Sendai Framework Research Articles

Risk justice: Boosting the contribution of risk management to sustainable development.

Comprehensively addressing different aspects of justice is essential to enable risk management to contribute to sustainable development. This article offers a new conceptual framework called risk justice that comprises procedural, distributive, and corrective justice in four dimensions related to sustainable development: social, ecological, spatial, and temporal issues. Risk justice is defined as the quality of being fair and reasonable while governing and managing a possible negative event. After explaining the conceptual framework, a detailed content analysis of two international guidelines for disaster risk management (the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 and the European Floods Directive) illustrates the analytical potential of the risk justice framework. Findings show strong emphasis on social and spatial aspects of distributive and procedural justice in the two documents, whereas considerations of corrective justice and temporal and ecological issues are scarce or indirect. This may result in conflicting impacts of disaster risk management on sustainable development. Therefore, discussing risk management with a risk justice viewpoint while elaborating guidelines or choosing risk management strategies provides new avenues for sustainable development and facilitates transparent trade-offs. Our risk justice framework enables risk practitioners and researchers to reflect systemically about justice in risk management in different risk contexts and can be used both as a proactive and as a retrospective tool.

A national seismic risk model for Canada: Methodology and scientific basis

Canada is exposed to rare but potentially destructive earthquakes that threaten densely settled metropolitan centers in many parts of the country. To assess the impacts and consequences of future natural-hazard events and help advance policy goals and objectives of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, Natural Resources Canada, through a collaborative partnership with the Global Earthquake Model Foundation, produced a national seismic risk model. Developing this model has required the creation of a national exposure inventory, Canadian-specific fragility and vulnerability curves, and significant simplification of the Canadian Seismic Hazard Model which forms the basis for the design seismic hazard values of the National Building Code of Canada. Using the Global Earthquake Model Foundation’s OpenQuake Engine, probabilistic stochastic risk modeling is completed under baseline and simulated retrofit conditions to assess seismic risk at the neighborhood level for all settled areas in Canada. Output risk metrics include the expected immediate physical impacts of earthquake events such as building damage, casualties, and direct economic losses. This article documents the technical details of the modeling approach including a description of novel data sets in use, a summary of the extensive sensitivity testing undertaken, and characterization of quality control implemented in the absence of usable validating earthquake loss data. The results from this model, such as loss exceedance curves and annual average losses, provide an open, accessible and quantitative base of evidence for decision-making at local, regional, and national levels. As a large country with a complex seismic hazard model and dispersed populations, this Canadian study is unique. However, the challenges faced and solutions offered are likely to be of interest to other nations pursuing similar programs.

Gaps in the governance of floods, droughts, and heatwaves in the United Kingdom

Disaster risk reduction (DRR) and equitable resilience have cross-cutting challenges relevant to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Sendai Framework (SF) and Climate Change Adaptation (CCA). The capacity of governments to assess, prevent, prepare, respond, and recover from disasters depends on effective laws, planning, policies, governance instruments, equity indicators, harmonized standards, and a holistic approach to cross-sectoral issues and multi-scalar challenges. The principle of subsidiarity guides the United Kingdom (UK) approach to disaster governance, with decisions taken at lowest level and coordinated at different scales (national, sub-national, local). Cross-scale work needed to address large-scale issues and enable the pooling of resources, happens at a sub-national tier created especially for this purpose. At national level, there is a government lead department for each risk identified in the National Risk Assessment, with Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) serving as the lead for floods and droughts, while the Department of Health and Social Care is the lead for heatwaves. In this paper we present the current state of the art of the governance of floods, droughts, and heatwaves in the UK, with a focus on pre-emergency phases and the shortage of indicators for assessment of the effectiveness of adaptation for all three disasters, which also compromise the realization and monitoring of targets across all three agendas. The governance of floods counts with the most developed legal framework of the three. Droughts are mainly dealt by the water sector, while heatwaves are treated exclusively as a health issue, leaving gaps with regards to the multiple risks these disasters pose to livelihoods and other sectors. Gaps and challenges that remain are related to siloed institutional approaches, lack of adaptation indicators, lack of cross-sectoral resilience standards, and lack of policy instruments and metrics to promote equitable resilience. Commonly, actions have mainly focused on the response and recovery strategies instead of risk reduction and adaptation to address rising vulnerabilities and exposure.

