UNDERS’ CHAPTER-1 DISASTERS ANDIN Disaster Hazard Vulnerability Risk 1.4.1. Public Awareness in Risk Reduction Capacity Disaster and Development Ll 12 a3 14 15 16 yf. 18 19° + Review Questions Disaster Management Disaster - Indian and Global Scenario Other Important Definitions a 11 Disaster : (May 2016, Nov. 2016) Disaster is an event or series of events, which gives rise to casualties and damage or loss of properties, infrastructures, environment, essential services or means of livelihood on such a scale which is beyond the normal capacity of the affected community or society to cope with. Disaster is also sometimes described as “castastrophic situation in which the normal pattern of| life or eco-system has been disrupted and extraordinary emergency interventions are required to save and preserve lives and or the environment.” The Disaster Management Act, 2005 defines disaster as “a catastrophic, mishap, calamity or grave occurance in any area arising from natural or man made causes, or by accident or negligence which results in substantial loss of life or human suffering or damage to and destruction of property or damage to, or degradation of environment and is of such a nature ‘or magnitude as to be beyond the capacity of the community of the affected area.” The United Nations (UN) defines disaster as “The occurance of sudden or major misfortune which disrupts the basic fabric and normal funetioning of the seciety or community.” A disaster is a function of the risk process. It results from the combination of hazards, conditions of vulnerability and insufficient capacity or measures to reduce the potential negative consequences of risk AA disaster happens when a hazard impacts on the vulnerable population and causes damage, casualties and disruption. Fig. 1.1 would give a better illustration of what a disaster is. Any hazard - flood, earthquake or cyclone which is a triggering event along with greater vulnerability (inadequate access to resources, sick and old people, lack of awareness tc.) would lead to disaster causing greater loss of life and property. For example, an earthquake in an unhabited desert cannot be considered a disaster, no matter how strong the intensities produced. An earthquake is disastrous only when it affects people, their properties and activities. Thus, disaster occurs only when hazards and vulnerability meet. But, it is also to be noted that with greater capacity of the individual/ community and environment to face these disasters, the impact of a hazard reduces. Therefore, we need to understand the three major components nemely hazard, vulnerability and capacity with suitable examples to have a basic understanding of disaster management.Disaster Ma Hazard a Trigger event Underlying Causes Dynamic Pressure Unsafe Conditions i + Limited a + Lack of + Dangerous location arthquake to resources ~ institutions + Dangerous buildings Tsunamis + Illness and - education + Low income level mG dibs = training one Cyclones * Agelsex ~ skills * Poverty + Pagaleteat Volcanic eruption y ~ expansion Drought + Urbanization Landslide + Uncontrolled War eevelopanet ; Technological accident + Environmental ae EnvRoanesit polliton Fig, 1.1 Illustration of a disaster + Natural disasters : (May 2016, Nov. 2017, 2018, Jan. 2021) The term ‘natural disasters’ refers to those disasters that are triggered by natrual phenomena, Natural disasters, or “Acts of God”, according to conventional wisdom are unpredictable and unpreventable, For example, — Earthquakes — Floods — Cyclones — Tsunami: — Landslide — Drought The term ‘natural disaster’ can be misleading because it implies that the disasters are solely a result of natural hazards - when in fact, human endeavors are a major contributing factor in creating a disaster. Many disasters, although triggered by natrual events such as flood and earthquakes, are increasingly man- made. For example, If settlements or farms were not located in flood plains, disasters would not result from floods. If| housing were built to earthquake and cyclone resistant standards, these hazards would be of scientific interest only and not result in disasters. In recent years special type of natural disaster has begun to occur more frequently. This disaster is environmental degradation. It results typically from poor farming, grazing or settlement practices or because of demands for fuel wood. Excessive exploitation of natural resources or improper use or maintenance of lands, change the ecological balance; the resulting effects of deforestation, desertification, erosion, siltation or flooding often bring disaster. + Man-made disasters: (May 2016,2017, Nov. 2017, Jan. 2021) The term ‘man-made disasters’ usually refers to disasters resulting from man- made hazards. Man-made disaster can be divided into two categories : ‘Man-made disasters | | | Armed conflicts ‘Technological and civil strife disastersstrife : Disaster management concems itself with various aspects of armed conflict cluding the protection and support of displac: refugees during the conflict, physical and economic reconstructions and social rehabilitation in the aftermath of the conflict. (i) and civil strife, d persons and Technological disast (Noy. 2018) Technological disasters are usually a result of accidents or incidents occuring in the manufacture, transport or distribution of hazardous substances such as fuel, chemicals explosives or nuclear materials, e.g Leakage of methyle isosynide gas at the Pesticide Plant, Union Carbide Industry, Bhopal in 1984. Examples of man-made disasters are : - Building collapse