DM-UNIT V

Multi-sectional Issues, Education and Community Preparedness: Impact of

disaster on poverty and deprivation - Climate change adaptation and human health
- Exposure, health hazards and environmental risk-Forest management and disaster
risk reduction -The Red cross and red crescent movement - Corporate sector and
disaster risk reduction- Education in disaster risk reduction Essentials of school
disaster education - Community capacity and disaster resilience-Community based
disaster recovery - Community based disaster management and social capital-
Designing resilience- building community capacity for action.

1) Impact of disaster on poverty and deprivation:-

Loss of livelihoods: Disasters can cause significant damage to infrastructure,
homes, and businesses, resulting in the loss of livelihoods for many people. This
can push families and individuals deeper into poverty.

Increased health risks: Disasters often lead to health risks such as the spread of
diseases, inadequate access to healthcare, and inadequate sanitation facilities,
which can result in further impoverishment.

Food insecurity: Disasters can disrupt food production and supply chains,
resulting in shortages and price increases. This can cause food insecurity,
particularly for the most vulnerable populations who are already living in poverty.

Displacement and homelessness: Disasters can force people to flee their homes,
resulting in displacement and homelessness. This can further exacerbate poverty
and increase the risk of exploitation, particularly for women and children.

Destruction of infrastructure: Disasters can destroy essential infrastructure, such

as schools, hospitals, and water supply systems. This can have long-term
consequences for access to education, healthcare, and clean water, further
perpetuating poverty.

Increased debt: Disasters often require significant investments in relief and

recovery efforts, which can result in increased debt for governments and
households. This can further limit resources and opportunities for those already
living in poverty.

Overall, disasters can have a devastating impact on poverty and deprivation,

often affecting the most vulnerable populations the hardest. Effective disaster
preparedness, response, and recovery efforts must take into account these
potential impacts and prioritize the needs of those most at risk of falling into
or deepening poverty.

2) Climate change adaptation and human health

Climate change has significant impacts on human health, including increases in air
pollution, waterborne and vector-borne diseases, and extreme weather events.
Adaptation measures can help to minimize these impacts and protect human health.
Here are some examples of climate change adaptation strategies that can improve
human health.

Improved public health systems: Adaptation measures can include improvements

in public health systems to monitor and respond to climate-related health risks.
This can include early warning systems for extreme weather events, as well as
improved disease surveillance and response.

Heat-resilient infrastructure: Adaptation measures can include the design and

retrofitting of buildings and infrastructure to better withstand extreme heat events.
This can include measures such as cool roofs, green roofs, and shade trees, which
can help to reduce urban heat islands and protect vulnerable populations.

Access to safe drinking water: Climate change can lead to water scarcity and
contamination, which can increase the risk of waterborne diseases. Adaptation
measures can include the provision of safe drinking water through improved water
treatment and distribution systems, as well as the promotion of water conservation
practices.

Vector control: Climate change can increase the range and prevalence of vector-
borne diseases such as malaria and dengue fever. Adaptation measures can include
the use of insecticide-treated bed nets, mosquito control measures, and improved
sanitation to reduce the breeding of disease-carrying vectors.
Disaster preparedness: Extreme weather events such as floods and storms can
have significant impacts on human health, including injuries, displacement, and
exposure to waterborne diseases. Adaptation measures can include disaster
preparedness plans, early warning systems, and emergency response strategies to
minimize the health impacts of these events.

3) Exposure:-
Exposure refers to the degree to which individuals or populations come into
contact with a particular hazard or risk factor. This can include exposure to
environmental pollutants, infectious diseases, or other health hazards.
The level of exposure can be influenced by a variety of factors, including
geographical location, occupation, lifestyle choices, and socio-economic status.
For example, individuals living in urban areas may be exposed to higher levels of
air pollution compared to those living in rural areas, and those who work in certain
industries such as mining or construction may be exposed to hazardous substances
on the job.
Exposure can have significant impacts on health outcomes, and the effects may be
acute or chronic. For example, exposure to high levels of air pollution can lead to
respiratory problems such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
(COPD), while exposure to infectious diseases can result in acute illnesses such as
influenza or chronic conditions such as hepatitis C.
It is important to understand and quantify exposure to different hazards in order to
develop effective strategies for prevention and intervention. This can include
monitoring and measuring levels of exposure in different populations, identifying
high-risk groups, and implementing targeted interventions to reduce exposure and
improve health outcomes.

