Q17. What is disaster resilience? How is it determined? Describe various elements of a resilience framework. Also mention the global targets of Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (2015-2030). (15M)
Kartavya Desk Staff
Introduction
Disaster resilience refers to the ability of communities, systems, or societies to resist, absorb, recover from, and adapt to the adverse effects of hazards in a timely and efficient manner. It is crucial for minimizing the socio-economic impact of disasters and ensuring sustainable development.
Determination of disaster resilience
• Capacity to Absorb Shocks: The ability of a community to maintain essential functions during a disaster.
E.g., Japan’s infrastructure absorbs earthquake shocks due to earthquake-resistant building codes (Source: UNDRR).
• Speed of Recovery: The time taken to recover from the impacts of a disaster. Faster recovery reflects higher resilience.
E.g., Kerala’s recovery post-2018 floods was swift due to pre-existing disaster management plans (Source: NDMA).
• Adaptation and Learning: Ability to adapt and improve systems based on past disasters to reduce future risks.
E.g., Coastal areas in Odisha adapted cyclone-resilient infrastructure post-Cyclone Fani in 2019 (Source: State Disaster Management Plan).
• Institutional Capacity: Strong governance frameworks that enable effective disaster response and preparedness.
E.g., Bangladesh’s early warning system significantly reduced cyclone fatalities (Source: UNDP 2021 Report).
• Community Engagement: High levels of awareness and involvement of local communities in disaster preparedness and response efforts.
E.g., Community-based disaster risk reduction in Uttarakhand improved resilience to landslides (Source: Ministry of Home Affairs).
Elements of a Resilience Framework
• Risk Assessment: Identifying hazards, vulnerabilities, and capacities to prepare for and mitigate risks.
E.g., UNDRR’s Global Assessment Report (GAR) helps countries assess disaster risks (Source: UNDRR 2022).
• Infrastructure Resilience: Designing resilient physical infrastructure, such as buildings, roads, and water systems, that can withstand disasters
E.g., Cyclone-resistant shelters built in Odisha post-1999 cyclone improved disaster resilience (Source: NDMA).
• Institutional Coordination: Strong coordination among governments, agencies, and non-governmental organizations ensures effective disaster response.
E.g., India’s National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) coordinates disaster management at all levels (Source: NDMA).
• Financial Mechanisms: Adequate funding for disaster preparedness, response, and recovery, including insurance, disaster relief funds, and risk-sharing mechanisms.
E.g., The World Bank’s Catastrophe Deferred Drawdown Option (Cat-DDO) provides quick financial support after disasters (Source: World Bank).
• Social Resilience: Building community capacity through awareness, education, and livelihood support programs to better withstand disasters.
E.g., Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in Gujarat supported post-disaster recovery after the 2001 earthquake (Source: NDMA).
Global targets of the Sendai framework for disaster risk reduction (2015-2030)
• Substantially reduce global disaster mortality by 2030, aiming to lower the average per 100,000 mortality rate between 2020-2030 compared to 2005-2015.
• Reduce the number of affected people globally by 2030, with a focus on lowering the average number of affected persons per 100,000 during 2020-2030, compared to 2005-2015.
• Reduce direct disaster-related economic losses relative to global GDP by 2030.
• Substantially reduce disaster damage to critical infrastructure and disruption of basic services, particularly in health and educational facilities, by 2030.
• Increase the number of countries with national and local disaster risk reduction (DRR) strategies by 2020.
• Enhance international cooperation to developing countries to support disaster risk reduction by 2030.
• Increase the availability and access to multi-hazard early warning systems and disaster risk information and assessments for people by 2030.
Conclusion
Building disaster resilience is essential for safeguarding lives and livelihoods from increasing natural and man-made hazards. By focusing on infrastructure, institutional coordination, and global cooperation through frameworks like the Sendai Framework, countries can significantly reduce disaster risks and pave the way for a sustainable future.