Disasters disrupt business activities on which the local population depends, affecting livelihood recovery and means to earn a living.

Part of the problem is in adequate attention to disaster risk prevention and management as an economic and business issue. If the frequency and impact of natural and industrial disasters continue to rise, economic and human development will be badly affected. Disaster management should therefore be seen also as a strategy to protect the growth potential of countries, and communities.

A much closer interaction between business and government is needed to ensure appropriate risk reduction strategies, adequate measures for implementation of protection and security measures, and a liability and insurance regime that takes proper account of the needs of the community and business sector alike.