OVERVIEW
Natural hazards, such as earthquakes, droughts, floods, wildfires, and extreme winter weather, affect a range of countries in Europe, the Middle East, and Central Asia (EMCA)1. In addition, rapid urban growth and environmental degradation in some countries have led to overcrowding and settlement in hazard-prone areas. Protracted conflict and limited governmental disaster management capacity in many EMCA countries compound the risks associated with natural disasters.
During FY 2014, USAID/OFDA responded to large-scale complex crisis in EMCA, while continuing to support DRR projects where the situation allowed. USAID/OFDA supported DRR programs in EMCA that measure and analyze disaster risks to identify and then implement risk-reduction solutions. USAID/OFDA also provides technical assistance and technology transfer to build communities’ and local governments’ capacity to prepare for and respond to disasters. In FY 2014, USAID/OFDA provided nearly $1.2 million for DRR projects throughout EMCA.