Goto main content

Disaster Risk Reduction: a growing humanitarian need

Emergency Prevention
International

The frequency and intensity of disasters from natural hazards is steadily increasing. Research shows that vulnerable populations and low-income countries suffer the greatest consequences.

Destruction from Hurricane Matthew. The bridge at Petit Goâve was destroyed by the flooding of river La Digue, Haiti 2016.

Destruction from Hurricane Matthew. The bridge at Petit Goâve was destroyed by the flooding of river La Digue, Haiti 2016. | © Benoit Almeras/HI

The rate of natural disaster occurrence is five times higher than it was 50 years ago. Between 1970 and 2019, more than 91% of deaths from over 11,000 disasters occurred in lower income countries. Droughts, storms, floods, and heat waves claimed the most human lives among natural hazards, with storms causing the most damage and economic loss.

In the Philippines we see increasing and intensifying typhoons, storms and flooding. Cyclones are affecting new parts of Madagascar. In the Sahel, it’s longer episodes of drought, and floods and landslides in Latin America. Each context is different, but we are trying to have a better understanding of vulnerability. In many places, disasters from natural hazards mix with other factors like conflict or epidemics, so we need to consider how these events reinforce each other and increase vulnerability.

explains HI Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation Policy Officer, Jennifer M’Vouama.

People with disabilities at greater risk in disasters

During disasters, people with disabilities are at greater risk of mortality and difficulty, as they often face additional barriers. In the 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan, the death rate among people with disabilities was two to four times higher than people without disabilities.

In a 2013 global survey, only 20% of people with disabilities reported being able to evacuate without difficultly, and another 71% reported having no preparation plan for emergencies. Vulnerable members of communities, such as older people, and people with disabilities are often left out of contingency plans. As a result, they are left behind when disaster strikes.

Disasters often result in further injuries that can then lead to future disabilities and sources of vulnerability. The 2010 earthquake in Haiti caused over 200,000 severe injuries or disabilities, and the 2021 earthquake wounded another 12,000.

Disaster can also wipe out livestock, destroy crops, and prevent economic activity, causing loss of livelihood and food insecurity. As the rate of occurrences increases, this means that each disaster puts more people at higher risk for future events. 

HI's Disaster Risk Reduction projects

While disasters caused by natural hazards are increasing, improved early warning and contingency plans have reduced the number of related deaths. HI currently has 17 disaster risk reduction projects across 11 countries worldwide and collaborates with international organisations and local authorities to promote inclusion in the evolving global efforts to reduce risk.

As a disaster risk reduction agent, HI helps communities anticipate the most serious meteorological episodes.” Julien Fouilland, HI Inclusive Disaster Risk Reduction Specialist explains.

Our first priority is to better prepare the more vulnerable populations for disaster by ensuring their meaningful participation and effective access during the planning stage.”

After initial risk assessments in each neighbourhood, HI teams develop activities such as strengthening shelters and rendering them accessible, developing household emergency response plans, and developing tailored evacuation solutions for the most vulnerable. They also work with farmers and organisations to develop sustainable economic activities such as securing livestock and fishing boats, which are essential to many populations.

Disasters do not affect everyone in the same way. This depends on where we live, on our socio-economic background, our gender, our age, whether we are disabled or not. It is essential that we take into account the differentiated impacts of disasters on people and consider the underlying factors that generate vulnerability.”

says Jennifer.

Date published: 08/10/21

COUNTRIES

Where we work

Read more

Ukraine, 1,000 days on: civilians are still the main victims of armed violence
© M.Monier / HI 2024
Emergency Explosive weapons Health Rehabilitation Rights

Ukraine, 1,000 days on: civilians are still the main victims of armed violence

20 November 2024 marked 1,000 days since the escalation of the war between Russia and Ukraine. The impact of this war on civilians is catastrophic on many levels.

Anicha: “My dream is to be able to walk on my own!”
© T.Adnan / HI
Emergency Rehabilitation

Anicha: “My dream is to be able to walk on my own!”

Now aged 38, Anicha lived confined to her home for many years because of her disabilities. Her encounter with Humanity & Inclusion changed her life.

Sokhina and Rozina: the road to independence for a mother and her disabled daughter
© T. Adnan/ HI
Emergency Health Rehabilitation

Sokhina and Rozina: the road to independence for a mother and her disabled daughter

In Kurigram, a region particularly affected by climate hazards in Bangladesh, this single mother fights day after day to improve the life of her disabled daughter.

FOLLOW US