Disaster Risk Management Literature Review

Literature Review

DRM can be described as people’s capability to manage their natural and social environment and built infrastructures through a protective shield so as to create a resilient future for themselves and future generations. The idea behind DRM is holistic and it requires continuous upgradation of strategies and policies in order to ensure that associated approaches are regarded as a mutual obligation comprising of concerns such as hazard mitigation (Pelling 2003; Trim 2004) and built infrastructure (Burby et al. 2000; Wamsler 2004).

According to Bosher et al (2007), a built infrastructure that is resilient enough to protect its inhabitants demands a comprehensive proficiency and awareness to mitigate the effects of disasters.

“The United Nations’ International Strategy for Disaster Reduction has embraced a notion of DRM that can be summed up into four stages as;1) hazard identification, 2) mitigative adaptations, 3) preparedness planning; and, 4) recovery (short-term) and reconstruction (longer term) planning.”

Resilience of the built setup can be determined by individual competence and infrastructural ability to sustain adequate stages of functionality pre and post disastrous event and to recover full functionality within a defined time period. Regardless of extensive advancement in science and technology towards enhanced performance of the built environment during disasters, one still witnesses loss of life, interruption of networks, damaged assets, and loss of commercial stability and crucial facilities (McAllister, 2013).

DRR is a systematized network to identify, evaluate, and reduce the hazards of disasters. It is intended to be an integral part of the work done and crisis resolved by policy makers and relief organizations alike. DRR requires collaborative response from respective persons and organizations as no single person or organization can tackle such a vast and complex concern. While focusing on the characteristics of disaster resilient community, the public-private partnership should be considered fully to ensure the active involvement of all factors

To prevent from hazardous outcomes, preventive efforts need to be considered fully and educational institutions must adopt ways to mitigate and control disasters through emergency plans, drills, and resiliency of the building. DRA comprises of a systematic approach of identifying and quantifying the safety risks to be determined and evaluated for decision making by administrators, security planners, architects, designers, engi¬neers, and other