suffer more severe impacts from disasters.
• 🏗️ DRR involves managing risks through hard interventions like infrastructure and soft interventions like education and training to build resilient communities.
• 🔄 Solutions to one disaster may sometimes cause new problems, such as irrigation for rice leading to increased mosquito-borne diseases like malaria.
• 👩‍👩‍👧‍👦 Local communities should be involved in disaster response and risk management, as they have valuable skills and knowledge essential for future resilience.
• 🔧 DRR promotes positive long-term change by making communities safer and more secure, which aids in other development goals.
• 🌡️ DRR is closely linked to climate change adaptation since changing weather patterns and resource conflicts increase the risks communities face.

Q & A

What is Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR)?

Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) involves minimizing the damage caused by natural and man-made hazards through managing and reducing risks, not just responding to disasters.

How much economic damage did disasters cause between 2001 and 2010?

Disasters caused nearly one trillion dollars worth of damage from 2001 to 2010, which is more than the combined value of companies like Google, Walmart, and Toyota.

What is the difference between a natural hazard and a natural disaster?

A natural hazard refers to natural events like floods, earthquakes, or tsunamis, while a natural disaster is the result of these hazards interacting with human vulnerability, such as poor infrastructure or lack of preparedness.

Why do disasters expose inequalities?

Disasters expose inequalities because vulnerable populations, such as those in poorer countries, tend to suffer more severe impacts, including higher death tolls and greater economic losses.

What are some examples of hard and soft interventions in DRR?

Hard interventions include building protective infrastructure like flood defenses, while soft interventions involve education, training, and awareness campaigns to help communities prepare for and manage risks.

How can addressing one disaster risk inadvertently create another?

Addressing one disaster risk can lead to another by creating unintended consequences. For example, growing more rice to combat malnutrition may increase mosquito breeding due to irrigation, leading to more malaria cases.

Why is it important to involve local communities in disaster response?

Involving local communities is important because they have valuable local knowledge and skills. Engaging them helps build resilience and ensures they are better prepared to handle future disasters.

How does DRR contribute to long-term development goals?

DRR can create positive change by making communities safer and more secure, allowing them to focus on long-term development goals such as building infrastructure, hospitals, and training professionals.

What is the connection between DRR and climate change?

DRR and climate change are linked because increasingly unpredictable weather patterns caused by climate change create new challenges, such as food insecurity and resource conflicts, making it harder for communities to adapt and reduce disaster risks.

Why is collaboration important in disaster risk reduction?

Collaboration is crucial because organizations working together, including with civil society, can better address disaster risks and ensure their actions do not inadvertently increase vulnerabilities.