The DKKV is…
German Committee for Disaster Reduction e.V. (ger.: Deutsches Komitee Katastrophenvorsorge e.V.)
Newsblog
DLR reveals high heat stress in German cities
The German Aerospace Centre (DLR) has systematically evaluated the surface temperatures of over 70 major German cities for the first time. The results show clear heat islands, especially in highly sealed, densely built-up urban areas, with temperature differences of...
Heatwave and wildfires in Spain
The heatwave that hit Spain on 3 August is still going strong. Heat warnings are in place across almost the whole country. In many places, temperatures reached 40°C to 42°C, with Tuesday marking the hottest day so far at 45°C. Even at night, minimum temperatures of...
Delegation from the Frankfurt School and GIZ Indonesia
On 13th of August, the DKKV welcomed a delegation from the Frankfurt School and the German Society for International Cooperation (GIZ) Indonesia to discuss approaches to disaster prevention and civil protection and to promote the exchange of different strategies....
Floods and landslides in Japan
Heavy rainfall has caused flooding and landslides on Japan's southern main island of Kyushu. Several people have been reported missing. Media reports showed houses, shops and vehicles submerged under about a metre of water, with swollen rivers sweeping away houses and...
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What is disaster risk reduction?
Storms, natural hazards and extreme events can quickly become a danger to people and the environment. But climate change, extreme urbanization, power outages and fires also offer potential hazards.
A disaster occurs when the functioning of a community or society is impaired or interrupted and, as a result, high human, material, economic and ecological losses occur that cannot be managed alone.
Precautionary measures can help to reduce the consequences and impact of the disaster. Depending on the hazard and personal circumstances, the precautionary measures to be taken may vary.
Find out more about potential hazards and individual precautionary measures on our topic pages.