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Disaster Response

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 24 March 2022

Thursday, 24 March 2022

Ceisteanna (237)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

237. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which the international community is alert to the difficulties of the victims of natural disasters on a worldwide scale; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15702/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Disasters caused by natural hazards affect more than 350 million people every year, in almost every country and territory. In addition to the tragic loss of life, disasters force millions from their homes and impact on their abilities to earn a living or grow food. It is too often the most vulnerable people in societies who are most affected by natural disasters, which impact disproportionately on women and girls.

In 2021, climate change joined conflict as a root cause of famine, as evidenced in drought-affected Madagascar. Storms and flooding are becoming more intense, while protracted and repeated droughts are the new norm in many countries. All too often these events are taking place in places where the institutional capacity to cope with such shocks is extremely limited.

At the beginning of each year, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs publishes the Global Humanitarian Overview. This maps out global humanitarian needs, including countries suffering the impact of natural disasters, and is a guide to donors as to where their resource allocation can have maximum impact. The Overview is updated on a monthly basis. At the end of February, for example, an additional 540,000 people affected by Storm Anna in Malawi were included in the number of people in need of assistance.

While it is not possible to predict all natural disasters, an estimated half of today’s crises are somewhat predictable. Improvements in data and predictive analytics enable more accurate forecasting of certain types of shocks or crises and their likely impact. This supports the humanitarian community to respond before the crisis peaks. This approach has been used in response to drought in the Sahel and the Horn of Africa and floods Bangladesh.

Ireland is very supportive of this anticipatory action. We carefully select partners and funding mechanisms that are able to respond swiftly and efficiently to minimise the impact of natural disasters on the most vulnerable populations. At a UN High-Level Event on Anticipatory Action in September 2021, Ireland stated that in 2020 close to a quarter of its humanitarian funding - approximately €45 million out of a total €192 million - was channelled to mechanisms that support anticipatory action.

Ireland, together with other donors, continues to monitor the evolving needs of those suffering from the impact of natural disasters, drawing on the most up-to-date information and data to ensure that Irish Aid assistance continues to support the vulnerable populations most impacted by natural disasters, and is ready to respond quickly to emerging needs. The OECD, in a 2020 review of Irish Aid, found that Irish Aid's 'very flexible funding models, especially for humanitarian assistance, could provide useful inspiration to other.. donors.'

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