DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

DISASTER MANAGEMENT
UNIT-5

EXPLAIN Impact of disaster on poverty and deprivation.

Disasters, whether natural (e.g., earthquakes, floods, hurricanes) or human-made (e.g., conflicts, industrial
accidents), have profound and multifaceted impacts on poverty and deprivation. These impacts can be
both immediate and long-term, exacerbating existing inequalities and pushing vulnerable populations
deeper into poverty. Below is an explanation of how disasters affect poverty and deprivation:

1. Economic Impact
 Loss of Livelihoods: Disasters often destroy infrastructure, agricultural land, and businesses,
leading to job losses and reduced income. For example, floods can ruin crops, leaving farmers
without income.
 Increased Debt: Affected households may borrow money to recover, leading to cycles of debt
and financial insecurity.
 Reduced Economic Growth: Disasters can disrupt local and national economies, slowing
development and diverting resources from poverty alleviation programs to disaster response.

2. Social Impact
 Displacement and Homelessness: Disasters can destroy homes, forcing people into temporary
shelters or informal settlements, where they face poor living conditions and limited access to
basic services.
 Health Deprivation: Disasters often damage healthcare infrastructure, reduce access to clean
water, and increase the spread of diseases, worsening health outcomes, especially for the poor.
 Education Disruption: Schools may be destroyed or repurposed as shelters, interrupting
children's education and limiting their future opportunities.

3. Inequality and Vulnerability

 Widening Inequality: The poor are often more vulnerable to disasters due to living in unsafe
areas (e.g., floodplains, informal settlements) and having fewer resources to prepare or recover.
This deepens existing inequalities.
 Marginalized Groups: Women, children, the elderly, and disabled individuals are
disproportionately affected, facing higher risks of deprivation and exploitation post-disaster.

4. Long-Term Deprivation
 Intergenerational Poverty: Disasters can trap families in poverty for generations. For example,
loss of income may force children to drop out of school and work, limiting their future earning
potential.
 Food Insecurity: Destruction of crops and livestock can lead to long-term food shortages,
malnutrition, and hunger.
 Psychological Trauma: The mental health impacts of disasters can reduce productivity and
social cohesion, further perpetuating poverty.
 DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING
DISASTER MANAGEMENT
UNIT-5

5. Regional and Global Impacts

 Developing Countries: Low-income countries are often hit hardest due to weaker infrastructure,
limited resources for disaster preparedness, and reliance on agriculture, which is highly
vulnerable to climate-related disasters.
 Global Poverty: Disasters in one region can have ripple effects globally, such as disrupting
supply chains or increasing migration, which can strain resources in other areas.

6. Recovery Challenges
 Slow Recovery: Poor communities often lack the resources to rebuild quickly, prolonging their
exposure to deprivation.
 Resource Diversion: Governments may redirect funds from poverty reduction programs to
disaster relief, delaying long-term development.

How Climate Change Impacts Health:

 Extreme Heat: Rising temperatures lead to more frequent and intense heatwaves,
causing heatstroke, dehydration, and exacerbating existing conditions like cardiovascular
and respiratory diseases.
 Air Pollution: Climate change can worsen air quality by increasing ground-level ozone
and particulate matter, leading to respiratory problems like asthma and allergies.
 Infectious Diseases: Changes in temperature and precipitation patterns can alter the
range and lifecycle of disease-carrying vectors like mosquitoes and ticks, increasing the
risk of diseases like malaria, dengue fever, and Lyme disease.
 Extreme Weather Events: More frequent and intense storms, floods, and droughts can
cause injuries, displacement, and damage to infrastructure, disrupting access to healthcare
and essential services.
 Food Security: Changes in temperature and precipitation can affect crop yields and
livestock production, leading to food shortages and malnutrition.
 Mental Health: Climate change-related events like displacement and loss of livelihoods
can contribute to stress, anxiety, and depression.

