Q.17. What is disaster resilience? How is it determined? Describe various elements of a resilience framework. Also mention the global targets of Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (2015-2030). [UPSC 2024 GS P-3]

What is Disaster Resilience?

Disaster resilience refers to the ability of individuals, communities, systems, and societies to withstand, adapt to, and recover from the impacts of disasters. A resilient system can absorb shocks, mitigate the effects of hazards, and restore critical functions in the aftermath of a disaster. It involves preparedness, risk reduction, and recovery measures that enable societies to bounce back stronger and reduce future risks.

How is Disaster Resilience Determined?

Disaster resilience is determined by assessing several factors, such as:

1. Risk awareness: Understanding the hazards and vulnerabilities present in a community.
2. Preparedness: Having early warning systems, evacuation plans, and preparedness training.
3. Adaptive capacity: The ability to adjust and respond to changing circumstances, including economic, environmental, and social conditions.
4. Infrastructure robustness: Ensuring critical infrastructure (healthcare, transportation, utilities) can withstand disasters.
5. Social cohesion and governance: Strong community networks and good governance that support collective action and recovery.
6. Resource availability: Financial, technological, and human resources that can be mobilized for disaster response and recovery.

Various Elements of a Resilience Framework

A resilience framework provides a structured approach to improving disaster resilience. The key elements include:

1. Risk Assessment and Reduction:
   • Understanding and mapping hazards, vulnerabilities, and exposure.
   • Implementing risk reduction measures such as building codes, flood defenses, and land-use planning.
2. Preparedness and Early Warning Systems:
   • Developing early warning systems for timely disaster alerts.
   • Enhancing community preparedness through awareness campaigns, training, and drills.
3. Response and Recovery:
   • Developing disaster response strategies, including evacuation plans and emergency medical services.
   • Promoting rapid recovery through post-disaster support and rebuilding efforts that consider future risks.
4. Governance and Institutional Framework:
   • Establishing clear roles and responsibilities for disaster management across different levels of government.
   • Encouraging collaboration between governmental, private, and civil society actors.
5. Infrastructure and Critical Systems Resilience:
   • Ensuring that key infrastructure (e.g., hospitals, schools, utilities) is designed to withstand disasters.
   • Strengthening supply chains and critical service networks to prevent disruption.
6. Social and Economic Resilience:
   • Promoting social cohesion and strengthening community networks.
   • Providing financial support mechanisms such as insurance, social safety nets, and access to credit to help individuals and businesses recover.
7. Environmental Sustainability:
   • Protecting ecosystems that contribute to resilience, such as mangroves or wetlands that mitigate flooding.
   • Ensuring that disaster recovery efforts support long-term environmental sustainability.

Global Targets of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (2015-2030)

The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction is a global initiative aimed at reducing disaster risk and building resilience. It has set seven global targets to be achieved by 2030:

1. Substantially reduce global disaster mortality by 2030, aiming to lower average global disaster-related deaths per 100,000 in the decade 2020–2030 compared to 2005–2015.
2. Substantially reduce the number of affected people globally by 2030, targeting a decrease in average disaster-related injuries and displacement per 100,000 people.
3. Reduce direct disaster economic loss in relation to global GDP by 2030, focusing on minimizing the financial burden of disasters on communities and economies.
4. Substantially reduce disaster damage to critical infrastructure and disruption of basic services, including healthcare and educational facilities.
5. Increase the number of countries with national and local disaster risk reduction strategies by 2020, ensuring a proactive approach to disaster management.
6. Enhance international cooperation to developing countries to complement national actions for disaster risk reduction, particularly through technology transfer, funding, and capacity-building.
7. Substantially increase the availability of and access to multi-hazard early warning systems and disaster risk information by 2030, ensuring that vulnerable communities receive timely and effective warnings.

These targets reflect the commitment of the international community to mitigate disaster risks, enhance preparedness, and promote sustainable development practices that minimize vulnerabilities.