Disaster Day – February 5, 2025

History of Disaster Day

A disaster is a major event that occurs over a short or long period and results in widespread human, material, an economic, or environmental loss that exceeds the affected community’s or society’s ability to deal with using its own resources. Disasters, regardless of the environment in which they occur, tend to cause changes in government and public life. It is impossible to determine a date of origin for disasters, but it is safe to say that disasters have existed in some shape or form since the beginning of time.

Disasters are commonly divided into two broad categories — natural disasters and man-made disasters. A natural disaster is a natural process or occurrence that can result in death, injury, or other health consequences, as well as property destruction, loss of livelihoods and services, social and economic disruption, and environmental harm. Natural disasters such as earthquakes, landslides, volcanic eruptions, floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, blizzards, tsunamis, cyclones, wildfires, and pandemics kill thousands of people each year and destroy billions of dollars in habitat and property. Unfortunately, disasters have become more frequent and severe as a result of the rapid world population growth and growing concentration in dangerous settings. Non-engineered constructions make disaster-prone places more vulnerable due to the tropical temperature, unstable landforms, and deforestation.

Man-made disasters are the result of technical or human-caused risks. War, civil unrest, stampedes, fires, transportation accidents, industrial accidents, conflicts, oil spills, terrorist attacks, and nuclear explosions/radiation are just a few examples. Some argue that to an extent, all disasters are man-made as they are caused by humans’ failure to implement effective emergency management systems. For instance, while drought, flood, fire, or illness could cause famine locally, in modern times there is enough food available globally. The chronic localized shortages are usually the result of government mismanagement, violent conflict, or an economic system that fails to deliver food where it is needed. Similarly, earthquakes are mostly dangerous because of human-made buildings and dams; and avoiding tsunamis and landslides caused by earthquakes therefore largely depends on location.

Each disaster has its causes, consequences, and preventative methods. They also call for different sets of responses to them. Disaster Day, observed every year on February 5, shines a light on these disasters and encourages increased awareness and preparedness for the same.