The key paradigm shift sought by the Sendai Framework is a move from managing disasters to managing disaster risk in order to avoid the creation of disaster risk, reduce existing levels of risk and manage what cannot be reduced. 

Outside of large-scale famine, a pandemic or a nuclear accident, there are few worst-case scenarios than a tsunami. 

One common theme has been running through all the discussions we have had over the last week and that is the importance of education, including evacuation drills, for ensuring that communities act decisively and without panic when the tsunami warnings reach them. 

Tsunamis may be rare events but as with all natural hazards it is only a matter of time before the next one. We need to be aware and informed, ready and prepared. 

Robert Glasser is the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Disaster Risk Reduction

Date:

3 Nov 2017

Sources:

United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR)