USAID: Preparing today for tomorrow’s disaster

On the occasion of the International Day for Disaster Reduction, the World Bank and U.S. Geological Survey stated that one dollar spent on risk reduction can save seven dollars in relief and repair costs as reported by USAID. That is why USAID tries to promote disaster risk reduction around the world.

For example, they launched the PROMISE program in order to map hazards and establish community-based early warning mechanisms in six flood-prone cities in Asia. It was seen as a success in Dagupan City, the Philippines, in October 2009, as no casualties were experienced. Furthermore, disaster risk reduction is also about protecting people against drought (e.g. Kenya).