Climate Change Adaptation Strategies for Health:

 Heat Action Plans: Implementing early warning systems, public awareness campaigns,
and cooling centers to protect vulnerable populations during heat waves.
 Improving Air Quality: Reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting cleaner
transportation and energy sources.
 Disease Surveillance and Prevention: Strengthening disease surveillance systems,
developing early warning systems for outbreaks, and implementing vector control
measures.
 Resilient Infrastructure: Building and upgrading healthcare facilities and infrastructure
to withstand extreme weather events.
 DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING
DISASTER MANAGEMENT
UNIT-5

 Food Security Measures: Promoting sustainable agriculture practices, diversifying food

sources, and strengthening food distribution systems.
 Mental Health Support: Providing mental health services and support to communities
affected by climate change-related events.
 Community Engagement: Engaging communities in climate change adaptation planning
and implementation to ensure that solutions are tailored to local needs.

Examples of Adaptation in Action:

 Cities: Designing urban areas with green spaces and cool roofs to mitigate the urban heat
island effect.
 Healthcare Systems: Training healthcare professionals to recognize and treat climate-
related illnesses.
 Individuals: Taking personal actions to reduce their risk, such as staying hydrated during
heat waves and using insect repellent.

ROLE OF FOREST MANAGEMENT AND DISASTER RISK REDUCTION

Role of Forests in Disaster Risk Reduction:

1. Soil Erosion Prevention: Tree roots hold soil in place, preventing erosion and landslides.

2. Flood Regulation: Forests help regulate water flows, reducing the risk of flooding.

3. Landslide Prevention: Tree roots and vegetation help stabilize slopes, reducing the risk of
landslides.

4. Wildfire Prevention: Forest management practices, such as prescribed burning and

thinning, can reduce the risk of wildfires.

5. Climate Regulation: Forests help regulate the climate by absorbing carbon dioxide and
producing oxygen.

Forest Vulnerability to Disasters:

1. Wildfires: Forests are vulnerable to wildfires, which can be triggered by lightning, human
activity, or drought.

2. Insect Infestations: Forests can be vulnerable to insect infestations, such as bark beetles,
which can weaken trees and increase the risk of wildfires.

3. Drought: Forests can be vulnerable to drought, which can weaken trees and increase the
risk of wildfires.
 DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING
DISASTER MANAGEMENT
UNIT-5

4. Flooding: Forests can be vulnerable to flooding, which can damage trees and
infrastructure.

Forest Management Strategies for Disaster Risk Reduction:

1. Sustainable Forest Management: Implementing sustainable forest management practices,

such as selective logging and reforestation, can help reduce the risk of disasters.

2. Forest Restoration: Restoring degraded or damaged forests can help reduce the risk of
disasters.

3. Forest Fire Management: Implementing forest fire management practices, such as

prescribed burning and fire breaks, can help reduce the risk of wildfires.

4. Ecosystem-Based Adaptation: Implementing ecosystem-based adaptation strategies, such

as agro forestry and perma culture, can help reduce the risk of disasters.

Benefits of Forest Management for Disaster Risk Reduction:

1. Reduced Risk of Disasters: Effective forest management can reduce the risk of disasters,
such as wildfires and landslides.

2. Improved Ecosystem Services: Forest management can improve ecosystem services, such
as water regulation and soil conservation.

3. Increased Biodiversity: Forest management can increase biodiversity, which can help
reduce the risk of disasters.

4. Supports Sustainable Development: Forest management can support sustainable

development, by providing timber and non-timber forest products, while also reducing the
risk of disasters.
 DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING
DISASTER MANAGEMENT
UNIT-5

The Red cross and red crescent movement

The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement is a global humanitarian network with
a mission to protect and assist victims of armed conflict and natural disasters. It's built on a
foundation of fundamental principles that guide its work. Here's a detailed breakdown:

Core Components:

The Movement comprises three distinct but interconnected components:

 International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC):

o The ICRC is the founding organization, established in 1863.
o Its primary role is to protect and assist victims of armed conflict and other
situations of violence.
o It works to ensure respect for international humanitarian law (IHL), particularly
the Geneva Conventions.
o The ICRC operates globally, often in conflict zones, providing aid, medical care,
and support to detainees.
 International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC):
o The IFRC coordinates and supports the activities of National Red Cross and Red
Crescent Societies.
o Its focus is on disaster relief, health, and community development.
o It works to strengthen the capacity of National Societies to respond to
emergencies and address humanitarian needs.
o The IFRC is a leading force in disaster preparedness and response worldwide.
 National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies:
o These are individual organizations in nearly every country in the world.
o They act as auxiliaries to their respective governments in the humanitarian field.
o Their activities range from disaster relief and first aid training to health programs
and social services.
o They are deeply rooted in their local communities, playing a vital role in
responding to local needs.

