The International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction is marked every year on 13 October. The observance encourages people, communities and governments to understand disaster risk and act to reduce it before a hazard strikes. For 2026, the focus is on making homes safe against disasters and on channelling investment into housing that can withstand floods, cyclones, earthquakes and other hazards. The theme chosen for the year is “Resilience Starts at Home,” underlining that safer, resilient dwellings are the first line of protection for families during a disaster.