Table 1.1 : List of Various Disasters rural and urban fir road and rail accidents - serial bomb blasts nuclear disasters radiological disasters chemical disasters - biological disasters = liquid chemical spills It is necessary to differentiate between disasters and accidents. An airline crash is certainly and costly, but the number of people affected What separates a disaster from an seve is relatively small. accident or incident, is its magnitude of need and of victims involved. In case of disasters, the magnitude of need and the victims involved are very large (Jan. 2021) i, Water and climate related disasters (Nov. 2016) (Dee, 2015, May 2017) @ () © @ © © ® (h) @ Oo (k) @ (b) © @) Floods and drainage management Cyclones Tomadoes and hurricanes Hailstorm Cloud burst Heat wave and cold wave Snow avalanches Droughts Sea erosion ‘Thunder and lightening ‘Tounami Landslides and mudflows Earthquakes Dam failures/Dam bursts Minor fires Chemical, industrial and nuclear related disasters iy. Accident related disasters @ () @) (b) © @ © o Chemical and industrial disasters Nuclear disasters | Forest fires Urban fires Mine flooding Oil spills Major building collapse Serial bomb blastsDisaster Vi w F disast fh) Electrical disasters and fires () Air, road and rail accidents (j) Boat capsizing (k) Village fine : ¥. Biological related disasters a) Biological disasters and epidemics (b) Pest attacks (c) Cattle epidemics (4) Food poisoning natural hazards since their causes ar natural and man made, For example {Io may be caused because of heavy « landslide or blocking of drains with hu waste, 2. Manmade hazards are hazards which arc to human negligence. Manmade hazards associated with industries or energy genera facilities and include explosions, leakage of 10: waste, pollution, dam failure, wars or civil stl. 1.2 Hazard : (May 2016, Jan, 2021, Sept. 2021, June 2022) Hazard may be defined as “a dangerous condition or event, that threat or have the potential for causing injury to life or damage to property or the environment.” The word ‘hazard’ owes its origin to the word ‘hazard’ in old French and ‘az-zahr’ in Arabic meaning “chanice’ or ‘luck’. Hazards can be grouped into two broad, categories namely natural and manmade, 1. Natural hazards are hazards which are caused . because of natural phenomena (hazards with meteorological, geological or even biological origin). Examples of natural hazards are cyclones, tsunamis, earth-quake and volcanic eruption which are exclusively of natural origin. Landslides, floods, drought, fires are socio- etc, ‘The list of hazards is very long. Many occur frequently while others take place occasionally However, on the basis of their genesis, they can be categorized as follows : ‘Table 1.2 : Various types of hazards (Nov. 2016, Jan, 2021, Sept. 2021) HazardsChemical disasters Industrial disasters Boat/Road/Train accidents/air crash Rural/Urban fires Festival related diasters Bombyserial bomb 6, Mine flooding blasts Forest fires (Noy. 2016, May 2017, The factors considered while considering Sept. 2021, June 2022) | vulnerability are + be fe as “The extent to + Impact on human life s or geographic + Effect of environment + Damage to property/structure Vulnerabilities can be categorized into physical *} and socio-economic vulnerability. Piece Vulnerability ; It includes notions of pisses 1d what may be damaged or destroyed by natural hazard such as earth-quakes or s ela oe he pind gon ion of pS et }wi River Site River Figure 1.2 shows the settlements which are located in hazardous slopes. Many landslide and flooding disasters are linked to what you see in the figure 1.2. Unchecked growth of settlements in unsafe areas exposes the people to the hazard, In case of an earthquake or landslide the ground may fail and the houses on the top may topple or slide and affect the settlements at the lower level even if they are designed well for earthquake forces. Socio-economic Vulnerability : The degree to which a population is affected by a harard will not merely lie in the physical components of vulnerability, but also on the socio-economic conditions. The socio-economic condition of the people also determines the intensity of the impact. For example, people who are poor and living in the sea coast don’t have the money to Slope Fig. 1.2 Site after pressures from population growth and urbanization o of the affected area, which is most vuinerable Disaster Mav construct strong concrete houses. They ar generally at risk and loose their shelter whenever there is strong wind of cyclone. Contributing Factors to Vulnerability : (Nov. 2016 Support infrastructures : ‘The support infrastructures includes — Roads ~ Railways — telecommunication ~ electric power supply, ete, ‘These are vital for quick response and recover damages. They remain out of action for long duratic mainly due to lack of maintenance and repairs. i) Habitat or Building Sector : Housing sector ° also important factor contributing to vulnerabili:{Understanding Disasters (i (vy) ™) wi) ‘eg. — Non compliance of IS codes haphazard construction Not following building byclaws Poor quality construction materials unskilled masons, etc Demographic pressures : It includes, increase in population build up pressure on other development works —_unhygienic conditions — Poor living standards Slump areas, etc Deforestation ; Deforestation will result in — Weakining of soil binding forces — soil erosion — landslides — floods = droughts = loss of wild life ete. Faulty agricultural practices : It includes = Shooming cultivation (burning the forest for