Connectivity of Targets for Disaster Risk Reduction and Achievement of Sustainable Development Goals - Case Study: Major Flood in DKI Jakarta 2020

[Connectivity of Targets for Disaster Risk Reduction and Achievement of Sustainable Development Goals - Case Study: Major Flood in DKI Jakarta 2020]. DKI Jakarta is naturally a flood-prone area, so handling it is not easy to do. Success in handling floods will have a positive impact on development activities, as reflected in low economic losses. The purpose of this study is to review the causes and triggers of major flooding in the DKI Jakarta area in 2020 and seek connectivity between targets in the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (SFDRR) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Researchers collect library materials from various sources that are used to analyze research problems, followed by drawing conclusions. The results showed that the causes of flooding in DKI Jakarta were geological, geomorphological, and river morphometric factors, while the La Nina phenomenon triggered major floods in 2020. The 2020 floods resulted in an economic loss of IDR 960 billion from DKI Jakarta's gross domestic product (701.98 trillion), so the proportion is 0.137 percent. In other words, success in reducing the risk of flood disasters can reduce economic losses and has indirectly encouraged the achievement of several other targets in the SDGs.
 Keywords: Floods, La Nina, SFDRR, SDGs, DKI Jakarta

The UNDRR/ISC Hazard Definition and Classification Review and Hazard Information Profiles and Links to the Sendai Framework, the SDGs, and the Paris Agreement

Introduction:The 'all hazards' approach that the Sendai Framework on Disaster Risk Reduction calls for ‘to strengthen technical and scientific capacity to capitalize on and consolidate existing knowledge and to develop and apply methodologies and models to assess disaster risks, vulnerabilities and exposure to all hazards;’ (paragraph 24 j)’ needed clarification.Method:Following extensive scientific consultation, the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) and the International Science Council (ISC) published in 2020 the UNDRR/ISC Hazard definition and classification review. This was followed by the UNDRR/ISC Hazard Information Profiles: Supplement to UNDRR-ISC Hazard Definition & Classification Review–Technical Report (2021). This Supplement consists of a description of each of the 302 hazard information profiles (HIPs), which was developed using a consultative process by scientists and experts across the globe.Results:The UNDRR/ISC Hazard Information Profiles (HIPs) provide a common set of hazard definitions and other information relevant to informing the strategies and actions of governments and stakeholders, and for managing the risks associated with hazards. They can be used whenever and wherever for assessment, planning, and action related to hazards. As such, they relate to the design, implementation, and monitoring of disaster risk reduction and risk-informed investments at all levels.Conclusion:The science-based structure of the HIPs serves to avoid confusion and duplication in the classification of hazards. It also promotes up-to-date information derived from the ‘data revolution, rigorous accountability mechanisms and renewed global partnerships’. The HIPs support the implementation of not only the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030, but also the Sustainable Development Goals of Agenda 2030, the Paris Agreement and International Health Regulations (2005). In 2022 an International Science Council Policy Brief was published describing the use of UNDRR/ISC HIPs to manage risk and implement the Sendai framework for disaster risk reduction.

The WHO Thematic Platform for Health Emergency and Disaster Risk Management Research Network (Health EDRM RN)

Introduction:WHO Thematic Platform for Health Emergency and Disaster Risk Management Research Network (Health EDRM RN) is a global expert network, launched in 2018, aiming to strengthen the scientific evidence for managing health risks associated with all types of emergencies and disasters, and to foster global collaboration among academia, government officials and other stakeholders. The Health EDRM RN’s activities are in line with WHO Health EDRM Framework, which support Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030.Method:Health EDRM RN’s strategic direction is discussed and advised by its Core Group that consists of focal points of WHO HQ responsible unit, all six Regional Offices, WHO Center for Health Development (Secretariat), RN co-chairs, and key external stakeholders. Based on the strategic direction, the Secretariat facilitates global, regional, and local collaborative activities with the RN participants and partners. As of 2022, over 250 global experts participate in the network.Results:Following the results of the Core Group Meeting in 2019, 2020 and 2021, multiple activities and results were generated including the identification of five Health EDRM key research areas. WHO Guidance on Research Methods for Health EDRM developed in collaboration with over 150 global experts, initiation of the project to establish WHO Health EDRM Knowledge Hub for developing WHO Health EDRM Research Agenda and aligning with UNDRR research agenda on thematic areas including developing a special supplement on mid-term review of Sendai Framework implementation in health. The 2022 Core Group Meeting, held on October 27, 2022, agreed to promote knowledge dissemination and implementation research for better outputs for regions and countries.Conclusion:WHO Health EDRM RN will continue its unique function as the platform of global experts and stakeholders to produce, disseminate, and apply knowledge. Participation and engagement by more and broader experts are expected.

