Disaster Management

Information FieldGS Paper General Studies-IIISub Section Disaster Management

Write-up Code [PWU-13-04] [RES-1321]Topic Disaster Management

ContributorName Vijay e-Mail aim.ias2013@gmail.comDeadline for Contribution

>< Actual Submission

><

EditorName Vijay e-Mail aim.ias2013@gmail.comDeadline for Editing

>< Actual Submission

><

NB: Request you to update the Deadlines for yourself. Start your content from Page 2 Maintain the formatting of this document as-it-is. Try to avoid Graphical contents including Tables, flowcharts, images, diagrams as the text will be

converted to audio also. If the use is indispensable, please ensure the same has a corresponding text that states referring the diagram.e.g. Please refer the diagram for details.

1 | P a g e

Disaster Management

AbstractDisasters disrupt progress destroy the hard-earned fruits of painstaking developmental efforts,

often pushing nations, in quest for progress, back by several decades. Thus, efficient management of disasters, rather than mere response to their occurrence has, in recent times, received increased attention both within India and abroad. This is as much a result of the recognition of the increasing frequency and intensity of disasters as it is an acknowledgement that good governance, in a caring and civilised society, needs to deal effectively with the devastating impact of disasters.

India with its vast population is one of the world’s most disaster-prone countries. Natural hazards such as cyclones, earthquakes, drought, floods or landslides occur in different parts of India in varying intensity. This means that we are all ‘vulnerable’ in different degrees to disasters caused by these hazards. On the East Coast, cyclones occur frequently. In the interior of the Plateau or in the Himalayas – earthquakes, and in the Ganga-Brahmaputra plain, floods are more common. Rajasthan or Western Orissa often experience severe drought, as do other areas in South India. Over 55% of the land area in India is vulnerable to earthquakes, 12% to floods, 8% to cyclones, 70% of the land under cultivation is prone under drought.

2 | P a g e

Disaster Management

ContentSl. No. Topic Page No.1. <Populate the index at the end>2.3.4.5.6.

3 | P a g e

Disaster Management

Disaster ManagementChapter 1MEANING AND CLASSIFICATION OF DISASTERS

What is a Disaster?

“A serious disruption in the functioning of the community or a society causing wide spread material, economic, social or environmental losses which exceed the ability of the affected society to cope using its own resources. A disaster can be ostensively defined as any tragic event with great loss stemming from events such as earthquakes, floods, catastrophic accidents, fires, or explosions.

The term disaster owes its origin from a French word “Desastre” which is a combination of two words ‘des’ meaning bad and ‘aster’ meaning star. Thus the term refers to ‘Bad or Evil star’. A disaster is a result from the combination of hazard, vulnerability and insufficient capacity or measures

to reduce the potential chances of risk. A disaster happens when a hazard impacts on the vulnerable population and causes damage,

casualties and disruption. 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 etc)

would lead to disaster causing greater loss to life and property. For example; an earthquake in an

uninhabited 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. The same is shown in the diagram below:

4 | P a g e

Disaster Management

Types of Hazards

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.” They can be broadly classified into Natural Hazards which are caused because of natural phenomenon such as cyclones, tsunamis and earthquakes etc and Manmade Hazards which are caused due to human negligence; these are generally associated with industries or energy generation facilities and include explosions, leakage of toxic wastes, pollution, dam failure etc.

Based on origin, the hazards can be broadly grouped as below:

1. Geological Hazards

Eg: Earthquake, Tsunami, Landslide etc

2. Water and Climatic Hazards

Eg: Tropical Cyclones, Floods, Drought, Cloudburst etc

3. Environmental Hazards

Eg: Environmental pollution, deforestation, desertification etc

4. Biological

Eg: Epidemics, Pest Attacks, Food poisoning etc

5. Chemical, Industrial and Nuclear

Eg: Oil Spills, Chemical and Nuclear Disasters etc

6. Accident Related

Eg: Forest fires, Mine flooding, Festival related disasters, Building collapse etc.

What is Vulnerability?

Vulnerability may be defined as “The extent to which a community, structure, service or geographic area is likely to be damaged or disrupted by the impact of particular hazard, on account of their nature, construction and proximity to hazardous terrains or a disaster prone area.”

Vulnerabilities can be classified into 1) Physical Vulnerability and 2) Socio Economic Vulnerability.

Physical Vulnerability includes notions of who and what may be damaged or destroyed by natural hazard such as earthquakes or floods. It is based on the physical condition of people and elements at risk, such as buildings, infrastructure etc; and their proximity, location and nature of the hazard.

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 construct strong

5 | P a g e

Disaster Management

concrete houses. They are generally at risk and lose their shelters whenever there is strong wind or cyclone. Because of their poverty they too are not able to rebuild their houses.

Chapter 2DISASTER MANAGEMENT

Disaster Management involves a continuous and integrated process of planning, organising, coordinating and implementing measures which are necessary or expedient for:

1) Prevention of danger or threat of any disaster.

2) Mitigation or reduction of risk of any disaster or its severity or consequences.

3) Capacity building including research and knowledge management.

4) Preparedness to deal with any disaster.

5) Prompt response to any threatening disaster situation or disaster.

6) Assessing the severity or magnitude of effects of any disaster.

7) Evacuation, rescue and relief.

8) Rehabilitation and reconstruction.

