As per Hyogo Framework of Action, Disaster resilience refers to the ability of individuals, communities, systems, and nations to anticipate, absorb, adapt to, and recover from the impacts of hazards while retaining essential functions.
Determination of disaster resilience
Exposure to Hazard – Settlements on riverbanks or seismic zones are more vulnerable. Eg- Joshimath (Uttarakhand)
Adaptive or Coping Capacity – Ability to anticipate, respond, absorb and recover from a disaster. Eg- Japanâs high adaptive capacity to earthquakes
Socio-economic Conditions – Poverty, marginalisation and inequity increase susceptibility to harm. Eg- Disaster induced migration
Governance and Institutional Readiness– Eg- Singaporeâs Integrated crisis management agency (SCDF)
Environmental resilience increases or reduces hazard impact. Eg- âDay Zeroâ in Chennai due to wetland encroachment.
Social Networks and Support Systems: – Communities with strong social cohesion, community organizations, and support networks are more resilient to respond to and recover from disasters.
Health status and access to healthcare services – Eg- Elderly and Children are less resilient to post disaster illness
Elements of a Disaster Resilience Framework
Risk Knowledge – Hazard mapping, vulnerability analysis, and risk assessments to understand who is at risk and why. Eg-GIS-based flood and landslide susceptibility maps.
Early Warning Systems– Eg-IMDâs cyclone early-warning system reduces mortality drastically.
Preventive Measures – Nature-based solutions, resilient infrastructure, land-use planning, seismic codes, floodplain zoning. Eg-Mangrove restoration under MISHTI.
Preparedness & Response Capacity – Training volunteers, conducting mock drills, strengthening NDRF/SDRF capacities. Eg-Aapda Mitra programme in 350+ districts.
Institutional âcapacity buildingâ – Strong governance, coordination between NDMA, SDMA, district authorities, and urban bodies.
Recovery, Rehabilitation & âBuild Back Betterâ – stronger housing, better planning, safer infrastructure. Eg- Japanâs Post-2011 TĆhoku Earthquake & Tsunami Reconstruction
Social & Community Resilience – Inclusive decision-making, empowering women, local groups, and indigenous knowledge systems.
Financial Resilience – Insurance, disaster funds (NDRF/SDRF), parametric insurance, contingency financing.
Global Targets of the Sendai Framework (2015-2030)
Reduce Global Disaster Mortality – Substantial reduction by 2030 compared to 2005-2015 baseline.
Reduce Number of Affected People – Significant decrease in people injured, displaced, or needing basic services during disasters.
Reduce Economic Losses – Lower global disaster-related economic losses relative to global GDP.
Reduce Damage to Critical Infrastructure – Protect health facilities, water systems, schools, and public infrastructure.
Increase Number of Countries with DRR Strategies – All nations to develop national and local disaster risk reduction strategies.
Enhance International Cooperation – Increase support from developed to developing countries for capacity-building, technology, and finance.
Ensure multi-hazard early warning systems and accessible risk information for everyone.
Priorities for Action
Understanding disaster risk in all its dimensions
Strengthening disaster risk governance
Investing in disaster risk reduction for resilience
Enhancing disaster preparedness for effective response, and to Build Back Better
The Sendai Frameworkâs proactive approach is essential for making Bharat a âweather-ready and climate-smartâ nation.