PREPARED BY-

SOHAM GUPTA
.
ROLL NO. – 59
COURSE- CSE-AIML
SECTION- B1

22 JAN
DISASTER MANAGEMENT 2022
REPORT

DISASTER & ITS MANAGEMENT

LAKSHMI NARAIN COLLEGE OF

TECHNOLOGY
RAISEN ROAD ,BHOPAL,MADHYA PRADESH
[email protected]
 INTRODUCTION
India has been traditionally vulnerable to natural disasters on account of its unique geo-
climatic conditions. Floods, droughts, cyclones, earthquakes and landslides have been a
recurrent phenomena. About 60% of the landmass is prone to earthquakes of various
intensities; over 40 million hectares is prone to floods; about 8% of the total area is prone to
cyclones and 68% of the area is susceptible to drought. In the decade 1990-2000, an average
of about 4344 people lost their lives and about 30 million people were affected by disasters
every year. The loss in terms of private, community and public assets has been astronomical.

At the global level, there has been considerable concern over natural disasters. Even as
substantial scientific and material progress is made, the loss of lives and property due to
disasters has not decreased. In fact, the human toll and economic losses have mounted.

Ministries and Departments of Government of India, and the State Governments/UT

Administrations have been advised to develop their respective roadmaps taking the national
roadmap as a broad guideline. There is, therefore, now a common strategy underpinning the
action being taken by all the participating organisations/stakeholders. A copy of the roadmap
is at Annexure – I.

The changed approach is being put into effect through: (a) Institutional changes

(b) Enunciation of policy

(c) Legal and techno-legal framework Disaster Management in India - A Status Report 5

(d) Mainstreaming Mitigation into Development process

(e) Funding mechanism

(f) Specific schemes addressing mitigation

(g) Preparedness measures

(h) Capacity building

(i) Human Resource Development

Types of Disaster Management

Natural Disasters
According to the International Federation of Red Cross & Red Crescent Societies  Natural
Disasters are naturally occurring physical phenomena caused either by rapid or slow onset
events that have immediate impacts on human health and secondary impacts causing
further death and suffering. These disasters can be [5]:
  Geophysical (e.g. Earthquakes, Landslides, Tsunamis and Volcanic Activity)
 Hydrological (e.g. Avalanches and Floods)
 Climatological (e.g. Extreme Temperatures, Drought and Wildfires)
 Meteorological (e.g. Cyclones and Storms/Wave Surges)
 Biological (e.g. Disease Epidemics and Insect/Animal Plagues)
The United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction characterises Natural Disasters in
relation to their magnitude or intensity, speed of onset, duration and area of extent e.g.
earthquakes are of short duration and usually affect a relatively small region whereas
droughts are slow to develop and fade away and often affect large regions [1]. 

Man-Made Disasters
Man-Made Disasters as viewed by the International Federation of Red Cross & Red
Crescent Societies are events that are caused by humans which occur in or close to human
settlements often caused as a results of Environmental or Technological Emergencies.
This can include [3]:

 Environmental Degradation
 Pollution
 Accidents (e.g. Industrial, Technological and Transport usually involving the
production, use or transport of hazardous materials) 

Vulnerability 
describes the characteristics and circumstances of a community, system or asset that
make it susceptible to the damaging effects of a hazard. There are many aspects of
vulnerability, arising from various physical, social, economic, and environmental factors.
Examples may include:
 poor design and construction of buildings, 
 inadequate protection of assets,
 lack of public information and awareness,
 limited official recognition of risks and preparedness measures, and
 disregard for wise environmental management. 
Vulnerability varies significantly within a community and over time. This definition
identifies vulnerability as a characteristic of the element of interest (community, system
or asset) which is independent of its exposure. However, in common use the word is
often used more broadly to include the element’s exposure.
The above explanation was taken from the United Nations (UN) International Strategy for
Disaster Reduction (ISDR) Terminology on Disaster Risk Reduction. Follow the link to look up
other terminologies.
There are four (4) main types of vulnerability:
1. Physical Vulnerability may be determined by aspects such as population density
levels, remoteness of a settlement, the site, design and materials used for critical
infrastructure and for housing (UNISDR).
Example: Wooden homes are less likely to collapse in an earthquake, but are more
vulnerable to fire.
2. Social Vulnerability refers to the inability of people, organizations and societies to
withstand adverse impacts to hazards due to characteristics inherent in social
interactions, institutions and systems of cultural values. It is linked to the level of well
being of individuals, communities and society. It includes aspects related to levels of
literacy and education, the existence of peace and security, access to basic human
rights, systems of good governance, social equity, positive traditional values, customs
and ideological beliefs and overall collective organizational systems (UNISDR).
Example: When flooding occurs some citizens, such as children, elderly and differently-
able, may be unable to protect themselves or evacuate if necessary.
3. Economic Vulnerability. The level of vulnerability is highly dependent upon the
economic status of individuals, communities and nations The poor are usually more
vulnerable to disasters because they lack the resources to build sturdy structures and
put other engineering measures in place to protect themselves from being negatively
impacted by disasters. 
Example: Poorer families may live in squatter settlements because they cannot afford to
live in safer (more expensive) areas.
4. Environmental Vulnerability. Natural resource depletion and resource degradation
are key aspects of environmental vulnerability.
Example: Wetlands, such as the Caroni Swamp, are sensitive to increasing salinity from
sea water, and pollution from stormwater runoff containing agricultural chemicals,
eroded soils, etc