Disaster Management includes sum total of all activities, programmes and measures which can be taken up before, during and after a disaster with the purpose to avoid a disaster, reduce its impact or recover from its losses. The three key stages that are taken up within disaster risk management are :

1. Pre-Disaster 2. During Disaster 3. Post-Disaster

Pre-Disaster:

This includes activities taken to reduce human and property losses caused by a potential hazard. The activities are called “Prevention, Mitigation and Preparedness Activities” which include carrying out awareness campaigns, strengthening the existing weak structures, preparation of the disaster management plans at household and community level etc.

During Disaster:

Initiatives taken to ensure that the needs and provisions of victims are met and suffering is minimized. Speedy response to alleviate and minimize suffering and losses such as evacuation, search and rescue followed by provision of basic needs. Activities taken under this stage are called Emergency Response Activities.

Post-Disaster:

Initiatives taken in response to a disaster with a purpose to achieve early recovery and rehabilitation of affected communities, immediately after a disaster strikes. These are called as Response, Rehabilitation, Reconstruction and Recovery activities.

The same is shown in the diagram below:

6 | P a g e

Disaster Management

Disaster Preparedness

This protective process embraces measures which enable governments, communities and individuals to respond rapidly to disaster situations to cope with them effectively. Preparedness includes the formulation of viable emergency plans, the development of warning systems, the maintenance of inventories and the training of personnel. It may also embrace search and rescue measures as well as evacuation plans for areas that may be at risk from a recurring disaster.

Preparedness therefore encompasses those measures taken before a disaster event which are aimed at minimising loss of life, disruption of critical services, and damage when the disaster occurs.

Disaster Mitigation

Mitigation embraces measures taken to reduce both the effect of the hazard and the vulnerable conditions to it in order to reduce the scale of a future disaster. Therefore mitigation activities can be focused on the hazard itself or the elements exposed to the threat. Examples of mitigation measures which are hazard specific include water management in drought prone areas, relocating people away from the hazard prone areas and by strengthening structures to reduce damage when a hazard occurs.

In addition to these physical measures, mitigation should also aim at reducing the economic and social vulnerabilities of potential disasters

Now we would discuss some of the major hazards prevalent in our country its causes, impact, preparedness and mitigation measures that need to be taken up.

7 | P a g e

Disaster Management

Chapter 3EARTHQUAKES

An earthquake in simple terms is a sudden trembling or shaking movement of the earth’s surface, called the crust. Earthquakes are the main seismic hazards. They affect at least 35 countries and kill directly more people per year, on average, than any other hazard. All the phenomena related to the emergence and manifestations of earthquakes are called seismic.

The term earthquake covers any vibration of the earth's surface brought about by natural causes. From the standpoint of tectonic, events creation and destruction of geo materials and movements of plate margins cause earthquake. There are three types of plate margins involved in earthquake.

Constructive plate margins are characterized by continuous addition of geo materials as there is constant upwelling of molten materials from below along the mid-oceanic ridges. This is also known as divergent plate's margin. Divergent plates move in opposite direction.

Destructive plate margins are those where two convergent plates collide against each other and the heavier plate margin is subducted below the relatively lighter plate margin. This results in constant loss of crustal materials and cause earthquake of high magnitude.

Conservative plate margins are those where two plates slip past each other without any collision. This process results neither in the creation nor in the destruction of crust. Major tectonic events associated with these plate margins are rupture and faults along the constructive plate margins.

Indian Scenario

Depending upon the frequency and intensity of the earthquakes, the whole country can be divided into three broad seismological zones.

1. Himalayan Zone: The areas most prone to earthquakes in India are the fold mountain ranges of the Himalayan zone. The states of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttaranchal, Bihar, the Bihar-Nepal border and the north eastern states, especially Assam fall in this zone. The earthquakes in this zone are primarily due to plate tectonics. As already mentioned the Indian plate is pushing in the north and north-east direction at an annual rate of 5 cm subducting the Eurasian plate along the Himalayas. The Himalayas have not yet attained isostatic equilibrium and are rising. The region along the Himalayas where two plates meet is highly earthquake-prone. This is known as the zone of maximum intensity. The absence of Nepal from the list of earthquakes shows that the whole of Himalayas are not dangerous. The Himalayas between Mount Everest and Badrinath are almost peaceful. This patch of tremendously huge landmass, having great heights and width rested with perfect calm and peace. The patches towards and beyond this patch are, however, very violent because of their hurried movement. Areas north-east of the arc joining Mussoorie, Shimla, Kangra, Dalhousie, Gulmarg and areas of Bihar, Assam, south of south-east Nepal, Sikkim, Bhutan, Arunachal Pradesh and western part of Nagaland, Manipur are susceptible to high magnitude earthquakes.

2. The Indo-Gangetic Zone: To the south of the Himalayan zone and running parallel it is the Indo-Gangetic zone. Most of the earthquakes striking this zone are of moderate intensity of 6 to 6.5 on Richter scale. Therefore, this zone is called the zone of comparative intensity. The earthquakes along the foothill are of medium to high intensity. However, the earthquakes of this zone are more harmful due to high density of population in this area.

3. The Peninsular Zone: The Peninsular India has presumably remained a stable landmass and only a few earthquakes have been experienced in this region. This region is, therefore, called the

8 | P a g e

Disaster Management

zone of minimum intensity. But severe earthquakes of Koyna (1967), Latur (1993) and Jabalpur (1907), have raised doubts about the seismic stability of this landmass. While the Koyna earthquake was caused due to excessive loading of water in the shivaji Sagar reservoir formed by damming the Koyna River, the earthquake that hit Latur is supposed to be the result of plate tectonics. The northward drift of the Indian Plate had put pressure on the Tibetan Plate which caused pressure to mount at the centre of the Indian plate, leading to earthquake. The earthquake of Jabalpur also occurred under similar conditions.

