SEATTLE — When poor countries experience natural disasters it is hard to recover from losing the little resources they have. Countries in South America, Africa, Asia and the Middle East suffer from climate change, which can destroy their crops and homes. These events increase poverty and make it hard for people in developing nations to continue their daily lives. Luckily, many programs and projects have been developed to help those in need of assistance from the affects of natural disasters.
The World Bank has recently approved a $125 million project to restore buildings in Pakistan affected by flooding.
“Pakistan is vulnerable to adverse natural events and has experienced a wide range of disasters over the past 40 years, including floods, earthquakes, droughts, cyclones, and tsunamis,” says The World Bank.
The Disaster and Climate Resilience Improvement Project (DCRIP) will not only restore destroyed infrastructures, but also make them stronger in resisting natural disasters.
The Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance (ODFA) is USAID’s team to respond to natural disasters.
“OFDA responds to an average of 70 disasters in 56 countries every year to ensure aid reaches people affected by rapid on-set disasters,” according to USAID.
ODFA focuses on preparing countries for disasters and providing quick recovery to those who have been affected by natural disasters. Their emergency response team works closely with officials to ensure aid is given where needed. ODFA has directly saved lives by providing safe drinking water, agricultural needs and treated the malnourished in Africa, Asia and Latin America.
The United Nations has also developed a branch that focuses primarily of natural disaster relief. The United Nations Disaster Assessment and Coordination focuses on emergency disaster relief. “As of September 2014, has conducted 236 emergency missions over 102 countries,” according to the UN. Their staff, methodology, procedures and equipment are what have established the success of their program.
Although developing nations require aid every day, it is vital to provide assistance when natural disasters occur. These programs not only help those who are suffering but ensure the poverty does not increase. Maintaining infrastructures, food and water will help continue the success of development with education and health.
– Kimberly Quitzon
Sources: World Bank, USAID, UNOCHA,
Photo: USAID