Case Studies on Emergency Management, Preparedness and

Response by Govt. of Bihar

Presentation by

GaganOfficer on Special Duty

Disaster Management Department, Bihar

Contents• Introduction• Mandate of State Government and SDMA• Vulnerability Analysis and Risk Assessment- An Overview• Paradigmatic shift in approach for Disaster Management• Preparedness of State Government/SDMA• Quick Response Mechanism • Emergency and Safety Management processes• Participatory Management for disaster mitigation, Community’s

Role• Synergy with NGOs, CSOs, Other stakeholders• Case Study

2007 flood in Bihar 2008 Koshi flood 2009 drought scenario 2010 drought scenario Kanti a Perosnal Experience

Bihar is one of the most disaster prone state of the country. Floods, droughts, cyclonic storms, earthquakes, heat/cold waves, river erosions, fire incidence etc. are various forms of disasters prevalent in the State17 % of the country’s Flood area in BiharFrequent change of river course & land erosionFrequent DroughtsEarthquake Zone-IV & V (Some districts of North Bihar as vulnerable as Bhuj and kashmir)High wind velocity in most parts- cyclonic storms Quite often hailstormsRecurrent village fires in summer monthsCold waveBoat capsizing

Bihar is Vulnerable to Multi-hazards

The vulnerability of the State to Floods is indicated in the map:

Map showing 15 worst flood prone and 28 flood prone districts in Bihar

Worst flood prone districts

Flood prone districts

Bihar wind hazard Map

DISASTER MANAGEMENT IN BIHAR: MANDATE & FUNCTIONS

• DEPARTMENT OF RELIEF & REHABILITATION SEPARATED- 1977-78

• RENAMED DEPARTMENT OF DISASTER MANAGEMENT: 18-03-2004

• MANDATE OF DMD- to reduce the vulnerability of people, especially the poor, to the effects of natural, environmental and human induced hazards to a manageable and acceptable humanitarian level.

• MAIN FUNCTIONS:– Response and relief to disaster victims.– Capacity building (training & awareness)– Preventions, Preparedness and mitigation.– Rehabilitation and Reconstruction.

State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA): Mandate & Function

• Formed under section 14(1) of DM Act 2005• Headed by Hon’ble Chief Minister.• Can constitute an advisory committee of experts in Disaster

Management.• Lays down the State Disaster Management Policy of the State.• Approves the State Plan in accordance with the guidelines of

NDMA.• Co-ordinates and implements the state plan.• Lays down guidelines for various departments of government

for the purpose of prevention and mitigation of disaster.• Can review the development plan of different departments.• Lays down detail guidelines for provision of standards of relief

in accordance with the guidelines of NDMA.

Vulnerability Analysis and Risk Assessment

Flood Disaster …..• The rivers Gandak, Budhi Gandak, Bagmati, Kamala, Bhutahi Balan,

Mahananda, Maichi, the Adhawara group of rivers and the Kosi are major river systems originating in Tibet - Nepal Himalayas and flowing down at rapid pace to hit the plains of Bihar.

• The destruction of forest cover in the lower Himalayas has led to precipitous runoff and large volumes of silt being carried down.

• The river beds are now equal to or higher than the country side in North Bihar. Floods are, therefore, inevitable.

• 73% of the area and 74 % of the population of the State is vulnerable to floods.

• The areas vulnerable to floods in the State constitutes (16.4% ) of the total area vulnerable to floods in the country.

• North Bihar is one of the most densely populated region in India (density of population being 926 in comparison to national average density of 324.

Earthquake disaster ……….• Out of 38 districts, 30 districts fall under seismic zone IV and V.• Himalayan region is still in the process of mountain formation and

therefore. It makes north-eastern Bihar more vulnerable to earthquake.

Drought disaster …………• Irregular Monsoon and sharp decline in water table have created drought

scenario in recent past.• 17 districts south of the river Ganges are facing water crisis this year.

Cyclonic Storms and wind hazards ….• Whole of Bihar particularly north Bihar is affected by cyclonic storms and

wind hazards in the month of April almost every year.• State Government on its own initiative and resources has included cyclonic

storms/ Thunder in the list of Natural disasters.