Fundamental Principles:

The Movement's work is guided by seven fundamental principles:

 Humanity: To prevent and alleviate human suffering wherever it may be found.

 Impartiality: To make no discrimination as to nationality, race, religious beliefs, class,
or political opinions.
 Neutrality: To not take sides in hostilities or engage in controversies of a political, racial,
religious, or ideological nature.
 Independence: To maintain autonomy so as to be able to act always in accordance with
the principles of the Movement.
 DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING
DISASTER MANAGEMENT
UNIT-5

 Voluntary Service: To be a voluntary relief movement not prompted in any manner by

desire for gain.
 Unity: To be only one Red Cross or Red Crescent Society in any one country.
 Universality: To have all National Societies enjoy equal status and share equal
responsibilities and duties in helping each other.

Emblems:

 The Red Cross, Red Crescent, and Red Crystal are the emblems of the Movement.
 These symbols provide protection to humanitarian workers in conflict zones and signify
neutrality.

Key Functions:

 Providing aid to victims of armed conflict and natural disasters.

 Promoting and upholding international humanitarian law.
 Supporting health and social programs.
 Disaster preparedness and response.
 Community development.

Corporate sector and disaster risk reduction

The corporate sector plays a vital role in disaster risk reduction (DRR) by contributing to the
resilience of communities, reducing economic losses, and promoting sustainable development.

Why Corporate Sector Involvement is Important

1. Economic Interdependence: Businesses are often interconnected with local communities,

making them vulnerable to disasters that affect their operations, supply chains, and customers.

2. Risk Management: Companies have a vested interest in managing disaster risks to protect their
assets, employees, and reputation.

3. Innovation and Resources: The corporate sector can leverage its expertise, technology, and
financial resources to develop innovative solutions for DRR.

4. Global Reach: Multinational corporations can promote DRR practices across their global
operations, influencing local communities and governments.
 DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING
DISASTER MANAGEMENT
UNIT-5

Corporate Sector Contributions to DRR

1. Risk Assessment and Management: Companies can conduct risk assessments, develop
emergency response plans, and implement mitigation measures to reduce their vulnerability to
disasters.

2. Investing in Resilient Infrastructure: Businesses can invest in resilient infrastructure, such as

flood-resistant construction, to reduce the impact of disasters on their operations.

3. Supply Chain Resilience: Companies can work with their suppliers to promote DRR practices,
ensuring the continuity of their supply chains during disasters.

4. Community Engagement and Awareness: Businesses can engage with local communities to
raise awareness about disaster risks and promote DRR practices.

5. Philanthropic Efforts: Companies can provide financial support, resources, and expertise to
support disaster relief and recovery efforts.

Benefits of Corporate Sector Involvement in DRR

1. Reduced Economic Losses: By investing in DRR, businesses can reduce their economic losses
and minimize disruptions to their operations.

2. Enhanced Reputation: Companies that demonstrate a commitment to DRR can enhance their
reputation and build trust with their stakeholders.

3. Improved Resilience: Corporate sector involvement in DRR can contribute to the resilience of
local communities, reducing the impact of disasters on people and the environment.

4. New Business Opportunities: DRR can create new business opportunities, such as the
development of resilient infrastructure, disaster risk financing, and climate-resilient agriculture.

Challenges and Opportunities

1. Limited Awareness: Many businesses may not be aware of the importance of DRR or may not
have the necessary expertise to implement effective DRR measures.

