Disaster Management & Mitigation

Module 2. Disasters Management

2.1 Concept of Disaster Management:

Disaster Management refers to the systematic process of preparing for, mitigating,

responding to, and recovering from disasters. The goal is to reduce the harmful effects of
disasters (natural or man-made) on human life, property, and the environment.

Definition:

Disaster management is the organization and management of resources and responsibilities

for dealing with all humanitarian aspects of emergencies, particularly preparedness, response,
and recovery, in order to lessen the impact of disasters.

Key Phases of Disaster Management:

1. Mitigation:
o Actions taken to reduce or eliminate the long-term risk of disasters.
o Examples: building earthquake-resistant structures, flood barriers,
environmental regulations.
2. Preparedness:
o Planning and training to ensure an effective response.
o Examples: emergency drills, early warning systems, public awareness
campaigns.
3. Response:
o Immediate actions taken to ensure safety and meet basic human needs after a
disaster occurs.
o Examples: search and rescue, emergency relief, medical aid.
4. Recovery:
o Long-term efforts to restore normalcy and rebuild communities.
o Examples: rebuilding infrastructure, psychological counseling, economic
support.

Types of Disasters:

1. Natural Disasters:
o Earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, tsunamis, droughts, wildfires, etc.
2. Man-made (Anthropogenic) Disasters:
o Industrial accidents, nuclear spills, terrorism, war, cyber-attacks, etc.

Objectives of Disaster Management:

● Reduce loss of life and property.

● Ensure timely and efficient response.
● Promote community resilience.
● Facilitate quick recovery and rebuilding.

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● Integrate risk reduction into development planning.

Stakeholders Involved:

● Government agencies (e.g., NDMA, FEMA)

● Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)
● Local communities
● International organizations (e.g., UNDRR, Red Cross)
● Media
● Military and emergency services

2.2 Disaster Management Cycle:

The Disaster Management Cycle is a continuous process used to manage disasters through a
series of phases aimed at minimizing loss, responding effectively, and facilitating recovery. It
is usually represented as a circular model to emphasize its ongoing nature.
Phases of the Disaster Management Cycle:

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Disaster Management & Mitigation

1. Mitigation
● Goal: Reduce or eliminate the long-term risk of disaster impacts.

● Activities:

o Enforcing building codes

o Floodplain zoning
o Retrofitting infrastructure
o Public education and awareness
2. Preparedness
● Goal: Ensure effective response when a disaster occurs.

● Activities:

o Emergency planning
o Conducting drills and simulations
o Early warning systems
o Stockpiling emergency supplies
3. Response
● Goal: Save lives, reduce health impacts, and meet basic human needs.

● Activities:

o Search and rescue operations

o Emergency shelter and relief distribution
o Medical aid and evacuation
o Coordinating with emergency services
4. Recovery
● Goal: Restore normal life and infrastructure, and reduce future vulnerabilities.

● Activities:

o Rebuilding homes and infrastructure

o Restoring essential services (water, electricity, healthcare)
o Providing psychosocial support
o Economic recovery programs
Diagram: Disaster Management Cycle

[Mitigation]

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Disaster Management & Mitigation

|
[Recovery] [Disaster] [Preparedness]

[Response]
The cycle is continuous – recovery and mitigation activities help prevent future disasters or
reduce their impact, feeding back into preparedness.
2.3 Risk Assessment in Disaster Management:
Definition:
Risk assessment is the process of identifying, analyzing, and evaluating the potential risks
posed by hazards to life, property, environment, and the economy.
Key Components of Risk Assessment:
1. Hazard Identification
o Recognizing potential natural or man-made hazards.
o Examples: earthquakes, floods, cyclones, industrial accidents, terrorism.
2. Vulnerability Assessment
o Determining how exposed or susceptible people, infrastructure, and the
environment are to hazards.
o Factors: poverty, poor construction, lack of awareness, environmental
degradation.
3. Capacity Assessment
o Evaluating the ability of a community or system to resist or recover from
disasters.
o Includes: early warning systems, emergency response capacity, local
knowledge.
4. Risk Analysis
o Combining data on hazards, vulnerabilities, and capacities to calculate risk.
o Risk = Hazard × Vulnerability / Capacity
Types of Risk:
Type of Risk Description
Physical Risk Damage to infrastructure, buildings, environment
Social Risk Impact on human lives, displacement, trauma
Economic Risk Financial loss to individuals, businesses, or governments
Environmental Damage to natural resources, biodiversity, and
Risk ecosystems

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2. Risk Reduction Strategies

Risk Reduction strategies aim to minimize vulnerabilities and enhance capacities to
withstand disasters. These are both structural (physical) and non-structural (policy-based,
educational, etc.).
A. Structural Strategies (Engineering/Physical Measures):
Strategy Description
Earthquake-resistant
Use of flexible materials, shock absorbers, base isolators
buildings
Flood barriers and levees Prevent river overflow and inundation
Cyclone shelters Safe havens for coastal communities during storms
Retrofitting old
Strengthening existing structures to withstand hazards
infrastructure
Avoiding construction in flood plains or landslide-prone
Safe land-use planning
zones

B. Non-Structural Strategies (Institutional/Policy Measures):

Strategy Description
Early warning systems Weather alerts, sirens, SMS alerts, mobile apps for disasters
Community awareness and
Training people on how to respond during a disaster
education
Disaster insurance Financial protection for individuals/businesses
Building codes and regulations Legal enforcement of safety standards in construction
School and hospital safety Ensuring essential facilities remain functional during
programs disasters

C. Ecosystem-based Strategies:
Strategy Description
Mangrove plantation (for coastal Natural barriers against storm surges and
areas) tsunamis
Reforestation Prevents landslides and stabilizes soil
Wetland conservation Absorbs excess rainfall and mitigates flooding

Importance of Risk Assessment and Reduction:

● Prevents loss of life and property.

● Saves money through pre-disaster investment vs. post-disaster relief.

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● Builds resilience in vulnerable communities.

● Promotes sustainable development.

● Strengthens institutional and community-level preparedness.

Example: Risk Reduction in Practice (India)

Initiative Description
Provide frameworks for earthquake, flood, cyclone, and industrial
NDMA Guidelines
safety
Building bye-laws Enforced in urban areas to ensure earthquake-safe construction
FLOWS System Flood forecasting system using satellite and weather data
School Safety
Programme

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