Fire ………• Whole of Bihar particularly north Bihar is affected by fire in the month of

April to June.

Contd….

High density of population, lack of awareness, Poverty, Livelihood largely based on Agriculture and Animal husbandry, Slow urbanization etc. lead to increased vulnerability.

lack of Earthquake resistant houses increased the risk for earthquake. Thatched houses increase fire incidents.

• Till recently the focus of disaster management was on :Relief & Rehabilitation

• But after passage of DM Act, 2005, and after adoption of National Disaster Management Policy 2009 a paradigm shift has taken place in the realm of disaster Management

• Now the focus is shifting on : Preparedness, Mitigation Response Relief Rehabilitation Reconstruction

• Disaster Management integral part of Development

Disaster Management: The paradigm shift:

Steps taken by State GovernmentA. Prevention/Mitigation/Preparedness

Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) has been prepared and enforced for the effective management of flood.

Guidelines prepared and circulated for 22line department to develop their Disaster Management Plans.

Draft of State Disaster Management Plan prepared and the finalization is underway.

FRP and Inflatable boats, life jackets have been provided to flood prone districts. 10 each (2-2 FRP and 8-8 inflatable) provided to most flood prone district.

100 Life jackets each for 28 flood prone districts have been provided. Tents for relief camps for all flood prone districts being purchased. Polythene sheets in sufficient quantity for all flood prone districts

being purchased. GPS instruments provided upto Subdivision level. BSNL DSPT – Satellite phone procure. Allotment is given to the various district for maintenance of old

Government boats & New boats. EOC established in 14 districts under DRM programme. Warehouses in districts for disaster relief martial storage.

B. Response NDRF teams has been stationed at Bihta(Patna) for

rescue & evacuation. Steps have been taken to raise the battalion of SDRF for

quick rescue and relief works during disaster. Interview started .

Training of Government Staff and volunteer’s for search and rescue and first aid in 15 flood prone districts.

Training of divers – 30 selected personnel from each district for search and rescue during flood and boat tragedy. Total 570 personnel have been trained.

Engineers of earth quake prone districts have been trained for the constructions of earth quake proof buildings.

C. Capacity Building/ Training• Community - the first responder• Master Trainers trained for Search and Rescue

(SAR) with the help of NDRF. Refresher courses also organized.

• Two volunteers each from 2205 flood prone Panchyats have been trained from 15 most flood prone districts.

• TOT and Volunteers training for remaining 13 districts scheduled after Panchyat Election 2011.

• List of Divers published on departmental website i.e. http://disastermgmt.bih.nic.in

Quick Response MechanismCircle/ Sub Division Control

Room

District Emergency Operating Centre/District Control

Room/ District Magistrate

State Emergency Operating System/ State Control Room/ Principal Secretary, Disaster Management Department

State Executive Committee/ SDMA

MHA/NDMA

Community / Field Supervisor/ Local Search & Rescue (SAR) Team / Block ,

Circle, Subdivision Level concern Department

District level concern department/ District Level SAR Team

State level concern department

Quick Response Cont…(Website for quick reference)• Meteorological Forecasting Division- Govt. of Nepal

http://www.mfd.gov.np/• Central Water Commission of India http://www.india-water.com/• Water Resources Department, Govt. of Bihar http://wrd.bih.nic.in• Indian Meteorological Department http://www.imd.gov.in and

www.mousam.gov.in• Disaster Management Department, Govt. of Bihar

http://disastermgmt.bih.nic.in/• Ganga Flood Control Commission, Patna, Ministry of Water

Resources, Govt. Of India http://gfcc.bih.nic.in/• National Informatics Centre- Weather Resource System for India-

<http://weather.nic.in/>• Weather forecast for Nepal http://www.mfd.gov.np/• Weather forecast for Bihar from Yahoo

http://weather.yahoo.com/india/bihar/bihar-2274908/• Flood Management Information System, Bihar

http://www.fmis.bih.nic.in/

Emergency and Safety Management processesi. Early Warning System

Rainfall/ Precipitation report by IMDDaily bulletin by CWC Flood Reports by Water Resources Department FMIS

ii. Pre disaster safety management Repair of Rain gaugeDissemination of rainfall data Identification of Population / Area to be affected and

preparation of summary mapResource Mapping

• Listing of Country Boat locally available.• Repair of Boats• Purchase of New Boats.• Genset/ Petromax/ Tent/ Mahazal