agriculture) — extra use of pesticide = use of chemical fertilizers over grazing ‘These factors have enhanced the impacts of disasters. Dams and reservoirs : — Construction of dams of more height affect the ecology — Forest area and agricultural area go under submergence. = possibility of earthquakes — Dam failure may cause destruction (flooding) (vil) Climate change : = Global Warming — tise in sea level ~ Acid rains, etc. may causes disasters. (ill) Industrialization & Urbanization population increases in urba shortage of houses more chances of accidents, ete Vulnerability profile of India : India has been vulnerable, in varying degr a large number of natural as well as man-n disasters on account of its unique geo-climatic and | socio-economic conditions. It is highly vulnerable 1 floods, droughts, cyclones, earthquackes, land slides, avalanches and forest fires. + Out of 35 states and union territories in.the country, 27 of them are disaster prone. + Almost 59% of the land area is vulneral to earthquakes + 12% land area is prone to floods and river erosion. + 8% land area is prone to cyclones. + of the 7516 km long coastline, close to $700 km is prone to cyclones and tsunamis. + 68% of the cultivable area is vulnerable to drought. + Hilly areas are at risk from landslides and avalanches. About 25% of the total geographical area of India is prone to land slides. + Brahmaputra and Gangetic basins are most flood prone areas. + North-West region of west flowing rivers - Krishna, Cavery and Mahanadi - are other flood prone areas. * Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Orissa, Wes Bengal and Pondicherry on east coast Gujarat on the west coast are more prone to cyclones. * Cyclones occur in the months of May-June and October - November with their primary a in November and secondary peaks in ay68% Of the cultivable Vulnerable to drought Out of this 339% is chronically drought prone, receiving. rai are’ in the country is fall less than 750 mm per annum, 35% drought prone area receives rainfall between 750-1125 mm per Entire Hin alayas, North e: ° slides. 14 Risk : (May 2016, Sept. 2021, June 2022) The probability of harmful consequences, or expected losses (deaths, injuries, property, livelihoods, economic activity disrupted or environment damased) resulting from interactions between natural or human. induced hazards and vi as risk. annum, astern region, m ghats are perennially alti xd by land) uulnerable conditions is known _ It is a combination of the probability of an event and its negative consequences, Conventionally risk is expressed by the notation : Risk is a measure of the expected losses due to a hazard event occuring in a given area over a specific time period. The level of risk depends upon : * Nature of the hazard + Vulnerability of the elements which are affected * Economic value of those elements ‘A community/locality is said to be at risk when it is exposed to hazards and is likely to be adversely affected by its impact. The word “risk” has two distinctive connota tions : in popular usage the emphasis is usually placed ‘on the concept of chance or possibility, such as in “the risk of an accident”, whereas in technical settings the emphasis is usually placed on the consequences, in terms of “potential losses” for some particular cause, place and period. It can be noted that people do not necessarily share the same perceptions of the significance and underlying causes of different risks. Risk assessment/analysis A methodology to determine the nature and extent of risk by analysing potential hazards and Disaster Managem, evaluating existing conditions of vulnerability that Pose a potential threat or b rm to people, pr J the environment on which the Risk a is called risk assessment/analysis. include + A review of the technical character hazards such as their location, inter frequency and probability + ‘The analysis of exposure and vulnera including the physical, social. he economic and environmental dimension: + Evaluation of the effectiven s of prevai and alternative coping capacities in respec likely risk iarios, Risk Management : The systematic approach and practice managing uncertainty to minimize potential harm au Joss is called risk management. Risk management comprises risk assessment ar analysis, and the implementation of strategies ar specific actions to control, reduce and transfer risks. is widely practiced by organizations to minimise risk in investment decisions and to address operational risks such as those of business disruption, production failure, environmental damage, social impacts anc damage from fire and natural hazards. Ris! management is a core issue sectors such as wate supply, energy and agriculture whose production directly affected by extremes of weather and climaic Disaster risk Reduction : The concept and practice of reducing disas: risks through systematic efforts to analyze and man the casual factors of disasters, including thro: reduced exposure to hazards, lessened vulnerabili people and property, wise mamangement of lane a0: the environment and improved preparedness‘ adverse events, is termed as disaster risk reductio" Disaster risk reduction consists of the follow three components : (a) Disaster risk analysis (b) Disaster risk prevention (c) Disaster risk preparednessDisaster Risk Analysis 1n addition to these physical measures, mitigation should also aim at reducing the economic and social ness: (Nov. 2016, Nov. 2018) | Vulnerabilities of potential disasters, 4.1.Publie Awareness in Risk Reduction : process embraces measures | 1 nt, communities