2. Regulatory Frameworks: Inconsistent or inadequate regulatory frameworks can create

challenges for businesses seeking to invest in DRR.

3. Financial Constraints: Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) may face financial
constraints that limit their ability to invest in DRR measures.
 DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING
DISASTER MANAGEMENT
UNIT-5

4. Opportunities for Innovation: The corporate sector can leverage technological innovations,
such as big data, artificial intelligence, and the Internet of Things (IoT), to develop new solutions
for DRR.

Best Practices for Corporate Sector Involvement in DRR

1. Integrate DRR into Business Operations: Companies should integrate DRR into their business
operations, including risk management, supply chain management, and community engagement.

2. Invest in Resilient Infrastructure: Businesses should invest in resilient infrastructure, such as

flood-resistant construction, to reduce the impact of disasters on their operations.

3. Collaborate with Stakeholders: Companies should collaborate with stakeholders, including

local communities, governments, and NGOs, to promote DRR practices and support disaster
relief efforts.

4. Develop Business Continuity Plans: Businesses should develop business continuity plans to
ensure the continuity of their operations during disasters.

5. Support Disaster Risk Financing: Companies can support disaster risk financing initiatives,
such as insurance and catastrophe bonds, to help communities recover from disasters

Education in disaster risk reduction Essentials of school disaster education

Education in disaster risk reduction (DRR) is essential to equip children and youth with the
knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters.

Why School Disaster Education is Important

1. Children's Vulnerability: Children are often the most vulnerable to disasters due to their
physical and emotional dependence on others.

2. Long-term Impact: Disasters can have a long-term impact on children's physical, emotional,
and psychological well-being.

3. Knowledge and Skills: School disaster education can provide children with the knowledge and
skills necessary to prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters.

4. Community Resilience: School disaster education can contribute to community resilience by

promoting a culture of disaster risk reduction and management.
 DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING
DISASTER MANAGEMENT
UNIT-5

Essentials of School Disaster Education

1. Disaster Risk Reduction Concepts: Teach children about disaster risk reduction concepts, such
as hazards, vulnerabilities, and capacities.

2. Disaster Preparedness: Teach children about disaster preparedness, including creating

emergency kits, developing family emergency plans, and conducting evacuation drills.

3. Disaster Response: Teach children about disaster response, including basic first aid, search
and rescue, and shelter management.

4. Disaster Recovery: Teach children about disaster recovery, including psychological support,
rebuilding, and rehabilitation.

5. Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction: Teach children about the linkages between
climate change and disaster risk reduction.

6. Inclusive and Accessible Education: Ensure that school disaster education is inclusive and
accessible to all children, including those with disabilities.

Teaching Methods and Tools

1. Interactive and Participatory Methods: Use interactive and participatory methods, such as
games, simulations, and role-plays, to engage children in school disaster education.

2. Visual Aids and Multimedia: Use visual aids and multimedia, such as videos, images, and info
graphics, to support school disaster education.

3. Real-life Examples and Case Studies: Use real-life examples and case studies to illustrate
disaster risk reduction concepts and principles.

4. Community-based Education: Involve local communities in school disaster education,

including inviting guest speakers and organizing field trips.

Benefits of School Disaster Education

1. Increased Knowledge and Awareness: School disaster education can increase children's
knowledge and awareness of disaster risk reduction concepts and principles.

2. Improved Preparedness and Response: School disaster education can improve children's
preparedness and response to disasters.

3. Enhanced Community Resilience: School disaster education can contribute to community

resilience by promoting a culture of disaster risk reduction and management.
 DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING
DISASTER MANAGEMENT
UNIT-5

4. Reduced Vulnerability: School disaster education can reduce children's vulnerability to

disasters by equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary to prepare for, respond to,
and recover from disasters.

Community capacity and disaster resilience

Community capacity and disaster resilience are deeply intertwined. Essentially, a community's
capacity directly influences its ability to withstand, adapt to, and recover from disasters. Here's a
breakdown:

Understanding the Concepts:

 Community Capacity:
o This refers to the collective strengths, resources, and abilities of a community to
address challenges and achieve its goals.
o It encompasses factors like social networks, leadership, knowledge, skills, and
access to resources.
 Disaster Resilience:
o This is the ability of a community to prepare for, absorb, recover from, and adapt
to the impacts of disasters.
o It involves minimizing losses, restoring essential functions, and building back
stronger.