Data Disaster to Disaster Data: Outputs of the Inter-Agency Expert Group Disaster-related Statistics (DRS) Pilot

Introduction:A Hazard Definition and Classification Review conducted by the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) and International Science Council (ISC) resulted in publication of Hazard Information Profiles (HIPs). The HIPs provide groundwork for developing a statistical framework enabling better understanding of the true burden of hazards globally. Furthermore, standardized data is critical for effective monitoring of the Sendai Framework, Sustainable Development Goals, and Paris Agreement on Climate Change.Following the publication of the HIPs, governments and National Statistical Offices (NSOs) have been encouraged to review their systems for classifying, monitoring and reporting on disaster risk reduction with the aim to gradually implement the HIPs in databases and reporting systems.The aim of the pilot is to provide statistical feedback on the applicability of the reviewed hazard classification and its HIPs.Method:The DRS pilot utilizes mixed-qualitative methods: Global stakeholder workshopsLiterature review to understand the gaps and good practiceUtilizing snowball methodology to cascade a survey to DRS international experts.Country-level expert focus-groups.In-country pilots (with Low, Middle, and High-income countries).Delphi Methodology with expert stakeholders to hone recommendationsResults:596 responses to the survey from across 38 countries and 90 papers were identified for literature review. Survey initially sent to 120 stakeholders, and snowball methodology increased survey reach, particularly to Global South colleagues. Expert stakeholder and country-level focus groups identified a series of good practices and recommendations enabling step-change towards a standardized global statistical framework. Delphi methodology to refine recommendations is underway.Conclusion:The DRS pilot has raised global awareness of the importance of using the HIPs in developing a robust statistical framework with usable disaster-related statistics. This will enable greater accuracy of data contributing to Sendai Framework targets A-D. Results of the pilot being used to inform the Office of National Statistics-UKHSA-Wellcome collaboration on developing Standards for Official Statistics on Climate-Health Interactions in Africa.

Integrating indigenous knowledge and state-of-the-art Earth observation solutions for the Sendai framework implementation

PurposeIndigenous peoples represent one of the most vulnerable groups and need access as well as hands-on experience in the use of emerging Earth observations (EO)-based DRR solutions at the community level, while balancing this learning with traditional indigenous knowledge (IK). However, complicating any engagement between EO and IK is the reality that IKs are diverse and dynamic, with location-specific relevance and accuracy. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic caused complex risks and cascading effects for which the world was not prepared. Thus, there is a need to examine the lessons learned and motivate emerging EO-based innovations and demonstrations related to DRR and climate change adaptation.Design/methodology/approachHence, this study aims to undertake an in-depth assessment of IK related to DRR covering relevant UN instruments and provides state-of-the-art of opportunities presented by EO-based tools and solutions.FindingsThe overall research strategy was designed to integrate key components of IK for DRR in a coherent and logical way, with those offered by the EO technology developers and providers. There are several EO tools accessible that are relevant to integrate IK and complement DRR. The study examined and identified challenges and barriers to implement workable and replicable EO solutions in pursuit of resilience.Originality/valueThe key findings of this study will help create a balanced approach by acknowledging the importance of IK for DRR with co-development, co-creation and use of culturally relevant EO data and tools for sustainable innovation, capacity building and youth empowerment. The technological inequalities appear to be growing, and it would be challenging to meet the Sendai Framework indicators.

Resilience Compendium: Strategies to Reduce Communities’ Risk to Disasters

Introduction:The Victorian Compendium of Community-Based Resilience Building Case Studies supports place-based disaster risk reduction by promoting strategies to reduce communities’ risk before, during, and after disasters or emergencies and by strengthening community resilience through shared learning. It grew from Community Resilience Forums at Monash University, where community resilience practitioners presented their programs, explained their evolution, how they solved challenges, and shared unforeseen learnings. Forum attendees expressed an urgency for a sharing platform to help build community expertise, save precious community resources, avoid program duplication to prevent communities from reinventing the wheel. These now represent key tenets of the Compendium.Method:International exemplars inform the structure of the Compendium and a thematic analysis identified critical success factors for underpinning disaster risk reduction and resilience strategies.Results:As an Australian first, the Compendium gathered 38 programs between 2012 and 2022, which were addressed before (29), during (7), and after (17) events. Programs addressed all hazards (23), bushfires (11), heat (2), fire safety (1), and house fires (1). Twenty programs used a framework. Thirty received funding, with nine receiving less than $20,000 and five receiving more than $100,000. Twenty-nine addressed a whole-of-community perspective.Critical success factors included: strong governance and Board support; trust, partnerships, commitment, adaptability, stamina, and community leadership; paid facilitator, local government support, external funding; and celebrating often-neglected success.Conclusion:Offering an innovative contribution to resilience practice and research, the Compendium supports and enables locally-led and owned place-based disaster risk reduction efforts. It supports the Sendai Framework and augments principles in the National Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction by connecting people from diverse sectors to deliver distinct, adaptable actions to help reduce communities’ risk before, during, and after disasters or emergencies. The Compendium enables communities to preserve valuable community resources offering opportunities to extend to a national or international Compendium.

