October 13: International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction

October 13, 2019

The International Day of Disaster Risk Reduction (IDDRR) was begun in 1989 by the United Nations General Assembly. The purpose of the day is to promote global culture towards risk awareness and disaster reduction. It celebrates how people and communities around the world reduce their exposure to disasters. Also, the day raises awareness towards the importance of reining in the risks that are faced by the global citizens.

Theme: Reduce disaster damage to critical infrastructure and disruption of basic services

Significance of the Theme

The theme is one of the seven targets of Sendai framework. It focuses

to reduce the disaster damage to infrastructure
Prevent disruption of basic services due to disaster damages, especially health and education.

As the death tolls due to tsunamis and earthquakes is increasing, it becomes essential to ensure if schools and hospitals are following regulations and building codes. The other areas of critical infrastructure that requires frequent monitoring includes potential life – saving utilities and services like energy, food and water supply, telecommunications and transport.

Sendai Seven Framework (2015 – 2030)

In 2015, the UNDRR – United Nations Disaster Risk Reduction launched the Sendai Seven Framework. It is a campaign that integrates all the organizations including government, NGOs, local governments, community groups, private sectors, etc. to promote the best practices to reduce disaster risks and disaster loses.

It was adopted by the UN at the World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction that was held at Sendai, Japan. It is the successor agreement to the Hyogo Framework for action (2005 – 2015).

Every target is to be accomplished by the end of the corresponding year The seven global targets set by the Sendai Framework is as follows

2016: Reduce the global disaster mortality by 2030 as compared to the 2005-2015
2017: Reduce the number of people affected due to disaster as compared to 2005-2015
2018: Reduce direct disaster economic losses in relation to global GDP by 2030.
2019: Reduce disaster damage and disruption of basic services and developing their resilience by 2030
2020: Increase number of countries that frame their own local disaster risk reduction strategies by 2030.
2021: Enhance international cooperation to develop countries through adequate and sustainable support to complement their national actions.
2022: Increase the availability and access to multi – hazard early warning systems.

International Association for Preparedness and response

It was formed in 1962. It is a non – profit organization that has volunteers and associations active in preparedness schemes and calamity emergencies. It provides resource distribution, professional networking and leading opportunities in response to disasters.

India and disasters

About 58.6% of Indian landmass is prone to earthquakes. Over 12% of Indian lands are prone to floods and river erosion, 68% of cultivable areas are prone to landslides especially in the hilly areas.

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