4) health hazards and environmental risk

Environmental risks refer to the potential harm that can arise from exposure to
hazards in the natural or built environment. These risks can have significant
impacts on human health and include a wide range of hazards such as air pollution,
water contamination, hazardous waste, and climate change.

Here are some examples of health hazards associated with environmental risks:

Air pollution: Exposure to air pollution can cause respiratory problems such as
asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and lung cancer. It can
also increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, and premature death.
Water contamination: Exposure to contaminated water can lead to
gastrointestinal illnesses, such as diarrhea and cholera. Long-term exposure to
certain contaminants such as lead can cause neurological damage and
developmental problems, particularly in children.

Hazardous waste: Exposure to hazardous waste can lead to a range of health

problems, including cancer, birth defects, and neurological disorders. Those who
work in industries that generate hazardous waste, such as chemical manufacturing
or waste disposal, are at increased risk.

Climate change: Climate change can have a range of health impacts, including
increased frequency and severity of extreme weather events, such as heatwaves
and floods, which can lead to injury, displacement, and the spread of waterborne
diseases.

Pesticides: Exposure to pesticides used in agriculture and other industries can

increase the risk of cancer, neurological damage, and reproductive problems.

It is important to identify and mitigate environmental risks in order to protect

human health. This can include monitoring and regulation of hazardous
substances, improving access to clean water and air, promoting sustainable
practices, and developing strategies to adapt to the impacts of climate change.

5) Forest management and disaster risk reduction

Forests play an important role in disaster risk reduction, as they provide natural
protection against hazards such as landslides, floods, and wildfires. Effective forest
management can help to reduce the risk and impact of disasters.
Here are some examples of how forest management can contribute to disaster risk
reduction:

Erosion control: Forests can help to prevent soil erosion, which can lead to
landslides and mudslides. Trees and other vegetation help to stabilize the soil and
prevent erosion, reducing the risk of landslides and other disasters.

Flood control: Forests can also help to reduce the risk of floods by absorbing and
storing water during heavy rainfall. Trees help to slow down the flow of water,
reducing the risk of flash floods and downstream flooding.
Fire management: Forest fires can have devastating impacts on communities and
ecosystems. Effective forest management can include measures such as prescribed
burning, thinning of overgrown forests, and fire breaks to reduce the risk of
uncontrolled wildfires.

Early warning systems: Forest management can include the development and
maintenance of early warning systems for natural hazards such as landslides and
floods. These systems can help to alert communities to potential risks and enable
timely evacuation and other response measures.

Sustainable forest management: Sustainable forest management practices can

help to maintain healthy and resilient ecosystems, reducing the risk of disasters
caused by environmental degradation. This can include measures such as
reforestation, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable harvesting practices.

In summary, effective forest management can contribute to disaster risk

reduction by reducing the risk and impact of natural hazards such as
landslides, floods, and wildfires. This can include erosion control, flood
control, fire management, early warning systems, and sustainable forest
management practices.

6)
The Red cross and red crescent movement
The Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement is a global humanitarian organization
that aims to provide assistance and support to people affected by disasters,
conflicts, and other crises. The movement consists of the International Committee
of the Red Cross (ICRC), the International Federation of Red Cross and Red
Crescent Societies (IFRC), and National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies in
countries around the world.
The history of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement dates back to the mid-
19th century, when Swiss businessman Henry Dunant witnessed the suffering of
wounded soldiers on a battlefield in Italy and founded the Red Cross to provide
neutral and impartial assistance to all those affected by war. The Red Crescent was
later established to provide similar services in Muslim countries.
Today, the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement operates in nearly every
country around the world, providing a wide range of services and support to people
in need. These services include disaster response and recovery, health care, first
aid, water and sanitation, psychosocial support, and humanitarian diplomacy.
One of the key principles of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement is
neutrality, which means that it does not take sides in conflicts and strives to
provide assistance based solely on humanitarian needs. The movement is
alsoguided by other principles, including humanity, impartiality, independence,
voluntary service, unity, and universality.
The Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement works closely with governments, non-
governmental organizations, and other partners to address humanitarian needs and
build resilience in communities around the world. It is a vital part of the global
humanitarian response system, providing essential services and support to people
affected by disasters and other crises.