Hazardous Effects of Earthquakes

It may be stated that the intensity of earthquakes and their hazardous violent contact are set not on the basis of the magnitude of seismic intensity but defined on the basis of quantum of damages done by a specific earthquake to human lives and property. An earthquake becomes jeopardy or disaster only when it knocks the populated area. Occasionally the soft-shell earthquakes on Richter scale administer ample damages by stimulating and multiplying other natural physical processes such as landslides, floods and fire.

Following are the main hazardous effects of earthquake:

1. Slope Instability and Landslides: The impact created by earthquakes, especially those in hilly and mountainous areas, which are designed of feeble lithologies cause slope failure and in conclusion cause landslides and debris falls which damage settlements.

The occurrences of earthquakes during wet season in the hilly and mountainous regions cause landslides even if the earthquakes are of very moderate intensity. This is the reason that people notice earth tremors through landslides during wet season.

2. Damage to Human Structures: The principal damage emanating from earthquake disaster are construction failures. Earthquakes inflict great damage to human structures such as buildings, roads, rails, factories, dams, and bridges and thus cause heavy loss of human property.

3. Damages to the Towns and Cities: Earthquakes have their worst effects on towns and cities because they have greatest density of buildings and large agglomerations of human population.

4. Loss of Human Lives and Property: The destructiveness of an earthquake is determined on the basis of human causalities in terms of deaths. It is not the magnitude (intensity) of earthquake alone which matters as regards the human causalities but the density of human population and houses also matter in terms of human deaths and loss of property.

5. Severe Floods: A possible disaster is flash flood. Severe floods are also caused because of blocking of water flow of rivers due to rock blocks produced by severe tremors on the hill slopes facing the river valleys. Sometimes the blockade of rivers is so immense that even the course of the river is changed.

6. Tsunamis: The seismic waves caused by the earthquakes travelling through sea water, generates high sea waves and cause great loss of life and property along the coastlineTsunami havoc occurred on December 26, 2004 in Indian Ocean is the fourth largest in the world since 1900. It caused thousands of death and devastation in south east Asia.

Possible Risk Reduction Measures

1. Community Preparedness

Community preparedness is vital for mitigating earthquake impact. The most effective way

9 | P a g e

Disaster Management

to save you even in a slightest shaking is 'DROP, COVER and HOLD'.

2. Planning

The Bureau of Indian Standards has published building codes and guidelines for safe construction of buildings against earthquakes. Before the buildings are constructed the building plans have to be checked by the Municipality, according to the laid down bylaws. Many existing lifeline buildings such as hospitals, schools and fire stations may not be built with earthquake safety measures. Their earthquake safety needs to be upgraded by retrofitting techniques.

3. Public Education

It is educating the public on causes and characteristics of an earthquake and preparedness measures. It can be created through sensitization and training programme for community, architects, engineers, builders, masons, teachers, government functionaries teachers and students.

4. Engineered Structures

Buildings need to be designed and constructed as per the building by laws to withstand ground shaking. Architectural and engineering inputs need to be put together to improve building design and construction practices. The soil type needs to be analysed before construction. Building structures on soft soil should be avoided. Buildings on soft soil are more likely to get damaged even if the magnitude of the earthquake is not strong.

10 | P a g e

Disaster Management

Chapter 4TSUNAMIS

A tsunami is a series of ocean waves generated by sudden displacements in the sea floor, landslides, or volcanic activity. In the deep ocean, the tsunami wave may only be a few inches high. The tsunami wave may come gently ashore or may increase in height to become a fast moving wall of turbulent water several meters high.

<Not covering the reasons and technical aspects of the occurrence as it’s in Geography>

Hazardous Effects of Tsunamis

Tsunamis pose serious danger to the inhabitants of the coastal areas. They attack the sea shore as gigantic waves moving with great force, appearing without a warning and hitting the coastline like a water bomb. Loaded with enormous energy, the killer waves wreak havoc by flooding hundreds of metres inland, past the typical high water level. They flatten houses and wipe out villages, uproot electric poles, throw cars into swirling water and toss boats ashore all in mad fury, and finally drag thousands of hapless victims out to sea as they recede. Large rocks weighing several hundred tonnes and other debris can be moved hundreds of metres inland by a tsunami. Tsunamis can even travel up rivers and streams that lead to the ocean.

Withdrawal of the tsunami causes major damage. As the waves withdraw towards the ocean they sweep out the foundations of the buildings, the beaches get destroyed and the houses carried out to sea. Damage to ports and airports may prevent importation of needed food and medical supplies.

Apart from the physical damage, there is a huge impact on the public health system. Deaths mainly occur because of drowning as water inundates homes. Many people get washed away or crushed by the giant waves and some are crushed by the debris, causes. Availability of drinking water has always been a major problem in areas affected by a disaster. Sewage pipes may be damaged causing major sewage disposal problems. Open wells and other ground water may be contaminated by salt water and debris and sewage. Flooding in the locality may lead to crop loss, loss of livelihood like boats and nets, environmental degradation etc.

Possible Risk Reduction Measures

1. Site Planning and Land Management

Within the broader framework of a comprehensive plan, site planning determines the location, configuration, and density of development on particular sites and is, therefore, an important tool in reducing tsunami risk. The designation and zoning of tsunami hazard areas for such open-space uses as agriculture, parks and recreation, or natural hazard areas is recommended as the first land use planning strategy. This strategy is designed to keep development at a minimum in hazard areas.

