Disaster And Disaster Management In India
Posted by
ASWANTH VC
Introduction
Disaster is very common phenomenon for humanity. They are becoming more numerous and dangerous. They cause great loss to life and property. Earthquake, floods/cyclone and Landslide's are common disaster. Floods are the most common and drought's cause maximum deaths. Countries with greater human development can manage disasters very well.
Asia reports maximum death from disasters. India lies in this continent and is highly prone to disasters. India has only two percent of land but support's eighteen percent of world's population. Hence the deaths due to disasters are more.
Northern India lies in earthquake zones III to V. Hence, it suffers from landslides, floods,drought and earthquake. Eastern India is flood prone as well as drought, hail storms and cyclone prone. North eastern India suffers from floods, landslides and earthquake. Western India faces drought, soil erosion, floods and cyclone. The coastal regions of the south and the Indian islands suffer from cyclones, tsunami and sea erosion. Tsunami is a recent disaster in India.
The major natural and manmade disaster which happened in India recently are Bhopal Gas Tragedy, Gujarat earthquake, Mumbai floods, tsunamis and hurricane phailin. All disaster have direct and indirect impacts. They cause damages, destruction and death. Besides damage to life support system like communication, power supply,water supply,health care, economy and commerce ,disasters cause psychological traumas as well.
Disaster affect the poor people most. Badly constructed House raise the death roll in natural disasters.
Disasters management includes warning, prevention, mitigation, and rehabilitation of natural disasters. A monitoring mechanism should be introduced for buildings in disaster prone areas. State governments and state level disaster management committee are in charge of disaster management in the States. Be sides the central government and its Crisis Management Committee provides good support for them. Moreover there should be promote action and proper rehabilitation if disaster is to management become very effective.
Disasters
A disaster is a serious disruption occurring over a short or long period of time that causes widespread human, material, economic or environmental loss which exceeds the ability of the affected community or society to cope using its own resources. Developing countries suffer the greatest costs when a disaster hits – more than 95 percent of all deaths caused by hazards occur in developing countries, and losses due to natural hazards are 20 times greater (as a percentage of GDP) in developing countries than in industrialized countries.
Classifications
Disasters are routinely divided into natural or human-made, although complex disasters, where there is no single root cause, are more common in developing countries. A specific disaster may spawn a secondary disaster that increases the impact. A classic example is an earthquake that causes a tsunami, resulting in coastal flooding. Some manufactured disasters have been ascribed to nature. Some researchers also differentiate between recurring events, such as seasonal flooding, and those considered unpredictable.
1.Natural disasters
A natural disaster is a natural process or phenomenon that may cause loss of life, injury or other health impacts, property damage, loss of livelihoods and services, social and economic disruption, or environmental damage. Various phenomena like earthquakes, landslides, volcanic eruptions, floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, blizzards, tsunamis, and cyclones are all natural disasters that kill thousands of people and destroy billions of dollars of habitat and property each year. However, the rapid growth of the world's population and its increased concentration often in hazardous environments has escalated both the
frequency and severity of disasters. With the tropical climate and unstable landforms, coupled with deforestation, unplanned growth proliferation, non-engineered constructions make the disaster-prone areas more vulnerable. Developing countries suffer more or less chronically from natural disasters due to ineffective communication combined with insufficient budgetary allocation for disaster prevention and management.
List Of Some Natural-Disasters
1.Flood: Flash flooding: Small creeks, gullies, dry streambeds, ravines, culverts or even low-lying areas flood quick
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| An animations of flood |
2.Earthquake: The shaking of the earth's crust, caused by underground volcanic forces of breaking and shifting rock beneath the earth's surface.
3.Blizzard: A severe snowstorm characterized by very strong winds and low temperatures.
4.Fire (wild): Fires that originate in uninhabited areas and which pose the risk to spread to inhabited areas.
5.Avalanche: The sudden, drastic flow of snow down a slope, occurring when either natural triggers, such as loading from new snow or rain, or artificial triggers, such as explosives or backcountry skiers, overload the snowpack.
6.Hurricane: Heavy rains and high winds
7.Freezing rain: Rain occurring when outside surface temperature is below freezing
8.Landslide: Geological phenomenon which includes a range of ground movement, such as rock falls, deep failure of slopes and shallow debris flows.
