What is meant by 'disaster risk reduction'?

Disaster risk reduction refers to the proactive measures and strategies implemented to reduce the potential impacts of natural disasters. This involves understanding the risks associated with disasters and putting in place systems to mitigate those risks. The focus is on minimizing damage to lives, property, and the environment by enhancing resilience and preparedness before disasters strike.

This approach includes a range of activities, such as improving building standards, promoting disaster preparedness among communities, and implementing early warning systems. Rather than merely reacting after a disaster, disaster risk reduction emphasizes preparedness and mitigation, ensuring that communities are better equipped to withstand and recover from hazards.

Other choices do not encompass the comprehensive nature of disaster risk reduction. For instance, increasing disaster occurrences would be counterproductive, while focusing solely on recovery fails to address the need for preventive measures. Similarly, predicting disasters, while important, is only one aspect of the broader strategy aimed at reducing risks and impacts before they occur.