The Connection:

 A community with strong capacity is inherently more resilient.

 When communities possess robust social networks, effective communication systems,
and access to resources, they are better equipped to:
o Prepare: Develop and implement effective disaster preparedness plans.
o Respond: Coordinate relief efforts, provide mutual aid, and support vulnerable
populations.
o Recover: Rebuild infrastructure, restore livelihoods, and address the psychosocial
impacts of disasters.
o Adapt: Learn from past experiences and implement measures to reduce future
risks.

Key Components of Community Capacity for Disaster Resilience:

 Social Capital:
o Strong social networks, trust, and cooperation among community members.
o This facilitates information sharing, mutual support, and collective action.
 Leadership:
o Effective leadership that can mobilize resources, coordinate efforts, and inspire
collective action.
 DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING
DISASTER MANAGEMENT
UNIT-5

o This includes formal and informal leaders within the community.

 Knowledge and Skills:
o Awareness of disaster risks, preparedness measures, and response strategies.
o Skills in first aid, emergency communication, and community organizing.
 Resources:
o Access to financial resources, infrastructure, and essential supplies.
o This includes local resources and external support.
 Community Participation:
o Active engagement of community members in all phases of disaster risk
reduction.
o This ensures that plans and actions are relevant and responsive to local needs.

Community-based disaster recovery (CBDR)

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

the importance of community participation, ownership, and leadership in the recovery process.

Principles of Community-Based Disaster Recovery

1. Community Participation: CBDR involves the active participation of community members in

the recovery process, from planning to implementation.

2. Community Ownership: CBDR recognizes that communities have the right to own and
manage their own recovery processes.

3. Community Leadership: CBDR empowers community leaders to take charge of the recovery
process and make decisions that reflect the needs and priorities of their community.

4. Inclusivity: CBDR seeks to include all members of the community, regardless of their age,
sex, disability, or socioeconomic status.

5. Sustainability: CBDR aims to support the long-term sustainability of communities by

promoting economic, social, and environmental resilience.

Benefits of Community-Based Disaster Recovery

1. Increased Community Resilience: CBDR helps communities to build resilience by

empowering them to take charge of their own recovery processes.

2. Improved Recovery Outcomes: CBDR leads to more effective and sustainable recovery
outcomes because it is based on the needs and priorities of the affected community.

3. Enhanced Community Cohesion: CBDR promotes community cohesion by bringing people

together to work towards a common goal.
 DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING
DISASTER MANAGEMENT
UNIT-5

4. Reduced Dependence on External Aid: CBDR reduces dependence on external aid by

empowering communities to take charge of their own recovery processes.

5. Increased Accountability: CBDR promotes accountability by ensuring that recovery efforts are
transparent, inclusive, and responsive to community needs.

Challenges of Community-Based Disaster Recovery

1. Limited Capacity: Communities may lack the capacity, resources, and expertise to lead their
own recovery processes.

2. Power Dynamics: CBDR may be influenced by power dynamics, with some community
members having more influence than others.

3. Funding Constraints: CBDR may be limited by funding constraints, with communities relying
on external aid to support their recovery efforts.

4. Coordination Challenges: CBDR may require coordination with external stakeholders,

including government agencies, NGOs, and private sector organizations.

Strategies for Implementing Community-Based Disaster Recovery

1. Build Community Capacity: Support community capacity building by providing training,

resources, and expertise.

2. Establish Community-Led Recovery Committees: Establish community-led recovery

committees to coordinate recovery efforts and make decisions.

3. Foster Partnerships: Foster partnerships between communities, government agencies, NGOs,

and private sector organizations to support recovery efforts.

4. Provide Flexible Funding: Provide flexible funding to support community-led recovery efforts
and allow communities to adapt to changing needs.