9.Heat wave: A prolonged period of excessively hot weather relative to the usual weather pattern of an area and relative to normal temperatures for the season.
10.Lightning strike: An electrical discharge caused by lightning, typically during thunderstorms.
11.Tsunami: A series of water waves caused by the displacement of a large volume of a body of water, typically an ocean or a large lake, usually caused by earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, underwater explosions, landslides,glacier calvings, meteorite impacts and other disturbances above or below water
12.Volcanic eruption: The release of hot magma, volcanic ash and/or gases from a volcano
2.Human-made disasters
Human-instigated disasters are the consequence of technological or human hazards. Examples include stampedes, fires, transport accidents, industrial accidents, oil spills, nuclear explosions/nuclear radiation. War and deliberate attacks may also be put in this category. Other types of induced disasters include the more cosmic scenarios of catastrophic global warming, nuclear war, and bioterrorism.
One opinion argues that disasters can be seen as human-made, due to human failure to introduce appropriate emergency management measures.
List Of Some Human-made Disasters
1.Civil unrest: A disturbance caused by a group of people that may include sit-ins and other forms of obstructions, riots, sabotage and other forms of crime, and which is intended to be a demonstration to the public and the government, but can escalate into general chaos.
2.Bioterrorism: The intentional release or dissemination of biological agents as a means of coercion
3.Hazardous material spills: The escape of solids, liquids, or gases
that can harm people, other living
organisms, property or the environment, from their intended
controlled environment such as a
container.
4.Fire (urban): Even with strict building fire codes, people still perish needlessly in fires
5.Nuclear and radiation accidents: An event involving significant release of radioactivity to the environment or a reactor core meltdown and which leads to major undesirable consequences to people, the environment, or the facility.
Disaster In India
India’s geography and climatic conditions along with the socio-economic vulnerability have made it one of the most disaster prone nations in the world. As per The United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR), India ranked third among the top five most disaster hit nations in the world in 2015.
Odisha Cyclone (1999)
On 25th October, a tropical depression began over Malay Peninsula that soon took the form of a tropical storm and continued to strengthen over the next 3 days. It soon took the form of a devastating cyclone, the strongest tropical cyclone ever recorded in the North Indian Ocean. It hit Odisha on 29th October at a speed of 250 km/h, killing over 10,000 people and destructing everything that came in its path.
Gujarat Earthquake (2001)
When the nation was celebrating its 52nd republic day, an earthquake of magnitude 7.7 hit Gujarat, with an epicentre in a village in Kutch district. It completely devastated the city of Bhuj in Kutch district along with severe loss of lives and property in Ahmedabad. As per National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), more than 13,805 people lost their lives, 6.3 million people were affected and nearly 400,000 homes were destroyed.
The Indian Ocean Tsunami (2004)
The Indian Ocean Tsunami occurred on 26th December with an epicentre off the west coast of Sumatra, Indonesia. The earthquake had a moment magnitude of 9.1-9.3 that lasted for 10 minutes with an average intensity of 8.3, killing 2,30,000 people in 14 countries. In India, states like Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Andaman and Nicobar Islands were severely affected. As per NDMA, 10,749 people lost their lives, 5,640 people went missing, 2.79 million people were affected, 11,827 hectares of crops were damaged and 300,000 fishermen lost their livelihood.
Kashmir Floods (2014)
Jammu & Kashmir and its adjoining areas started receiving heavy rainfall from 2nd September 2014 and soon after, on 5th September Jhelum River in Srinagar started overflowing. Soon the river flooded the streets, submerging vital transportation routes and causing several casualties and huge loss of property. Approximately 277 people lost their lives in India in Kashmir floods.
Cyclone Hudhud Vishakhapatnam (2014)
Originated from a low pressure system in the Andaman Sea on 6th October 2014, Hudhud transformed into a severe cyclonic storm by 9th October. It reached its peak strength with a wind speed of 175 km/h, shortly before hitting Vishakhapatnam. It caused extensive damage to the city and neighbouring areas including approximately 124 deaths and damages of around `21, 900 crores.
Chennai Floods (2015)
Heavy rainfall due to annual northeast monsoon in the month of November-December 2015 severely affected the southern parts of India, especially Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. More than 500 people lost their lives and over 18 lakhs were displaced. The damages are estimated to be in excess of ` 20,000 crores, making it one of the costliest disaster of the year.
