Despite the fact many of us think we are masters of nature, it can quickly put us in the corner and show us our place. It is enough to recall the devastating effects of natural disasters during the past 20 years. Over 4 billion people have been affected and over one million died; damages reached over a billion euros. In 2013, there were 529 registered disasters worldwide, 337 of them were natural ones and 192 were caused by technology faults. Nearly 100 million people were injured, and natural disasters alone caused 118 million dollars of damages. Data come from the Center for Epidemiology Research. Floods remain the most frequent natural catastrophes that are the cause of 44 percent of deaths. This summer Bulgaria was also hit by several apocalyptic floods that killed more than 20 people and left hundreds homeless. Bulgarian authorities said material damages reach 311 million euros. European support, however, will amount to 6% of the total damage. Experts are convinced that the only way to reduce the effects of disasters and save lives is preparing to meet them.

"Each euro invested in training and prevention saves between 4 and 7 euros worth of damages,” says Ognian Zlatev, Head of the EC Representation in Bulgaria.  “Disasters have become something common. In 1990, 6% of the EU population has been affected by various types of disasters; while up to date the victims are nearly twice as many. We cannot fight nature, but we can at least try to be better prepared to deal with these challenges."

In order to raise the awareness of European citizens in relation to the social impact of disasters worldwide, the European Commission together with the European office of the Red Cross and 12 European national organizations, including the Bulgarian Red Cross, are launching, September 22 through November 2, an online information campaign called "Disaster Resilience". What is our readiness to respond to disasters?

"There is a substantial degree of preparedness. In case of disasters it is always the Bulgarian Red Cross and the Directorate for Fire Safety and Civil Protection of the Ministry of Interior who respond first,” says Nikolay Todorov, Director of International Relations and Programs in the BRC. “The point is not to act after the disaster has already happened, as it was the case with recent floods. We must act in advance. We should not be surprised that heavy rainfalls cause floods in neighborhoods where we have illegal construction after cutting down the forests and clogging the river beds with rubbish."

According to Hristo Grigorov, Chairman of the Bulgarian Red Cross, the organization has five centers across the country that can provide assistance to 12 thousand people within two hours. According to him, Bulgarians were ready to help others in need, despite existing serious social problems. The business has also increased its activities in the sphere. "Most donations used to come from elderly people but now more and more companies make donations as well,” Nikolay Todorov further said.

English: Alexander Markov