• State Food Corporation availability of food grain.• Sattu/ Salt/ Chura/ Gur/ Candle/ Match / K. Oil• Polythene Sheets• Medicine for human• Veterinary medicine• Availability of Fodder• Identification of Relief Center School Building, Community

Hall, Aganwari Center etc.Deputation of Field OfficersNomination of Nodal OfficersActivation of EOCs at all levelsCommunication plan with Telephone No./ Mobile no.

of key persons, Regular updation.Constitution of District Task Force.Contingency crop scheme for Flood, DroughtContingency plan for concern department

Cont…….iii. Management during disaster

Quick damage assessment through local PRIs/ ULBs Search and Rescue / Evacuation with the help of community

and SAR teams. Setting of Relief Centers Deployment of NDRF/ Requisition of Army, Air force etc. Co ordination with NGOs/CSOs, International Agency/

Corporate Sector. Media Management Grievance redressal mechanism Daily, Weekly bulletin from department- publication on

website. Formulation of Memorandum for Center Government Conduct of District/ Block level Public representative bodies.

Participatory Management for disaster mitigation- Community’s Role

• Village level disaster management teams/ Search & Rescue Teams constituted. There functions are:- i. Search & Rescue/ Evacuationii. To help community to protect themselves and their belonging

during disasters.iii. To educate the community about exactly what to do during

disasters.iv. To take immediate steps to allow the community to regain

pre-disaster normalcy.• Disaster Relief Vigilance Committee constituted at Block

and District level for identification of beneficiaries and relief management.

• Proposed training of Civil Society/Citizenry for quick response.

Synergy with NGOs, CSOs, Other stakeholders

• Along with DMD, following entities play significant role for comprehensive disaster management:

• Bihar Disaster Management Authority• Different Government Departments- • District administration, headed by District Magistrate• District Disaster Management Authority• Local Authorities, including Municipal corporation & District, Block,

Gram Panchayats.• Volunteers agencies : NGOs, CBOs; youth organizations i.e. NSS,

NCC, NYK, Mahila Magal Dals etc.• Public and Private Sector Enterprises and• Corporate Disaster Resource Network• COMMUNITY: the first responder

Case Study- 2007 FloodCase Study- 2007 Flood

•Heavy rainfall in the catchment areas of Bagmati, Kamla-Balan, Budhi-Gandak, the Adhwara group of rivers and the Kosi in the July, 2007 led to unprecedented floods in 19 districts of Bihar.

•Rivers rose above danger levels and embankments were breached at 32 points inundating and devastating vast stretches of thickly populated areas.

Flood-2007- Cont…….Flood-2007- Cont…….

• A total of 264 blocks, 3817 Panchayats and 18832 villages were ravaged, affecting total population of 244.42 lakh & 27.13 Lakh live stock.

• This flood was severest to date. 741 people died, 748328 houses were damaged & 2423 livestock was lost.

• The state launched massive relief operations. A total of 8375 boats were deployed;

• Special District Magistrates were deputed to worst affected districts and these districts were placed under individual Ministers who were stationed at the District Head Quarters.

Contd……….Contd……….

Begusarai

Barrage

Breach

Patna

Inundated areas

Breach at Kusaha

Case Study- Koshi flood 2008Case Study- Koshi flood 2008

• Name of affected Districts - Supaul, Madhepura, Saharsa, Araria, Purnia

• No. of Blocks affected - 35

• No. of Panchayats affected - 412

• No. of villages affected - 993

• Population affected - 3329423

• Live Stock affected - 712140

• Area affected in hac - 368000

• No. of human deaths - 527

• No. of live stock deaths - 19323

• No. of houses damaged - 220174

IMPACT

Response• One of the largest ever evacuation operations -

993992 persons evacuated .