Disaster Management
Complex Emergencies
Some disasters can result from multiple hazards, or, more often, to a complex combination of both Natural and Man-made causes which involve a break-down of authority, looting and attacks on strategic installations, including conflict situations and war. These can include:
•Food Insecurity
•Epidemics
•Armed Conflicts
•Displaced Populations
According to ICRC these Complex Emergencies are typically characterized by :
•Extensive Violence
•Displacements of Populations
•Loss of Life
•Widespread Damage to both Societies and Economies
•Need for Large-scale, Humanitarian Assistance across Multiple Agencies
•Political and Military Constraints which impact or prevent Humanitarian Assistance
•Increased Security Risks for Humanitarian Relief Workers
Pandemic Emergencies
Pandemic is an epidemic of infectious disease that has spread across a large region, which can occur to the human population or animal population and may affect health, disrupts services leading to economic and social costs. It may be an unusual or unexpected increase in the number of cases of an infectious disease which already exists in a certain region or population or can also refer to the appearance of a significant number of cases of an infectious disease in a region or population that is usually free from that disease. Pandemic Emergencies may occur as a consequence of Natural or Man-Made Disasters. These have included the following Epidemics:
•Ebola
•Zika
•Avian Flu
•Cholera
•Dengue Fever
•Malaria
•Yellow Fever
Aspects of Disaster Management
The International Federation of Red Cross & Red Crescent Societies defines disaster management as the organisation and management of resources and responsibilities for dealing with all the humanitarian aspects of emergencies, in particular preparedness, response and recovery in order to lessen the impact of disasters.
Minimisation of loss of life and damage to property through facilitation of effective disaster response and rehabilitation services when required. Preparedness is the main way of reducing the impact of disasters. Community-based preparedness and management should be a high priority in physical therapy practice management.
Coordinated multi-agency response is vital to this stage of Disaster Management in order to reduce the impact of a disaster and its long-term results with relief activities including:
•Rescue
•Relocation
•Provision Food and Water
•Provision Emergency Health Care
•Prevention of Disease and Disability
•Repairing Vital Services e.g. Telecommunications, Transport
•Provision Temporary Shelter
Odisha Cyclone (1999)
On 25th October, a tropical depression began over Malay Peninsula that soon took the form of a tropical storm and continued to strengthen over the next 3 days. It soon took the form of a devastating cyclone, the strongest tropical cyclone ever recorded in the North Indian Ocean. It hit Odisha on 29th October at a speed of 250 km/h, killing over 10,000 people and destructing everything that came in its path.
Gujarat Earthquake (2001)
When the nation was celebrating its 52nd republic day, an earthquake of magnitude 7.7 hit Gujarat, with an epicentre in a village in Kutch district. It completely devastated the city of Bhuj in Kutch district along with severe loss of lives and property in Ahmedabad. As per National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), more than 13,805 people lost their lives, 6.3 million people were affected and nearly 400,000 homes were destroyed.
The Indian Ocean Tsunami (2004)
The Indian Ocean Tsunami occurred on 26th December with an epicentre off the west coast of Sumatra, Indonesia. The earthquake had a moment magnitude of 9.1-9.3 that lasted for 10 minutes with an average intensity of 8.3, killing 2,30,000 people in 14 countries. In India, states like Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Andaman and Nicobar Islands were severely affected. As per NDMA, 10,749 people lost their lives, 5,640 people went missing, 2.79 million people were affected, 11,827 hectares of crops were damaged and 300,000 fishermen lost their livelihood.
Kashmir Floods (2014)
Jammu & Kashmir and its adjoining areas started receiving heavy rainfall from 2nd September 2014 and soon after, on 5th September Jhelum River in Srinagar started overflowing. Soon the river flooded the streets, submerging vital transportation routes and causing several casualties and huge loss of property. Approximately 277 people lost their lives in India in Kashmir floods.
Cyclone Hudhud Vishakhapatnam (2014)
Originated from a low pressure system in the Andaman Sea on 6th October 2014, Hudhud transformed into a severe cyclonic storm by 9th October. It reached its peak strength with a wind speed of 175 km/h, shortly before hitting Vishakhapatnam. It caused extensive damage to the city and neighbouring areas including approximately 124 deaths and damages of around `21, 900 crores.
