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International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction

The COVID-19 pandemic may be the final proof we needed that we are living in a time when our actions and inactions have driven the planet beyond its boundaries. Let’s put resilience at the heart of the recovery.
We all need a DRR strategy…
Pandemics
COVID-19 has taught the world how essential it is to include biological hazards in national or local strategies for disaster risk reduction. Scenario planning can make a huge difference in lives saved.


Extreme weather
Extreme weather events have doubled during the climate emergency and displace an average of 25 million people every year in their own countries. Good planning is vital to meet this challenge.
Flood
More people are displaced by floods than by any other natural hazard. Planning for such events must include consideration of early warning systems, land use and building regulations.


Earthquake & tsunami
Only pandemics kill more people than earthquakes and tsunamis. Early warnings and risk-informed planning of critical infrastructure is vital in locations exposed to these hazards.
Drought
Risk is systemic and joined up. Planning for drought, heatwaves and wildfires can reduce the risk of all three and speed up adaptation to global warming.


Poverty
Poverty is a major driver of disaster risk, notably among the one billion people living in urban slums. Lower-income communities and nations suffer most from disaster events.