Disasters, whether natural or man-made, don’t give warnings before they strike. In an instant, they can destroy lives, wipe out infrastructure, and unravel years of development. While we cannot prevent every disaster, we can certainly prepare for them—and preparation can mean the difference between survival and catastrophe.
As we mark the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction (IDDRR) on October 13, it is an urgent reminder that resilience starts well before disaster hits. The observance, first declared by the United Nations General Assembly in 1989, aims to foster a global culture of risk-awareness, preparedness, and sustainable safety.
2025 Theme: “Fund Resilience, Not Disasters”
This year’s theme, “Fund Resilience, Not Disasters”, is more than a slogan—it’s a strategic call for change. It urges governments, financial institutions, and stakeholders worldwide to rethink how they allocate resources.
Instead of pouring funds into disaster recovery after devastation has occurred, the emphasis is now on proactive investments in long-term resilience.
Key Aspects of the 2025 Theme:
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Proactive Investment:
Focus on building resilient infrastructure, improving urban planning, and strengthening early warning systems—before a crisis strikes. -
Risk-Informed Financing:
Integrate disaster risk assessments into development planning, budgeting, and financial decision-making to reduce long-term costs. -
Shift from Reaction to Prevention:
Recovery is often more expensive and traumatic. Investing in preparedness now can save billions in relief, reconstruction, and lost productivity. -
Inclusive Participation:
The UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) encourages not just governments, but civil society, businesses, and individuals to contribute initiatives aligned with this year’s theme.
How India is Building Resilience
With its vast and diverse geography, India is among the most disaster-prone countries in the world. Floods, cyclones, earthquakes, droughts, and landslides are regular challenges. Recognising this, India has made significant strides in disaster risk reduction—both at the central and state levels.
At the National Level:
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National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA):
The apex body that sets disaster policies, coordinates national responses, and works on reducing vulnerabilities. -
National Disaster Response Force (NDRF):
A highly trained and specialised force deployed for rescue and relief missions. Their work in flood rescue, earthquake response, and cyclone evacuation has saved countless lives. -
Early Warning Systems:
Collaborations between IMD, ISRO, and INCOIS have made early warnings more accurate, helping coastal states evacuate people well before cyclones arrive. -
Disaster Education & Awareness:
Through mock drills, school safety programs, and digital platforms, citizens are being educated on how to act when disaster strikes.
State and Local Efforts:
Each state has its own State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) and dedicated disaster response teams. Some leading practices include:
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Odisha’s Cyclone Resilience Model:
With pre-built cyclone shelters, community warning systems, and trained local volunteers, Odisha has transformed from disaster-prone to disaster-ready. -
Tamil Nadu’s Flood Preparedness Plan:
Mapping flood-prone areas, building water retention infrastructure, and equipping local bodies to manage relief operations. -
Local Empowerment:
Panchayats and urban municipalities are increasingly trained and resourced to act as first responders.
India’s Disaster Response in Action
When disasters strike, India’s response system kicks in with a well-coordinated approach:
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Early Warning & Evacuation:
SMS alerts, loudspeaker announcements, and local volunteers help get people to safety. -
Rapid Response:
Teams from NDRF, SDRF, the Army, and NGOs work to rescue, provide medical aid, and distribute food and water. -
Rehabilitation & Recovery:
Government and aid agencies assist in rebuilding homes, compensating losses, and restoring essential services. -
Use of Technology:
Drones, satellite data, and GIS mapping are now used for real-time damage assessment and decision-making.
What Can You Do? Simple Steps to Stay Safe
Preparedness is not just a government’s job—it’s a shared responsibility. Here are a few things we can all do:
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Keep an emergency kit at home.
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Save emergency contacts and evacuation routes.
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Learn basic first-aid.
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Stay updated through verified news and government alerts.
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Participate in community drills and awareness campaigns.
Conclusion: Let’s Choose Prevention Over Regret
The theme for 2025—“Fund Resilience, Not Disasters”—urges a bold shift in mindset. Rather than waiting for destruction to strike and then scrambling for relief, we must build stronger, safer systems now.
Disasters may be inevitable, but disaster devastation is not.
Let’s invest today in saving lives tomorrow—because resilience is not just about bouncing back, it’s about being ready to stand strong.