7) Corporate sector and disaster risk reduction

The corporate sector can play an important role in disaster risk reduction by
implementing policies and practices that reduce the risk of disasters and contribute
to more resilient communities. Here are some ways in which the corporate sector
can contribute to disaster risk reduction:

Risk assessment and management: Companies can conduct risk assessments to

identify potential hazards and vulnerabilities in their operations and supply chains.
This information can be used to develop risk management strategies and to
improve the resilience of business operations.

Disaster preparedness planning: Companies can develop disaster preparedness

plans that include emergency response procedures, evacuation plans, and business
continuity plans. These plans can help to minimize the impact of disasters on
business operations and employees.

Investment in disaster-resilient infrastructure: Companies can invest in

disaster-resilient infrastructure, such as buildings and transportation systems, that
are designed to withstand natural hazards such as earthquakes and floods.

Community engagement: Companies can engage with local communities to

understand their needs and priorities and to identify ways to support disaster risk
reduction efforts. This can include supporting community-based disaster
preparedness initiatives, providing financial and in-kind support to local
organizations, and participating in public-private partnerships.

Innovation: Companies can leverage their expertise and resources to develop

innovative solutions to address disaster risk reduction challenges. This can include
the development of new technologies and products that improve disaster response
and recovery, or the use of data analytics and artificial intelligence to better
understand disaster risk and inform decision-making.

Overall, the corporate sector has an important role to play in disaster risk
reduction. By implementing policies and practices that prioritize risk
reduction and resilience, companies can help to create more disaster-resilient
communities and contribute to a more sustainable future.

8) Education in disaster risk reduction Essentials of school disaster

education

Education in disaster risk reduction (DRR) is essential for building resilient

communities and reducing the impact of disasters on people's lives. One important
aspect of DRR education is school disaster education, which aims to provide
students with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed to understand and manage
the risks associated with disasters. Here are some essentials of school disaster
education:

Hazard awareness: Students should be taught about the hazards that are most
relevant to their community, including natural hazards such as earthquakes, floods,
and wildfires, as well as human-made hazards such as industrial accidents and
terrorist attacks.

Risk assessment: Students should be taught how to assess the risks associated
with different hazards, including the likelihood and potential impact of a disaster.
Preparedness planning: Students should be taught how to develop preparedness
plans for their families and communities, including emergency supply kits,
evacuation plans, and communication plans.

Emergency response: Students should be taught basic first aid and emergency
response skills, including how to administer CPR, control bleeding, and perform
basic search and rescue operations.

Disaster recovery: Students should be taught about the long-term effects of

disasters on communities and how to support recovery efforts, including the
importance of mental health support and community rebuilding.
Community engagement: Students should be encouraged to get involved in their
communities and to take an active role in disaster risk reduction efforts. This can
include participating in community emergency response teams, volunteering with
local disaster response organizations, and advocating for policies that promote
disaster resilience.
School disaster education can be integrated into existing curricula, including
science, social studies, and health education. It can also be incorporated into
extracurricular activities, such as after-school clubs and service learning projects.

Overall, school disaster education is an essential component of DRR

education, helping to build a culture of resilience and prepare the next
generation for the challenges of a changing world.

