Disaster resilience refers to the ability of individuals, communities, and systems to withstand, adapt to, and recover from disasters. It is determined by various factors, including preparedness, infrastructure, and community engagement. A comprehensive resilience framework encompasses elements such as risk assessment, capacity building, and response planning, aligning with the global targets outlined in the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (2015-2030) aimed at enhancing disaster preparedness and reducing vulnerabilities.

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).

Model Answers:

Introduction

As per a report from the World Bank, natural disasters such as floods, earthquakes, and cyclones have cost us approximately 2% GDP annually, Hence, understanding and enhancing disaster resilience is crucial for sustainable development.

Disaster resilience refers to the capacity of individuals, communities, and systems to anticipate, prepare for, respond to, and recover from the impacts of disasters effectively. It involves not just bouncing back from adverse events but also adapting to changing conditions, minimizing vulnerabilities, and enhancing capabilities. 

Body

Disaster resilience is determined through various indicators:

• Infrastructure Robustness: The strength and reliability of physical infrastructure such as roads, hospitals, and schools.
• Community Preparedness: The level of awareness and preparedness of the local population, including emergency plans and training.
• Socioeconomic Factors: Economic stability, access to resources, and social cohesion play significant roles in resilience.
• Institutional Capacity: The effectiveness of local governance, emergency services, and community organizations in managing disaster risks.
• Risk Awareness and Education: Understanding the risks and educating the community about potential hazards.

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Elements of a Resilience Framework:

• Risk Assessment: Identifying hazards and vulnerabilities to understand potential impacts and risks.
• Preparedness: Developing contingency plans and conducting drills to ensure readiness for disasters.
• Mitigation Strategies: Implementing measures to reduce risks, such as improving building codes, enhancing drainage systems, and conserving ecosystems.
• Response Mechanisms: Establishing effective communication systems and rapid response teams to provide immediate relief during disasters.
• Recovery and Rehabilitation: Focusing on restoring affected communities and integrating resilience-building into recovery efforts to prevent future vulnerabilities.

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Global Targets: Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (20152030):

• Substantially reduce global disaster mortality by 2030, aiming to lower the average per 100,000 global mortality rate in the decade 20202030 compared to the period 20052015.
• Substantially reduce the number of affected people globally by 2030, aiming to lower the average global figure per 100,000 in the decade 20202030 compared to the period 20052015.
• Reduce direct disaster economic loss in relation to global gross domestic product (GDP) by 2030.
• Substantially reduce disaster damage to critical infrastructure and disruption of basic services, including health and educational facilities, by 2030.
• Substantially enhance international cooperation to developing countries through adequate and sustainable support to complement their national actions for implementation of this framework.
• Substantially increase the availability of and access to multi-hazard early warning systems and disaster risk information and assessments to people by 2030

Conclusion

Enhancing disaster resilience is critical for mitigating the impact of disasters on communities, especially in a diverse and disaster-prone country like India. By focusing on the elements of a resilience framework and aligning with global initiatives such as the Sendai Framework, India can significantly improve its capacity to manage disasters.

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