Question

Which type of nations did the IDNDR specifically urge to prioritize strengthening social and economic infrastructure?

• A. Developed nations
• B. Island nations
• C. Developing nations
• D. Landlocked nations

Answer 1

Answer:

C. Developing nations

The International Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction (IDNDR) recognized that while natural hazards affect all countries, developing nations are disproportionately vulnerable. This is because they often lack the robust social and economic infrastructure needed to withstand and recover from a disaster.

For example, a strong economy with diverse industries can better absorb the shock of a disaster than one heavily reliant on a single agricultural crop. Similarly, a well-developed healthcare system can more effectively treat the injured and prevent disease outbreaks. Therefore, the IDNDR encouraged developing nations to:

• Invest in infrastructure: Build resilient schools, hospitals, roads, and bridges that can withstand natural hazards.

• Improve social safety nets: Create programs to help vulnerable populations, like the elderly and the poor, during and after a disaster.

• Diversify their economies: Reduce dependence on a single sector to mitigate the financial impact of a disaster.

By focusing on these areas, the IDNDR aimed to help developing nations build a foundation of resilience, making them less susceptible to the devastating long-term effects of natural disasters. This was a crucial part of the decade's shift from a reactive to a proactive disaster management strategy.