Political support for preventing disasters needs a “higher level of attention” during 2017, according to the head of the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR) in the Americas.

A change in government often means countries stop prioritizing prevention policies, Ricardo Mena warned.

The Americas region is highly susceptible to natural disasters. Earthquakes, hurricanes, volcanic activity, flooding and drought have all taken their toll on human life in recent years.

An international treaty aimed at reducing deaths due to disasters called the Sendai Framework, agreed in 2015, is a major achievement for UNISDR said Mr Mena.

He spoke on the line from Panama, to Jocelyne Sambira about his hopes for the year ahead.

Duration: 3’20”