Natural hazards continue to cause significant loss of life in Asia and the Pacific, with 1.7 million hazard-related deaths being recorded from 1970-2010.
So too, the direct physical losses from disasters are not only following a steady upward path, but are also rising more rapidly than regional GDP. However, behind each disaster there are causal factors underlying the losses and, by implication, measures that could be taken to avoid a repeat event.
ADB believes that rising disaster losses and related setbacks in poverty reduction and development are not inevitable. Investments in disaster resilience can reduce losses, contributing to sustained economic growth, the achievement of poverty reduction, and enhanced natural resources management.
These investments have the most far-reaching effect if they are undertaken in the context of wider development and are carefully integrated into the development process. Investing in resilience also requires active cooperation between governments, the private sector, civil society, and the international community.
Related links:
News: ADB Provides $100,000 to Marshall Islands for Drought Relief Efforts
News: Risk Financing is Key to Building Resilience Against Disasters - Study
Publication: Investing in Resilience: Ensuring a Disaster-Resistant Future
Flood Risk Management: A Strategic Approach
Integrated Disaster Risk Management Fund