ABSTRACT
Over recent decades a series of dramatic large-scale disasters, as well as the growing economic impacts and losses from these events, have resulted in more systematic global efforts to manage and reduce disaster risks. Disaster risk reduction is increasingly recognized as an important facet of sustainable development. However, while there are several well-established international disaster databases, many countries do not systematically collect and archive data on their own disaster damage and losses, while the much more numerous small events are often neglected. The resulting lack of comprehensive and accurate data impedes research on the real nature of the risks faced by these countries and undermines the development and implementation of sound policy measures. Policymaking action and investment of resources in boosting effective countermeasures should be based on information detailing damage and losses for different hazards, geographical locations and communities. In addition, if measurable goals and targets are to be developed internationally for disaster risk reduction, within the upcoming post-2015, post-Hyogo Framework for Action (HFA) disaster risk reduction agenda, or as part of sustainable development goals (SDG) processes, then national programs for collecting, archiving and statistically analyzing disaster data will be an essential requirement.