9) Community capacity and disaster resilience

Community capacity is a critical factor in building disaster resilience. A

community's capacity refers to its ability to prevent, prepare for, respond to, and
recover from disasters. It includes both the resources and the social networks that
are available within the community.
Here are some ways in which community capacity can contribute to disaster
resilience:
Risk awareness and preparedness: A community that is aware of its risks and is
prepared to respond to disasters is more resilient. Community members can work
together to identify hazards and develop emergency plans that address the
unique needs and vulnerabilities of their community.

Social networks: Strong social networks within a community can help to build
trust and promote cooperation. When disasters occur, these networks can be
mobilized to support emergency response efforts and to provide social support to
those affected.

Access to resources: A community that has access to resources, such as food,

water, and medical supplies, is better able to respond to disasters. Community
members can work together to identify and access resources that are necessary
for disaster preparedness and response.
Leadership and governance: Effective leadership and governance can help to
ensure that disaster preparedness and response efforts are coordinated and
effective. Local leaders can play a critical role in promoting disaster resilience
within their communities.

Education and training: Education and training programs can help to build the
skills and knowledge necessary for effective disaster preparedness and response.
Community members can be trained in first aid, emergency response, and other
skills that are necessary for disaster resilience.

Overall, building community capacity is essential for promoting disaster

resilience. By working together to identify risks, build social networks, access
resources, and promote effective leadership and governance, communities can
become more resilient and better prepared to respond to disasters.

10) Community based disaster recovery

Community-based disaster recovery (CBDR) is an approach that emphasizes the

active participation of affected communities in the recovery process following a
disaster. CBDR recognizes that disasters often have differential impacts on
individuals and communities, and that recovery efforts should be tailored to meet
the unique needs and capacities of affected communities.

Here are some key features of community-based disaster recovery:

Community empowerment: CBDR emphasizes the active participation of

affected communities in the recovery process. This includes involving community
members in decision-making processes, providing opportunities for community
input, and building the capacity of community organizations to lead recovery
efforts.
Collaborative partnerships: CBDR involves the collaboration of multiple
stakeholders, including government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and
community-based organizations. These partnerships can help to leverage resources,
build networks, and promote more effective and sustainable recovery efforts.

Needs assessment: CBDR emphasizes the importance of conducting needs

assessments to identify the specific needs and capacities of affected communities.
This includes assessing the physical, economic, social, and psychological impacts
of the disaster on the community, as well as identifying the resources and
capacities that are available for recovery efforts.

Holistic approach: CBDR recognizes that recovery efforts should address the
physical, economic, social, and psychological impacts of the disaster on the
community. This includes addressing issues such as housing, employment, health,
education, and community infrastructure.

Long-term perspective: CBDR emphasizes the importance of taking a long-term

perspective on recovery efforts, recognizing that recovery is a process that may
take years or even decades. This includes building resilience within the
community, promoting sustainable development, and addressing systemic issues
that may have contributed to the disaster.

Overall, community-based disaster recovery is an approach that emphasizes

the importance of community empowerment, collaborative partnerships,
needs assessment, holistic approach, and long-term perspective. By engaging
affected communities in the recovery process, CBDR can help to build more
resilient communities and promote sustainable recovery efforts.

11) Community based disaster management and social capital

Community-based disaster management (CBDM) is an approach that emphasizes

the active participation of local communities in disaster preparedness, response,
and recovery efforts. Social capital refers to the resources and relationships within
a community that facilitate cooperation and collaboration. CBDM and social
capital are closely linked, as social capital can play a critical role in building
community resilience and facilitating effective disaster management.
Here are some ways in which social capital can support community-based disaster
management:

Information sharing: Social networks within a community can facilitate the

sharing of information and knowledge about disaster risks, preparedness measures,
and response strategies. This can help to build awareness and preparedness within
the community.
Collaboration: Social capital can facilitate collaboration among community
members and organizations, promoting a more coordinated and effective response
to disasters. This can include the sharing of resources, skills, and expertise.

Trust and social cohesion: Social capital can help to build trust and social
cohesion within a community, promoting a sense of common purpose and shared
responsibility for disaster management. This can help to mobilize resources and
support for recovery efforts.

