Interrelationship Of Disaster And Development
Debate regarding the relationship between socioeconomic development and natural disasters remains at the fore of global discussions, as the potential risk from Climate extremes and uncertainty pose an increasing threat to developmental prospects. This study reviews statistical investigations of disaster and development linkages, across topics of macroeconomic Growth, public governance and others to identify key challenges to the current approach to macro-level statistical investigation. Both theoretically and qualitatively, disaster is known to affect development through a number of channels: haphazard development, weak institutions, lack of social safety nets and short-termism of our decision-making practices are some of the factors that drive natural disaster risk. Developmental potentials, including the prospects for sustainable and equitable growth, are in turn threatened by such accumulation of disaster risks. However, quantitative 
evidence regarding these complex causality chains remains contested due to several reasons. A number of theoretical and methodological limitations have been identified, including the use of GDP as a proxy measurement of welfare, issues with natural disaster damage reporting and the adoption of ad hoc model specifications and variables, which render interpretation and cross-comparison of statistical analysis difficult. Additionally, while greater attention is paid to economic and institutional parameters such as GDP, remittance, Corruption and public expenditure as opposed to hard-to-quantify yet critical factors such as environmental conditions and social vulnerabilities. These are gaps in our approach that hamper our comprehensive understanding of the disaster-development nexus.
The specific social-ecological contexts in which disaster risk arises are highly complex, as are their immediate and longer-term implications. The concept of development is equally multi-dimensional. When these complex factors must be framed within statistically testable questions, it is easy to imagine that finding a robust ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answer can be extremely challenging. Even on the relatively narrower topic of the relationship between natural disasters and GDP growth implications, international confidence is considered ‘medium’, as explained in the recent Special Report on Managing the Risk of Extreme Events (SREX) report IPCC, 2012: Differences [in estimates of disaster impacts on the macroeconomy] can be partly explained by the lack of a robust counterfactual in some studies (e.g. what would GDP have been if a disaster had not occurred?), failure to account for the informal sector, varying ways of accounting for insurance and aid flows, different patterns of impacts resulting from, for example, Earthquakes versus floods, and the fact that national accounting does not record the destruction of assets, but reports relief and reconstruction as additions to GDP.
Disaster derail development
According to the United Nations, over the past twenty years disasters from natural hazards have affected 4.4 billion people, claimed 1.3 million lives and caused $2 trillion in economic losses. For the first time, disaster losses globally have topped $100bn for three consecutive years (2010–2012), far outstripping humanitarian aid. According to Ban Ki Moon, „Economic losses from disasters are out of control.‟2 Disasters have a devastating impact on development. Families lose homes, livelihoods and loved ones, communities lose businesses, jobs and Services, children and particularly girls miss school and are at risk of early marriage – the list of impacts goes on.
Disasters lead to enormous economic losses that are both immediate as well as long term in nature and demand additional revenues. Also, as an immediate fall-out, disasters reduce revenues from the affected region due to lower levels of economic activity leading to loss of direct and indirect taxes. In addition, unplanned budgetary allocation to disaster recovery can hamper development interventions and lead to unmet developmental targets.
Disasters may also reduce availability of new Investment, further constricting the growth of the region. Besides, additional pressures may be imposed on finances of the government through investments in relief and rehabilitation work.
In the 2001 earthquake in Gujarat, more than 14,000 lives were lost, ten lakh houses were damaged and the asset loss has been indicated to be worth 15,000 crore. Tables 7.2 to 7.5 give an indication of the magnitude of the damage and losses incurred by the country in recent natural disasters.
The extent to which a Population is affected by a calamity does not purely lie in the physical components of vulnerability, but is contextual also to the prevailing social and economic conditions and its consequential effect on human activities within a given Society. Research in areas affected by earthquakes indicates that single parent families, Women, handicapped people, children and the aged are particularly vulnerable social groups. The geophysical setting with unplanned and inadequate developmental activity is a cause for increased losses during disasters. In the case of India, the contribution of over-population to high population density, which in turn results in escalating losses, deserves to be noted. This factor sometimes tends to be as important as physical vulnerability attributed to geography and Infrastructure-2/”>INFRASTRUCTURE alone.
The incidence of disasters from natural hazards is increasing in every region of the world; reported weather-related disasters have tripled in 30 years. The numbers of people exposed to floods and tropical Cyclones-2/”>Cyclones have doubled and tripled respectively since 1970.In the Sahel region of West Africa, a food crisis used to strike once a decade; but there have been three major food crises in the last 10 years, so people have had little time to get back on their feet, let alone develop buffers, before the next one hits.
