Given the gravity of disaster impacts in Asia over the past decade, the need for mainstreaming disaster risk reduction into national and local development policy and planning has never been higher. To do this, risk assessment is a crucial first step, writes Senior Technical Specialist Mr. Bandula Wickramarachch ahead of the 11th meeting of the Regional Consultative Committee on Disaster Management on 1–3 April in Myanmar.

Risk assessments require cooperation amongst agencies and governments for data sharing, both within a country and at a regional level. In Asia, many countries still have limited access to disaster risk reduction strategies, including risk assessments and micro-analytical tools. Improved data collection, processing and analysis for risk assessments are needed to facilitate well-informed local, national and regional decision-making.

Over recent years, several risk assessment platforms have been established in the region, but the challenge of assessing risk precisely remains, in part due to inadequate data. Most platforms still rely on historical data but there is increasing need for improved data projections, especially given the way climate change is likely to influence Asia’s future.

Despite the challenges in disaster risk assessment, considerable development gains have already been achieved. For example, major investments have improved the social and economic position of rural poor communities who are often the most vulnerable to natural hazards. These kinds of development gains need to be protected, and a key strategy for doing this is through the preparation and utilization of disaster and climate risk information as part of development.

Of course, Asia is changing quickly, and this means that new components need to be brought into the risk assessment procedure. Risk assessment platforms and mechanisms need regular updating, and Asian countries should agree on a joint agenda for this. The eleventh annual meeting of the Regional Consultative Committee on Disaster Management is a perfect forum to facilitate this dialogue for improved risk information in Asia, for better, safer development for all.

Mr. Bandula Wickramarachchi
Senior Technical Specialist
Disaster Risk Assessment and Monitoring