Constructing a holistic approach to disaster risk reduction: the significance of focusing on vulnerability reduction

Palliyaguru, Roshani, Amaratunga, Dilanthi and Baldry, David (2014) Constructing a holistic approach to disaster risk reduction: the significance of focusing on vulnerability reduction. Disasters, 38 (1). pp. 45-61. ISSN 0361-3666,

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Abstract

As a result of the increase in natural disaster losses, policy-makers, practitioners, and members of the research community around the world are seeking effective and efficient means of overcoming or minimising them. Although various theoretical constructs are beneficial to understanding the disaster phenomenon and the means of minimising losses, the disaster risk management process becomes less effective if theory and practice are set apart from one another. Consequently, this paper seeks to establish a relationship between two theoretical constructs, ‘disaster risk reduction (DRR)’ and ‘vulnerability reduction’, and to develop a holistic approach to DRR with particular reference to improving its applicability in practical settings. It is based on a literature review and on an overall understanding gained through two case studies of post-disaster infrastructure reconstruction projects in Sri Lanka and three expert interviews in Sri Lanka and the United Kingdom

Item Type:	Article
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > H Social Sciences (General) H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor > HD61 Risk Management
Schools:	School of Art, Design and Architecture School of Art, Design and Architecture > Global Disaster Resilience Centre
Related URLs:	Author
Depositing User:	Sara Taylor
Date Deposited:	13 Jan 2015 16:33
Last Modified:	02 Dec 2016 06:40
URI:	http://eprints.hud.ac.uk/id/eprint/23049

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