Latest news on Disaster Risk Reduction

The regional programme for “Disaster Risk Reduction to Improve Resilience of Communities and Institutions in the South Caucasus” has been launched today in Yerevan. The programme, in its fourth phase, aims to make communities in areas prone to natural hazards less vulnerable, and to boost their resilience to natural and man-made hazards.

In the midst of one of the worst droughts to affect Central America in decades, the expanded Panama Canal is a model for how to adapt to climate change and reduce disaster risk. The revamped system of basins and locks has not only increased traffic capacity, it is also expected to reduce overall water use by seven percent, thereby lowering the risks...

PANAMA CITY, Panama, June 28 2016— In the midst of one of the worst droughts to affect Central America in decades, the expanded Panama Canal is a model for how to adapt to climate change and reduce disaster risk.

The 77-kilometre canal, which is a major conduit for international commerce, has been operating since 1914. It has just undergone a major upgrade to increase its…

This publication fleshes out the United Kingdom's government response to the winter floods 2015-16 and the support schemes for recovery announced. In addition, this document discusses review plans announced by the government: a National Flood Resilience Review, taking place to better protect the UK from future flooding and increasingly...

This publication presents the Southern California (SoCal) Disaster Risk Reduction Initiative, spearheaded by the University of South California Bedrosian Center on Governance. The cooperative set of recommendations is designed by academia and the private sector to prevent or minimize the damage and disruption caused by a major natural...

This document compiles submissions made by several Parties and organizations, with the aim to encourage comprehensive risk management by the diffusion of information related to financial instruments and tools, addressing the risks of loss and damage, associated to climate change. A number of valuable lessons are reported from the application of the...

Not only have seawalls in certain areas repeatedly failed when tested, but they pose a threat to the delicate ecosystems associated with wetlands and intertidal areas by reflecting energy generated by wind and waves back into the water. Emerging research suggests that in some areas, biological barriers better protect against coastal hazards.

Since 2007, federal and provincial governments have dealt with water-related disaster events causing unprecedented damage to crops, property and infrastructure. Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister MacAulay recently announced a million-dollar investment into a modelling platform to analyze the effects of land use and simulate mitigation strategies in...

The AIR worldwide model reflects extensive research on seismic hazard and vulnerability, providing a comprehensive view of earthquake risk in India, enabling companies to better manage their risk from earthquake shake and liquefaction. Since the 2011 Christchurch earthquake, liquefaction is recognized as an important component of earthquake risk assessment.

Given the considerable risk exposure of the Philippines, the government is committed to building resilience to natural hazards by mainstreaming disaster risk management. The World Bank has bolstered this support by funding a technical assistance program to review and revise the National Building Code (NBC) with an eye to integrating disaster risk reduction...