International Response to Natural Disasters:
Costa Rica
A natural disaster is the consequence of a natural hazard like a volcanic eruption,
earthquake, or landslide, which affects human activities. Because of Costa Rica’s
location, it is exposed to natural disasters such as floods, hurricanes, earthquakes,
volcanic eruptions, and landslides. Over the past 98 years, Costa Rica has suffered from
49 major natural disasters affecting 1.4 million people. Even with this exposure to
natural disasters, Costa Rica is very affective with emergency management.
The World Bank approves US$65 million to reduce the impact of natural disasters
on the poor, and the first Catastrophe Deferred Drawdown Option (CAT DDO) aimed at
providing the immediate financing in the aftermath of a major natural disaster. “The
poor are the most at risk from the impacts of natural disasters, “said Laura Frigenti,
World Bank Director for Central America. “This operation, the first of its kind, will help
ensure that affected populations receive assistance as soon as possible after a disaster,
and will support the continuity of development programs directed to alleviate and reduce
poverty.” Another World Bank director stated, “This is just one instrument as part of a
World Bank effort to deliver customized financial solutions and help plan efficient
responses to catastrophic events. The CAT DDO is most effective as part of a broader
risk management strategy “said Gloria Grandolini, World Bank Director of Banking and
Debt Management.
Costa Rica has limited the vulnerabilities of the country by enforcing building
codes, environmental standards, land use planning, and putting disaster risk management
in the national development program. Costa Rica has improved their technology which
has made them better prepared for any natural disaster to come. Financial resources have
been developed and the natural risk prevention has been reorganized in order for Costa
Rica to eliminate most of the vulnerabilities of the country.
Costa Rica has discipline that involves preparing for a disaster before it
happens, having disaster response as well as supporting and rebuilding the society after
a natural disaster has occurred. With the help of the Catastrophe Deferred Drawdown
Option, Costa Rica is on their way to have a safer, more prepared international response
to natural disasters.