5. Monitor and Evaluate: Monitor and evaluate community-based disaster recovery efforts to
identify best practices and areas for improvement.
 DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING
DISASTER MANAGEMENT
UNIT-5

Community based disaster management and social capital

The relationship between community-based disaster management (CBDM) and social capital is
fundamental. Social capital, in essence, is the network of relationships among people who live
and work in a particular society, enabling that society to function effectively. 1 Here's how it
intertwines with CBDM:

Social Capital's Role in CBDM:

 Enhanced Preparedness:
o Strong social networks facilitate the dissemination of information about potential
hazards and preparedness measures.
o Trust within communities encourages participation in drills and other
preparedness activities.
o Shared knowledge and experience contribute to more effective local risk
assessments.
 Effective Response:
o During a disaster, social capital enables rapid mobilization of resources and
mutual aid.
o Existing networks facilitate communication and coordination among community
members.
o Strong social bonds foster a sense of solidarity, which is crucial for coping with
stress and trauma.
 Resilient Recovery:
o Social capital supports community-led recovery efforts, ensuring that they are
tailored to local needs and priorities.
o Networks of support help individuals and families rebuild their lives and
livelihoods.
o Trust and cooperation facilitate the restoration of essential services and
infrastructure.

Key Aspects of Social Capital in CBDM:

 Bonding Social Capital:

o Refers to strong ties within a community, such as those among family members,
neighbors, and close friends.
o This is essential for providing immediate support and mutual aid during a disaster.
 Bridging Social Capital:
o Involves connections between different groups within a community, as well as
with external organizations.
o This facilitates the flow of information, resources, and support across diverse
sectors.
 DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING
DISASTER MANAGEMENT
UNIT-5

 Linking Social Capital:

o Connects community members with individuals and institutions in positions of
power, such as government officials and aid agencies.
o This enables communities to access external resources and influence policy
decisions.

Designing resilience- building community capacity for action

Designing resilience" and "building g community capacity for action" are closely related
concepts that emphasize proactive approaches to disaster risk reduction. Here's a breakdown:

Understanding the Concepts:

 Designing Resilience:
o This involves creating systems, infrastructure, and social structures that can
withstand and recover from shocks and stresses.
o It's about anticipating potential hazards and incorporating resilience into planning
and development processes.
o This includes physical infrastructure, social networks, economic diversification,
and environmental protection.
 Building Community Capacity for Action:
o This focuses on empowering communities to take ownership of their resilience.
o It involves strengthening local knowledge, skills, and resources.
o It emphasizes participatory approaches that engage community members in all
phases of disaster risk reduction.

The Interplay:

 "Designing resilience" provides the framework, while "building community capacity"

provides the engine for effective action.
 Resilient designs are more likely to be successful when communities have the capacity to
implement and maintain them.
 Empowered communities are better able to identify their vulnerabilities and advocate for
resilient solutions.

Key Elements:

 Risk Assessment and Planning:

o Conducting participatory risk assessments to identify potential hazards and
vulnerabilities.
o Developing community-based disaster risk reduction plans.
 Community Engagement:
o Promoting active participation of all community members, including vulnerable
groups.
 DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING
DISASTER MANAGEMENT
UNIT-5

o Establishing mechanisms for ongoing communication and collaboration.

 Knowledge and Skills Development:
o Providing training in disaster preparedness, first aid, and other relevant skills.
o Sharing knowledge about local hazards and best practices for risk reduction.
 Resource Mobilization:
o Identifying and mobilizing local resources, including financial, human, and
material resources.
o Building partnerships with external organizations to access additional resources.
 Strengthening Social Networks:
o Fostering trust and cooperation among community members.
o Building social networks that can provide mutual support during and after
disasters.
 Infrastructure and Environmental Management:
o Promoting resilient infrastructure development.
o Implementing sustainable environmental management practices to reduce disaster
risks.

Importance:

 These approaches shift the focus from reactive disaster response to proactive risk
reduction.
 They empower communities to take control of their own safety and well-being.
 They contribute to more sustainable and equitable development.