Disaster and Development

Disaster and Development

Historically it has been seen there has been an apparent increase in the number of natural disasters resulting in increasing losses due to urbanization and population growth. This is a rigid one-sided outlook of development that recognizes only growth aspect, without an eye on sustainability. In the context of definition of a disaster. we recognize only damage and destruction. 

With reference to the tsunami in 2004, Maldives, Sri Lanka, and Thailand suffered from non-ecologically sustainable over-development in coastal areas and India, Sumatra and North East Sri Lanka, suffered because affected pockets were inaccessible due to underdevelopment and impoverishment of the people. Such disastrous events have demonstrated that development has to continue, but with due concern for protection of the environment.

Science and technology should be fruitfully employed to control disasters. Alternatives should be generated by research and development in science and technology with emphasis on science and technology, especially information communication technology (ICT) for better understanding of disasters and better reach of disaster response efforts

Disasters and Development are interrelated, both in positive and negative ways. 

With regard to the relationship between disasters and development we can identify ‘four’

different dimensions to this relation:

1. Disasters can set back development by wiping out decades of economic and social development. Disasters can also limit social development. Disasters worsen poverty in communities.
2. Disasters can provide development opportunities by development policy in the aftermath period. Disasters can elevate the development potential of a society by becoming a catalyst for change in the form of reconstruction and social development as well as upgrading administrative capability and training of personnel involved. Ex: Reforestation programs after landslides and flash floods to check soil erosion, have spin off effects on other sectors, such as improved air quality, better flora and fauna, health and longevity for people, etc. These in-turn work as development programs in the form of more sources of income for the poor, enhanced employment opportunities, etc. Development opportunities often are compromised because of excessive focus on relief assistance. Disasters can also be a major vehicle for carrying out major development programs.
3. Development can increase vulnerability as Social and economic development can increase the vulnerability of the community to disaster risks. It has been shown time and again that economic development increases disaster risk. Rapid urbanisation has increased the vulnerability of the community. Urban development often leads to an influx of relatively low income groups, with large scale settlement of marginal land or in high density, poor quality housing. Marine and coastal zone development leads to population concentrations, exposed to possible storm surge, high wind, flash flood and landslide risks. 
4. Development can reduce vulnerability as demonstrated in the examples given below:
1. Disaster resistant technologies in buildings that are being newly constructed in Malaysia is a good example of development oriented towards risk reduction
2. Social development includes awareness/education to reduce human vulnerability and limit losses in a disaster
3. A literate and better-educated population, including women and girls, is better able to cope up effectively to any disaster by responding effectively to early warnings