Press Release: The European Commission to integrate Disaster Risk Reduction in its worldwide humanitarian and development actions

Over 160 natural disasters occurred in the first half of 2010, killing worldwide almost 230,000 people and affecting 107 million others. Preparedness saves lives, speeds up recovery and reduces the impacts of future hazards.

On the occasion of the International Day for Disaster Reduction, the Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection has reiterated the commitment of the European Commission to include measures for reducing disaster risks. Since 1996, the Commission's Humanitarian Aid Department (ECHO) has integrated a Disaster Preparedness Programme into its humanitarian interventions, particularly in the world's most disaster-prone regions.