THE LINKAGE OF NATURAL DISASTER RISK AND POVERTY

Abstract

Natural Disasters are broadly predictable to affect inexplicably the poorest in a community, as they have relatively higher sensitivity to disaster events compared with communities of higher development status. Constant events increase the vulnerability and risk of the poor to disasters, increasing poverty levels such that many households often are unable to break out of the poverty cycle. Medium to longer term impacts of natural disasters at the national level also challenge development progress towards reducing poverty, possibly creating situations which place a boundary between urban and rural communities keeping them in an immense risk. The linkage between natural disasters and poverty is a global phenomenon which has long term impacts on lives and livelihood of people worldwide. This study focuses on the linkage between flood disaster risk and poverty which leads people to settle in disaster prone areas. Moreover, the study gives special attention to poverty eradication techniques to reduce disaster risks. The study was conducted in Pattiwla North GN Division under Biyagama Divisional Secretariat in Gampaha District. The primary data was collected through case studies and the secondary data was collected through various sources. The study proves the direct link and co-relationship between disaster risk and poverty. The findings of the research study reveal that disaster risk and poverty has a direct linkage. As a recommendation, Disaster Risk Management should be introduced from the grass root level to minimise risk factors of poor people.