• 3500 police personnel, more than 5,000 civilian personnel, 35 columns of Army, 4 columns of Navy & 855 NDRF personnel deployed for evacuation.

• More than 1500 country boats (including 843 requisitioned from other districts) and 561 motor boats deployed.

• Each unit made responsible for evacuation from specific panchayats.

Response contd…

• Every willing person evacuated – written reports from Army/NDRF/other units about their areas of responsibility.

• Many people remained on embankment / canal banks/other high ground and refused to be evacuated as they wanted to be near the cattle / village.

• Radio and pamphlets used to educate them on the need to come out – some people still remained behind.

Camp Management Contd…

• Clothes and utensils have been given to each camp inmate (One dhoti / lungi / sari; One gamchha; clothes for children; One thali and one glass) from Chief Minister’s Relief Fund.

• Money for clothes and utensils have been provided to the flood affected families from CRF .

HEALTH :• Health sub centre in each major camp with

doctors on duty round the clock and free medicine.

• Smaller camps covered by mobile teams.• A total of 514 doctors and 1588 paramedical staff

deployed .• Ambulance in each major camp and earmarked

ambulances for group of smaller camps. Total of 112 ambulances deployed.

• Maternity huts in major camps – 1573deliveries conducted .

Camp Management contd….

• Health check and measles/OPV/TTV Vaccination and Vitamin A supplementation for camp inmates

• One ASHA worker for every 3000 population in Govt. camps – responsible for chlorination of hand pumps, testing water quality and post natal visits for mothers and new born.

• camps covered by fogging teams for vector control

• ICDS centres established in all major camps.

Camp Management contd….

Health programmes in Relief Camps

• Special drive launched to screen for TB, Malaria, Kala-azar, Leprosy and Blindness in relief camps. •Majority of camps visited by specially oriented teams.

–More than a lac persons screened for TB, Malaria, Kala-azar, Leprosy

–1485 sputum samples tested for T.B, 725 slides tested for malaria and 36,058 cases examined for Leprosy

–1321 cases of refractive error and 769 cases of cataract detected

• 3750 temporary toilets were constructed.

• Cleaning teams and bleaching powder for all camps.

• 2155 hand pumps were installed.• 7 purification plants were installed.• Generators & solar lamps for lighting.

Camp Management contd….

• Schools set up for children in camps

• Skill development programmes in camps.

• Engagement to camp inmates within the camp (camp maintenance, food preparation etc.).

• Work under NREGA & Shahari Rojgar Yojana near camps.

• Cultural/sports/yoga activities.

Camp Management contd….

• 119 kitchens were set up for those remaining in the affected areas and refusing to come out.

• Distribution of GR for those not in camps. 7.32 lacs quintals of grain and 178.14 crores in cash distributed.

• Polio volunteer teams pressed into service for reaching flood affected villages. Target:

1) To chlorinate the drinking water sources 2) Sprinkling of Bleaching Powder for sanitation

3) Distribution of Halogen tablets

Outside Camps ….

• 3,42,000 households supplied with halozone tablets

• 2,53,908 handpumps and 5, 956 wells chlorinated

• 3,20,858 household areas covered by bleaching powder spraying

Outside Camps ….

LIVESTOCK

• 257 veterinary centres functional manned by 257 veterinary centres functional manned by 387 personnel.387 personnel.

• 47,430 animals in camps.47,430 animals in camps.• 321630 animals vaccinated.321630 animals vaccinated.

Restoration of Communications

• Task forces of engineers for each Block.

• One Executive Engineer in charge of each block supported by 3 Assistant Engineers & 4 Junior Engineers.

• Mission – restoring breaches.

• Latest – 90% communication restored

Case Study- Drought 2009

• Late arrival of South West Monsoon• Crop coverage of Paddy around 42% in 1st

week of August 2009.• Crop coverage of Maize around 72% • Rainfall deficit in 2009 was 62%.• Crisis Management group formed on 22nd June

2009 headed by Chief Secretary, Bihar

Steps taken by Government• Establishment of Crisis Management Group• Constitution of District Task Force to monitor the situation at

district and lower level.• Formulation of Memorandum for Centre Government. Assistance

of Rs. 23,071.13 crore sought but till date only 267.48 crore released.

