Unit IV: Disaster Management

International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (ISDR)

Overview: The International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (ISDR) is an
initiative by the United Nations aimed at reducing the impact of disasters
globally. It emphasizes the need for a proactive approach to manage risks
associated with natural and human-induced hazards. The strategy aligns with
the goal of enhancing resilience and promoting sustainable development.

Background:

• The ISDR evolved from earlier UN efforts in the 1990s, known as the
International Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction (IDNDR).
• Recognized the importance of shifting from reactive to proactive disaster
management approaches.

Objectives of ISDR:

• Reduce Vulnerabilities: Minimize societal vulnerabilities to disasters

through awareness and preparedness.
• Promote Risk Reduction: Encourage national and local governments to
adopt policies and strategies for risk mitigation.
• Foster Collaboration: Strengthen international and regional partnerships
for resource and knowledge sharing.
• Integrate Risk Management: Embed disaster risk reduction (DRR) in
development policies and practices to ensure sustainable growth.

Key Principles:

• Prevention is better than response: Proactive measures should be

prioritized over reactive responses.
• Community involvement: Local populations should be engaged in DRR
planning and implementation.
• Inclusive approach: Special focus on protecting the most vulnerable
groups, including women, children, the elderly, and persons with
disabilities.
• Interdisciplinary collaboration: A combined effort across sectors (e.g.,
education, infrastructure, and health) ensures comprehensive risk
management.
Frameworks Under ISDR:

• Hyogo Framework for Action (2005-2015): first internationally agreed-

upon framework for DRR. Focused on five priorities:

1. Ensure DRR is a national and local priority.

2. Identify, assess, and monitor disaster risks.
3. Use knowledge, education, and innovation to build resilience.
4. Reduce underlying risk factors.
5. Strengthen disaster preparedness for effective response.

• Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (2015-2030): A

successor to the Hyogo Framework, it outlines four priority areas:

1. Understanding disaster risk.

2. Strengthening disaster risk governance.
3. Investing in DRR for resilience.
4. Enhancing disaster preparedness for effective response and
building back better in recovery.

Strategies and Initiatives

1. Mainstreaming DRR into Development:

o DRR strategies are integrated into broader sustainable development
goals (SDGs) to address root causes like poverty, environmental
degradation, and urbanization.
2. Risk Assessment and Early Warning Systems:
o Support for creating advanced monitoring systems and hazard
maps.
o Promote community-based early warning systems.
3. Community Engagement and Resilience:
o Focus on empowering communities to actively participate in DRR
processes.
o Promote indigenous knowledge and locally appropriate solutions.
4. Knowledge Sharing and Capacity Building:
o Encourage information exchange on successful DRR strategies
through platforms like the Global Platform for DRR and regional
forums.
5. Addressing Climate Change:
o Link DRR strategies with climate change adaptation efforts.
o Enhance understanding of the relationship between changing
climatic patterns and disaster risks.
Major Achievements:

• Global Cooperation: Increased international cooperation and

commitment to risk reduction practices.
• Knowledge Sharing Platforms: Establishment of networks and forums
to share best practices, such as the Global Platform for Disaster Risk
Reduction.
• Integration of DRR in Policies: Many countries have integrated disaster
risk reduction into their national development plans.

Challenges Faced:

• Funding: Insufficient financial resources for implementation in many

developing countries.
• Policy Enforcement: Challenges in enforcing policies at local levels due
to governance issues.
• Climate Change: The increasing frequency and severity of natural
disasters attributed to climate change complicates risk management
efforts.

The Role of the UNDRR: The United Nations Office for Disaster Risk
Reduction (UNDRR) coordinates the ISDR and acts as the focal point for
disaster risk reduction activities within the UN system. It:

• Advocates for the integration of DRR strategies into development and

humanitarian policies.
• Supports countries in implementing the Sendai Framework.
• Provides guidelines, tools, and training for risk assessment and capacity-
building.

Importance for Sustainable Development: Disaster management and

reduction strategies are crucial for sustainable development. By preventing or
minimizing the effects of disasters, communities can maintain progress in
health, education, infrastructure, and economic growth.

Conclusion: The ISDR has laid a strong foundation for understanding and
addressing disaster risks worldwide. While significant progress has been made,
continuous effort and global cooperation are essential to adapting to new
challenges such as climate change and increasing urbanization.

