Here’s how to prepare for disasters, not just react to them

Disasters triggered by natural hazards were once seen as inevitable. However, we now increasingly understand them as preventable or potentially much less harmful. Incorporating disaster risk management, particularly disaster risk reduction, into development programs can mitigate the impacts of these...

J

Jinqiang (JC) Chen — Urban Development Specialist (Climate Change), Water and Urban Development Sector Office, Asian Development Bank (ADB) Sectors Group

11 May 2026

3 mins read

A

Here’s how to prepare for disasters, not just react to them

Disasters triggered by natural hazards were once seen as inevitable.

However, we now increasingly understand them as preventable or potentially much less harmful. Incorporating disaster risk management, particularly disaster risk reduction, into development programs can mitigate the impacts of these damaging events.

Disasters tied to development

Disasters are not natural. They are closely tied to development activities. They are the undesired outcomes of poorly planned development policies, decisions and practices.

Financial and infrastructure losses related to disasters triggered by natural hazards have grown substantially in many countries.

Disasters can severely threaten efforts to eliminate poverty and those who have recently climbed out of poverty can easily find themselves destitute once again after a calamity.