Sustainable and significant reduction of disaster risk can only be achieved by working across policy frameworks. The development of the post2015 development framework, the successor to the Hyogo Framework for Action, and a new international Climate Change agreement, all in 2015, offer an unparalleled opportunity to go beyond the incremental progress to date, to significantly reduce risk for vulnerable and marginalised people all over the world.
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The interrelationship of disaster and development is a complex and multifaceted issue. There are many different ways in which disasters can impact development, and vice versa. Some of the key subtopics that need to be considered when looking at this issue include:
- The impact of disasters on POVERTY and inequality
- The impact of disasters on infrastructure and economic growth
- The impact of disasters on human Health and well-being
- The impact of disasters on the Environment
- The role of development in reducing disaster risk
- The role of disaster risk reduction in promoting development
It is important to understand these interrelationships in order to develop effective policies and strategies for reducing disaster risk and promoting Sustainable Development.
Here are some additional details on each of these subtopics:
The impact of disasters on poverty and inequality: Disasters can have a devastating impact on poverty and inequality. They can destroy homes, businesses, and livelihoods, leaving people displaced and without access to basic necessities. This can lead to increased poverty, hunger, and disease. Disasters can also exacerbate existing inequalities, as those who are already marginalized are often the most vulnerable to their impacts.
The impact of disasters on infrastructure and economic growth: Disasters can also have a significant impact on infrastructure and economic growth. They can damage roads, bridges, and other infrastructure, making it difficult to transport goods and people. This can disrupt economic activity and lead to job losses. Disasters can also damage businesses and industries, further disrupting the economy.
The impact of disasters on human health and well-being: Disasters can also have a major impact on human health and well-being. They can cause injuries, deaths, and psychological trauma. They can also lead to the spread of disease, as people are forced to live in crowded and unsanitary conditions. Disasters can also have a long-term impact on health, as people may experience chronic health problems as a result of their exposure to trauma or hazardous materials.
The impact of disasters on the environment: Disasters can also have a significant impact on the environment. They can cause deforestation, Soil erosion, and Water Pollution. They can also damage Ecosystems and wildlife habitats. Disasters can also contribute to climate change, as they release greenhouse gases into the Atmosphere.
The role of development in reducing disaster risk: Development can play a key role in reducing disaster risk. By investing in infrastructure, Education, and health care, development can help to make communities more resilient to disasters. Development can also help to reduce poverty and inequality, which are major risk factors for disasters.
The role of disaster risk reduction in promoting development: Disaster risk reduction (DRR) can also play a key role in promoting development. DRR can help to reduce the impact of disasters on poverty and inequality. It can also help to protect the environment and promote economic growth. DRR can also help to build resilience to future shocks and stresses.
It is clear that there is a complex and multifaceted interrelationship between disaster and development. By understanding these interrelationships, we can develop effective policies and strategies for reducing disaster risk and promoting sustainable development.
One of the most important ways to reduce disaster risk is to invest in infrastructure. This includes building roads, bridges, and other infrastructure that can withstand the impacts of disasters. It also includes investing in early warning systems and other measures that can help to reduce the loss of life and property.
Another important way to reduce disaster risk is to reduce poverty and inequality. This is because people who are living in poverty are often more vulnerable to the impacts of disasters. They may not have access to basic necessities, such as food, water, and shelter. They may also not have the Resources to rebuild their lives after a disaster.
It is also important to protect the environment. This is because Environmental Degradation can increase the risk of disasters. For example, deforestation can lead to landslides, and climate change can lead to more extreme weather events.
Finally, it is important to build resilience to future shocks and stresses. This can be done by investing in education, health care, and other social services. It can also be done by developing disaster-resilient infrastructure and by promoting sustainable development.
By taking these steps, we can reduce the impact of disasters on development and promote sustainable development for all.
What is disaster risk reduction?
Disaster risk reduction (DRR) is a systematic approach to managing disaster risks and reducing their adverse impacts. It aims to lessen the likelihood of disasters occurring, and to mitigate their impact when they do occur. DRR is a key component of sustainable development, and is essential for building resilience to disasters.
What are the different types of disaster risk reduction?
There are many different types of disaster risk reduction, but they can be broadly divided into two categories: structural and non-structural measures. Structural measures are physical interventions, such as building sea walls or levees to protect against flooding. Non-structural measures are non-physical interventions, such as land-use planning or early warning systems.
What are the benefits of disaster risk reduction?
