Subject: Disaster Preparedness and Resilience

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- Japan’s 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- Singapore’s Integrated crisis management agency (SCDF)

Environmental resilience increases or reduces hazard impact. Eg- ‘Day Zero’ 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-IMD’s 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 ‘capacity building’ – Strong governance, coordination between NDMA, SDMA, district authorities, and urban bodies.

Recovery, Rehabilitation & “Build Back Better” – stronger housing, better planning, safer infrastructure. Eg- Japan’s Post-2011 Tōhoku 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 Framework’s proactive approach is essential for making Bharat a ‘weather-ready and climate-smart’ nation.