In areas where it is not feasible to restrict land to open-space uses, other land use planning measures can be used. These include strategically controlling the type of development and uses allowed in hazard areas, and avoiding high-value and high occupancy uses to the greatest degree possible.

2. Engineering Structures

11 | P a g e

Disaster Management

Most of the habitation of the fishing community is seen in the coastal areas. The houses constructed by them are mainly of lightweight materials without any engineering inputs. Therefore there is an urgent need to educate the community about the good construction practices that they should adopt such as:

Site selection – Avoid building or living in buildings within several hundred feet of the coastline as these areas are more likely to experience damage from tsunamis.

Construct the structure on a higher ground level with respect to mean sea level.

Construction of water breakers to reduce the velocity of waves.

Use of water and corrosion resistant materials for construction.

Construction of community halls at higher locations, which can act as shelters at the time of a disaster.

3. Use of Warning Systems

Using International Tsunami Warning Systems and Regional Warning Systems, it is possible to alert the countries several hours before Tsunami strikes so that people can evacuate and shift to safer places.

12 | P a g e

Disaster Management

Chapter 5INSTITUTIONAL AND LEGAL ARRANGEMENTS

Towards Disaster Management Act, 2005: The Timeline

1990s: UN Declares as International Decade of Natural Disaster Reduction. National Governments were expected to pay special attention to measures to deal with natural disaster.1999: India constituted High Powered Committee on Disaster Management as a response to UN recos. They have come out with many recommendations.

2001: Gujarat Earthquake and the govt took important policy decisions for reforming the disaster management in the country.

Few of them are:

Nodal agency shifted from Ministry of Agriculture to Home Affairs except for draught. State Governments were advised to create separate Disaster Management Department State govts were further advised to constitute

o State Disaster Management Authority under the Chairmanship of State Chief Ministerso District Disaster Management Committee under the Chairmanship of District Collectors

A specialized force comprising eight battalions to be named as National Disaster Response Force(NDRF) to be constituted with state-of-the-art equipment and training to respond to various natural and man-made disasters

National Institute of Disaster Management was set up at Delhi for training, capacity building, research on diff aspects of disaster management.

Fail proof disaster communication network to be setup Basics of disaster management to be introduced in school education , disaster resistant

technologies to be introduced in engineering and architecture , disaster- Management topic introduced in medical and nursing education

Community based disaster risk management programme to be launched

2004: Tsunami @ Indian Ocean

2005: Further reforms and Enactment of Disaster Management Act, 2005

DISASTER MANAGEMENT ACT, 2005

The Act lays down institutional, legal, financial and coordination mechanisms at the national, state, district and local levels. These institutions are not parallel structures and will work in close harmony. The new institutional framework is expected to usher in a paradigm shift in Disaster Management from relief-centric approach to a proactive regime that lays greater emphasis on preparedness, prevention and mitigation.

INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK UNDER DISASTER MANAGEMENT ACT

NATIONAL DISASTER MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY (NDMA)1. The NDMA, as the apex body for disaster management, is headed by the Prime Minister and has the responsibility for laying down policies, plans and guidelines for DM (and coordinating their enforcement and implementation for ensuring timely and effective response to disasters).

2. The guidelines will assist the Central Ministries, Departments and States to formulate their respective DM plans.

13 | P a g e

Disaster Management

3. It will approve the National Disaster Management and DM plans of the Central Ministries/Departments.

4. It will take such other measures as it may consider necessary, for the prevention of disasters, or mitigation, or preparedness and capacity building, for dealing with a threatening disaster situation or disaster.

5. It will oversee the provision and application of funds for mitigation and preparedness measures. NDMA has the power to authorize the Departments or authorities concerned, to make emergency procurement of provisions or materials for rescue and relief in a threatening disaster situation or disaster.

6. The general superintendence, direction and control of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) are vested in and will be exercised by the NDMA.

7. The National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM) works within the framework of broad policies and guidelines laid down by NDMA.

8. Cross cutting themes like medical preparedness, psycho-social care and trauma, community based disaster preparedness, information & communication technology, training, preparedness, awareness generation etc. for natural and manmade disasters will also engage the attention of NDMA in partnership with the stakeholders concerned.

NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE (NEC)The NEC is the executive committee of the NDMA, and is mandated to assist the NDMA in the discharge of its functions and also ensure compliance of the directions issued by the Central Government.

NEC is to coordinate the response in the event of any threatening disaster situation or disaster. NEC will prepare the National Plan for Disaster Management based on the National Policy on Disaster Management.

NEC will monitor the implementation of guidelines issued by NDMA. It will also perform such other functions as may be prescribed by the Central Government in consultation with the NDMA.

Composition:

The National Executive Committee (NEC) comprises the Union Home Secretary as the Chairperson, and the Secretaries to the GOI in the Ministries/Departments of Agriculture, Atomic Energy, Defence, Drinking Water Supply, Environment and Forests, Finance (Expenditure), Health, Power, Rural Development, Science and Technology, Space, Telecommunications, Urban Development, Water Resources and the Chief of the Integrated Defence Staff of the Chiefs of Staff Committee as members. Secretaries in the Ministry of External Affairs, Earth Sciences, Human Resource Development, Mines, Shipping, Road Transport & Highways and Secretary, NDMA will be special invitees to the meetings of the NEC.