There are many benefits to disaster risk reduction. It can save lives, reduce economic losses, and improve social and environmental conditions. DRR can also help to build resilience to disasters, which can make communities more sustainable in the long term.
What are the challenges of disaster risk reduction?
There are many challenges to disaster risk reduction. One challenge is that it is often difficult to predict when and where disasters will occur. Another challenge is that DRR can be expensive, and it can be difficult to get funding for it. Finally, DRR can be complex, and it can be difficult to get all stakeholders involved.
What are some examples of successful disaster risk reduction projects?
There are many examples of successful disaster risk reduction projects. One example is the project to build sea walls in Bangladesh. This project has helped to protect millions of people from flooding. Another example is the project to develop early warning systems in India. This project has helped to save many lives from cyclones.
What can I do to help with disaster risk reduction?
There are many things you can do to help with disaster risk reduction. You can educate yourself about the risks in your community. You can also volunteer with an organization that works on DRR. Finally, you can support policies and programs that promote DRR.
What is the future of disaster risk reduction?
The future of disaster risk reduction is bright. There is a growing awareness of the importance of DRR, and there are many innovative new approaches being developed. With continued effort, we can make our world a safer place for everyone.
Question 1
Which of the following is not a type of disaster?
(A) Natural disaster
(B) Man-made disaster
(C) Technological disaster
(D) Economic disaster
Answer
(D) Economic disaster
An economic disaster is not a type of disaster. It is a term used to describe a severe economic downturn that can have a significant impact on a country or region.
Question 2
Which of the following is not a factor that can contribute to a disaster?
(A) Natural hazards
(B) Human activities
(C) Technological failures
(D) Economic conditions
Answer
(D) Economic conditions
Economic conditions are not a factor that can contribute to a disaster. However, they can make a disaster worse by exacerbating the effects of the disaster.
Question 3
Which of the following is not a type of Disaster Management?
(A) Preparedness
(B) Response
(C) Recovery
(D) Mitigation
Answer
(D) Mitigation
Mitigation is not a type of disaster management. It is a term used to describe the actions taken to reduce the risk of a disaster from occurring.
Question 4
Which of the following is not a goal of disaster management?
(A) To save lives
(B) To protect property
(C) To restore normalcy
(D) To promote Economic Development
Answer
(D) To promote economic development
Economic development is not a goal of disaster management. However, disaster management can have a positive impact on economic development by reducing the risk of disasters and by helping to rebuild communities after a disaster.
Question 5
Which of the following is not a principle of disaster management?
(A) Preparedness
(B) Response
(C) Recovery
(D) Sustainability
Answer
(D) Sustainability
Sustainability is not a principle of disaster management. However, it is an important consideration in disaster management. Disaster management should be sustainable in the sense that it should not create new risks or problems.
Question 6
Which of the following is not a challenge of disaster management?
(A) Lack of resources
(B) Lack of coordination
(C) Lack of public awareness
(D) Lack of political will
Answer
(A) Lack of resources
Lack of resources is not a challenge of disaster management. However, it can make disaster management more difficult. Disaster management requires a significant amount of resources, including financial resources, human resources, and technological resources.
Question 7
Which of the following is not a benefit of disaster management?
(A) Saving lives
(B) Protecting property
(C) Restoring normalcy
(D) Promoting economic development
Answer
(B) Protecting property
Protecting property is not a benefit of disaster management. However, it is a goal of disaster management. Disaster management can help to protect property by reducing the risk of disasters and by helping to rebuild communities after a disaster.
Question 8
Which of the following is not a role of the government in disaster management?
(A) To provide emergency services
(B) To coordinate disaster response
(C) To provide financial assistance
(D) To promote economic development
Answer
(D) To promote economic development
The government’s role in disaster management is not to promote economic development. However, the government can play a role in promoting economic development after a disaster by providing financial assistance and by helping to rebuild communities.
Question 9
Which of the following is not a role of the private sector in disaster management?
(A) To provide emergency services
(B) To coordinate disaster response
(C) To provide financial assistance
(D) To rebuild communities
Answer
(A) To provide emergency services
The private sector’s role in disaster management is not to provide emergency services. However, the private sector can play a role in providing emergency services by donating goods and services.
Question 10
Which of the following is not a role of civil society in disaster management?
(A) To provide emergency services
(B) To coordinate disaster response
(C) To provide financial assistance
(D) To rebuild communities
Answer
(A) To provide emergency services
Civil society’s role in disaster management is not to provide emergency services. However, civil society can play a role in providing emergency services by volunteering their time and services.