International Disaster Reduction Day a time to think of our neighbours

Friday, October 12, 2012

Average sea level rises of 8mm a year since 1993 are posing a significant threat to the Solomon Islands, according to international aid agency World Vision.

As the incidence of intense climate-related disasters is rising – especially in some subregions of Asia and the Pacific – the world needs to act to minimise the effect on the people living in these areas.

While the International Day for Disaster Reduction on Saturday highlights the need to build resilience in communities, World Vision Australia’s Food Security and Climate Change staff are working to help the most vulnerable in the region.

United Nations research shows that disaster risk reduction makes good economic – as well as humanitarian – sense, as every dollar spent reducing risks saves seven in recovery.

World Vision Australia chief executive Tim Costello said the increasing frequency of extreme weather events was cause for global concern.

“This is no longer development as usual,” Mr Costello said. “This is a looming humanitarian disaster. The plight of these people is extreme.”

Mr Costello saw first-hand evidence of rising sea levels while in the Solomon Islands this week, where World Vision is also running programs to reduce gender-based violence.

Mr Costello said disaster risk reduction is about trying to reduce the likelihood of disasters occurring; minimising the potential damage when disasters do occur; and pre-emptively building community resilience so they are better able to recover.

To donate to the Emergency Preparedness Fund, which helps World Vision respond to disasters, call 13 32 40 or go to www.worldvision.com.au

Media contact: Kate Rose – 0418 528 683 / kate.rose@worldvision.com.au

Media Releases, Climate change, Asia and the Pacific, Disaster relief, Foreign Aid, Tim Costello, United Nations

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