Are Arab cities prepared to face disaster risks? Challenges and opportunities

Abstract

Many cities in the Arab region are at risk of natural disasters. Economic, social and environmental losses resulting from a disaster. A resilient city is a sustainable metropolis. In 2009, many Arab cities joined the UNISDR campaign “My city is getting ready.” In 2015, the UNISDR asked municipalities, which took part in the campaign, to use Local Government Self-Assessment Tool to report on their state of preparedness. The paper examines the level of preparedness of Arab cities using these reports. The researcher used a mixed research method to investigate the commonalities among the Arab cities and then examine determinants of preparedness. Results show that Arab cities are not prepared. They planned interventions but did not follow with execution because of limited capacities and funds. Arab cities need to transform their institutional framework to develop a culture conducive for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR). They need to generate and disseminate information for a proper decision making. Arab cities must invest in early warning systems; prepare risk assessments and vulnerability maps. They have to secure funds for social services and infrastructures. Arab cities must prepare and implement land use plans to minimize risks and enforce the use of building codes for safer human settlements