Which disaster management phase focuses on strengthening infrastructure and policies to reduce risk?

• A. Preparedness
• B. Mitigation
• C. Recovery
• D. Response

Answer: (B)

Mitigation is the phase focused on reducing risk before a disaster occurs by strengthening infrastructure and the policies that govern it to lower vulnerability to hazards. This includes enforcing robust building codes, retrofitting vulnerable structures, guiding land-use planning away from high-risk areas, improving flood defenses, and updating regulations to reflect known risks. By addressing hazards at their source and improving systems now, communities decrease potential damage and losses over the long term. Preparedness is about planning and training to act effectively when a disaster hits; response covers the immediate actions during the event; recovery involves rebuilding and returning to normal, often with improvements. So focusing on pre-event risk reduction through infrastructure and policy changes best captures the goal of mitigating disasters.