DISASTER MANAGEMENT — PREVENTION, PREPAREDNESS, RESPONSE AND RECOVERY

PRERNA FOR IAS

         Mehnat Aapki, Guidance Humari

         Roz ki Prelims Practice — Experts ke Saath

DISASTER MANAGEMENT — PREVENTION, PREPAREDNESS, RESPONSE AND RECOVERY

1. Meaning of Disaster

• A disaster is a serious disruption caused by natural or human-induced events that results in substantial loss of life, property, livelihoods or the environment.
• The Disaster Management Act, 2005 defines disaster in terms of a catastrophe, mishap, calamity or grave occurrence beyond the coping capacity of the affected community. (India Code)
• A hazard becomes a disaster when it interacts with exposure, vulnerability and inadequate coping capacity.

2. Major Types of Disasters

• Natural disasters include earthquakes, floods, cyclones, droughts, landslides, avalanches, heat waves and tsunamis.
• Human-induced or technological disasters include industrial accidents, chemical leaks, fires, nuclear or radiological emergencies and transport accidents.
• Biological emergencies such as epidemics and pandemics may also require large-scale disaster-management measures.

3. Meaning of Disaster Management

• Disaster management is a continuous and integrated process involving planning, coordination and implementation of measures to reduce disaster risk.
• It includes prevention, mitigation, preparedness, response, evacuation, rescue, relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction.
• The emphasis has gradually shifted from a purely relief-centred approach to risk reduction and resilience building.
• NCERT material similarly emphasises prevention, preparedness, community participation, knowledge and environmental sustainability. (NCERT)

4. Disaster Management Cycle

• The disaster-management cycle can broadly be understood through prevention/mitigation → preparedness → response → recovery.
• Mitigation aims to reduce the severity of future losses through measures such as safer buildings, embankments, land-use planning and ecosystem protection.
• Preparedness includes early-warning systems, emergency plans, mock drills, evacuation routes and training.
• Response covers immediate rescue, relief, medical aid and restoration of essential services.
• Recovery includes rehabilitation, reconstruction and restoration of livelihoods.

5. Preparedness and Early Warning