The International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction is observed every year on October 13. The day celebrates how people and communities around the world are reducing their exposure to disasters and raising awareness about the importance of reining in the risks that they face. In this article, you will learn about the significance and history of the day.
As UPSC surprises aspirants with questions linked with what usually is assumed to be trivia; it is advisable that one must scroll through the facts about International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction to get the basic information. It can be asked in UPSC Prelims from the section of current affairs, if at all asked.
Facts about International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction for UPSC Exam
Read the below-mentioned facts and aid your IAS Exam preparation along with other competitive exams’ preparation.
| Observed on | 13 October |
| Theme of 2020 | Disaster risk governance |
| Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction |
(i) Understanding disaster risk;Â (ii) Strengthening disaster risk governance to manage disaster risk; (iii) Investing in disaster reduction for resilience and;Â (iv) Enhancing disaster preparedness for effective response, and to “Build Back Better” in recovery, rehabilitation and reconstruction. |
The topic can be asked as a Current Affairs Question in IAS Prelims. Visit the attached link to attempt practice quizzes on current affairs.
To read more about the other Important International and National days click on the link. Such days and events become very important for UPSC Prelims.
About International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction, 2020
- The day is observed on 13 October to educate people around the world on how they can lower the risks faced by natural disasters and hence reducing the monetary loss and the loss of human lives.
- The theme of the day in 2020 was ‘Disaster risk governance’. This was in lieu of the high number of deaths caused due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Good disaster risk governance is measured by the number of lives saved, reduction in the number of disaster-affected people and the reduced economic losses.
- With situations like COVID-19 and the changing climate conditions there is a dire need for a clear vision and plans for the betterment of the public.
- It requires proper national and local strategies for disaster risk reduction.
- This was agreed by the UN Member States when they adopted the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction in 2015.
Note- Read about the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction in the linked article.
Good National and Local strategies for disaster risk reduction
- It is imperative to work on strategies that are inclusive which means they address not just single hazards like floods and storms but also respond to systemic risk generated by zoonotic diseases, climate shocks and also environmental breakdown.
- These strategies include multi-sectoral, linking policies in areas such as land use, building codes, public health, education, agriculture, environmental protection, energy, water resources, poverty reduction and climate change adaptation.
Read more about the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction in 2015 in the linked article.
Background of International Day for Disaster Risk ReductionÂ
- The UN General Assembly through a resolution in 1989 designated the second Wednesday of October as International Day for Natural Disaster Reduction.
- But on December 21, 2009, the Assembly adopted a new resolution in which it decided to commemorate the Day on 13 October. The day was renamed International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction.
Note: As UPSC 2022 approaches, use BYJU’S free Daily Video Analysis of The Hindu Newspaper to augment your preparation.
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