an individual (May 2016, 2017, Sept. disaster situations t0 cope with] The aw nae tt fareness about includes the formulation) poopie of community considerable extent. - Risk Reduction can take place in thehelpful reduction in the following ways : (i) Awareness about building, construction + People should be aware of good quality construction, earthquake resistant construction so that failure of structure during earthquake can be prevented. — good quality materials ‘good workmanship — compliance of IS codes following building bye-laws — use of skilled masons will definitely minimize the risk of hazard, (i) Awareness about Environment : ‘The awareness of society about the conservation of eneironment will also reduce the risk of hazard. — Alforestation eS conservation Saving water — less use of petroleum products, ete will help in minimizing the risk. (ii) Awareness about agriculture : ‘Awareness among rural farmers about the following will reduce the risk of hazard. = Use of organic fertilizers instead of chemical fertilizers. = Minimum use of pesticides — Sprinkler or drip irrigation — controlled grazing, ete. (iv) Awareness about various disasters & their effects : The community should be aware of the various types of hazards, their effects and mitigation measures. For example, ~ During earthquake, people should keep emergency kit ready, = They should identify safe places for shelters. — They should stand in open, away from buildings. Disaster Manager During heavy rains, th higher places to survive from flood (May 2016, Sept. 2021, 1.5 Capacity n be defined as “resou! Capacity ¢ and strengths which exist in housesho! ‘communities and which enable them to withstand, prepare for, prevent, mitigate or recover from a disaster". People’s capacity « be taken into account, Physical Capacity : People whose how been destroyed by the cyclone or crops ha: destroyed by the flood can salvage things trov homes and from their farms. Some family mes have skills, which enable them to find employmcr they migrate, either temporarily or permanently In most of 1 catest losses in | Socio-economic Capacity disasters, people suffer their gs physical and material realm. Rich people have capacity to recover soon because of their wealth. Ir fact, they are seldom hit by disasters because they ti in safe areas and their houses are built with stronge: materials. However, even when everything is destroyed they have the capacity to cope up with it Hazards are always prevalent, but the hazard becomes a disaster only when there is greater vulnerability and less of capacity to cope with it. !n other words the frequency of likelihood of a ha: and the vulnerability of the communi risk of being severely affected. Capacity Developed/Capacity Building : Capacity can be defined as “resources, mean: and strengths of community which enable them withstand, prevent, mitigate or recover disaster’ from Capacity could be : (Nov. 2016) *+ Physical capacity - houses, farms, land. skill or people. + Socio economic capacity — richness. ss! locations, money etc.eee — systems ~ strategies ~ arrangements — framework at the organization level. + Capacity development ; The process by which people, organizations and society develop their capacity to achieve social and economic goals is called capacity development or capacity building. Capacity development is a long term, continuing process in which all the stake holders participate isters, local authorities, NGOs, academicians, people, ect.) Capacity may include + + Physical + social + economical + institutional + skill + leadership, management Capacity development includes + () Human resources development : It is a process of equipping individual with knowledge, skill information, training ete. so that they can perform effectively. (ii) Organizational development : It includes — improvement in management structure — improvement in policies, systems, strategies Qo aoe. (/ = ng are Fig. 1.4 Levels of Capacity @ it dig individual and organizations — improvement in relationships between different arganizations (public, private, community). (iii) Institutional development : It includes institutional and legal framework development. = Land use planning — Design as per building codes = strictly follow building bye laws, ete. + Four basic components of capacity development : @ Training ii) Research (ii) Education (iv) Awareness Training : It is a learning process. It involve acquisition of — knowledge, skills change in attitude ~ change in behaviour Training should be given to target group : + Govt. officials + Small contractors + Students-technical + School children etc.[12 wi Education : Education of disaster management and mitigation should be given to students at different levels — from school to college. A subject of ‘disaster management’ should be | made a part of study curriculum. (iii) Research : Research is a systematic way of finding answers to various questions. Research is made on : Disaster Manay. > Past disasters, effects «physical, social, economic condition + role played by govt. NGOs and so + short comings power etc. ‘Awareness : The awareness about th among people or community can reduc of disaster to a considerable extent equipment, money (iv) ‘Step-t Steps Evaluate capacity development Sepa Implement a capacity development response, Public awareness can be created by : * teaching “disaster management’ subject at school and college level * Arranging seminars and workshops on disaster management. + through training programmes + progratrimes on T.V. and radios. 