What we need to do to reduce disaster risk

The devastating impact of recent hurricanes in the Carribbean Islands and in parts of the United States indicate how important it is to plan and prepare for disasters, especially if we are to minimise the number of people affected by them. The wrenching stories coming out of the places worst-hit by Hurricanes Irma and Maria, of families left in the dark without power or water for days and weeks, highlight the urgency of the task at hand. Today, on the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction, is a good opportunity to take stock of the strides made in preparing for and managing the fallout from disasters, while planning for the task that still lies ahead.