One example of this was highlighted by the tragic loss of life in the Philippines from the landslide which struck the mining site of Itogon in Benguet province at the weekend. 33 miners have been confirmed dead and the death toll is likely to rise further as search and rescue efforts continue.

This underlines the findings in a new study which examines nearly 5,000 landslides which took place place since 2004 and which were responsible for almost 56,000 deaths. Nearly 700 of these landslides were linked to human activities like construction, illegal mining, and hill cutting. More than 75% occurred in Asia.

This year's International Day for Disaster Reduction, celebrated on October 13, is focussed on target (c) of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction which seeks a reduction in economic losses from disasters and help eradicate poverty. Reducing economic losses from disasters has the power to transform lives.

Date:

18 Sep 2018

Sources:

United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR)

Themes:

Advocacy & Media

Countries:

China, Philippines, United States of America

Regions:

Africa, Americas, Europe, Asia, Oceania