Calvin Chepsiror
Introduction
Disaster Risk Management (DRM) has evolved dramatically over the past century. In today’s rapidly changing world, both natural and human-made disasters present growing threats to systems and ecosystems. The frequency and intensity of these events are rising, fueled by factors like climate change, urbanization, and technological advancements. Disasters have ranged from natural occurrences such as hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, and floods to human-made crises like structural failures, airplane crashes, wars, health emergencies like COVID-19, and cyber threats.
Disasters in the Past
Disasters have been a part of human history for as long as records exist often leaving behind widespread devastation and prompting changes in how societies prepare and respond to such events. As mentioned, they are traced to either human made or natural triggered uniquely with varying consequences. Most of the disasters of those ages were naturally caused including the famous the Lisbon earthquake of 1700s is also recorded the deadliest with between 30,000 to 50,000 people believed to have perished. Coming down to 1900s, disasters have been increasing significantly. For example, in 1905 India was faced by a massive Kangra earthquake. The following year the United Stated experienced the 1906 San Francisco Earthquake [1] that is known to be the deadliest earthquake that ever happened which destroyed more than 80% of the city. Apart from earthquakes, the world has been facing floods, heatwaves, avalanches, volcanic eruption, cyclones, landslides to the great 1919 Spanish flu that happened during the first world war-double disaster tragedy. From this analysis, the world was neither prepared or ready to manage the disasters.
Disasters currently
Disasters and catastrophes have been part of human history since ancient times, with historical accounts revealing their devastating impacts on human life and economies. However, the first two decades of the 21st century have witnessed a significant rise in the frequency and severity of mega disasters. These events, triggered by natural hazards, technological failures, sociopolitical conflicts, human activities, biological threats, or a combination of these factors, have resulted in an unprecedented toll on lives, injuries, and economic losses worldwide. Our modern world is increasingly challenged to build resilient structures and systems to withstand such catastrophic events. A new century disaster which many sectors are worried off is the cyber-attacks. The magnitude of this is dire since it involves acquisition of confidential information that can destroy a country.
Addressing and solving disasters involves a multifaceted approach that spans prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery. In;
Preparedness: With volatility of disasters it is normally difficult to be prepared enough and prevent the risks. But with the growth of technology, there have been a significant level of plans to mitigate disasters before they happen. This happened through establishing and maintaining early warning systems, providing timely alerts about impending disasters to facilitate prompt action. Additionally, ensuring that critical resources—such as medical supplies, emergency shelters, and rescue equipment—are available and accessible is essential for a swift response. The fighting for example between Israel and Palestine saw, Israeli Government informing their citizens to keep themselves under bomb shelters. Through bomb detectors and sirens, countries can safeguard their people against the effects of the bombings. An instance of rampant earthquakes in the Asian countries and Japan, these countries have come up with earthquake proof structures that have reduced the impact of the risks. Their citizens are also informed through weather forecasting and predictions.
Prevention/Response: A comprehensive approach to preventing and responding to disasters involves coordinated efforts across multiple levels of society, from individual efforts, private sectors, government and international agencies. In the early days of disaster risk management, the approach was predominantly reactive. Slowly the viewing of disasters as unforeseen has changed shifting to more to risk reduction and preparedness. Although this is happening in first world countries, there is still much to be done in growing Economies.
Recovery: A recovery from disasters is involves a team of plays from different sectors. The vital one normally is the restoration of human health/life. This is through medical provisions, water, food and shelter. Finally, when this is solved, the government and communities develop a detailed road map to fully recovery which involves the economy. A sick nation is a sick economy hence the priority of human life before anything else.
The Evolution of Disaster Risk Management: From Reaction to Resilience.
Disaster Risk Management (DRM) has seen a profound transformation over the years, moving from a reactive approach focused solely on disaster response to a proactive, resilience-building strategy. This shift is vital as the world faces increasingly complex challenges like climate change, urbanization, and technological risks. Understanding this evolution helps us appreciate how far we’ve come and what still needs to be done to protect communities from disasters. By the 1990s, the concept of Integrated Disaster Risk Management (IDRM) emerged, recognizing the complexity and interconnectedness of disaster risks. IDRM emphasizes a holistic response that requires coordination across different sectors, such as urban planning, agriculture, and health, as well as collaboration between governments, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and the private sector.
International frameworks like the Hyogo Framework for Action (2005-2015) [2] and the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (2015-2030) [3] provided a global blueprint for reducing disaster risks and enhancing resilience. These frameworks stress the importance of understanding and addressing the root causes of disaster risks, promoting sustainable development, and ensuring that DRM efforts are inclusive and equitable.
Technology has revolutionized DRM. Advances in data collection, geospatial analysis, and predictive modeling have dramatically improved our ability to assess and manage risks. Early warning systems have become more sophisticated, allowing for timely and accurate alerts that save lives and reduce damage.The use of big data, artificial intelligence, and machine learning has enabled more precise risk assessments and targeted interventions. Social media platforms have become vital tools for real-time updates, crowd-sourced information, and public engagement during disaster response efforts. These technological advancements have made DRM more effective, efficient, and responsive to the needs of affected communities.
Challenges and the Future of DRM
Despite significant progress, DRM still faces challenges. The increasing complexity of risks, driven by urbanization, technological dependence, and socio-economic inequalities, requires continuous adaptation and innovation. Looking ahead, the future of DRM will likely involve greater integration of technology, further collaboration across sectors, and a stronger focus on sustainability and climate resilience. The global community must continue to invest in disaster risk reduction and preparedness, recognizing that proactive and coordinated efforts are essential to safeguarding lives, livelihoods, and the environment.
Conclusion
The shift in Disaster Risk Management (DRM) from a reactive to a proactive, resilience-centered approach represents a pivotal advancement in safeguarding communities against disasters. By identifying and addressing the underlying causes of these events and harnessing the power of technology and global cooperation, we can create a more resilient future. As we encounter emerging and evolving threats, the continued evolution and innovation in DRM practices will be essential in reducing the impact of disasters and securing a safer world for everyone.
[1] https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/events/1906calif/18april/
[2] https://www.unisdr.org/2005/wcdr/intergover/official-doc/L-docs/Hyogo-framework-for-action-english.pdf
[3] http://www.undrr.org/implementing-sendai-framework/what-sendai-framework