Promoting Useful and Usable Scientific Evidence in Health Emergencies and Disaster Risk Management: The WHO Health EDRM Knowledge Hub

Introduction:In order to promote useful and usable scientific evidence for health emergency and disaster risk management (Health EDRM), the World Health Organization (WHO) Health EDRM Knowledge Hub has been established as part of the WHO Thematic Platform for Health EDRM research network (Health EDRM RN). The Knowledge Hub aims to extend scientific knowledge; strengthen evidence-based practice in the management of health risks in emergencies and disasters; create and develop a competent network in the Health EDRM community; and integrate research, policy and practice.Method:To begin with, the Knowledge Hub has five interconnected research themes: (1) health data management; (2) psychosocial support; (3) health needs of sub-populations; (4) health workforce development; and (5) research methods. Systematic literature reviews and expert consultations have assessed current research under each theme and identified potential knowledge gaps. The work of the Knowledge Hub is advised by members of the Health EDRM RN and staff in WHO regional offices.Results:The WHO Health EDRM Knowledge Hub will be a platform for providing and exchanging up-to-date evidence. This will include information on validated methods for managing health data and identifying health needs in specific subpopulations. The Knowledge Hub will raise awareness of psychosocial support, health workforce development and research before, during and after disasters. It is targeted to policy-makers, researchers, practitioners and the broader community with the aim of accelerating evidence-informed policy and programs. This will support implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030, the WHO Health EDRM Framework, and other related global, regional and national agendas.Conclusion:This paper introduces this new initiative and describes its objectives, design, and implementation. Additionally, it provides an overview of the Knowledge Hub and invites session participants to provide insights into their current needs and to make recommendations for improvement.

Evaluating the Level of Disaster Preparedness of Tunisian University Hospitals Using the Hospital Safety Index: A Nationwide Cross-sectional Study

Introduction:Midway through the ‘Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030’, many nations are spending time, money and effort to enhance their level of preparedness when facing disasters, on the other hand communities, countries and even continents are being left behind. This study was conducted aiming at evaluating the level of disaster preparedness and response of Tunisian University Hospitals.Method:This is a cross-sectional nationwide study conducted in Tunisia, from November 2020 to April 2021. Including nine Tunisian University Hospitals and using the Hospital Safety Index. The data were analyzed using the 'Module and safety index calculator'.Results:This study showed that seven out of the nine University Hospitals were assigned the ‘B’ category of safety with overall safety indexes that ranged between 0.37 and 0.62. Also, four out of nine University Hospitals had safety scores less than 0.20 regarding their emergency and disaster management.Conclusion:This is the first study to evaluate disaster preparedness and response of university hospitals in Tunisia and in north Africa. It showed that the lack of knowledge, resources and willingness, are the most important issues that need to be addressed in order to enhance the preparedness of Tunisian hospitals.

Advancing science, technology and innovation for disaster risk reduction: The Kuala Lumpur Consensus on Disaster Risk Reduction

The Kuala Lumpur Consensus on Disaster Risk Reduction was the outcome of the 2020 Asia Pacific Science and Technology Conference for Disaster Risk Reduction (APSTCDRR), documenting renewed commitment to accelerate the implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction in four priority areas, drawing on multi-disciplinary knowledge including geoscience. The 2020 APSTCDRR offered an opportunity for science-policy interfacing to enhance the appropriate role of science, technology and innovation, facilitate the inclusion of empowered young scientists, and accentuate the integration of risk from all perspectives into planning and development at all levels. Highlights of the 2020 APSTCDRR include the status of disaster risk reduction (DRR) in the Asia Pacific, and means of addressing systemic risk including Natural Hazards Triggering Technological Disasters (NATECH) and its associated shortcomings in the region. There was also focus on climate risk and local action spotlighting the Kuala Lumpur Multi-hazard Platform, as well as youth engagement in science and technology through U-INSPIRE Alliance, an alliance of young professionals in DRR. Many of the initiatives showcased in the 2020 APSTCDRR are of relevance to the geoscience community, to strengthen their role in DRR in Malaysia and the region.

