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| Handling Disasters | | |
Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently outlined five key global priorities for him to build disaster-resilient infrastructure, including a skilled workforce, a global digital repository to document best practices and innovative financing.
PM Modi noted that India has established a tsunami-warning system benefitting 29 countries and that it recognises the Small Island Developing States (SIDA) as large-ocean countries and the need for special attention to their vulnerabilities.
Whenever disasters occur, they cause significant damage to lives and property. So it’s important to take preventive measures that can save lives and properties whenever any disaster strikes. The need of the hour is to develop resilient infrastructure and proactive disaster management.
PM Modi’s vision to build a skilled workforce, create a global digital repository of best practices, and pursue innovative financing mechanisms underscores India’s leadership in promoting sustainable development and disaster preparedness.
Disasters—whether natural or man-made—leave a trail of destruction, affecting lives, livelihoods, and critical infrastructure. From cyclones and floods to earthquakes and wildfires, the damage caused is not limited to any single region or country. What makes this reality more complex is that the most vulnerable populations often suffer the most, particularly those in Small Island Developing States (SIDS), which Prime Minister Modi respectfully referred to as “large-ocean countries.” His emphasis on recognizing their unique challenges and extending special attention to their needs demonstrates a much-needed inclusivity in global disaster policy.
India’s past experiences with devastating disasters, including the super-cyclone of 1999 and the tsunami of 2004 taught the country to deal with such challenges.
After these disasters, cyclone shelters were built across vulnerable areas and establishment of the tsunami-warning system helped in predicting the disasters before they could strike.
The disaster resilience requires innovative financing and creation of actionable programmes to ensure that developing countries have access to the necessary funds. It’s imperative to strengthen early-warning systems and coordination. They have a critical role in facilitating timely decision making and effective last-mile communication.
PM Modi called for the construction of infrastructure that remains steadfast against time and tide, emphasising the need for resilience in development.
He called for global efforts to build a strong and disaster-resilient future for the world.
Preventive infrastructure and proactive planning save lives and resources. Waiting for disasters to strike and then acting is a recipe for irreversible loss. A shift towards resilience, backed by global collaboration and local commitment, is the need of the hour. |
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