A business continuity plan plays a crucial role in disaster recovery by outlining strategies and procedures to ensure that essential business functions can continue during and after a disruptive event. It involves risk assessment, identifying critical operations, and establishing contingency plans for different scenarios, such as natural disasters or cyberattacks. A well-prepared continuity plan minimizes downtime, protects assets, and helps maintain customer trust, ensuring that organizations can swiftly navigate challenges and return to normal operations.