Community empowerment: Social capital can help to empower local

communities to take an active role in disaster management, promoting greater
ownership and accountability for disaster preparedness and response efforts.

Sustainable development: Social capital can support sustainable development

within a community, promoting the development of social, economic, and
environmental systems that are resilient to future disasters.

Overall, social capital is an important resource for community-based disaster

management. By fostering information sharing, collaboration, trust and social
cohesion, community empowerment, and sustainable development, social
capital can help to build more resilient communities and promote effective
disaster management.

12) Designing resilience

Designing resilience involves incorporating resilience principles into the planning,

design, and implementation of systems, infrastructure, and policies. Resilience is
the capacity of a system or community to withstand and recover from shocks and
stresses, and designing for resilience involves anticipating and preparing for
potential risks and vulnerabilities.
Here are some key principles for designing resilience:

Redundancy and diversity: Designing for redundancy and diversity involves

creating systems that have multiple components or backup systems, as well as
promoting diversity in terms of functions, resources, and perspectives. This helps
to ensure that a system can continue to function even if one component fails, and
promotes adaptability and innovation.
Flexibility and adaptability: Designing for flexibility and adaptability involves
creating systems that can quickly and efficiently respond to changing conditions
and unexpected events. This includes designing systems with modularity,
scalability, and the ability to reconfigure in response to changing needs.

Robustness and durability: Designing for robustness and durability involves

creating systems that are able to withstand and recover from shocks and stresses,
such as natural disasters or economic downturns. This includes designing systems
with redundancy and safety margins, as well as considering the long-term impacts
of design decisions.

Participation and collaboration: Designing for participation and collaboration

involves involving stakeholders in the design and planning process, promoting
transparency and accountability, and building partnerships across sectors and
disciplines. This helps to promote community ownership and involvement, as well
as build more resilient and adaptable systems.
Sustainability and equity: Designing for sustainability and equity involves
promoting systems that are environmentally sustainable, socially equitable, and
economically viable. This includes considering the long-term impacts of design
decisions, promoting resource efficiency, and ensuring that vulnerable
populations are not disproportionately affected by the impacts of the system.

Overall, designing resilience involves incorporating principles such as

redundancy and diversity, flexibility and adaptability, robustness and
durability, participation and collaboration, and sustainability and equity into
the planning and design of systems and infrastructure. By designing with
resilience in mind, we can help to build more adaptable, equitable, and
sustainable systems that are better able to withstand and recover from shocks
and stresses.

13) building community capacity for action.

Building community capacity for action involves empowering individuals and

groups within a community to take action to address their own needs and improve
their quality of life. It involves building the skills, knowledge, and resources that
are necessary for individuals and communities to become active agents in their
own development.
Here are some key ways to build community capacity for action:
Participatory processes: Engaging community members in decision-making
processes can help build their capacity for action by fostering a sense of ownership
and responsibility. This can include processes such as community forums, public
hearings, and participatory budgeting.

Skills and knowledge-building: Providing training and education opportunities

can help community members build the skills and knowledge necessary to take
action on issues that affect them. This can include training on topics such as
leadership, communication, and advocacy.

Resource mobilization: Supporting community members in accessing resources

and building their own networks of support can help to build their capacity for
action. This can include connecting individuals and groups with funding
opportunities, providing technical assistance, and building partnerships with other
organizations.

Building trust and social capital: Building trust and social capital within a
community can help to facilitate collaboration and cooperation, promoting
collective action and community empowerment. This can include activities such as
building relationships, promoting inclusivity, and promoting dialogue and
understanding across different groups within the community.

Celebrating successes: Celebrating successes can help to build momentum and

inspire continued action. Recognizing and celebrating the achievements of
individuals and groups within the community can help to foster a sense of pride
and ownership, and encourage continued engagement and participation.

Overall, building community capacity for action involves creating

opportunities for community members to engage in decision-making,
providing training and education opportunities, supporting resource
mobilization, building trust and social capital, and celebrating successes. By
building the capacity of individuals and groups within a community, we can
help to foster community empowerment and promote sustainable
development.