ADB unveils new action plan to strengthen disaster resilience in Asia-Pacific

Manila: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has launched a new action plan aimed at enhancing disaster resilience across the Asia-Pacific region. The Disaster Risk Management Action Plan 2024-2030, announced on Wednesday, reaffirms ADB's dedication to assisting its developing member countries in mitigating the effects of disasters and climate change.

This action plan will serve as a framework for integrating disaster risk management into ADB's operations, project design, and funding decisions, as reported by Xinhua news agency.

Key elements of the plan include enhancing disaster risk analytics, implementing risk-responsive development planning, and optimizing budget allocations. It also aims to boost investments in disaster risk reduction, disaster risk financing, and sector specific early warning systems. Additionally, the plan emphasizes the importance of creating resilient and effective frameworks for post-disaster recovery, along with appropriate regulations and practices to facilitate rebuilding efforts.

In August, the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction issued a warning that disasters in the Asia-Pacific region are expected to rise by 40 percent by 2030.

The ADB's commitment to disaster resilience is critical, given the region's susceptibility to climate-related disasters. The bank's action plan is expected to guide its operations over the next six years, supporting its developing member countries in building resilience against the growing threat of disasters.

(IANS with edits)