Earthquakes, storms, floods and other hazards can threaten lives and damage homes, schools and services. The harm depends on more than the event itself. The risk depends on where people live and how buildings are designed. Available support also matters.
Why it matters
To prepare, communities need clear warnings and strong public services. Plans for leaving danger must work for everyone. Recovery can take years and should include the people most affected. PreventionWeb, managed by the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction, shares ways to reduce risk. It also explores how communities can cope with and recover from difficult events.
Take action
Learn about local hazards through official community guidance and discuss your school’s emergency plan. Can people with disabilities use it? Does it work for people with limited transport or different language needs? Explore sustainable development to see how safer housing and better planning can protect communities over time.
Rising sea levels, severe draughts, the melting of the polar caps, the more frequent and devastating natural disasters all raise demand for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.