Scientific Evidence for the Effectiveness of Mangrove Forests in Reducing Floods and Associated Hazards in Coastal Areas

The evidence for the capacity of mangrove forests for coastal protection gained more importance within the recent decade because of important international agreements, such as the Sustainable Development Goals and Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction. However, the degree to which researchers agree on the capacity of mangroves to reduce coastal hazards is not fully established. This study employed a multilevel review process that selected 45 peer-reviewed articles for detailed analysis. Significant findings revealed a strong agreement amongst scientific literature on the benefits of mangrove forests in reducing coastal hazards. However, findings also revealed the dominance of single-discipline research, and less representation of countries in Africa and South America. Limitations in sampled studies highlight the limited number of global studies conducted on mangrove forests’ effectiveness in attenuating coastal hazards, and the limited representation of development and disaster studies. It is recommended that future research on mangrove forests and their coastal hazard reduction capacity should explore multidisciplinary approaches, and synergies in fieldwork and simulation methods while considering possible future climate change situations.

Incorporating First Nations knowledges into disaster management plans: an analysis

The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 (UNDRR 2015) advocates for incorporating Indigenous knowledges and practices to complement scientific knowledge for effective and inclusive emergency and disaster management. Such traditional and local knowledge is an important contribution to developing strategies, policies and plans tailored to local contexts. A comparative analysis of local disaster management plans in Australia was undertaken as part of a larger project on emergency and disaster management in Indigenous communities and was performed to benchmark against the Sendai Framework priorities. A comprehensive search of publicly available local disaster management plans and subplans in selected local government areas was undertaken. Eighty-two plans were identified as well as 9 subplans from a list of Indigenous communities and associated local government areas. This study found a wide disparity in the organisation, presentation and implementation of knowledges and practices of local communities. While some plans included evidence of engagement and consultation with members of local communities, overall, there was little evidence of knowledges or traditional practices being identified and implemented. This analysis was conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic (2020–21) and most councils had local pandemic management subplans. However, many were not publicly available and targeted approaches for Indigenous communities were not evident on council websites. To reflect the priorities of the Sendai Framework, better consultation with local communities and leaders at all levels of government needs to occur and subplans need to be easily available for review by policy analysts and academics.

Unpacking systemic, cascading, and compound risks: A case based analysis of Asia Pacific

The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction aims to reduce disaster risk and loss by prioritizing activities that promote a better understanding of disaster risk. It prioritizes activities such as understanding disaster risk and its dimensions, with a focus on preventing the creation of new risks, reducing existing ones, and preparing for residual risks. The concept of systemic, cascading, and compound risks is becoming increasingly important in disaster risk management. However, there is a lack of understanding about these terms and how they overlap and differ in real-world applications. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the evolving and underlying risk patterns in our interconnected society, making it crucial to bridge this gap.The paper explores the existing literature on systemic, cascading, and compound risks, using a secondary literature review and content analysis. It provides a conceptual overview of the three risks and supports the review with an analysis of 40 case studies in the Asia Pacific region. The analysis focuses on the hazards, underlying vulnerabilities, impacted systems, and the complex interconnections between them. Based on the findings, the authors provide recommendations for the management of systemic, cascading, and compound risks in the future.

REDUCTION OF THE RISK OF FIRES IN OPERATIONAL AREA OF UNIT 9 OF WARSAW FIRE DEPARTMENT

Progressing development and urbanisation brings with it an increasing risk of fire. Accordingto Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 and its universal assumptions theconcept of fire risk reduction in operational area of Rescue and Firefighting Unit 9 of the WarsawMunicipal Headquarters of the State Fire Service was presented. Using the database of State FireService the profile of fire events occurring in this area in 2021 was determined. By analysing thecauses of fires in urban areas and using own operational experience, conclusions were presentedthat were used to formulate guidelines for reducing the risk of fires.