1.6 Disaster and Development : Disasters and development are closely linked in that disasters can destroy development initiatives and create development opportunities and that schemes can both increase and decrease vulnerability. The prevailing attitude has been that natural disasters, were an act of nature and as such were beyond human control; accepting death and damage to proporty was part of the costs. With such an attitude, most development plans were designed without consideration for the effect disasters would Engage stakeholders on capacity development Formulate capacity development response Step-2 ‘Assessment of capai Step-3 at community, organization, national level Fig. 1.5 Capacity Development process (by UNDP) have on community plans and vice versa. When a disaster did oceure, the response was directed at meeting emergency needs and cleaning up. Now it is realised that much more can and need to be done to reduce the severity of hazards and disasters. A growing body of knowledge on the elationships between disasters and development indicates four basic themes as follows : 1. Disasters set back development programming. destroying years of development initiatives. ure improvement, e.g. transport and utility systems are destroyed by a flood. 2. Rebuilding after a disaster provides significant ‘opportunities to initiate development programms. A self help housing program to rebuild housing le by an earthquake teaches new skills, ‘Strengthens community pride and leadership and retains development dollars that otherwise would be exported to large construction companies.After Bhuj, Gujarat earthquake 2001, considerable development has taken place in the field of earthquake resistant design and construction, ‘Almost all the multistoried buildings in zone-Ill and IV are built with earthquake resistant featurers. IS codes on earthquake resistant design ‘and construction have been modilied. 3, Development programs can increase an area’s susceptibility to disasters. ‘A major increase in live stock development leads to overgrazing, which contributes to desertification ‘and increased vulnerability to famines. 4. Development programs can be designed to decrease the susceptibility to disasters and their negative consequences. Housing projects constructed under building codes designed to withstand high ‘winds result in less destruction during the next tropical storms. Positive and Negative Effects of Disasters = (May 2017) Positive effects + Development can reduce vulnerability increasing awareness and by development ‘mitigation and disaster preparedness. + Disasters can provide development ‘opportunities to the community or the ‘country. Negative effects : + Development can increase the vulnerability and can set back development. + Disasters can setiously disrupt development initiatives in several ways, including loss of revenue, interruption of programs, impact on investment climate, impact on non-formal sector and political destabilization. (Loss of resources : Development resources are lost when a disaster’ ‘wipes out the product of investment - is shortens the life of development investment. Disasters affect the development through impact on capital stock and inventory, loss of production and provision of services, _ due to disruption and increased cost of goods and services, Disaster Mamagement-2022/2 by 13 | The secondary effects incluck ff payment of balances, increase in fiscal expenditur and decrease in monetary reserves. It may also impact the country’s debt positior debt service burden and making less investments in productive increasing the available for resou enterprises. ‘The outcome of these losses of resources include loss of economic growth dealy in development programs — cancellation of some programs — ‘There may be a shift in ‘skilled human resources ‘towards high visibility recovery activity - a diversion from long term to short term needs. — Disasters interrupt the ongoing programs and divert the resources from originally planned uses. (ii) Impact on investment climate : Disasters when occur at repeated short intervals have a negative impact on investments, as the climate is not conducive to the investors who seek stability and certainty and have no wish to risk their money. Loss of employment associated with disasters further depresses the market demands, causes stagnation and limits overall growth. Disasters depresses the non-formal economy. through the direct costs of lost equipments and housing and through indirect costs that include lost employment and lost ineome. (iii) Political destabilization : “The stress caused by the disaster often results in destabilization of the govemment, especially it has mis- ‘managed the relief and recovery operations. If it could not meet the expectations of the survivors, then the discontent of the community may translate into some part of protest, the government may be made a scapegoat for the problems beyond its control and it ‘may lead to its downfall. It’s a common observation that the governments were either overthrown or collapsed after a major disaster.Ee How development may cause disasters ? + The side effects of well - meaning develop- ment efforts sometimes have disastrous consequences, The development projects that are implemented without taking into consideration the existing environmental the vulnerability to natural disasters, e.g. projects designed 10 give more employment opportunities and more income can lure people with low income to migrate to the project area and thus increase the population density of the area, forcing the migrants to seek housing in