Risk 
It considers the probability of harmful consequences, or expected losses (deaths,
injuries, property, livelihoods, economic activity disrupted or environmentally damaged)
resulting from interactions between natural or human induced hazards and vulnerable
conditions. 
Risk can be calculated using the following equation: Risk = Probability of Hazard x
Degree of Vulnerability.
There are different ways of dealing with risk, such as:
Risk Acceptance: an informed decision to accept the possible consequences and
likelihood of a particular risk.
Risk Avoidance: an informed decision to avoid involvement in activities leading to risk
realization.
Risk Reduction refers to the application of appropriate techniques to reduce the
likelihood of risk occurrence and its consequences.
Risk Transfer involves shifting of the burden of risk to another party. One of the most
common forms of risk transfer is Insurance.

Disaster risk reduction

Disaster risk reduction includes disciplines like disaster management, disaster
mitigation and disaster preparedness, but DRR is also part of sustainable
development. In order for development activities to be sustainable they must also
reduce disaster risk. On the other hand, unsound development policies will increase
disaster risk - and disaster losses. Thus, DRR involves every part of society, every part
of government, and every part of the professional and private sector.
STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENTS FOR VULNERABILITY REDUCTION

Vulnerability is a measure of exposure to critical stress or hazard combined with the restricted
capacity to cope. Vulnerability is a function of powerlessness; it is created as people face
phenomena beyond their control and, at times, comprehension. Vulnerability can arise out of
power equations owing to which the exposed are deliberately kept ignorant of their danger or
their positioning vis a vis dangers. Many risks are the result of people being misinformed for a
variety of political or commercial reasons. Access to food, in contrast to its production, is the
most important explanatory variable in food security and the resilience of populations.
Amartya Sen (1981) has developed this into a theory of “entitlements”. He argues that
entitlements are rights, which individuals can 2 Strategic Developments for Vulnerability
Reduction access and most famines are caused by political actions that determine such
entitlements. Thus, he explains how all the major famines of the past century, such as the
Bengal famine beginning in 1943 and the famine in China in 1958-60 were results of lack of
access to food, not absolute scarcity. Drawing upon these insights, the underlying connection
between vulnerability of societies and poverty in relation to the paucity/access to resources in
the context of population pressure in a poor developing/underdeveloped society is explained.
By this approach, it is social groups and individuals that are vulnerable to changes in their
socio-economic and environmental circumstances and thus need to adapt to such changes
through self-help measures like occupation diversification or migration through catalytic state
action/assistance. An alternative geographical perspective hypothesises that regions and areas
can be defined as vulnerable or critical based on the environmental and socio-economic
pressures incident (Jeanne Kasperson, et.al., 1995). The argument is, that identifying criticality
brings about opportunities to overcome adversity or stress through the focused application of
technology and new institutional devices. The onset of criticality is a manifestation of ill-
adapted institutional arrangements, acting without precautions or consideration for the
vulnerable

Disaster Preparedness and Response

WHO principles
• all-hazard approach

• the multidisciplinary (intrasectoral) approach

• multisectoral approach

The all-hazard approach

• Different crises invariably result in similar problems and response requiring similar systems
and types of capacity.

• information management, resource management, maintaining effective communication

strategies

The multisectoral approach

• Health sector plans also need to be linked to and interfaced with national disaster
preparedness and response plans to avoid confusion, prevent duplication of effort and make
the best use of resources

. • This is important not only during a crisis but also as part of prevention, reduction and
mitigation strategies.

• However, multisectoral planning continues to be a challenge in many countries as

governmental departments often prefer to develop their own individual plans, in parallel with
other key partners
PREDICTION
A program for enhancing the nation's capability to predict atmospheric, hydrologic, and geological
hazards should include:

1. Modernization of the weather prediction system. New observation and information technologies

can improve the prediction of severe weather, floods, wildfire potential, and other weather-
related hazards. NWS is currently deploying several new systems that will improve detection
and prediction of severe weather and flooding.

2. Research to improve the prediction of atmospheric and hydrologic hazards. Research is needed

to increase understanding of the physical processes associated with the generation of severe
storms and to develop advanced numerical models to predict their characteristics. With the
NWS modernization, such a research program is scientifically and economically feasible. The
 effort would increase prediction accuracy and the lead time for flash floods, landslides,
tornadoes, microbursts, and intense winter storms.

3. Expanded earthquake monitoring and research. Reliable predictions and seismic zonation

would permit individuals and communities to take actions that would reduce the devastation of
ground shaking, landslides, and other physical effects.

