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: Risk Financing is Key to Building Resilience Against Disasters - Study

Publication: Investing in Resilience: Ensuring a Disaster-Resistant Future

Evaluation Document: Special Evaluation Study on ADB’s Response to Natural Disasters and Disaster Risks

Publication: Flood Risk Management in PRC: Learning to live with flood risk

Publication: Drying Up: What to do about Droughts in PRC

Publication: Guidelines for Climate Proofing Investment in Agriculture, Rural Development, and Food Security

Project Launch: Flood Risk Mitigation Plan for Ayutthaya World Heritage Site