This strategy highlights the shared responsibility among governments,

international organizations, communities, and individuals to prioritize safety,
resilience, and sustainability in the face of potential disasters.
Concept of Disaster Management
Definition: Disaster management refers to the systematic process of preparing
for, responding to, and recovering from disasters. It aims to minimize the
impact of disasters on human life, property, and the environment by adopting
coordinated efforts that involve multiple stakeholders.

Types of Disasters:

• Natural Disasters: Earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, tsunamis, volcanic

eruptions, droughts, etc.
• Man-made Disasters: Industrial accidents, nuclear explosions, chemical
spills, terrorism, and wars.
• Complex Disasters: Situations involving a combination of natural and
man-made disasters, such as pandemics or conflicts exacerbated by
natural events.

Phases of Disaster Management: Disaster management is often divided into

four key phases that represent the cycle of managing disasters:

• Mitigation:
o Activities aimed at preventing future disasters or minimizing their
impact.
 o Examples: Building codes, land-use planning, public education,
hazard mapping.
o Goal: Reduce vulnerabilities and enhance resilience.
• Preparedness:
o Planning and preparing to effectively respond to a disaster.
o Examples: Emergency drills, stockpiling supplies, creating
evacuation plans, training response teams.
o Goal: Ensure readiness to respond effectively and efficiently.
• Response:
o Actions taken during and immediately after a disaster to ensure
safety and provide emergency assistance.
o Examples: Search and rescue operations, medical aid, providing
shelters, and distribution of food and water.
o Goal: Minimize loss of life and property damage and provide
immediate support to affected communities.
 • Recovery:
o Steps taken to restore normalcy and rebuild affected areas after the
immediate effects have subsided.
o Examples: Rebuilding infrastructure, economic recovery programs,
psychosocial support, and reconstruction efforts.
o Goal: Return communities to pre-disaster conditions or better.

Key Elements of Disaster Management:

• Risk Assessment: Identifying and analyzing potential hazards and

vulnerabilities.
• Disaster Planning: Developing comprehensive plans and strategies to
manage disaster risks.
• Resource Allocation: Ensuring the availability of essential resources
such as food, water, medical supplies, and personnel.
• Training and Capacity Building: Educating first responders and
community members on disaster response and safety measures.
• Communication Systems: Establishing reliable means of communication
to disseminate warnings and coordinate response efforts.

Principles of Effective Disaster Management:

• Preparedness and Prevention Focus: Prioritizing activities that help

communities prepare for potential disasters.
• Community Involvement: Engaging local populations in the planning
and execution of disaster management strategies.
• Coordination and Collaboration: Working with various sectors
(governmental and non-governmental organizations, emergency services,
and international agencies) to ensure comprehensive and effective
management.
• Adaptability: Being flexible and able to adapt to changing situations and
evolving risks.
 • Sustainability: Ensuring that recovery and mitigation measures
contribute to long-term community resilience and sustainable
development.

Importance of Technology and Innovation:

• Early Warning Systems: Technologies that provide advance warnings of

impending disasters, such as weather forecasting tools and seismic
sensors.
• Geospatial Technologies: Use of GIS (Geographical Information
Systems) for mapping risk-prone areas and planning responses.
• Data Collection and Analysis: Leveraging data to improve
understanding of disasters and enhance decision-making.

Challenges in Disaster Management:

• Resource Limitations: Financial and logistical constraints can limit

effective response, especially in developing regions.
• Coordination Issues: Effective management often requires multi-agency
collaboration, which can be difficult to achieve.
• Rapid Urbanization and Climate Change: Increasing the frequency and
intensity of disasters, posing new challenges.
• Community Awareness: Lack of awareness or preparedness can
exacerbate the impact of a disaster.

Role of International and National Bodies:

• United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR): Leads

international efforts to reduce disaster risk.
• National Emergency Management Agencies: Implement and coordinate
disaster management strategies at the country level.
• Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs): Play a key role in
community education, relief efforts, and capacity-building initiatives.

Conclusion: Disaster management is a critical aspect of protecting lives and

sustaining development. Effective disaster management requires a holistic
approach that incorporates prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery to
build resilient communities. Collaborative efforts among government agencies,
local communities, and international partners are essential for successful
disaster management.

National Disaster Management Framework

Overview: A National Disaster Management Framework (NDMF) serves as the
overarching policy structure within a country to manage and reduce the impact
of disasters. It outlines strategic plans, roles, responsibilities, and mechanisms
for disaster preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation at national and
sub-national levels.

