1.3 Why disaster risk reduction is important before emergencies

CARE considers DRR as a cross-cutting issue that applies equally in emergency and non-emergency programming. All humanitarian and development activities need to be planned and implemented with an appropriate understanding and consideration of the disaster risks that face the partner communities. Risk analysis needs to be integrated throughout the project cycle. This will lead to projects and programmes relating to relief, reconstruction and development that enable people to establish and structurally enhance their livelihoods in a safe and disaster-resilient fashion. In certain locations, CARE also promotes explicit DRR programmes, particularly where development activities are being undermined by disasters and where people’s livelihoods are under major threat of disasters.

Mainstreaming disaster risk reduction throughout CARE’s programmes, and ensuring that adequate mitigation and preparedness measures are undertaken before any emergency, will help CARE and partners to face and withstand shocks from a disaster.