What are the challenges to mitigate disasters?
We need to recognize the fact that natural disasters are increasing in both frequency and intensity. Their impact on human lives and livelihoods, and the economy as a whole, is also increasing, due to higher population numbers and densities. Simultaneously, disasters caused as a result of human activities are also increasing, notwithstanding the awareness campaigns and strategic programming undertaken. Capacity to combat disasters in developing countries is particularly weak, and disaster preparedness strategies and programmes need to be built into ongoing developmental efforts, and link it to broader economic development. A number of stakeholders, at the global, national, sub-regional and local levels need to come together with different resources to deal with disaster mitigation. • What are the elements of disaster preparedness and mitigation? One of the key aspects in disaster mitigation is to take into account all aspects of a disaster – and not just human relief and rehabilitation
