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General Disaster Statistics

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Title: General Disaster Statistics

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General Disaster Statistics

Comparing data for the past decade (1997-2006)
with data for the previous decade (1987-1996),
the number of reported disasters grew from 4,241
to 6,806-an increase of 60
Over the same period the number of deaths
doubled, from more than 600,000 to more than 1.2
million
The average number of people reported affected
per year rose by 17, from approx 230 million to
270 million
In 2004, the Red Cross and Red Crescent responded
to 64 floods. By 2006 this figure had jumped to
140
In 2006, National Societies responded to 481
disasters or crises in their countries, an
increase of 22 on 2005 and 41 on 2003

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Key Messages on Disasters

The number, severity and impact of disasters are
on the rise because of factors such as climate
change, unplanned mass urbanisation, rapid
population growth and environmental degradation
Climate change is a humanitarian issue as much as
it is an environmental and economic one. It will
lead to an increase in the frequency and severity
of weather extremes such as heat waves, floods,
droughts and tropical cyclones.

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Key messages contd

The only option for meeting this challenge is to
invest in disaster risk reduction-in making
communities stronger and more resilient in the
first place
Studies have shown that every dollar invested in
risk reduction can save between two and ten
dollars in disaster response and recovery costs.
Thousands of lives and billions of dollars could
be saved every year
At present only 4 of the US10 billion spent
annually on humanitarian assistance goes towards
prevention and reducing risks.

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World Disasters Report 2007

Discrimination exists before disaster strikes but
is exacerbated during an emergency
Millions of people suffer disproportionately
every year due to discrimination
The continuing cycle of neglect, ignorance and
antipathy must be broken by governments, donors,
the media and aid organizations willing to think
and act differently to address the various types
of discrimination.

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Disasters dont discriminate people do

Vulnerable groups are often excluded from the
disaster planning process before, during and
after an emergency
What are the causes and effects of discrimination
against groups such as minorities, older people,
persons with disabilities and women?
There are over 600 million persons with
disabilities worldwide between 7 and 10 per
cent of the global population 80 per cent of
whom live in developing countries.

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Marginalization

Many marginalized people are not included in
their countrys census
After a disaster, many initial assessments do not
take into account the needs of vulnerable people
and disadvantaged groups
These groups are, to all intents and purposes,
invisible when it comes to disaster preparedness
and response.

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Ignorance

Vulnerable groups need to be more clearly
identified
A lack of consistency in identifying such groups
leads to confusion and sometimes further neglect
Their active participation in assessments should
be secured

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Ignorance contd

Many elderly people have much experience to
offer, having previously lived through disasters.
Funding to support older people represents a
fraction of the overall sums directed through
humanitarian organizations. Funding accounts for
1 per cent or less of individual country
responses significantly short of the 7 per cent
recommended by the Sphere Project.

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Awareness

Getting help to people quickly is essential.
However, a one size fits all approach does not
work
Decisions must be based on an analysis of needs
There must be a determination to look beyond the
obvious
Are the specific needs of minorities, older
people, persons with disabilities and women
factored in?

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Exclusion

Discriminated groups are often excluded from
education and work so the ability to communicate
with them and utilize their knowledge is
overlooked
They often lack influence to improve their own
situation
A solution is to support and encourage the
development of community-based organizations that
can represent specific groups

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Participation

Minority groups are often excluded even in times
of emergency due to their limited power and
authority
Only by including representatives from different
minority and vulnerable groups in assessments,
planning and implementation will this result in a
more considered and fair disaster response

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Prejudice

Prejudice , ignorance, fear and hatred can come
from within governments and agencies. We must
challenge and change this behaviour
Prejudice can also be reinforced by the media.
Examples of this were seen in Romania against the
Roma community after the 2006 flooding
Advocacy must also take place within communities
to promote greater understanding and tolerance

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Recommendations

Each country must carry out an accurate census
Introduce clear international definitions of
minority groups
Develop better emergency needs assessments
Enable greater involvement of community-based
organizations representing those traditionally
discriminated against
Encourage more advocacy
Address obvious discrimination and uncover that
which is hidden

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Our role

The International Federation aims to reduce the
suffering of the most vulnerable
The most vulnerable are often the most invisible
Our network of National Societies gives us access
to these remote communities in 186 countries
There are no quick solutions, but gaining access
to vulnerable and minority groups in times of
stability will help prepare for times of crisis
The aim is to encourage debate on the issues
raised, research into the less-covered areas and,
most importantly, action to address
discrimination in all its forms.

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Irish Red Cross Specific