Hindu Editorial Analysis : 25-July-2023
The world is facing an increasing frequency and intensity of disasters, ranging from weather-related events to biological crises like COVID-19. These disasters pose significant challenges and threats to human lives, economies, and the environment. To safeguard communities and achieve sustainable development, Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) is essential. This essay explores the importance of DRR, the global context of disasters, challenges, and initiatives taken by India to combat these issues. It also provides suggestions for enhancing disaster resilience.
Disasters Around the World
Disasters have become more frequent and severe due to the impacts of climate change. Heatwaves, forest fires, floods, and other calamities are claiming numerous lives and causing extensive damage. The costs of these disasters are substantial, and countries often spend billions on disaster response instead of prioritizing prevention.
Disaster Management in India
In India, disaster management is overseen by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), headed by the Prime Minister. The NDMA aims to implement a holistic approach to disaster management in collaboration with State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMAs). The country has also established the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), the world’s largest force dedicated to disaster response. NDRF effectively handles various natural and man-made disasters, including floods, cyclones, and building collapses.
Initiatives by India
India has taken significant steps to address disaster risks both nationally and globally. The Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) was proposed by India to offer expertise in building disaster-resilient infrastructure to friendly nations. Additionally, Indian defense forces conduct Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations, promoting cooperation and expertise sharing with neighboring countries.
India has also played a leadership role in the G20 Disaster Risk Reduction Working Group. As a significant contributor to global GDP and population, G20 nations have the potential to shape disaster risk-informed decision-making worldwide.
Suggestions for Strengthening Disaster Risk Reduction
- Working on Disaster Early Warning & Early Actions
- Expand disaster early warning and early action systems globally to reduce deaths and economic losses.
- Inclusive and multi-hazard early warning systems are effective tools for minimizing disaster impacts.
- Successful examples, like Cyclone Biparjoy in India, demonstrate the importance of early warning and preparedness in mitigating disaster impacts.
- Significance of Technologies
- Harness the potential of disruptive technologies to improve forecasting capabilities and meet local needs effectively.
- Support the UN Secretary General’s Early Warnings for All Initiative to achieve universal early warning coverage by 2027.
- Building Resilient Infrastructure
- Enhance the resilience of infrastructure to withstand climate and disaster risks.
- Invest in well-built infrastructure that can serve as a lifeline during crises and recovery efforts.
- Understanding Risks & Impacts
- Adopt an integrated perspective to comprehend risks to infrastructure and their impacts on development.
- Addressing risks and vulnerabilities can significantly reduce the disproportionate impacts on vulnerable communities.
- Financing Disaster Risk Reduction
- Develop innovative approaches to finance disaster risk reduction efforts.
- Collaborate with finance and economy ministries and the private sector to implement concrete risk reduction plans.
Why In News
The world must unite in implementing comprehensive and proactive measures to mitigate the impact of all disasters, spanning from climate-induced events, seismic activities, to potential pandemics like COVID-19. By fostering international cooperation and investing in robust preparedness strategies, we can bolster resilience and safeguard communities from the devastating consequences of these diverse threats.
MCQs about Strengthening Disaster Risk Reduction
-
What is the primary goal of Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR)?
A. Responding to disasters and managing their aftermath.
B. Reducing existing disaster risk and managing residual risk.
C. Allocating funds for disaster response and recovery efforts.
D. Studying the impact of disasters on vulnerable communities.
-
What is the significance of the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI)?
A. It offers disaster relief and aid to affected countries.
B. It focuses on improving early warning systems globally.
C. It provides expertise in building disaster-resilient infrastructure to friendly nations.
D. It establishes an international disaster response force.
-
How can inclusive and multi-hazard early warning systems benefit disaster management?
A. They allocate funds for disaster response operations.
B. They improve forecasting accuracy for specific types of disasters.
C. They effectively reduce disaster-related deaths and economic losses.
D. They focus on disaster recovery efforts and rehabilitation.
-
What role does the G20 Disaster Risk Reduction Working Group play?
A. It provides financial aid to countries affected by disasters.
B. It promotes cooperation between nations for disaster response.
C. It facilitates global decision-making on disaster risk reduction.
D. It focuses on improving early warning systems within G20 countries.
Boost up your confidence by appearing our Weekly Current Affairs Multiple Choice Questions
