International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction being observed

International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction being observed today (Tuesday) to promote a global culture of risk-awareness and disaster reduction.

Observances of the day aims at encouraging individuals, communities and governments to take part in building more disaster resilient communities and nations.

International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction being observed

Background

The International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction began in 1989.

United Nations General Assembly called for a day to promote a global culture of risk-awareness and disaster reduction.

Held every 13 October, the day celebrates how people and communities around the world are reducing their exposure to disasters and raising awareness about the importance of reining in the risks that they face.

In 2015 at the Third UN World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction in Sendai, Japan, the international community was reminded that disasters hit hardest at the local level with the potential to cause loss of life and great social and economic upheaval.

Sudden onset disasters displace millions of people every year.

Disasters, many of which are exacerbated by climate change, have a negative impact on investment in sustainable development and the desired outcomes.

It is also at the local level that capacities need to be strengthened urgently.

The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction is people-focussed and action-oriented in its approach to disaster risk reduction and applies to the risk of small-scale and large-scale disasters caused by man-made, or natural hazards, as well as related environmental, technological and biological hazards and risks.

GTV