STATE DISASTER MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY (SDMA)At the State level, the SDMA, headed by the Chief Minister, will lay down policies and plans for DM in the State. It will, inter alia approve the State Plan in accordance with the guidelines laid down by the NDMA, coordinate the implementation of the State Plan, recommend provision of funds for

14 | P a g e

Disaster Management

mitigation and preparedness measures and review the developmental plans of the different departments of the State to ensure integration of prevention, preparedness and mitigation measures.

The State Government shall constitute a State Executive Committee (SEC) to assist the SDMA in the performance of its functions. The SEC will be headed by the Chief Secretary to the State Government and coordinate and monitor the implementation of the National Policy, the National Plan and the State Plan. The SEC will also provide information to the NDMA relating to different aspects of DM.

DISTRICT DISASTER MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY (DDMA)The DDMA will be headed by the District Collector, Deputy Commissioner or District Magistrate as the case may be, with the elected representative of the local authority as the Co-Chairperson. DDMA will act as the planning, coordinating and implementing body for DM at District level and take all necessary measures for the purposes of DM in accordance with the guidelines laid down by the NDMA and SDMA. It will, inter alia prepare the District DM plan for the district and monitor the implementation of the National Policy, the State Policy, the National Plan, the State Plan and the District Plan. DDMA will also ensure that the guidelines for prevention, mitigation, preparedness and response measures laid down by the NDMA and the SDMA are followed by all Departments of the State Government at the District level and the local authorities in the district.

LOCAL AUTHORITIESLocal authorities would include Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRI), Municipalities, District and Cantonment Boards and Town Planning Authorities which control and manage civic services.

These bodies will ensure capacity building of their officers and employees for managing disasters, carry out relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction activities in the affected areas and will prepare DM Plans in consonance with guidelines of the NDMA, SDMAs and DDMAs.

NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF DISASTER MANAGEMENT (NIDM)The NIDM, in partnership with other research institutions has capacity development as one of its major responsibilities, along with training, research, documentation and development of a national level information base.

It will network with other knowledge-based institutions and function within the broad policies and guidelines laid down by the NDMA.

It will organize training of trainers, DM officials and other stakeholders.

The NIDM will strive to emerge as a ‘Centre of Excellence’ in the field of Disaster Management.

NATIONAL DISASTER RESPONSE FORCE (NDRF)For the purpose of specialised response to a threatening disaster situation or disasters/emergencies both natural and man-made such as those of Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear origin, the Act has mandated the constitution of a National Disaster Response Force (NDRF).

15 | P a g e

Disaster Management

The general superintendence, direction and control of this force shall be vested in and exercised by the NDMA and the command and supervision of the Force shall vest in an officer to be appointed by the Central Government as the Director General of Civil Defence and National Disaster Response Force.

Presently, the NDRF comprises eight battalions and further expansion may be considered in due course. These battalions will be positioned at different locations as may be required. NDRF units will maintain close liaison with the designated State Governments and will be available to them in the event of any serious threatening disaster situation.

OTHER INSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENTS

CABINET COMMITTEE ON MANAGEMENT OF NATURAL CALAMITIES(CCMNC) AND CCMNC had been constituted to oversee all aspects relating to the management of natural calamities including assessment of the situation and identification of measures and programmes considered necessary to reduce its impact, monitor and suggest long term measures for prevention of such calamities, formulate and recommend programmes for public awareness for building up society’s resilience to them.

The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) deals with issues related to defence of the country, law & order and internal security, policy matters concerning foreign affairs that have internal or external security implications and economic and political issues impinging on national security.

HIGH LEVEL COMMITTEE (HLC)In the case of calamities of severe nature, Inter-Ministerial Central Teams are deputed to the affected states for assessment of damage caused by the calamity and the amount of relief assistance required.

The IMG, headed by the Union Home Secretary, scrutinises the assessment made by the Central Teams and recommends the quantum of assistance to be provided to the States from the National Calamity Contingency Fund (NCCF). However, assessment of damages by IMG in respect of drought, hail-storm, and pest attack will continue to be headed by the Secretary, M/o Agriculture & Cooperation.

The HLC comprising Finance Minister, as Chairman and the Home Minister, Agriculture Minister & Deputy Chairman, Planning Commission as members approves the central assistance to be provided to the affected States based on the recommendations of the IMG. The constitution and composition of HLC may vary from time to time. The Vice Chairman, NDMA will be a special invitee to the HLC.

CENTRAL GOVERNMENTIn accordance with the provisions of the Act, the Central Government will take all such measures, as it deems necessary or expedient, for the purpose of DM and will coordinate actions of all agencies.

It will ensure that Central Ministries and Departments integrate measures for the prevention and mitigation of disasters into their developmental plans and projects, make appropriate allocation of funds for pre-disaster requirements and take necessary measures for preparedness and to effectively respond to any disaster situation or disaster.

16 | P a g e

Disaster Management

It will have the power to issue directions to NEC, State Governments/SDMAs, SECs or any of their officers or employees, to facilitate or assist in DM, and these bodies and officials shall be bound to comply with such directions.

It will take measures for the deployment of the Armed Forces for disaster management. The Central Government will also facilitate coordination with the UN Agencies, international organisations and Governments of foreign countries in the field of disaster management.

NATIONAL CRISIS MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE (NCMC)The NCMC, comprising high level officials of the GOI headed by the Cabinet Secretary, will continue to deal with major crises which have serious or national ramifications. It will be supported by the Crisis Management Groups (CMG) of the Central nodal Ministries and assisted by NEC as may be necessary. The Secretary, NDMA may be a member of this Committee.