• Agriculture Sector Rs. 26.62 Crore released to districts for Diesel Subsidy to save Paddy

Seedlings. Diesel subsidy in the tune of Rs. 318.96 crore sanctioned to irrigate

Kharif Crops. Rs. 50 Crore sanctioned for Seed Subsidy @ 50% of cost of the seed. Advisories on contingent crop planning publicized. New scheme named Bihar Bhujal Sinchai Yojana ( Bihar Groundwater

Irrigation Scheme) started in all districts in which farmers are given a subsidy of Rs. 45% and loan of 45% for installing one pumpset and tubewell/ dugwell for irrigation; the farmers have to provide the margin money of 10%.

Cont………• Energy Sector

Diversion of Power supply from Urban areas to Rural Areas for assured irrigation from 10.30 PM to 5.30 AM

Control Room made functional at Bihar State Electricity Board Hqrs. To monitor power supply in the Rural Areas.

Burnt Transformers replaced on priority basis in Rural Areas so that the farmers can irrigate their farms using their own electric pumps.

• Drinking Water Contingency plan for maintaining drinking water supply in the entire state in

light of shortage of rainfall. Scheme for Rs. 18.015 sanctioned for repair of 94,053 pumps and 6,142 drilled

tube wells, inclusive of raising column pipe of drilled tube wells. 37,991 hand pumps repaired, column pipe in 122 drilled tube well raised.

11,259 new hand pumps installed and 287 hand pumps made functional by deepening tube wells.

Action plan prepared for supplying drinking water through tankers/ PVC tanks for remote villages of Sub Plateau areas at estimated cost of Rs. 57.341 crore.

• Health Sector Instructions issued to all districts for addressing health issues in the context of

prevailing situation. Fully equipped Mobile Medical Units sanctioned for all districts; 24 districts to

have such units by August end. All necessary drugs available in all health facilities.

Cont……….

• Livestock Sector Cattle camp organized near State tubewells Fodder blocks manufacture started by Bihar State Cooperative Milk

Federation (COMFED) Funds made available to all districts to purchase veterinary medicines. Awareness generation material published to save cattle from heat and

water scarcity.• Employment Sector

Instructions issued to all districts to generate more employment opportunities in rural areas by taking projects related to tree plantation and water conservation.

Under NREGA, works related to water conservation like deepening of ponds, canals, pynes (canals) ahars (check dams); social forestry; micro irrigation works, provision of irrigation facility, drought proofing etc, taken up;

Case Study- Drought 2010

• 2nd successive drought • Late arrival of South West Monsoon• Crop coverage of Paddy around 62.33% in 31st

July, 2010.• Rainfall deficit in June 2010 was 32% .• Crisis Management group already formed (on

22nd June 2009 headed by Chief Secretary, Bihar)

Status of Rainfall in 2010

Normal, 508.5 Actual,

392.8

0

200

400

600

MM

Normal 508.5

Actual 392.8

1

Steps taken by Government• Formulation of Memorandum for Centre Government. Assistance of Rs. 5062.75

crore sought. A supplementary memorandum for 10 districts sent to the Central Government. Assistance of Rs. 1510.70 crore sought. Total assistance sought 6573.45 crore. No amount released till date.

• Agriculture Sector- Diesel subsidy extended @ Rs. 200 per acre per irrigation for two irrigation for

paddy seedlings. Diesel subsidy also extended @ Rs. 200 per acre per irrigation for three irrigation of transplanted Paddy and two irrigation of Maize for whole state.

Rs. 35.75 Crore released to districts for Diesel Subsidy to save Paddy seedlings. An additional amount of Rs. 570.00 Crore sanctioned for Diesel Subsidy to

irrigate Kharif crops. Rs 50 crore sanctioned and released for Seed Subsidy for Kharif crops @ 50%

of cost of the seed. Weekly advisory note issued by Department of Agriculture to the Officers for

their respective districts in consultation with scientists of Krishi Vigyan Kendras.

