International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction

International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction is observed annually on 13 October with the aim of reducing risks from natural and human-induced disasters, preventing losses caused by disasters, and building community resilience. The day seeks to raise awareness among individuals and communities about measures to reduce their exposure to disasters.

Disaster risk is defined by the Presidency of Disaster and Emergency Management (AFAD) as the likelihood of potential harm to people, settlements, and the natural environment resulting from a specific hazard occurring in the future. When combined with inadequate preparedness and vulnerability, disasters can lead to severe social, economic, and environmental losses.

Disaster (Anadolu Agency)

History

The International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in 1989. The years 2005–2015 were declared the Decade for Natural Disaster Risk Reduction, during which the Hyogo Framework for Action was published. The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (2015–2030), adopted in 2015, aims to improve understanding of the dimensions of disaster risk—exposure, vulnerability, and hazard—and to strengthen disaster risk management at national levels.

Purpose and Significance

The primary purpose of the day is to prepare communities for disaster risk, emphasize the importance of preventive and mitigative strategies, and minimize losses caused by disasters. Disasters can disrupt the enjoyment of fundamental rights such as health, education, housing, and employment. Their economic impacts can leave countries facing rising debt, low income, and recurring humanitarian crises. Therefore, reducing disaster risk is critically important for safeguarding the right to a safe life and protecting human rights.

Disaster (Anadolu Agency)

Disaster Risk Reduction in the Global Context

Under the leadership of the United Nations and UNESCO, international policies and programs have been developed to reduce disaster risk. UNESCO aims to enhance community resilience through education, early warning systems, and capacity-building initiatives. Each year, a specific theme is designated to raise public awareness about disaster risk. The 2024 theme, “Empowering a Resilient Generation for the Future,” focuses on protecting young people from disasters through education. The 2025 theme, “Invest in Resilience, Fund Disaster Prevention,” highlights the importance of preparedness and resilient investments.

Through the Global Alliance for Disaster Risk Reduction and Resilience in the Education Sector (GADRRRES), UNESCO implements comprehensive initiatives to develop school safety and a culture of security. This approach focuses on preventive methods that address both physical infrastructure and risk-reduction practices. Additionally, UNESCO utilizes the Emergency Fund for Natural Sciences to enhance rapid response and recovery capacity after disasters and to promote the expansion of early warning systems.

Disaster Risk Reduction Efforts in Türkiye

Türkiye faces natural disasters such as earthquakes, landslides, floods, and avalanches, as well as human-induced crises. Disaster risk reduction efforts across the country are coordinated by AFAD. Local-level risk reduction is achieved through the Türkiye Disaster Risk Reduction Plan (TARAP) and Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Plans (İRAP).

Disaster Risk (Anadolu Agency)