Domesticating International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction

Disasters, both natural and man-made, have profound impacts on communities worldwide, causing loss of life, property and livelihoods. Studies have predicted increasing frequency and magnitude in disasters as a result of climate change and extreme weather events. For instance, more intense and frequent storms are projected in many parts of the world. Malawi is not spared and, just like many other countries, it has experienced changing trends in disaster occurrences such as an increase in the frequency of floods, droughts and cyclones.

Addressing these impacts requires a comprehensive approach to disaster risk reduction that includes preparedness, response, recovery and resilience building. By understanding and mitigating the various impacts of disasters, societies can better protect their populations, preserve their economic and environmental resources and maintain social stability.

In view of the increasing frequency and intensity of disasters, the United Nations designated October 13 as International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction (IDDRR) to promote a global culture of risk awareness and disaster reduction. Further, the Third United Nations World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction in Sendai, Japan, in 2015, reminded the international community about the fact that disasters hit hardest at the local level with the potential to cause loss of life and great social and economic upheaval.

While countries, Malawi inclusive, have been observing, or commemorating, IDDRR, the fact that disasters hit the hardest at the local level means that the effective domestication and observance of the IDDRR principle is essential for enhancing public awareness, community resilience, fostering sustainable development and improving policy frameworks.

This entry, therefore, justifies the need for effectively domesticating the observance of the IDDRR principle to the designation of a month of activities in building resilience of the country to disasters. This is important in preparing and capacitating community members to live with disasters by reducing risks associated with disasters. National disaster resilience month will ensure active engagement, participation and integration of relevant disaster risk reduction strategies across sectors. Each sector will have to focus on awareness and capacity building interventions and risk reduction strategies.

Instead of observing a day, we can consider having a national disaster resilience month. While the month-long activities will be coordinated by the apex body responsible for disaster management affairs, all key sectors will be required to create awareness and build capacity in disaster risk reduction strategies in their respective sectors. These key sectors include agriculture, climate change, health, education, tourism, environment, natural resources, water and infrastructure development, among others.

Consequently, this means national disaster resilience month will be observed by all Malawians throughout the country through the conduct of activities in relation to building disaster resilience covering all the four thematic areas of disasters, namely disaster prevention and mitigation, disaster preparedness, disaster response and disaster rehabilitation and recovery.

Effective domestication of the IDDRR concept through the designation of national disaster resilience month is essential for enhancing public awareness, community resilience, fostering sustainable development, active engagement of the all key government ministries, departments and agencies and improving policy frameworks. It must be noted that awareness leads to preparedness, which is the first line of defence against disasters.

Community resilience is a crucial component of effective disaster risk reduction. When communities are resilient, they can absorb shocks and recover more quickly from disasters. Designating national disaster resilience month provides an opportunity to engage local communities, across sectors, in resilience-building activities. This can include training community members in emergency response, establishing local volunteer disaster risk reduction groups and conducting regular drills and simulations.

Disaster risk reduction is inherently linked to sustainable development. Disasters can derail development efforts by destroying infrastructure, displacing populations and straining economic resources. By integrating and prioritising disaster risk reduction across sectors, countries can safeguard their development gains and promote long-term sustainability.

Effective disaster risk reduction requires robust policy frameworks that are informed by local contexts and needs. By domesticating or localising IDDRR, policymakers can be motivated to review and strengthen their disaster risk management policies. This can lead to the adoption of comprehensive disaster response plans, early warning systems and the allocation of resources for disaster preparedness and mitigation.

Disasters often disproportionately affect vulnerable groups, including the elderly, disabled, women and economically disadvantaged populations. Domesticating IDDRR through national disaster resilience month ensures that disaster risk reduction efforts are inclusive and equitable, hence addressing the needs of all community members.

As the frequency and severity of disasters continue to rise, the importance of a coordinated and localised approach to disaster risk reduction cannot be overstated. The national disaster resilience month platform brings together all key sectors, beyond planning, to actual integration and implementation. By enhancing public awareness, building community resilience, fostering sustainable development, improving policy frameworks, addressing local vulnerabilities and promoting inclusivity, countries can effectively mitigate the impacts of disasters.