Chennai Floods (2015)
Heavy rainfall due to annual northeast monsoon in the month of November-December 2015 severely affected the southern parts of India, especially Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. More than 500 people lost their lives and over 18 lakhs were displaced. The damages are estimated to be in excess of ` 20,000 crores, making it one of the costliest disaster of the year.
Disaster Management
Complex Emergencies
Some disasters can result from multiple hazards, or, more often, to a complex combination of both Natural and Man-made causes which involve a break-down of authority, looting and attacks on strategic installations, including conflict situations and war. These can include:
•Food Insecurity
•Epidemics
•Armed Conflicts
•Displaced Populations
According to ICRC these Complex Emergencies are typically characterized by :
•Extensive Violence
•Displacements of Populations
•Loss of Life
•Widespread Damage to both Societies and Economies
•Need for Large-scale, Humanitarian Assistance across Multiple Agencies
•Political and Military Constraints which impact or prevent Humanitarian Assistance
•Increased Security Risks for Humanitarian Relief Workers
Pandemic Emergencies
Pandemic is an epidemic of infectious disease that has spread across a large region, which can occur to the human population or animal population and may affect health, disrupts services leading to economic and social costs. It may be an unusual or unexpected increase in the number of cases of an infectious disease which already exists in a certain region or population or can also refer to the appearance of a significant number of cases of an infectious disease in a region or population that is usually free from that disease. Pandemic Emergencies may occur as a consequence of Natural or Man-Made Disasters. These have included the following Epidemics:
•Ebola
•Zika
•Avian Flu
•Cholera
•Dengue Fever
•Malaria
•Yellow Fever
Aspects of Disaster Management
The International Federation of Red Cross & Red Crescent Societies defines disaster management as the organisation and management of resources and responsibilities for dealing with all the humanitarian aspects of emergencies, in particular preparedness, response and recovery in order to lessen the impact of disasters.
Disaster Prevention
"The outright avoidance of adverse impacts of hazards and related disasters"UNISDR views Disaster Prevention as the concept of engaging in activities which intend to prevent or avoid potential adverse impacts through action taken in advance, activities designed to provide protection from the occurrence of disasters. WCPT similarly highlight that while not all disasters can be prevented, good risk management, evacuation plans, environmental planning and design standards can reduce risk of loss of life and injury mitigation. The HYOGO Framework was one such Global Plan for natural Disaster Risk Reduction, which was adopted in 2005 as a 10 year Global Plan, signed by agreement with 168 Governments which offered guiding principles, priorities for action, and practical means for achieving disaster resilience for vulnerable communities.
Disaster Preparedness
"The knowledge and capacities developed by governments, professional response and recovery organizations, communities and individuals to effectively anticipate, respond to, and recover from, the impacts of likely, imminent or current hazard events or conditions"According to ICRC, Disaster Preparedness refers to measures taken to prepare for and reduce the effects of disasters, be they Natural or Man-made. This is achieved through research and planning in order to try to predict areas or regions that may be at risk of disaster and where possible prevent these from occurring and/or reduce the impact those disasters on the vulnerable populations that may be affected so they can effectively cope. Disaster preparedness activities embedded with risk reduction measures can prevent disaster situations and also result in saving maximum lives and livelihoods during any disaster situation, enabling the affected population to get back to normalcy within a short time period.
Minimisation of loss of life and damage to property through facilitation of effective disaster response and rehabilitation services when required. Preparedness is the main way of reducing the impact of disasters. Community-based preparedness and management should be a high priority in physical therapy practice management.
Disaster Response / Relief
"The provision of emergency services and public assistance during or immediately after a disaster in order to save lives, reduce health impacts, ensure public safety and meet the basic subsistence needs of the people affected"Focused predominantly on immediate and short-term needs the division between this response/relief stage and the subsequent recovery stage is not clear-cut. Some response actions, such as the supply of temporary housing and water supplies, may extend well into the recovery stage. Rescue from immediate danger and stabilization of the physical and emotional condition of survivors is the primary aims of disaster response/relief, which go hand in hand with the recovery of the dead and the restoration of essential services such as water and power.
Coordinated multi-agency response is vital to this stage of Disaster Management in order to reduce the impact of a disaster and its long-term results with relief activities including:
•Rescue
•Relocation
•Provision Food and Water
•Provision Emergency Health Care
•Prevention of Disease and Disability
•Repairing Vital Services e.g. Telecommunications, Transport
•Provision Temporary Shelter
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