Disasters, Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR), Disaster Risk Management (DRM)

A Disaster is: A serious disruption of the functioning of an organization, community or society causing widespread human, material, economic or environmental losses or impacts which exceed the ability of the affected organization, community or society to cope using its own resources.(UNISDR)

Disasters are events which are primarily caused by the impact of hazards on organizations and communities. Hazards can be broadly grouped into those that are natural in origin, and those which have technological or social origins or in other words are man-made. The following are examples of the various hazards that you may have to deal with: Natural hazards - droughts, floods, tsunamis, fires, volcanic activity, typhoons, cyclones and earthquakes. Man-made hazards -environmental incidents, industrial accidents, crime and terrorism, war, conflict and other security related problems. Biological hazards -epidemics, animal diseases, crop diseases, algal blooms and pest infestations.

Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR): The concept and practice of reducing disaster risks through systematic efforts to analyse and manage the causal factors of disasters, including through reduced exposure to hazards, lessened vulnerability of people and property, wise management of land and the environment and improving preparedness for adverse events. (UNISDR)

Disaster Risk Management (DRM):

The systematic process of using administrative directives organizations and operational skills and capacities to implement strategies, policies and improved coping capacities in order to lessen the adverse impacts of hazards and the possibility of disaster. (UNISDR)

At Emergency Crisis and Security Solutions Ltd we have worked extensively with governments, communities, international and national aid organizations throughout Europe, Africa, Asia and Australasia in both DRR and DRM.