the areas that were previously avoided such as on hillsides, or in flood plains and exposing them to the risks of landslides ot floods. The cost of relief assistance afier a landslide of flood can easily outweigh the benefits to the economy of more jobs. + Sometimes, development projects may lead to negative political consequence that increase the vulnerability to civil conflicts. Some development projects commence without fully assessing their impact on the environment, thus can give rise to increased vulnerability to disasters, e.g. the postdisaster reconstruction projects may increase the demand for wood to fortify houses, which may result in massive deforestation, which in tum bring increased vulnerability to mud- slides and may possibly cause long term ‘environmental changes as well. + Development may result in increased demand for wood for fortification of housing and in reconstruction projects can cause deforestation as well as road building can ‘cause landslides, mudslides and possibly long term environmental changes in rain forests. + Desertification due to drilling of wells in marginal areas, causes population clustering around the wells. Loss of biological diversity due to deforestation and desertification can. also occur. * Construction of hydro-electric dams leads to displacement of people and salinization of soil. Disaster Manageme + Irrigation schemes cause foodir canals counter natural water flow + Lack of soil and water mana centralization of planning process can ly watershed erosion and famines due \ of organization of local government + Increase in pesticides or fertilizer augment crop yields, cause contaminati potable water supplies. = Construction of chemical plant or oth industries generating employment can inadvertent release of chemicals or « toxic effluents, contamination of sources and supplies and causing increased health problems or even deaths. + Construction of schools and houses earthquake fault tine may result in injuries anc! deaths due to structural failure + Marine and coastal zone development leadin to concentration of tourist's facilities on vulnerable coastlines and unstable hills can cause exposure of large population to risk of death/injuries/loss in storm surges. hig! windstorms, tsunamis and landslide + Livestock development projects can lead tc severe loss of vegetation cover and conditions of near-desertification around specific natural points such as wells. + Agricultural projects promoting cash crops may reduce the production of staple foods 1.7. Disaster Management : (Nov. 2016, Nov. 2017, 2018, Sept. 2021) Disaster management covers the range 0 activities designed to maintain control over disasters emerging situations and to provide a frame work fo helping people to avoid, reduce the effects of © recover from impacts of a disaster. ‘These activities may be related to : + Preparedness + mitigation + emergency response + relief and recovery ‘The objectives of disaster management are : (June 2022) (to reduce or avoid the human, physical « economic losses suffered by individuals !» the society and by the country at larse aaa —_—(ii) to speed recovery The three key stages of activities that are taken up within disaster risk management are 1, Before a disaster (Pre-disaster) 2, During a disaster (disaster occurance) 3. After a disaster (Post-disaster) Before a disaster (Pre-disaster) : Activities taken up to reduce human and property losses caused by a potential hazard. For example, + Carrying out awareness campaigns + Strengthening the existing weak structures + Preparation of the disaster management plan at household and community level ete. Such risk reduction measures taken under this stage are termed as mitigation and Preparedness activites, oe a a oe ey Cater Faring ingency Planning Wari fd Evecslonooseids Gearon yarsae) ears ‘hasace& oe Rehabittation [eat peemeri fame lazard alee and vunerabilty assessment eee Ae ‘structural and non-structural ay measures Recanstuetion Fal resumption of services, fran! Fig. 16 Disaster Management ter occurance) 2. During a di Initiatives taken to ensure that the needs anc provisions of victims are met and suffering ji minimised. Activities taken under this st emergency response activities. ‘As soon as a disaster immediate response and relief activities are carried out by the government, Non Government Organisations (NGOs), various religious bodies, etc. This includes : + Search and rescue of those affected 1g, shelter, strikes a locality + Provision of food, water, cloth sanitation ete. + First aid, After a disaster (Post-disaster) Soon after the initial response and relief phase, rehabilitation and reconstruction initiatives are taken up by the Government, NGOs and various other agencies which would help the affected community to come back to normalcy. medical and trauma care, etc. Bs DISASTER RESPONSE (post-disaster) Emergency Response Indiv Response/Relit immediate Intervention Search ‘rescue, Foo, sc & Gio, Nia ‘&vauma care) Duration: short-term ‘meesuce, Duration (months io years).Roads, pavement, houses, power and | super eyel i i e oy quake (200 communication networks are restored. This phase of | eatt hquake (2001) Disaster, Manageme, fone of Orisa (1999), the Gujarat-t Tounami (2005) and Keda ° loud burst (2014) affected m Gisester management also includes economic | landslide and cloud burst ( rehabilitation for those who have lost their livelihood, | act 1.8 Disaster - Indian and Global Scenari Disaster - Indian Scenario : The scenario in India is no different from the global context, The ‘s the country