Chapter 6DISASTER PREVENTION AND MITIGATION, PREPAREDNESS

Unlike man-made disasters, natural hazards like floods, earthquakes, and cyclones cannot be avoided. However, with mitigation measures along with proper planning of developmental work in the risk prone area, these hazards can be prevented from turning into disasters. A three-pronged approach needs to be adopted to undertake mitigation measures:

1. Building mitigation measures into all development projects.

17 | P a g e

Disaster Management

2. Initiating of national level mitigation projects by the NDMA, in high priority areas, with the help of the Central Ministries and Departments concerned and the States. Encouraging and assisting State level mitigation projects in accordance with the guidelines.

3. Indigenous knowledge on disaster and coping mechanisms adopted by various States will be given due weightage with special focus on protection of heritage structures.

Disaster risk is a consequence of hazard and vulnerability. Disaster risk can be reduced by forecasting occurrence of hazards as accurately as possible and well in time, and preparing in advance for their onset and even manipulating those natural hazards, which lend themselves to manipulation. It can also be brought down by taking measures to reduce vulnerability.

Some of the disaster prevention and mitigation measures are as follows:

Risk Assessment and Vulnerability MappingAs a first step towards addressing disaster vulnerabilities, Central Ministries and

Departments, national agencies, knowledge-based institutions and DM authorities at the State and District levels need to carry out risk and vulnerability assessment of all disaster prone areas. Hazard zonation mapping and vulnerability analysis based on GIS and remote sensing data needs to mandatorily include a ground check component.

The National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI) has been set up by the Survey of India, to collect, compile, analyse and prepare value-added maps for use by various agencies in the field of DM

Environmentally Sustainable DevelopmentEnvironmental considerations and developmental efforts need to go hand in hand for ensuring

sustainability. Environmental degradation and disasters constitute a vicious cycle. Development practices that enhance the quality of environment would not only help in mitigating disasters but could also build community resilience. Environment management should be made an integral part of all development and disaster management plans.

Making disaster management plans a part of development plansThe Disaster Management Act, 2005 mandates preparation of District, State and National

level plans. The plans prepared by Central Ministries and Departments, States and Districts will incorporate the inputs of all stakeholders for integration into the planning process. The participation of all stakeholders, communities and institutions will inculcate a culture of preparedness. A bottom-up approach needs to be adopted for better understanding and operationalization of these plans. The Communities and local governments are to be involved in formulating disaster management plans.

The subject of Disaster Management will be included as a ‘standing item’ in the agenda of the Inter State Council and Zonal Council and as a ‘reporting item’ in the National Development Council.

The primary responsibility for disaster management is to be that of the state government, with the Union Government playing a supportive role.

Forecasting and Early Warning SystemIt is most essential to establish, upgrade and modernise the forecasting and early-warning

systems for all types of disasters. The objective of an early warning system is to alert the community of any impending hazard so that they can take preventive measures.

18 | P a g e

Disaster Management

Though it is the responsibility of the government machinery and the local bodies to disseminate the warning, peoples’ participation has to be enlisted. For this purpose, the role of community leaders, NGOs and others should be clearly defined in the emergency response plan and they should be fully trained and prepared for their respective roles.

The early warning system should be evaluated after each disaster to carry out further improvements.

Communication and Information technology supportCommunication and sharing of up-to-date information using state-of the art IT infrastructure

remain at the heart of effective implementation of the disaster management strategy. Reliable, up-to-date and faster sharing of geo-spatial information acquired from the field or the affected areas is a pre-requisite for effective implementation of disaster management strategies.

Real time dissemination of advance warnings and information to the concerned authorities at various levels and threatened community. For dissemination of advance warning and information through broadcasting mediums such as television and radio shall be used significantly as it has higher geographical reach.

Strengthening of the Emergency Operations CentresThe establishment of Emergency Operations Centres at the national, state, metros and district

level and equipping them with the contemporary technologies and communication facilities and their periodic upgradation will be accorded priority.

Medical Preparedness and Mass Casualty ManagementMedical preparedness is a crucial component for any DM Plan. The State and District

authorities will be encouraged to formulate appropriate procedures for treatment of casualties by the private hospitals during the disasters.

Creation of mobile surgical teams, mobile hospitals and heli-ambulances for evacuation of patients is a crucial component of DM efforts.

Training, Simulation and Mock DrillsEfficacy of plans and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) is tested and refined through

training, seminars and mock drills. The NDMA will assist the states/UTs in these areas and will also conduct mock drills in different parts of the country.

Community Based Disaster Preparedness During any disaster, communities are always not only the first to be affected but also the first

responders. Community participation ensures local ownership, addresses local needs, and promotes volunteerism and mutual help to prevent and minimise damage. Therefore, the efforts of the states/UTs, in this regard need to be encouraged.

The needs of the elderly, women, children and differently abled persons require special attention.

Undertaking location specific training programmes for the community: Village panchayats should be entrusted this responsibility.

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Public Private Partnership (PPP) Historically, corporate sectors have been supporting the disaster relief and rehabilitation activities.

However, the involvement of corporate entities in disaster risk reduction activities is not significant.

19 | P a g e

Disaster Management

Corporate entities should redefine their business community plan to factor in hazards, risks and vulnerabilities. They should also create value in innovative social investments in the community.

Public Private Partnership between the Government and private sector would also be encouraged to leverage the strengths of the latter in disaster management.

Generating awareness about risk: Media PartnershipThe media plays a critical role in information and knowledge dissemination in all phases of DM.

