Disaster Risk Reduction

Disaster Risk Reduction

over-reliance on relief results in a perpetuation of existing risks and a cycle of recurrent disasters Disaster risk reduction is aimed at tackling the fundamental elements of disaster risk: vulnerability, hazards (or shocks) and exposure (DFID, 2006 p.9)

Disaster Risk Reduction (1)

Sustainable Institutional Structures and Good Governance
Reform of national disaster management agencies and establishment of stronger co-ordination mechanisms between relevant line ministries Linking community-level experience with national-level policy making Improved environmental management and control mechanisms Efforts to reduce corruption to strengthen building codes and land-use

Disaster Risk Reduction (2)

Risk Identification, Monitoring, Early Warning and Public Awareness
Comprehensive multi-hazard risk, vulnerability and capacity assessments at all levels Management and dissemination of knowledge on risk Effective early warning systems, including for famine, drought, hurricanes and floods Communication and awareness raising about hazard threats

Disaster Risk Reduction (3)

Technical and Physical Risk Mitigation
Improved design and construction of physical infrastructure, particularly critical infrastructure Improved maintenance and repair of physical infrastructure Well-structured land use, planning and zoning systems Appropriate structural interventions to reduce risk e.g. maintenance of wetlands in flood plains Improved use of climate data to encourage more effective water management, agricultural planning and healthcare

Disaster Risk Reduction (4)

Building Resilience, Promotion of Innovation, Knowledge and Education
Disaster proofing livelihoods to make them more resilient in disaster prone areas Use of science and technology to develop appropriate livelihoods for populations at risk Promotion of risk awareness through education at all levels Improving information on the likely impacts of climate change

Disaster Risk Reduction (5)

Risk sharing and Risk Transfer
Use of insurance and re-insurance instruments e.g. crop insurance for farmers Establishment of calamity funds for use in times of crisis Use of safety nets for the most vulnerable e.g. microcredit and cash transfers

Disaster Risk Reduction (6)

Preparedness, Effective Response and Sustainable Recovery
Community-level disaster preparedness incorporating a focus on safe behaviour and practices Well-resourced and prepared response systems with a focus on national and local capacity Ensuring recovery includes efforts to reduce underlying risk factors including through engagement with decision-makers and the public on future efforts to reduce disaster risk

UK framework

FEMA
(US Federal Emergency Management Agency)
Established in 1979 and merged several separate disaster-related responsibilities into a single agency. From 2003 it became part of the Department of Homeland Security. As of November 2007, FEMA had responded to more than 2,700 presidentially declared disasters. The Post-Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act of 2006 created a newly expanded FEMA.

FEMAs mission is to reduce the loss of life and property and protect communities nationwide from all hazards, including natural disasters, acts of terrorism, and other man-made disasters. FEMA leads and supports the nation in a risk-based, comprehensive emergency management system of preparedness, protection, response, recovery and mitigation.

FEMA
Mitigation Plan The STAPLEE Approach
Social Technical Public must support overall implementation and specific mitigation actions, so plans tested for community acceptance. To check the plans are technically feasible and will help reduce losses, with minimal secondary impacts

Administrative Examines the anticipated staffing, funding, and maintenance requirements of the mitigating action. Political Legal Economic Examines the level of political support for the mitigation programmes and activities Checks to ensure that the proposed actions are permissable under local, regional, state and federal legislation Checks that the proposals are cost-effective and funding is available. Notes that big ticket mitigation actions are often considered for implementation in a post-disaster scenario ..

Environmental Checks that there are no significant negative impacts on environmental assets (eg wildlfe, wetlands, other resources)

FEMA Community Rating System (CRS)

The Community Rating System (CRS) rewards communities that exceed the minimum requirements of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). The aim goal of the CRS is to encourage, via flood insurance premium adjustments, community and state activities beyond those required by the NFIP to: Reduce flood losses, i.e.,
protect public health and safety, reduce damage to buildings and contents, prevent increases in flood damage from new construction, reduce the risk of erosion damage, and protect natural and beneficial floodplain functions;

Facilitate accurate insurance rating; and Promote the awareness of flood insurance.

FEMA Community Rating System (CRS)

Public Information (Series 300) This series credits programs that advise people about the flood hazard, flood insurance, and ways to reduce flood damage. These activities also provide data needed by insurance agents for accurate flood insurance rating. Mapping and Regulations (Series 400) This series credits programs that provide increased protection to new development. These activities include mapping areas not shown on the FIRM, preserving open space, enforcing higher regulatory standards, and managing stormwater. Flood Damage Reduction (Series 500) This series credits programs for areas in which existing development is at risk. Credit is provided for a comprehensive floodplain management plan, relocating or retrofitting floodprone structures, and maintaining drainage systems. Flood Preparedness (Series 600) This series credits flood warning, levee safety, and dam safety programs.

FEMA Risk Assessment: 4 Criteria

1. History: 0 1 times in the past 100 years low (L) 2 3 times medium (M) > 4 times high (H) 2. Human vulnerability: consideration of vulnerable groups (old people, handicapped), population density, human dwellings with respect to hazards location and value of property and vital facilities Rating: < 1 % (affected) (L) 110 % (M) > 10 % (H)

FEMA Risk Assessment: 4 Criteria

3. Maximum hazard (assuming the worst case): area affected: < 5 % (L) 5 25 % M > 25 % (H) 4. Probability The basis for assessment is annual occurrence once every 1,000 years (L) between 1:1,000 and 1:10 (M) 1:10 years: (H)