4. Monitoring of volcanoes. The unique record of each volcano's activity makes prediction of

impending eruptions difficult without research and extensive monitoring. In the United States,
the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory has for years monitored volcanic seismicity, swelling and
rifting, outgasing, and changes in local electrical and magnetic fields as precursors of eruptions.

Early Warning Systems

Early warning systems are a major component of disaster risk reduction. They prevent
loss of life, as well as reducing the economic impact of natural hazards. Increasing the
availability of multi-hazard early warning systems and disaster risk information is one of
seven global targets set by The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-
2030. 
UNESCO promotes scientific exchange and collaborative efforts in order to establish
effective early warning systems for different hazards such as tsunamis, landslides,
volcanoes, earthquakes, floods and droughts. UNESCO helps Member States to
collectively achieve effective early warning and monitoring, aids coordination between
existing research centres, and educates communities at risk about preparedness
measures, including setting up warning and emergency response Standard Operating
Procedures and community drill exercises. UNESCO promotes community-based
approaches in the development of response plans and awareness campaigns, which
strongly involve educational institutions and end-users. Furthermore, UNESCO is a
member of the International Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems (MHEWS) network. 

Safety Measures
Local councils and building control authorities lay standards for the structure of buildings that can sustain damage
during a cyclone. These standards are taken care of while constructing buildings in cyclone-prone areas.

 Community warning service such as loudspeakers, conches, drums or any traditional warning system is
used to telecast the weather forecast. Cyclone shelters and safe houses are constructed for providing
shelter to inhabitants of the affected areas.  As a safety measure, an emergency kit containing a portable
radio, torch, spare batteries, stock of dry food, matches, fuel lamps, portable stove, cooking utensils,
waterproof bags, first aid kit, a plastic rope etc are kept handy.
 As a part of safety measures, the roofs, walls and window sills of houses near the cyclone-prone areas are
regularly checked for cracks. And these are covered with bamboo, net or plastic for reinforcement. The
loose materials that can blow and cause damage during extreme winds are cleared off. A list of emergency
 addresses and phone numbers along with the contact of government offices and agencies responsible for
search rescue and relief operations in the area are kept on display.
 When the cyclone strikes, all the electrical appliances are disconnected and the gas supply is turned off. If
the building starts to crumble, mattresses rugs or strong table or bench is used as a covering. When caught
in a storm, one has to take shelter under a metallic frame such as bus, car etc.
 After the cyclone is over, we refrain from going out in the open until it is officially advised. The gas line is
checked for any leakage and the electrical lines are checked for moisture. A stick or bamboo is advised to
be carried to bar off snakes and insects in the affected areas. The fallen power lines and damaged bridges,
buildings and trees are avoided and measures to repair them are undertaken immediately.

Safety Measures
Local councils and building control authorities lay standards for the structure of
buildings that can sustain damage during a cyclone. These standards are taken care of
while constructing buildings in cyclone-prone areas.
  Community warning service such as loudspeakers, conches, drums or any
traditional warning system is used to telecast the weather forecast. Cyclone
shelters and safe houses are constructed for providing shelter to inhabitants of
the affected areas.  As a safety measure, an emergency kit containing a portable
radio, torch, spare batteries, stock of dry food, matches, fuel lamps, portable
stove, cooking utensils, waterproof bags, first aid kit, a plastic rope etc are kept
handy.
 As a part of safety measures, the roofs, walls and window sills of houses near
the cyclone-prone areas are regularly checked for cracks. And these are covered
with bamboo, net or plastic for reinforcement. The loose materials that can blow
and cause damage during extreme winds are cleared off. A list of emergency
addresses and phone numbers along with the contact of government offices and
agencies responsible for search rescue and relief operations in the area are kept
on display.
 When the cyclone strikes, all the electrical appliances are disconnected and the
gas supply is turned off. If the building starts to crumble, mattresses rugs or
strong table or bench is used as a covering. When caught in a storm, one has to
take shelter under a metallic frame such as bus, car etc.
 After the cyclone is over, we refrain from going out in the open until it is officially
advised. The gas line is checked for any leakage and the electrical lines are
checked for moisture. A stick or bamboo is advised to be carried to bar off
snakes and insects in the affected areas. The fallen power lines and damaged
bridges, buildings and trees are avoided and measures to repair them are
undertaken immediately.

Role of engineers in disaster management

 Construction of drones and helicopters for easy transportation of food
packets for all the victims who are in need is handled by the electrical
technicians.
 Power control during heavy rainfall resulting floods and prevention of shocks
with water being a good conductor of electricity is ensured by the electricians
by timely cutting off the electricity supply.
 With strong building foundation, the risk of collapsing of any building can be
easily prevented. A geotechnical engineer is responsible for the construction
of such high earthquake resistant buildings enhancing the infrastructure.
 For the flood control and destruction of dams, the hydraulic engineer
provides all the required information about the various bridges and dams
and advanced designs for prevention.
 Contractors work along with the structural engineers to come up
with shockproof infrastructure right before the construction of the building.
 The planning of raw steel used in bridges, tracks, buildings, which kind of
cement to be used is done by the mechanical engineers.