The versatile potential of both electronic and print media needs to be fully utilised. Effective partnership with the media will be worked out in the field of community awareness, early warning and dissemination and education regarding various disasters. Land Use Planning

Central Ministries and Departments concerned in consultation with scientific institutions will carry out analysis of environmental and hazard data for formulation of alternative land use plans for different geographical and administrative areas with a holistic approach. This is more relevant to mega cities, metros and high-density urban settlements for safer location of habitat and other critical facilities.

At macro-level, there is a need for preparation of land use planning based on the inventory database of various uses. As far as urban settlements are concerned, the future land use is to be assessed keeping in view the anticipated intensity of development.

Safe Construction Practices Hazards like earthquakes and cyclones do not kill people but inadequately designed and badly

constructed buildings do. Ensuring safe construction of new buildings and retrofitting of selected lifeline buildings, as given in the Earthquake Guidelines, is a critical step to be taken towards earthquake mitigation. The design and specification of houses being constructed, under the Indira Awas Yojana (IAY) and other government welfare and development schemes, will also be re-examined to ensure hazard safety.

Training of engineers, architects, small builders, construction managers and artisans has already been started and need to be intensified at the state and district level. Safe schools and hospitals (with large capacity) and national monuments besides other critical lifeline buildings will be regarded as a national priority.

Effective enforcement of laws on encroachments, public health and safety, industrial safety, fire hazards, safety at public places should be ensured. The same applies to zoning regulations and building byelaws.

Compliance Regime: AuditsIt is important to ensure that monitoring, verification and compliance arrangements are in place

both at the national and state level.

Third party audit of all major alleged violations needs to be introduced in the respective regulation governing the activity

Adoption of best management practices like self-certification, social audit, and an external compliance regime including audit by professional agencies, need to be encouraged through development and design of tools such as IT-enabled monitoring software to suit the DM systems in

20 | P a g e

Disaster Management

India, in consultation with various stakeholders and knowledge institutions for adoption after due trial and validation.

Non Structural MeasureThese measures are in the form of capacity building and improved livelihood practices. These

include Afforestation, scientific watershed management, vegetative bunds, improved agricultural practices and relocation of habitations. All these measures should be included in the long term disaster management plans.

Chapter 7DISASTER RESPONSE

Prompt and effective response minimises loss of life and property. A caring approach for the special needs of vulnerable sections is also important. The existing and the new institutional arrangements need to ensure an integrated, synergised and proactive approach in dealing with any disaster. This is possible through contemporary forecasting and early warning systems, fail-safe communication and anticipatory deployment of the specialised response forces. A well informed and prepared community can mitigate the impact of disasters.

The district administration headed by the Collector provides government’s first organized response to any crisis. Standard operating procedures (SOPs) lay down the drill in case of crisis. At the first sign of any crisis the trigger mechanism should spontaneously set the emergency quick response mechanism into action, without formal orders from anywhere as per the standard operating procedures. In large cities, there is blurring of responsibilities between the agencies of the state

21 | P a g e

Disaster Management

government and those of local bodies. In crisis situations, the Emergency Response Plan should define the trigger point in unambiguous terms so that there is no delay on the part of the role players to initiate action as laid down in the plan. This would entail that the role players should have full knowledge about the tasks each has to perform. The Emergency Response Plan should also identify resources, including human resources, logistics, specialized equipment and the way to put them into action. It has been observed that the District Emergency Response Plans are not always up to the mark. This is because ‘crises’ are considered low probability events and advance planning does not receive the attention it deserves.

Recommendations:-

1. Since the initial response in any crisis/disaster should be timely and speedy, the Emergency Response Plans should be up-to-date and should lay down the ‘trigger points’ in unambiguous terms.

2. The district emergency response plan should be prepared in consultation with all concerned.

3. Standard operating procedures should be developed for each disaster at the district and community level, keeping in mind the disaster vulnerability of the area.

4. Unity of command should be the underlying principle for effective rescue operations.

5. The plan should be validated annually through mock drills and it should be backed by capability building efforts.

6. Any plan would have its limitations as each crisis situation would vary from another. Plans are therefore, no substitute for sound judgement at the time of crisis.

7. Handling of crisis should be made a parameter for evaluating the performance of officers.

Medical ResponseMedical response has to be quick and effective. The execution of medical response plans and

deployment of medical resources warrant special attention at the State and District level in most of the situations.

The voluntary deployment of the nearest medical resources to the disaster site, irrespective of the administrative boundaries, will be emphasised. Mobile medical hospitals and other resources available with the centre will also be provided to the states/UTs in a proactive manner. Post-disaster management of health, sanitation and hygiene services is crucial to prevent an outbreak of epidemics.

An institutional arrangement to attend to medical emergencies is required to be put in place. Access to this system should be facilitated by having an identical telephone number throughout the country.

Animal CareAnimals both domestic as well as wild are exposed to the effects of natural and man-made

disasters. It is necessary to devise appropriate measures to protect animals and find means to shelter and feed them during disasters and their aftermath, through a community effort, to the extent possible.

22 | P a g e

Disaster Management

Chapter 8RELIEF AND REHABILITATION

The relief needs to be prompt, adequate and of approved standards. Guidelines defining minimum standards of relief will be prepared by the NDMA.

Setting up of Relief CampsDDMAs, especially in recurring disaster prone areas, may identify locations for setting up

temporary camps. Agencies to supply the necessary stores will be identified in the pre-disaster phase.

The temporary relief camps will have adequate provision of drinking water and bathing, sanitation and essential health-care facilities. Efficient governance systems like entitlement cards, laminated identification cards etc., will be developed as a part of a uniform humanitarian governance practices through the respective DDMAs.