Contingency crop planning is being publicized through mass media. Steps taken to encourage farmers to take 'toria' as cash crops.

Cont….. Under Bihar Bhoojal Sinchai Yojana ( BIGWIS), farmers are being given a subsidy of 45%

and loan of 45% for installing one pumpset and tubewell/dugwell for irrigation; farmers have to meet the margin money of 10%.

Steps being taken to energise the state tubewells non-functional due to electric faults and make those irrigation worthy.

• Energy Sector- A minimum power supply of 5-6 hours being ensured in the rural areas for irrigation. Control Room made functional at Bihar State Electricity Board Hqrs. to monitor power

supply in the Rural Areas. Burnt/ defective Transformers being replaced on priority basis in Rural Areas so that the

farmers can irrigate their farms using their own electric pumps.• Drinking Water-

Contingency plan estimated at Rs 585. 25 crore for maintaining drinking water supply in the entire state in light of shortage of rainfall.

Scheme for Rehabilitation/ Rejuvenation/Special repair of 34591 hand pump amounting Rs. 53.88675 crore sanctioned.

For sinking of 27083 sustainable Tubewells with India Mark-III pump scheme worth Rs. 130.5051 crore sanctioned.

Mini piped water supply Scheme worth Rs. 230.88 crore in small villages with electric pump for installing 1560 sets sanctioned.

Mini piped water supply Scheme worth Rs. 92.9445 crore in remote villages with solar pump for installing 473 sets sanctioned.

Cont…….• Health Sector-

Instructions issued to all districts for addressing health issues in the context of prevailing situation

Fully equipped Mobile Medical Units sanctioned for all districts. All necessary drugs available in all health facilities.

• Livestock Sector- Places identified with drinking water facilities for establishment of cattle

camps (preferably near State tube-wells). Fodder blocks manufacture started by Bihar State Cooperative Milk

Federation (COMFED). Funds made available to all districts to purchase veterinary medicines. Awareness generation material published to save cattle from heat and water

scarcity.• Employment Sector-

Instructions issued to all districts to generate more employment opportunities in rural areas by taking projects related to tree plantation and water conservation.

Under MNREGA, works related to water conservation like deepening of ponds, canals, pynes (canals), ahars (check dams); social forestry; micro irrigation works, provision of irrigation facility, drought proofing, etc., taken up;

Successful restoration of embankment near Kanti block in Muzaffarpur district

•Embankment on river Gandak begin to crack due to whirling of water in the afternoon of 18th August 2007. The area was actually in the Minapur Block , Muzaffarpur district. Contiguous to lies the Kanti Block and the Kanti Thermal Power Station. • The then district magistrate Sri Vinay Kumar, IAS instructed telephonically to rush to the spot to take necessary action.•Ward Councilor from Kanti Nagar Panchyat were called and their assistance in procuring logistical support like labourers, Tractors etc. was sought•G.M., KTPS, supplied fishplates and fly ash.•PCL working in the area supplied dumphers, Payloders, Plastic Bags etc. decides some technical personnel.•Finally the the crack was restored in the evening of 19th August 2007.•It save not only KTPS- a major power plant in Bihar but also whole of Muzaffarpur Town

Lesson learnt• Resource mapping at local level is a must.• A contingency plan with few alternative should be kept

ready for all disasters.• More popular participation helps in better formulation

and easy implementation of the plan.• Pro active approach by government is sine qua non.• Stake holders synergy helps in easy achievement of the

task.• Government should participate in popular

programmes. Rather than people participating in Government programmes.

Evacuation : ARMY

Immediate Response : Air Dropping

Mega camp : Overview

Community meal in Relief Camp

Health Sub-Centre – Maternity Hut

School in a Camp

Restoration of Road Communications

Aanganwadi Center in Relief Camp

Free Telephone service in Relief Camp

Overview of a camp

Health Sub-Centre

Maternity Hut:

Paulo Coelho

• If you want happiness for few minutes, take a nap; If you want happiness for few hours, go shopping; If you want to happiness for a day go fishing; & If you want to happiness for whole life, HELP OTHERS.

***Disaster Management helps us to achieve

happiness for whole life by helping others.