Introduction
It is predicted that by 2030 over 55 percent of the population in Asia will live in cities. Associated urban risk has also increased. An extreme and changing climate, earthquakes, and emergencies triggered by man-made hazards are putting pressure on people and threatening the prosperity of cities.
Central Asia and the Southern Caucasus are no exception. The urban population is growing in the region. More than 30 per cent of region’s population is estimated to live below the poverty line. There is significant internal rural-urban and cross-border movement of population.
The region has high exposure to a range of natural hazards, including earthquakes, floods, landslides, mudslides, avalanches and sand storms. Urban dwellers often live in dilapidated and poorly planned constructions.
Most existing residential, public and industrial buildings, facilities and infrastructure were built in the 1970-80s. A majority need to be assessed for their safety and current risk profile. Cities face several challenges, including the need to determine their priorities of urban risk management and to develop plans of action that, among other things, strengthen coordination among concerned departments.
The degree of damage and destruction from disasters can be reduced. Disaster risk reduction is not limited to preparedness and response, but is a key determinant for sustainable urban development. Cities are engines of national growth and have high potential for developing their governance systems and capacities.