21 May 2024, NIICE Commentary 9149
Junaid Hassan
Disaster management in Asia presents a multifaceted challenge due to the region’s diverse geographical, socio-economic and climatic conditions. With a spectrum of natural calamities ranging from earthquakes to typhoons, floods to tsunamis, Asia faces an extensive array of hazards, aggravated by rapid urbanization, population growth and environmental degradation. Effective disaster management strategies are imperative to mitigate the impact of these events, safeguard lives and livelihoods and foster sustainable development. Asia, home to over half of the world’s population, stands as a hotspot for natural disasters. According to the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the Asian economies accounted for 27-30 percent of global economic losses due to the pandemics between 2020 and 2021. The vulnerability of Asian countries is compounded by factors such as inadequate infrastructure, deficient urban planning, widespread poverty and constrained access to resources. The rapid pace of urbanization has hastened the explosion of informal settlements in hazard prone areas, heightening the exposure of vulnerable communities to disaster risks.
In recent years, Asia has witnessed a surge in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, partially attributed to climate change. The Asian monsoon, a vital source of water for agriculture and livelihoods, has become increasingly erratic, leading to widespread floods and droughts across the region. Furthermore, the Pacific Ring of Fire renders Asia particularly susceptible to seismic activity, including earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, posing substantial challenges for disaster preparedness and response efforts. Despite the formidable challenges, Asian nations have made considerable advancements in disaster management by embracing innovative strategies and leveraging cutting-edge technologies. For instance, Japan has implemented highly sophisticated earthquake and tsunami alert systems, resulting in a notable decrease in casualties by promptly informing vulnerable communities. Furthermore, the adoption of remote sensing and geospatial technologies has become increasingly prevalent across the region, aiding in the continuous monitoring of environmental changes, risk assessment, and the formulation of effective disaster response strategies. In countries like India and Bangladesh, grassroots-level disaster preparedness initiatives have gained traction, empowering local populations to proactively engage in building resilient infrastructure, such as sturdy shelters and devising comprehensive evacuation plans.
Investing in resilient infrastructure stands as a pivotal strategy in fortifying disaster resilience throughout Asia. Highlighted within the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction is the critical need to reconstruct post-disaster with resilience in mind, integrating risk mitigation measures into infrastructure development. Bangladesh’s proactive construction of cyclone shelters and embankments stands as a testament to the effectiveness of such measures in mitigating the impact of cyclones and storm surges on coastal communities. Similarly, Japan’s stringent adherence to building codes and implementation of seismic retrofitting practices have significantly bolstered the resilience of structures against earthquakes. Despite these advancements, numerous hurdles impede the efficacy of disaster management efforts across Asia. Challenges include inadequate funding, governance deficiencies and a lack of institutional capacity. Many nations in the region grapple with competing priorities and financial constraints, resulting in insufficient investment in disaster preparedness and risk reduction initiatives. Moreover, political instability and corruption further exacerbate these challenges, hindering effective coordination and collaboration among government bodies, NGOs, and other stakeholders involved in disaster management endeavors.
The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic has introduced unparalleled hurdles to disaster response and recovery efforts across Asia. With healthcare systems strained, supply chains disrupted and resources redirected from ongoing relief endeavors, the pandemic has magnified the complexities of managing disasters. The interlinking impacts of COVID-19 and natural calamities underscore the imperative for comprehensive, multi-hazard approaches to disaster management that acknowledge the interconnectedness of risks. Yet, amidst these daunting circumstances, the resilience exhibited by Asian communities serves as a beacon of hope. Drawing on local knowledge, cultural traditions, and social bonds, communities demonstrate remarkable adaptability in confronting and rebounding from disasters. Time-honored disaster risk reduction methods, such as indigenous water management systems and agro ecological farming practices, offer sustainable solutions that are deeply rooted in local contexts. Furthermore, grassroots accomplishments and volunteer networks bolster community resilience by fostering solidarity, mutual assistance and collective action.
Strengthening disaster management in Asia requires a collaborative approach, focusing on bolstering institutional capacities, refining governance structures, and augmenting investments in risk reduction initiatives. International collaboration and knowledge exchange serve as vital conduits for sharing best practices and insights across borders. The adoption of nature-based solutions, including ecosystem restoration and green infrastructure, not only fortifies resilience but also fosters biodiversity conservation and climate adaptation.
Conclusively, navigating disaster management in Asia demands a comprehensive strategy that addresses risk reduction, preparedness, response, and recovery in a holistic manner. Despite the myriad challenges posed by factors such as climate change, urbanization, and pandemics, there exists a notable resilience and innovation within both local communities and governmental bodies across the region. Through the strategic utilization of technology, the development of resilient infrastructure, and the fortification of governance frameworks, Asia stands poised to construct a future that is not only sustainable but also fortified against the mounting frequency and severity of disasters.
Junaid Hassan is Assistant Professor at School of Management and Commerce, Sanskriti University, India.