Objectives of a National Disaster Management Framework:

• Enhance Preparedness and Response: Establish clear guidelines for

effective disaster response and resource mobilization.
• Promote Risk Reduction: Encourage measures to prevent or mitigate the
impact of potential disasters.
• Build Resilience: Strengthen community and infrastructure resilience
through long-term planning and capacity building.
• Coordinate Efforts: Facilitate a coordinated approach among various
stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, private sector, and
local communities.

Key Components of the National Disaster Management Framework:

• Policy and Legal Framework: Defines laws, regulations, and policies

related to disaster management, ensuring clarity in mandates and
governance structures.

• Institutional Structure:

o National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA): The apex body

responsible for policy formation and coordination of disaster management
activities.
o State and Local Authorities: Implement the framework at regional and
community levels, adapting policies to local needs.
o Ministries and Departments: Play specific roles related to their sector
(e.g., health, defence, infrastructure).
o Strategic Plans: Comprehensive national plans that detail disaster risk
management strategies, response protocols, and recovery plans.
o Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs): Specific procedures for
disaster response, covering emergency response teams, communication
protocols, and resource allocation.

Phases in the National Framework:

• Prevention and Mitigation:

o Incorporating disaster risk reduction in development projects.
 o Implementing hazard mapping and land-use planning to avoid
high-risk areas.
o Public awareness campaigns to educate communities on preventive
measures.
• Preparedness:
o Conducting regular training and simulations for emergency
response teams.
o Developing early warning systems for timely alerts to vulnerable
populations.
o Stockpiling essential supplies and ensuring logistic readiness.
• Response:
o Deploying emergency services and response teams swiftly after a
disaster.
o Coordinating with NGOs and volunteer organizations for relief
distribution.
o Setting up temporary shelters, medical aid, and food distribution
centers.
• Recovery and Rehabilitation:
o Reconstructing damaged infrastructure with improved standards.
o Providing financial aid and psychosocial support to affected
communities.
o Implementing “Build Back Better” strategies to reduce future
vulnerabilities.

Principles of an Effective NDMF:

• People-Centered Approach: Prioritizing the needs and safety of the

population, especially the most vulnerable groups.
• Decentralized Implementation: Empowering local authorities to act
effectively with adequate resources and autonomy.
• Integrated Approach: Collaborating across various sectors and
integrating disaster risk management into development policies.
• Sustainability: Ensuring that recovery and mitigation efforts contribute
to long-term sustainability and resilience.
• Adaptive and Flexible: Adjusting strategies based on lessons learned
from past disasters and emerging threats.

Institutional Roles in the Framework:

• National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA):

o Policy formulation and coordination at the highest level.
o Oversight of national disaster management programs.
• State and Local Disaster Management Authorities:
o Implement policies and coordinate ground-level disaster response.
 o Tailor strategies to address region-specific hazards and
vulnerabilities.
• Armed Forces and Emergency Services:
o Provide critical support in search, rescue, and logistics during
major disasters.
• Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and Community Groups:
o Offer expertise in community engagement, awareness campaigns,
and relief efforts.
• Private Sector:
o Contribute resources, technology, and expertise in risk assessment
and recovery projects.

Importance of Capacity Building:

• Training Programs: Regular training for emergency responders, health

workers, and volunteers.
• Education and Awareness: Programs for schools and communities to
foster a culture of preparedness.
• Technical Capacity: Investment in technology for monitoring, early
warning systems, and communication tools.

Challenges in Implementing a National Framework:

• Resource Limitations: Inadequate financial and technical resources,

especially in developing countries.
• Coordination Barriers: Challenges in achieving seamless collaboration
among various stakeholders.
• Community Engagement: Difficulty in involving local communities
actively in planning and implementation.
• Climate Change: Increased frequency and unpredictability of natural
disasters due to climate change require continuous adaptation.

Best Practices for an Effective NDMF:

• Regular Drills and Simulations: Helps in identifying gaps and

improving response mechanisms.
• Data-Driven Strategies: Utilizing data and analytics to assess risks and
plan accordingly.
• Partnerships: Engaging with international organizations for support,
expertise, and resources.
• Monitoring and Evaluation: Continuously assessing the effectiveness of
the framework and making necessary updates.

Conclusion: A well-structured National Disaster Management Framework is

crucial for minimizing the impact of disasters and ensuring a coordinated and
effective response. By integrating prevention, preparedness, response, and
recovery into national policies, countries can enhance resilience, save lives, and
protect their development gains.