leaving behind a trail of hea of lik, property and livelihood. ‘Table 1.3 Disasters in India ie ee 20 Sr No.] Name of Event — | Year ataiiiee is North India floods | 2013 al Uttar Pradesh lei as ‘Sikkim Earthquake DOI} North Easter india with: epicenter near Nepal disaster Border and Sikkim 3 ‘Cloudburst 2010 Teh, Ladakh in J & K 4 Drought 2009 | 252 Districts in 10 States = 5S, Floods, 2009 Andhra Praclesh, 300 people died Karanataka, Orissa, Kerala, Delhi, Maharashtra 6. Kosi Floods 2008 North Bihar 527 deaths, 19323 livestock perished, 223000 houses damaged 33 million persons affected is Cyclone Nisha 2008 ‘Tamil Nadu 204 deaths: 8. Maharashtra Floods _ | 2005 Maharashtra State 1094 deaths 167 injured f 54 missing 9. Kashmir 2005 Mostly Pakistan, 1400 deaths in Kashmir 5 partially Kashnir 86,000 deaths in total _ ‘Tsunami 2004 | Coastline of Tamil Nadu, 10749 deaths | Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, 5640 persons missing | Pondicherry and 2.79 million ‘Andaman and people affected Nicobar Islands 11827 hectares of India of crops damaged 300,000 fisher folk lost a . their livelihood Gujarat Earthquake [2001 | ~~ Rapar, Bhuj, Bhachau, | 13805 deaths one woe and 63 million 7) ib in Gujarat state le affected “[forissa Super Cyclone | 1999 Orissa ‘Over 10,000 deaths {Source : NDMA-Ind _—-[under 19 Other Important Definitions + 1. Resilience + The ability of a system, community or society exposed to hazards to adapt by resisting or changing jn order to reach and maintain an acceptable level of functioning and structure is called resilience. This is determined by the degree to which the community has the necessary resources and is capable of organising itself to increase its capacity for learning from past disasters for better future protection and to improve risk reduction measures. 2, Response/Relief = The provision of emergency services and public assistance during or immediately after a disaster in order to save lives, reduce health impacts, ensure public safety and meet the basic subsistence needs of the people affected is known as response. Response activities include : + providing emergency aids to affected people ‘+ temporary shelter + search and rescue + provision of food, water, clothing, sanitation etc. + health care + repairing of essential services ete, 3. Recovery : The restoration and improvement where appropriate, of facilities, livelihoods and living conditions of disaster - affected communities, including efforts to reduce disaster risk factors is called recovery. Recovery measures include : + Supporting in house reconstruction or repair + Setting up essenti + Recovering key social economic activities ete, Community Community is a group of people living in the same geographical area, sharing resources together ‘and having the same interests. A sense of community builds social cohesion and facilitates governance systems. services. 4. 17 75. Climate change : A change in the state of the climate th identified (e.g. by using statistical tests) by the mean and/or the variability of its properti that persists for an extended period, typically decad or longer, Climate change may be due to natural internal forcings or to persistent processes or external omposition of the anthropogenic changes in the atmosphere or in land use. 6. CBDRM : Community Based Disaster Risk Management A process of disaster risk management in which ies are actively engaged in the jdentification/analysis, planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of disaster risks in order to reduce their vulnerabilities and enhance their capacities is known as CBDRM. 7. Emergency Management The organization and management of resources and responsibilities for dealing with all aspects of ‘emergencies, in particular preparedness, response and rehabilitation is called emergency management. It involves plans, structures and arrangements established to engage the normal endeavours of government, NGOs and private agencies in a ‘comprehensive and co-ordinated manner to respond to the whole spectrum of emergency needs. 8. Early Warning : (May 2016) ‘The provision of timely and effective information through identified situations, that allows individuals exposed to a hazard to take action to avoid or reduce risk and prepare for effective response. It includes, + Understanding and mapping the hazard + Monitoring and forecasting impending events + Processing and disseminating understandable warnings to political authorities and the population 3 + Undertaking appropriate and timely actions in response to the warnings, Public Awareness : ‘The extent of common knowledge about disaster risks, the factors that lead to disasters and the actions at risk communit{rs ‘| that can be taken individually and collectively to reduce exposure and vulnerability to hazards is known as public awareness, Public awareness is a key factor in effective disaster risk reduction. Its development is pursued, for example, through the development and dissemination of information through media and educational channels, the establishment of information centres, networks and community and advocacy by senior public officials and public leaders. 10. Sustainable : A system (natural/ecological or human) which has the capacity to endure, The potential for long term maintenance of well-being, which has ecological, economic, political and cultural dimensions Sustainability requires the reconciliation of environmental, social equity and economic demands. 11, Sustainable development : Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. 