Management of Relief Supplies

23 | P a g e

Disaster Management

Ensuring minimum standards of relief and speedy management of supplies are important features of relief operations. SOPs will be put in place for ensuring the procurement, packaging, transportation, storage and distribution of relief items, which need to be carried out in an organised manner.

Guidelines will be evolved to manage the donations received in cash or kind to ensure transparency and accountability.

Review of Standards of ReliefIn most States, existing standards of relief need to be reviewed to address the contemporary needs

of communities affected by disasters. The SDMAs may review the Relief Codes/manuals and prepare DM Codes for prescribing the norms, standards and criteria for the provision of relief in conformity with the guidelines of NDMA.

Temporary Livelihood Options and Socio-Economic RehabilitationIn the aftermath of any major disaster, generally a demand always arises to generate temporary

livelihood options for the affected community and the State Governments should recognise this aspect in their DM planning process. Any such option must ensure that assets, infrastructure and the amenities created are hazard resistant, durable, sustainable, and cost-efficient.

Trauma care and counselling should be made an integral part of the relief operations.

The ‘best practices’ in disaster management are the strategies and methods perfected by several developed countries and India can take advantage from exposure to these practices. It is, therefore, desirable that the possibility of bilateral agreements with foreign governments for exchange of experiences and learning from their documentation and research efforts be fully explored.

Chapter 9RECONSTRUCTION AND RECOVERY

The approach to the reconstruction process has to be comprehensive so as to convert adversity into opportunity. Incorporating disaster resilient features to ‘build back better’ will be the guiding principle. This phase requires the most patient and painstaking effort by all concerned.

Owner Driven ReconstructionReconstruction plans and designing of houses need to be a participatory process involving the

government, affected community, NGOs and the corporate sector. After the planning process is over, while owner driven construction is a preferred option, contribution of the NGOs and corporate sector will be encouraged.

Speedy Reconstruction Essential services, social infrastructure and intermediate shelters/camps will be established in

the shortest possible time.

24 | P a g e

Disaster Management

Concerned Central Ministries/Departments and the State Governments should create dedicated project teams to speed up the reconstruction process.

Linking Recovery with Safe Development Emphasis will be laid on plugging the gaps in the social and economic infrastructure and

infirmities in the backward and forward linkages. Efforts will be made to support and enhance the viability of the livelihood systems, education, health-care facilities, care of the elderly, women and children, etc. Other aspects warranting attention will be roads, housing, drinking water sources, provision for sanitary facilities, availability of credit, supply of agricultural inputs, upgradation of technologies in the on-farm and off-farm activities, storage, processing, marketing, etc.

Livelihood Restoration State governments will have to lay emphasis on the restoration of permanent livelihood of those

affected by disasters and special attention to the needs of women-headed households, artisans, farmers and people belonging to marginalised and vulnerable sections.

Chapter 10CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT

A strategic approach to capacity development can be addressed effectively only with the active and enthusiastic participation of the stakeholders. This process comprises awareness generation, education, training, Research and Development (R&D) etc. It further addresses putting in place appropriate institutional framework, management systems and allocation of resources for efficient prevention and handling of disasters.

National Priorities In the field of capacity development, priority will be given to training of DM officials,

functionaries, trainers and elected representatives and communities. DM training and orientation of professionals like doctors, engineers, and architects will be given due importance.

Training of Communities Building the capacity of communities, as they are the first responders to disasters, is a significant

part of the capacity development process. It will include awareness, sensitisation, orientation and developing skills of communities and community leaders. The overall responsibility to give impetus to leadership and motivation will rest with local authorities, PRIs and ULBs under the overall guidance of State and District authorities

25 | P a g e

Disaster Management

Professional Technical Education ‘Disaster Management’ as a body of knowledge should be introduced as a subject in Management

and Public Administration. The University Grants Commission may initiate the process to see how best this can be implemented in selected universities.

DM Education in Schools The introduction of the subject of DM, by the Ministry of Human Resource Development, in the

curriculum through the Central Board of Secondary Education, will be extended to all schools through their Secondary Education Boards. State Government will also ensure the inclusion of Disaster Management curriculum through State School Boards. The education content will inculcate skill based training, psychological resilience and qualities of leadership.

Licensing and Certification Testing the skills of professionals becomes important to ensure disaster resilient construction in

the built environment. BIS will be requested to develop uniform codes and specifications with the help of professional bodies. The State Governments will develop a scheme to ensure that only adequately qualified professionals practise within its territory

26 | P a g e

Disaster Management

Summary

1. <Give a numbered summary for the write-up. You may prefer to make it Chapter wise>2. ..3. ..

27 | P a g e

Disaster Management

Question Bank1. Why Disaster Management should be included in the concurrent list?2. What’s your view on creating a different department for Disaster Management?3. …

28 | P a g e

Disaster Management

Skeletal structure for answer writing1. <Give skeletal structure for writing answer of the respective question enlisted in Question

section. You may give page numbers to refer for answering, along with other sources like Books (mention chapter and page number) and web-links.>

2. ..3. ..

29 | P a g e

Disaster Management

Bibliography1. <Develop a comprehensive Bibliography for your write-up. Format for writing Bibliography:

Books Author's name. (Edition/Publication Year). Title of Book. Title of Article/Chapter/Section (Page Number). e.g. Jain & Mathur.(2011).A History of the Modern World. Slavery in America (pg. 177) Internet Article Name. Complete URL. e.g. Picture from the East. http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/picture-from-the-east-surprises-ahead-in-third-front-battleground/article4941359.ece]

30 | P a g e