From disaster relief to disaster risk reduction: a consideration of the evolving international relief mechanism
Abstract
Disaster risk reduction is an ever-growing concept and finds its application within
various disciplines. This article investigates the development of disaster risk reduction
and some of the most important aspects which shaped it. The early years of international
disaster relief are discussed and it is shown how a change in this system was necessitated
by a variety of factors and international disasters, which exposed its weakness. The
article argues that disaster relief and development aid were inextricably linked and it is
this linkage which provided a catalyst for questioning the manner in which relief, and
development assistance, were provided. The later emphasis on disaster preparedness
and management is discussed, and international policies and mechanisms, which
contributed to a gradual shift in focus towards disaster risk reduction, enjoy attention.
The article concludes that solutions to disaster risks lie within a rigorous transdisciplinary
focus.
Collections
Related items
Showing items related by title, author, creator and subject.
-
The contribution of ineffective urban planning practices to disaster and disaster risks accumulation in urban areas: the case of former Kunduchi quarry site in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Malele, Benedict F (AOSIS OpenJournals, 2009)This study examined the link between urban planning practices and disaster risks. The study used the former Kunduchi Quarry Site within the City of Dar es Salaam to demonstrate how laxity in enforcing the laid down planning ... -
Disaster event: Window of opportunity to implement global disaster policies?
Manyena, Siambabala B (AOSIS OpenJournals, 2013)Disasters have been predominantly construed as destructive events causing loss of lives, livelihoods and hard-won development. Much less attention has been paid to the constructive nature of disasters as creating potential ... -
Public-private partnerships in local disaster management: a panacea to all local disaster management ILLS?
Van der Berg, A. (2015)It is anticipated that the occurrence and intensity of disasters will increase globally and in South Africa where typical disasters include droughts, floods, extreme hailstorms, gales, fires and earthquakes, as well as ...