G-reqs, a New Model Proposal for Capturing and Managing In Situ Data Requirements: First Results in the Context of the Group on Earth Observations

In the field of Earth observation, the importance of in situ data was recognized by the Group on Earth Observations (GEO) in the Canberra Declaration in 2019. The GEO community focuses on three global priority engagement areas: the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the Paris Agreement, and the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction. While efforts have been made by GEO to open and disseminate in situ data, GEO did not have a general way to capture in situ data user requirements and drive the data provider efforts to meet the goals of its three global priorities. We present a requirements data model that first formalizes the collection of user requirements motivated by user-driven needs. Then, the user requirements can be grouped by essential variable and an analysis can derive product requirements and parameters for new or existing products. The work was inspired by thematic initiatives, such as OSCAR, from WMO, OSAAP (formerly COURL and NOSA) from NOAA, and the Copernicus In Situ Component Information System. The presented solution focuses on requirements for all applications of Earth observation in situ data. We present initial developments and testing of the data model and discuss the steps that GEO should take to implement a requirements database that is connected to actual data in the GEOSS platform and propose some recommendations on how to articulate it.

Correlates of flood preparedness in urban households: Evidence from the Greater Accra Metropolitan Area of Ghana

The annual floods in cities in Sub-Saharan Africa are exacerbated by the impacts of climate change. For coastal cities double flood burden from storms and sea level rise are phenomenal and in response, data is gradually emerging on the exposure of urban areas and households’ adaptation of which population determinants are mostly omitted. This paper uses a household survey of flood experiences, analyzed with the Tobit model to understand the social and demographic factors that drive households' preparedness for floods in the Greater Accra Metropolitan Area in Ghana. Findings show that the age and income of the household head and planned adaptation significantly increased the likelihood of households’ preparedness for floods. While community access to financial assistance reduced the likelihood of household preparedness, membership in social support groups and the availability of community-level social amenities and shelters increased the likelihood of household preparedness by 0.81 units (p<0.05), 1.72 units (p<0.01) and 1.33 units (p<0.01) respectively. Therefore, enhanced education and awareness of flood risks are major factors of flood disaster risk reduction amidst neighborhood networks towards scaling the relevance of anticipatory flood contingency planning in coastal urban planning and management and a recipe for mainstreaming the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction.

Systemic risk management in India: An analytics perspective

The rapid changes in socio-economic and environmental factors worldwide have resulted in natural and man-made disasters becoming increasingly difficult to manage. The emergence of systemic threats that are cross-border, complex, ambiguous, and uncertain in nature, such as the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, has made traditional risk management methods inadequate. Many countries, including India, are struggling to address the challenges posed by these systemic vulnerabilities, leading to unresolved policy and governance problems.This research emphasises the need for comprehensive and proactive risk management methods that can address the challenges posed by systemic vulnerabilities, rather than reactive and fragmented approaches. The research identifies crucial turning points in India's disaster management history and explores the prospects for improved disaster risk governance in the country. The report underlines good advances in disaster administration in India, but it also emphasises the need for more systemic development in overall disaster risk management. The research identifies key design principles for India's systemic risk management that can help improve disaster risk management. This understanding can aid in developing effective frameworks, policies, and strategies to control systemic disaster risks and align with major international objectives such as the Sustainable Development Goals and the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction.

Aligning the Global Delta Risk Index with SDG and SFDRR global frameworks to assess risk to socio-ecological systems in river deltas

River deltas globally are highly exposed and vulnerable to natural hazards and are often over-exploited landforms. The Global Delta Risk Index (GDRI) was developed to assess multi-hazard risk in river deltas and support decision-making in risk reduction interventions in delta regions. Disasters have significant impacts on the progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). However, despite the strong interlinkage between disaster risk reduction and sustainable development, global frameworks are still developed in isolation and actions to address them are delegated to different institutions. Greater alignment between frameworks would both simplify monitoring progress towards disaster risk reduction and sustainable development and increase capacity to address data gaps in relation to indicator-based assessments for both processes. This research aims at aligning the GDRI indicators with the SDGs and the Sendai Framework for Disaster and Risk Reduction (SFDRR). While the GDRI has a modular indicator library, the most relevant indicators for this research were selected through a delta-specific impact chain designed in consultation with experts, communities and stakeholders in three delta regions: the Red River and Mekong deltas in Vietnam and the Ganges–Brahmaputra–Meghna (GBM) delta in Bangladesh and India. We analyse how effectively the 143 indicators for the GDRI match (or not) the SDG and SFDRR global frameworks. We demonstrate the interconnections of the different drivers of risk to better inform risk management and in turn support delta-level interventions towards improved sustainability and resilience of these Asian mega-deltas.