12. Coping Capacity : The ability of people, organizations and systems, using available skills and resources, to face and manage adverse conditions, emergencies or disasters. 13. Contingency planning : A management process that analyses specific potential events or emerging situations that might threaten society or the environment and establishes arrangements in advance to enable timely, effective and appropriate responses to such events and situations. Contingency planning results in organised and co-ordinated courses of action with clearly identified institutional roles and resourees in formation processes, and operational arrangements for specific actors at times of need. Contingency planning is an important part of overall preparedness. Contingency plans need to be regularly updated and exercised. 14, Environmental degradation : ‘The reduction of the capacity of the environment to meet social and ecological objectives and needs. Environmental degradation can alter the frequency and intensity of natural hazards and increase the vulnerability of communities. a ageme ter Ma Types of human induced degradation + Land misuse * Soil erosion + Desertification + Wildland fires + Loss of biodiversity + Deforestation + Mangrove destruction + Land, water and air pollution + Climate change + Sea level rise + Ozone layer depletion ete Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Process by which the environmen consequences of a proposed project or programy are evaluated, under taken as an integral par planning and decision marking processes with a view. to limiting or reducing the adverse impacts of the project or programme. EIA is a policy tool that provides evidence and analysis of environmental impacts of activities from conception to decision-making. It is utilized extensively in national programming and project approval processes and for international development assistance projects. 16. 15. Impact : ‘A sudden occurance without prior warming. (In disaster risk context) Positive and negative, primary and secondary long term effects produced by a development intervention, directly or indirectly, intended or unintended, (Results based context). A ihood : A livelihood comprises the capabilities, assets (including both material and social resources) and activities required for a means of living. A livelihood is sustainable when it can cope with and recover from stress and shocks and maintain or enhance its capabilities and assets both now and ir the future. Livelihoods are viewed as systems and provid: a way to understand :(Understanding Disasters ihe assets people draw upon + the strategies they develop to make a living + the context within which a Livelihood is developed + those factors that make a livelihood more or less vulnerable to shocks and stresses. + Importance of the subject “Disaster Management”, (Dee. 2015, Sept. 2021) Disaster Management covers the range of| activities designed to maintain control over disasters! for ‘emerging situations and to provide a frameworl helping people to avoid, reduce the effects of or recove from impacts of a disaster India has been vulnerable, in varying degree, to fa large number of natural as well as man made disasters on account of its geo-climatie and Socio- economic conditions. It is highly vulnerable to floods, droughts, cyclones, earthquakes, land slides, avalanches and forest fires. The government of India has prepared National Policy on Disaster Management involving a number of| department/agencies spanning across all sectors of| development. It is very important to include a huge mass of| youth of the country in the disaster management programme for effective implementation of the D.M. policy. Many universities in India have introduce ‘disaster management’ as a special subject in all branches of engineering at B. Tech level. The purposes of incorporating the subject “Disaster Management’ in the B, Tech study are : + To create awareness about occurance of various disasters, among the students + To impart training involving acquisition of knowledge, sharpening of skills, concepts, ‘and behaviour to enhance the performance of| individuals. + To develop capacity of youth of the country to mitigate any future disaster. + To reduce the vulnerability of a community, structure, services by the impact of particular havard. + To respond rapidly and effect situations ‘Questions | : J Review 1. Define the terms : Disaster and hazard, (Jan. 2021, Sept. 2021) (Jan, 2021) 2, Describe natural disasters disasters, (May 2016, May 2017, Nov. 2017, Nov. 2018) 3, Give a comprehensive list of various types of disasters. (Nov. 2018, Jan. 2021) 4, What is vulnerability ? Explain types of vulnerability (May 2017) vulnerability profile of India. (Nov. 2016) ¢ 6. Define risk and 7. Define : (i) Preparedness (fi) Mitigation management. 8 What is capacity ? Explain types of capacities. (May 2017) 9, What is capacity development ? What are the vital components of capacity development ? 10. Disaster and development (Nov. 2016, May 2017) How development may cause disasters ? Write a note on Le, 12, What is disaster management ? Explain key stages of disaster management. (Nov. 2016, Noy. 2017, Sept. 2021) Explain the imporatance of the subject “Disaster management’ as a part of B. Tech. Study. * (Dec. 2015, Sept. 2021) Define the following terms : (May 2016, Nov. 2016) 13. 14. (1) Disaster (2) Hazard 3) Vulnerability (Sept. 2021, June 2022) (4) Mitigation - (5) Risk (Sept. 2021, June 2022) (6) Capacity (Sept. 2021, June 2022) (7) Barly Warning. 15, What are the aims of disaster management ? soe