The International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction is observed annually on **October 13th**. It was started by the United Nations in 1989 to promote a global culture of risk-awareness and disaster reduction. The day highlights 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.
The theme of the day often aligns with the **Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (2015-2030)**, which aims to reduce disaster risk and losses in lives, livelihoods, and health. The day encourages governments, communities, and organizations to take action to reduce risks and to build more disaster-resilient societies.
Common activities include campaigns, educational programs, and community outreach focused on preparedness, mitigation, and sustainable recovery efforts.
### **International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction (IDDRR)**
#### **Time, Day, and Date**
- **Date**: Annually on **October 13th**
- **Time**: All-day, globally
- **Day**: Fixed on the 13th of October, but the day of the week varies each year
#### **About**
International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction (IDDRR) was established by the **United Nations General Assembly** in 1989 to promote awareness about reducing disaster risks globally. The day encourages communities to reduce their exposure to disasters and highlights the importance of building resilient infrastructure and improving preparedness. The day is part of a broader effort aligned with the **Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (2015-2030)**.
#### **History**
- **1989**: The UN General Assembly designated the second Wednesday of October as the International Day for Natural Disaster Reduction.
- **2009**: The UN General Assembly officially set October 13 as the date for IDDRR.
- **Sendai Framework**: Adopted in 2015, it became the main reference point for disaster risk reduction, focusing on building resilience to natural and man-made hazards.
#### **Significance**
- **Awareness**: Raises global awareness about reducing exposure to disasters and limiting damage to critical infrastructure.
- **Preparedness**: Encourages preparedness measures in disaster-prone areas, ensuring communities can effectively respond to and recover from crises.
- **Collaboration**: Promotes global cooperation among governments, organizations, and individuals to develop sustainable practices that reduce the risk of disasters.
#### **Important Points**
- **Sendai Framework**: This key framework targets reducing disaster risk and losses by strengthening disaster preparedness, resilience, and recovery.
- **Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR)**: Involves identifying, assessing, and reducing risks to reduce vulnerability to hazards.
- **Resilience**: The capacity of communities, cities, and countries to recover quickly from disasters is a key focus.
#### **Facts**
- **Natural disasters** are becoming more frequent and intense due to climate change.
- In many developing countries, people are at higher risk of natural hazards due to poverty and lack of infrastructure.
- Disaster risk reduction saves lives and is more cost-effective than disaster response.
#### **Timeline**
- **1989**: Establishment of the International Day for Natural Disaster Reduction.
- **2005**: Hyogo Framework for Action (2005-2015) was launched to reduce vulnerabilities.
- **2015**: Sendai Framework adopted to focus on reducing disaster risks.
- **2020**: The UN marked the IDDRR with a focus on governance and international cooperation.
#### **FAQs**
1. **What is the purpose of the IDDRR?**
The purpose is to raise awareness and educate people on disaster risk reduction efforts, policies, and measures to minimize the impact of disasters.
2. **Why is disaster risk reduction important?**
It helps save lives, protect livelihoods, and reduce economic losses by preparing and planning for disasters before they occur.
3. **What are the key aspects of disaster risk reduction?**
DRR includes understanding risk, improving preparedness, enhancing early warning systems, building resilient infrastructure, and ensuring community-level participation.
4. **How can individuals contribute to disaster risk reduction?**
By being informed, participating in community drills, adopting safer building practices, and staying aware of potential hazards.
#### **Wishing**
- **General Wish**: "On this International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction, let us all commit to building safer, more resilient communities and reducing the risks posed by disasters."
- **For Communities**: "Wishing all communities the strength and foresight to prepare and prevent disaster risks to protect lives and livelihoods."
#### **Significance of the Day**
- Highlights the importance of **prevention** over response to disasters.
- Promotes the need for **global cooperation** and policy-making to reduce disaster risks.
- Emphasizes on **community involvement** and **resilience-building** for a safer future.
By commemorating this day, countries worldwide aim to reduce the impact of disasters, both natural and human-made, and create safer, more sustainable societies.
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