International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction: Theme, Key Facts, History, Sendai Framework, Seven Global Targets, India’s Initiatives, Importance and Challenges

Why in news?

The International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction (IDDRR) is observed annually on 13 October to promote awareness about disaster prevention, preparedness and resilience.

Key Facts

History

• In 1989, the United Nations General Assembly called for an international observance to promote disaster reduction awareness.
• In 2009, UNGA Resolution 64/200 designated 13 October as the International Day for Disaster Reduction.

What is Disaster Risk Reduction?

• Refers to policies and measures aimed at preventing new disaster risks, reducing existing risks and managing residual risks.
• It includes hazard assessment, early warning systems, resilient infrastructure, land-use planning and community preparedness.
• DRR seeks to reduce vulnerability and exposure to hazards while strengthening the capacity of communities to withstand and recover from disasters.
• It covers natural hazards, environmental hazards and relevant technological and human-induced hazards.

Major Concepts in Disaster Risk Reduction

Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (2015-2030)

• The Sendai Framework was adopted on 18 March 2015 at the Third UN World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction in Sendai, Japan.
• It succeeded the Hyogo Framework for Action (2005–2015).
• It is a voluntary, non-binding global agreement that recognises the primary role of governments in reducing disaster risk.
• It aims to substantially reduce disaster risks and losses in lives, livelihoods, health and economic, physical, social, cultural and environmental assets.

Four Priorities of the Sendai Framework

• Understanding Disaster Risk: Improving knowledge of hazards, exposure and vulnerability.
• Strengthening Disaster Risk Governance: Developing effective laws, policies and institutions.
• Investing in Disaster Risk Reduction: Promoting resilient infrastructure and risk-informed investment.
• Enhancing Disaster Preparedness: Strengthening response capabilities and adopting the Build Back Better approach during recovery and reconstruction.

Seven Global Targets of the Sendai Framework

United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR)

• UNDRR was established in 1999 as the United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (UNISDR).
• It was renamed UNDRR in 2019.
• Its headquarters is located in Geneva, Switzerland.
• It coordinates international efforts to implement the Sendai Framework.
• It supports disaster risk monitoring, policy development, international cooperation and resilience-building.

Disaster Management in India

• Disaster management in India is coordinated through institutions at the national, state and district levels.
• The Disaster Management Act, 2005, provides the principal legal framework, subsequently amended in 2025.
• The Ministry of Home Affairs serves as the nodal ministry for overall disaster management coordination at the national level.

Major Disaster Management Institutions are: 

Major Disaster Risk Reduction Initiatives in India

• National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA)
  • Established under the Disaster Management Act, 2005.
  • Chaired by the Prime Minister of India.
  • Responsible for laying down disaster management policies, plans and guidelines.
  • National Disaster Response Force (NDRF)
• Constituted under the Disaster Management Act, 2005.
  • Specialises in search and rescue, evacuation and disaster response.
  • Responds to floods, earthquakes, cyclones, building collapses and other emergencies.
• Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI)
  • Launched by India in 2019 at the UN Climate Action Summit in New York.
  • Its secretariat is located in New Delhi.
  • Promotes climate- and disaster-resilient infrastructure.
  • Supports international cooperation, research and capacity building.
• SACHET
  • A national disaster alert platform developed under NDMA.
  • Provides location-specific warnings and disaster-related information.
  • Supports dissemination of alerts through multiple communication channels.
• Early Warnings for All (EW4All)
  • Launched by the United Nations in 2022.
  • Aims to protect everyone on Earth through early warning systems by the end of 2027.
  • Focuses on risk knowledge, monitoring and forecasting, warning dissemination and preparedness to respond.

Importance of Disaster Risk Reduction

• Human safety: Reduces disaster-related deaths and injuries
• Economic protection: Minimises damage to infrastructure and livelihoods
• Environmental protection: Helps protect ecosystems and natural resources
• Climate resilience: Strengthens adaptation to climate-related hazards
• Social protection: Reduces risks faced by vulnerable communities
• Infrastructure resilience: Improves continuity of essential services

Major Challenges 

• Climate Change: Increasing the intensity or frequency of several weather-related hazards.
• Rapid Urbanisation: Unplanned construction and settlement in hazard-prone areas increase exposure.
• Weak Infrastructure: Poor building quality and inadequate maintenance increase disaster vulnerability.
• Financial Constraints: Limited resources restrict investments in preparedness and resilience.
• Early Warning Gaps: Inadequate last-mile communication can prevent timely protective action.

International Disaster Risk Reduction Framework

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