The destructive power of disasters
Disasters strike suddenly, often with devastating force, altering lives in seconds. Whether natural, like earthquakes, droughts, floods, hurricanes, or human-made, the consequences are the same: death, destruction, hunger, disease, and trauma. The low- and middle-income countries are hit hardest, as they often lack the resources to recover without external support.
Each year, a significant number of people encounter disasters without adequate preparation, resulting in the loss of lives and livelihoods within moments. Once deprived of their resources, these people face considerable challenges in their efforts to rebuild. Implementing disaster risk reduction strategies is essential in mitigating such adverse outcomes, and these measures should be initiated well in advance of a crisis. Preparedness is the foremost component of CBM’s three-part emergency strategy and is particularly crucial for persons with disabilities. Timely and proactive measures can significantly enhance the likelihood of safeguarding their lives during emergencies.