Article:
The new report, titled “The Human Cost of Disasters 2000-2019,” released by the United Nations highlights the alarming increase in natural disasters over the past two decades. The UN holds climate change largely accountable for the significant surge in these disasters. The study was carried out by the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), but it did not include biological hazards and disease-related disasters like the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. The release of the report coincides with the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction, observed annually on October 13.
Key Findings
The study observed that between 2000 and 2019, a total of 7,348 major disaster events occurred, impacting approximately 4.2 billion people worldwide and costing the global economy an estimated USD 2.97 trillion. This figure drastically surpasses the 4,212 major natural disasters reported between 1980 and 1999. It was noted that 6,681 of these disasters were linked to climate change, nearly double the number recorded in the preceding two decades. These disasters are broadly categorized as meteorological, climatological, or hydrological.
At the same time, there has also been an uptick in the incidence of geophysical events like earthquakes and tsunamis. While these events cannot be attributed to climate change, they have proven to be particularly deadly. Over the last twenty years, major floods have more than doubled to 3,254 while major storms have increased to 2,034 from 1,457. The data shows that India ranks second after China in the list of countries most affected by floods.
Extreme Heat and its Consequences
Extreme heat is becoming increasingly lethal. For instance, the heatwaves that hit India in 2015 resulted in a staggering 2,248 fatalities. As far as individual disasters are concerned, the deadliest event in the past two decades was the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, which claimed 2,26,400 lives. It was followed by the Haiti earthquake in 2010, where around 2,22,000 people lost their lives.
Geographical Distribution of Disasters
Asia has born the brunt of these disasters over the past twenty years, witnessing 3,068 such events, followed by Americas with 1,756 and Africa with 1,192. In terms of specific countries, China topped the list with 577 events, followed by the United States with 467 and India with 321.
Governments’ Response to Climate Hazards
There is growing concern that governments worldwide are not doing enough to prevent climate hazards. If global temperatures rise by 3°C, it could significantly increase the frequency of potentially high-impact natural hazard events, rendering current strategies for disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation obsolete.
Recommendations by UNDRR
The UNDRR suggests that the concentrated impact of a single disaster in some countries can serve as an opportunity for a more focused approach on disaster risk reduction. However, it also stresses the need for a systemic, multi-hazard approach to cater for our increasingly globalized and interconnected world. The organization emphasizes the necessity for strengthening disaster risk governance with clear vision, effective plans, adequate funding, and cross-sectoral coordination. Both public and private investment in disaster risk prevention and reduction measures need to be ramped up to create resilient societies.
The Role of UNDRR
Established in 1999, the UNDRR serves as a dedicated secretariat to facilitate the implementation of the International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (ISDR). Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, it coordinates disaster reduction efforts and ensures synergies among these activities within the United Nations system. The UNDRR’s Strategic Framework 2016-2021 aims to significantly reduce disaster risk and losses for a sustainable future.
India’s Disaster Management System
In India, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) is responsible for managing disasters. Established in 2006, the NDMA operates under the Disaster Management Act, 2005, with the Prime Minister serving as its Chairperson. The NDMP outlines the roles and responsibilities of various stakeholders including Central Ministries/ Departments, State Governments, UT Administrations, District Authorities, and local self-governments. It underscores that the primary responsibility of disaster management lies with the States. To prepare civilians for disasters, the Central Government conducts regular drills, provides community training, and disseminates awareness programs.