Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR): Examples, Components & More | UPSC Notes

Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) refers to the systematic efforts to analyze and manage the causal factors of disasters, hence reducing vulnerability and risk of disasters to society. Among other things, it shall seek a reduced exposure to hazards, a lessened vulnerability of people and property, wise management of land and environment, and enhanced preparedness for response and recovery. Whereas disaster response is reactive, DRR is proactive, preventing the occurrence or reducing the impacts of disasters.

The topic of Disaster Risk Reduction is pertinent to the Indian Civil Services Examination, particularly under General Studies Paper III. It is one such nuance in disaster risk reduction that aspirants must gather since it is entirely wrapped around issues of governance, policy-making, international agreements, and community resilience. Explaining DRR is highly important for understanding related questions on disaster preparedness, risk mitigation, and environmental sustainability in both Prelims and Mains.

What is Disaster Risk Reduction?

Disaster Risk Reduction involves a range of activities and strategies to minimize vulnerabilities and disaster risks throughout society. These may include early warning systems, resilient infrastructure, public education campaigns, and policy reforms, among other things. The key goal is to create safer, more resilient environments that can withstand natural and man-made hazards without huge loss of life, injury, or economic hardship.

Examples of Disaster Risk Reduction

Examples of DRR practices encompass a variety of measures:

• Early Warning Systems: The setting up of earthquake detectors and flood forecasting systems, which allow the general public access to regular weather updates.
• Infrastructure Resilience: Building codes that mandate earthquake-resistant building in seismic areas or high-base houses in flood-prone zones.
• Community Preparedness Programs: Education campaigns for local populations on emergency procedures and how to respond, along with regular disaster preparedness drills.
• Ecosystem Management: Restoring mangroves so that in case of large-scale disaster, their area functions as a soft first line of defense against storm surges and coastal erosion.
• Land-use Planning: Limiting the growth of cities and other developments in flood plains and landslip-prone areas, among other high-risk locations.

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Key Components of Disaster Risk Reduction

The key components of Disaster Risk Reduction include:

• Risk Identification: Hazard and vulnerability mapping and assessment to identify risks.
• Prevention and Mitigation: Avoidance of hazards through various measures, such as construction of dams and levees that will reduce the effect of hazards.
• Preparedness: Formulating and practicing emergency plans, setting up early warning systems, and educating people.
• Response: Ensuring effective coordination in times of disaster for efficient search and rescue operations and the dispensing of relief.
• Recovery: Rehabilitation and reconstruction post-disasters for restoration of livelihood and infrastructure, and betterment of them.

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Global Efforts to Disaster Risk Reduction

At a global level, there has been an acceptance of the DRR being a major concern, and the nations have adhered to a few initiatives, agreements, and frameworks:

• Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction: This 2015 UN-endorsed framework lays out targets and priorities for action in order to prevent new disaster risks and reduce existing ones. Its aim is to substantially reduce disaster risk and losses in lives, livelihoods, and health.
• Hyogo Framework for Action, 2005-2015: A predecessor of the Sendai Framework that aimed to guide the development of the resilience of nations and communities to disasters, significantly contributing toward reducing disaster risks.
• United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (UNISDR): Coordinating United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction, now called the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction; it works on global initiatives and campaigns with regard to reducing disaster risk. It ensures the implementation of the Sendai Framework, mobilizing political and financial commitments in respect to fostering collaboration among its member states.
• Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction: The biennial forum serves as a global forum for the accrual of information, knowledge, and partnerships among the diversity of stakeholders' interests in disaster risk reduction. It is an important platform for countries, organizations, and communities to review development, share experiences, and adopt strategies.
• World Bank's Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery: Assists countries in understanding and reducing their vulnerability to natural hazards and climate change. It channels specialized technical support, funding, and knowledge across many activities on disaster risk management.

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National Disaster Risk Reduction Efforts

India has taken enormous efforts in institutionalizing DRR through many agreements, acts, and organizations:

• Disaster Management Act, 2005: This act created the framework for the National Disaster Management Authority to lay down policies, plans, and guidelines for disaster management. The culture of prevention, preparedness, and mitigation is inculcated by NDMA.
• National Policy on Disaster Management, 2009: It enables a road map that is full in its comprehensiveness toward disaster preparedness, mitigation, and response with an objective to build a safe and disaster-resilient India.
• National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM): Institute for training, capacity building, and research in the area of disaster management. It formulates policies and plans for disaster risk management research.
• National Disaster Response Force: Specialised and dedicated force for disaster response and relief operations. The NDRF carries out search and rescue, relief distribution, and other emergency response activities at the time of natural and man-made disasters.
• State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMAs): These authorities are provided with the responsibility for the implementation of DRR measures and policies as per the specific local context and perils at a state level.

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Issues and Challenges Associated with Disaster Risk Reduction Preparedness

The implementation of successful DRR strategies faces several challenges, such as:

• Lack of awareness: Inability to derive the effective understanding of the risks of disasters among the general public will render the preparation measures inefficient in the end.
• Resource constraints: Low levels of financing and resources for making infrastructure resilient and the coping capacities of the emergency systems.
• Governance and Coordination: DRR is cross-cutting and multi-level, therefore tricky to coordinate.
• Technological Barriers: Technology investment is required to develop and implement advanced warning and response systems.
• Climate Change: The new environmental changes that have placed themselves amongst the existing risk factors have only increased the urgency for developing DRR approaches.
• Socioeconomic Factors: In some cases, poverty and inequality at the local level could be holding investment on DRR back, on the part of low-income, vulnerable communities.

Read the article on the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR)!

Way Forward

A multi-pronged approach to disaster risk reduction consists of the following components:

• Increased public awareness and sensitization with intense campaigns on citizens' risks together with levels of measures for preparedness.
• Strengthened policies and regulations in upgrading building codes, land-use planning, environmental regulations in the face of existing risk assessments.
• More funding and investment in building and maintaining resilient infrastructure, early warning systems, and other related activities.
• Better incorporation of technological advancements in risk identification and early warnings and, ultimately, in response and control of disasters.
• Strengthen global partnerships to support sharing of knowledge, technology, and resources by all for disaster risk management.
• Developing adaptive measures in view of growing climate change impacts increasing disaster frequency and intensity.

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