Why do so many people die in disasters and how can we reduce them?

Time

11:00 a.m. - 12:30 a.m. (GMT+1)

Session abstract

To reduce disaster deaths and losses, the UN's 'Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030' has set seven global targets, of which, the first two targets are: 'Substantially reduce disaster mortality by 2030' (target A) and 'Substantially reduce the number of affected people by disasters by 2030' (target B).

In March 2024, the Snapshot of Sendai Monitor Framework provided an update on the seven global targets for the period 2014-2023 (UNDRR, 2024). Based on the data submitted by 160 countries, average disaster-related mortality per 100,000 population declined from 1.62 in 2005-2014 to 0.82 in 2014-2023 (a decline of 49%) (target A). On the other hand, the number of disaster-affected people increased from 1,187 per 100,000 population during 2005-2014 to 2,032 during 2014-2023 (an increase of 71%) (target B). The least developed countries (LDCs), landlocked developing countries (LLDCs), and small island developing states (SIDS) are carrying the burden of disaster deaths and affected populations (UNDRR, 2024).

Despite an increase in disasters, the results for target A are welcoming for the period 2014-2023 compared to 2005-2014. In the latter period, disaster-related mortality per 100,000 population declined by 49%. On the other hand, the results for the target B are concerning. The number of disaster-affected people increased by 71% in 2014-2023 compared to 2004-2015. This is, however, grossly underestimated data because 50% (80) of the UN Member States who ratified the Sendai Framework did not report on these two targets. Therefore, vital statistics as well as 'causes and circumstances' (Jonkman and Kelman, 2005; Ray-Bennett, forthcoming) surrounding the affected population are undocumented.

When the affected populations are not supported, they are pushed into further poverty, ill health, and homelessness, including indirect disaster deaths (Ray-Bennett, 2023; Japan Times, 2019). Currently, the Sendai Monitor does not document indirect disaster deaths. The latest research by Young and Hsiang (2024) indicates that disasters are broader events that have lasting effects for decades after they hit-whether from stress, financial hardship, pollution, or long-term disease (Sridhar, 2024).

In light of this background, this session will engage with the audience by forming break-out groups. Each groupwill discuss/brainstorm on how indirect disaster deaths or avoidable disaster deaths could be avoided (e.g. before/during/after major events (natural/manmade hazard disasters etc., or snakebite, or drowning, etc. - special topics of ADN); and could they be connected with the disaster risk management cycle (preparation - prevention - response - where and how we could avoid them). Each group then presents the results, and the session moderators will summarise the results (5 to 10 bullet points as a result).

Agenda

1. To raise the visibility of 'causes and circumstances' of disaster deaths' as a meaningful tool for anticipatory action to reduce avoidable disaster deaths or indirect disaster deaths;
2. To increase knowledge on avoidable disaster deaths both for the session organisers and also for the audience. The proposed innovative session offers a platform to learn from each other. Most importantly this session is also an opportunity for a participant to show off their level of knowledge to all;
3. Tobring world-class experts, academics and practitioners and the global audience in one location and learn about their tried and tested, impactful 'measures and interventions that can reduce avoidable disaster deaths, locally and globally;
4. To share challenges, opportunities and lessons learnt to improve disaster preparedness, response and recovery so that the number of disaster deaths and people affected by disasters can be reduced by 2030;
5. ADN is part of the Sendai Framework's Voluntary Commitments (SFVC) Platform. Our Voluntary Commitments to the UNDRR are up until 2030 on the first two targets of the Sendai Framework at the interface with three Sustainable Development Goals (11, 13 and 17). As such, this event will be an opportunity to uphold our Commitments to the UNDRR and also raise the visibility of these Commitments at the UNOCHA's Summit in Geneva; and
6. Most importantly the objective of this session is also to have fun and make the learning process entertaining and by doing so, promote active learning.

Session structure

The session will be delivered in three parts. The first part will introduce the background and context of the session and introduce ADN (15 minutes).

In the second part, groups will be formed, and discussions or brainstorming will take place in groups (30 minutes).

In the third part, each group will present their results, which will then be concluded with remarks from the technical expert team (35 minutes).

Another 10 minutes will be allocated for a pre-and post-poll survey to assess the audience's level of confidence and knowledge(using a 5-level Likert scale).

Speakers

Chairs

Professor Alois Hirschmugl and Professor Nibedita Ray-Bennett

Technical experts speakers

1. Dr Winifred Ekezie, Co-Director of Centre for Health and Society, Aston University, UK
2. Dr Albrecht Beck, Director of Prepared International, Germany
3. Professor Nibedita S. Ray-Bennett, Professor of Risk Management, Founding President of ADN, University of Leicester, UK.
4. Dr Stephen Samuel, Sr. Vice President of Clinical Medicince, Ophirex Inc., USA
5. Professor Alois Hirschmugl,Technical Director of DMAT Consulting KG, Austria