Disaster Risk Reduction: a growing humanitarian need

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

People with disabilities at greater risk

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 Disaster Risk Reduction

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 and rendering shelters accessible, developing household emergency response plans, and developing tailored evacuation solutions for the most vulnerable. They also work with farmers and organizations 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,” says Jennifer. “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.”