The DKKV is…
German Committee for Disaster Reduction e.V. (ger.: Deutsches Komitee Katastrophenvorsorge e.V.)
Newsblog
Strong Storms in Argentina
Bahía Blanca, a port city in Argentina, was hit by a devastating rainstorm that brought the equivalent of an entire year's worth of rainfall in just eight hours. The floods have claimed at least 16 lives, and more than a thousand people were forced to evacuate. Around...
2. Betreuungsdienst-Symposium
On August 29 and 30, 2025, the 2nd Betreuungsdienst-Symposium "Betreuungsdienst in stürmischen Zeiten – Krise oder Chance?" (‘Care services in turbulent times - crisis or opportunity?’) will take place in Bad Wildungen. Experts and leaders from civil protection,...
Air Quality 2024: Limits Met, Further Reductions Required
Air quality measures in Germany have shown early success: In 2024, the entire set of limits in the European Air Quality Directive was met for the first time. Fine particulate matter levels have remained below the standards for the seventh consecutive year, and the...
Statewide Warning Day in NRW
On March 13, 2025, the first warning day of the year will take place in North Rhine-Westphalia. At 11 a.m., sirens will sound across the state, announcements will be made over loudspeakers, and warning messages will be distributed via social media and digital...
Follow us
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.