PM Modi prescribes 10 points for disaster risk reduction

"First, all development sectors must imbibe the principles of disaster risk management," PM Modi said.

"Second, work towards risk coverage for all–starting from poor households to SMEs to multi-national corporations to nation states," he added.

"Third, encourage greater involvement and leadership of women in disaster risk management," he said.

He also urged members to map risks.

"Fourth, invest in risk mapping globally. For mapping risks related to hazards like earthquakes we have accepted standards & parameters," the Prime Minister said.

PM Modi also advocated the use of technology for reducing risks.

"Fifth, leverage technology to enhance the efficiency of our disaster risk management efforts," he said.

"Sixth, develop a network of universities to work on disaster issues," he added.

"Seventh, utilize the opportunities provided by social media and mobile technologies," he said.

He also suggested enhancing local capacity and initiative in his 10-point agenda.

"Eighth, build on local capacity and initiative," he said.

"Ninth, opportunity to learn from a disaster must not be wasted. After every disaster there are papers on lessons that are rarely applied," he added.

For his tenth point, PM Modi urged leaders to bring about a greater international cohesion in order to mitigate loss.

"And tenth, bring about greater cohesion in international response to disasters," he added.

"We have to wholeheartedly embrace the spirit of Sendai which calls for an all-of-society approach to disaster risk management," he added.