International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction day is observed on 13 October as to how people and communities across the world are reducing their exposure to disasters. Its aims to make our habitat – rural and urban – safe from calamities, which can displace and kill millions of people. International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction is also known as World Calamity Control Day.
Theme and significance
The focus of World Calamity Control Day this year amid the pandemic is “all about governance”, according to United Nations. Strategies and quick response at the local and national level is of prime importance in saving lives and properties. This in turn reduces economic loses and people can resume normal lives faster.
According to the world body, “COVID-19 and the climate emergency are telling us that we need clear vision, plans and competent, empowered institutions acting on scientific evidence for the public good.”
History
The day was started in 1989 after a call by the United Nations General Assembly. It was necessitated to promote a global culture of risk awareness and disaster reduction.
It is observed on 13 October. The third UN World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction in Sendai, Japan was held in 2015. In this conference, the international community was reminded about the disasters hit hardest at the local level with the potential to cause loss of life and great social and economic upheaval.
We can’t forget that sudden disasters displace millions of people every year. Disasters can be due to climate change that paves a negative impact on investment in sustainable development and the desired outcomes.
At the local level, it is necessary that the capabilities should be strengthened urgently. It applies to the risk of small-scale and large-scale disasters caused by man-made, or natural hazards, as well as related environmental, technological and biological hazards and risks.
