Disaster Management

DISASTER
A Disaster is an event that occurs in most cases
suddenly and unexpectedly, causing severe
disturbances to people, objects and environment,
resulting in loss of life ,property and health of the
population.
Such a situation causes disruption in normal pattern of
life, generating misfortune, helplessness and suffering
affecting the socio-economic structure of a
region/country to such an extent that there is a need
for assistance or immediate outside intervention.

Ingredients of a Disaster

A phenomenon or event which constitutes a

trauma for a population/environment.
A vulnerable point/area that will bear the brunt
of the traumatizing event.
The failure of local & surrounding resources to
cope with the problems created by the
phenomenon.

Disaster Management
AN APPLIED SCIENCE WHICH SEEKS, BY THE
SYSTEMATIC OBSERVATION AND ANALYSIS
OF DISASTERS, TO IMPROVE MEASURES
RELATING TO PREVENTION, MITIGATION,
PREPAREDNESS, EMERGENCY RESPONSE AND
RECOVERY.

RESPONSE
Response measures are usually those which are taken
immediately prior to and following disaster impact.
Typical measures include :
Implementation of plans
Activation of the counter-disaster system
Search and Rescue
Provision of emergency food, shelter, medical assistance
etc.
Survey and assessment
Evacuation measures

RECOVERY
Recovery is the process by which communities and the
nation are assisted in returning to their proper level of
functioning following a disaster.
Three main categories of activity are normally regarded as
coming within the recovery segment:

Restoration
Reconstruction
Rehabilitation

PREVENTION & MITIGATION

Prevention : Action within this segment is designed to impede the
occurrence of a disaster event and/or prevent such an occurrence
having harmful effects on communities or key installations.
Mitigation : Action within this segment usually takes the form of
specific programs intended to reduce the effects of disaster on a
nation or community. For instance, some countries regard the
development and application of building codes (which can reduce
damage and loss in the event of earthquakes and cyclones) as being
in the category of mitigation.

PREPAREDNESS
Preparedness is usually regarded as
comprising measures which enable
governments, organizations,
communities and individuals to respond
rapidly and effectively to disaster
situations.

PREPAREDNESS (Contd)
Examples of Preparedness measures are :
The formulation & maintenance of valid, up-to-date
counter-disaster plans
Special provisions for emergency action
The provisions of warning systems
Emergency communications
Public education and awareness
Training programs, including exercises and tests.

India and Natural Disasters

India is one of the most disaster prone countries in the world.

Over 65% land area vulnerable to earthquakes;

70% of land under cultivation prone to drought;

5% of land (40 million hectares) to floods;
8% of land (8,000 km coastline) to cyclones.
A Major Disaster occurs every 2-3 years;
50 million people affected annually
1 million houses damaged annually along with human,social and

other losses
During 1985-2003, the annual average damage due to natural

disasters has been estimated at 70 million USD

Source: Ministry of Agriculture, GOI: BMTPC, Ministry of Urban Development, GOI

Seismic Activity in India

180 AD - 2004

Distribution of epicenters of earthquakes greater than magnitude 5.0 for the

period 1976-2000, South East Asia and Indian Ocean

Principles of ecotourism

Minimize the impact

Build environmental, cultural awareness and respect
Provide +ve experiences for both visitors and hosts.
Provide direct financial benefits for conservation
Financial benefits and empowerment for local people
Raise sensitivity to host countries political,
Environmental, and social climate.
Support international HR and labour agreement

Dos
Carry back all non degradable litters must be disposed
in municipal dustbins should not be burnt or buried.
Observe the sanctity of holy sites, temples and local
cultures.
Cut noise pollution do not blare aloud radios, tape
recorders or other electronic entertainment equipment
in natural resorts, sanctuaries and wild life parks.
In case temporary toilets are set up near campsites after
defecation, cover with mud or sand. Make sure that the
spot is atleast 30 metres away from the H2O source.
Respect peoples privacy , while taking photographs.

Donts
Dont take away flora and fauna I forms of cuttings,
seeds or roots. Illegal esp in himalayas.
Do not use pollutants such as detergents in streams
or springs.
Do not smoke cigarettes, throwing live butts, making
open fires in forests.
Dont consume aerated drinks, alcohol, drugs or
intoxicants and throw the bottles in wild.
Respect local traditions do not tempt locals esp
children by offering food/sweets.
Plastics must strictly not be used and littered.

Ecotourism at your doorstep

Community based ecotourism programmes are
providing a major share of employment to the tribals
living in the Reserve.
Some of the most sort after Ecotourism Programmes
are Tented Niche, Tree top hut, Bamboo rafting,
Fullmoon census, Machan world, Thellikkal nights,
Island Nest, etc.
These Ecotourism programmes provides an excellent
opportunity to the visitors to enjoy the beauty of the
forest and at the same time contributing the
livelihood of the local tribals