DISASTER MANAGEMENT

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.

AIMS OF DISASTER MANAGEMENT:-

• Reduce (Avoid, if possible) the potential losses from hazards.

• Assure prompt and appropriate assistance to victims when necessary.

• Achieve rapid and durable recovery.

Disaster Management Cycle:-

• Response
• Recovery
• Prevention & Mitigation
• Preparedness
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.
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.
Principles of Disaster Management:-
▪ Risk & Hazard Assessment
▪ Planning
▪ Organization
▪ Resource Utilization
▪ Need for Specialists
▪ Training
RISK & HAZARD ASSESSMENT:- Vulnerability to a particular hazard will include :
• Critical products, services, records and operations.
• Hazardous materials
• Potential effects of damage on stakeholders.
• Likely financial costs.
• Resources personnel and time available to make preparations.
• Level of insurance cover.
The combination of hazard and vulnerability assessments will result in formulating total risk assessment.

Planning :
– to have a clear and logical approach to dealing with disasters.
– to provide common reference for all departments and authorities with roles.
– to assist with information for sitting-up a multi- functional organizational structure.
– to form a basis for coordinated action.
– to provide clear allocation of responsibilities.
– to form a basis for reviewing and evaluating current and future disaster management requirements.
– to give a focus for disaster related training.
Organisation :
– the nature of National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA)
– Utilization of total governmental structures/ resources i.e. National, State & Local level.
– Co-ordination of non governmental resources
– Community involvement
– Clear lines of Authority and unity of command
– Special system requirements.
• Emergency Operation Center/Control Center
• Direction & Coordinating Authority
• Communications
• Warning Systems
• Survey & Assessments
• Information Management
• Emergency Logistics
Resource Utilization :
• Identification of resources
• Assessment of resources with relation to their capability & availability
• Allocation of appropriate tasks
• Level of skill in handling allotted tasks and experience
• Activation time for deployment/availability
• Co-ordination with line authorities of resource organizations
• Coalition of accurate information for effective deployment of resources.
AGENCIES:-
• Governmental (Including Military both at National & State Level).
• Non Governmental Organizations.
• Community groups both social & religious.
• International Volunteer organisation.
Need for Specialists:
▪ Search & Rescue
▪ Survey & Damage Assessment
▪ First Aid & Triage
▪ Mobile Medical & Health Team
▪ Evacuation
▪ Animal Husbandry/Veterinary
▪ Emergency Welfare
▪ Emergency Shelter
▪ Emergency Logistics
▪ Staff for EOC (Emergency Operating Center)
▪ Information Management including public information needs.
▪ Specialists from field of disaster studies and research (Geologists, Meteorologists, etc.)

Training :
• Identification of Training needs.
• Scope of Training programmes.
• Training policy.
• Implementation of training.

National Disaster Management Framework

Ministry of Home Affairs – GOI
To make Disaster Management an integral part of National Development Agenda
To promote Awareness and Education in Disaster Management
To promote Human Resource Development in Disaster Management (master plan for training and capacity
building)
To develop Institutional Frameworks at the National and State levels for mainstreaming disaster
management
To establish multi-hazard preparedness, mitigation and prevention plans at all levels
To enhance capacities at all levels for multi-hazard preparedness and response
GOI-UNDP Disaster Risk Management Programme (DRM) will be the platform to launch these activities.