BASICS OF DISASTER

DISASTER

* The United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (UNISDR) (2009)

defined Disaster as: “A serious disruption of the functioning of a community or a

society involving widespread human, material, economic or Environment losses and

impacts, which exceeds the ability of the affected community or society to cope using

its own resources”.

* As per the Disaster Management Act 2005, “Disaster” means a catastrophe, mishap,

calamity or grave occurrence in any area, arising from natural or manmade causes, or

by accident or negligence which results in substantial loss of life or human suffering or

damage to, and destruction of, property, or damage to, or degradation of,

environment, and is of such a nature or magnitude as to be beyond the coping

capacity of the community of the affected area.

* UNSIDR considers Disaster to be a result of the combination of many factors such as

* Exposure to hazards.

* Conditions of vulnerability that are present and,

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 * Insufficient capacity or measures to reduce or cope with the potential negative

consequences.

Disasters impacts everyone differently, Some of them are as under:

* Individual:-Psychological and emotional trauma. Injuries, disease and other negative

effects on human physical, mental and social well-being.

* Physical Infrastructure:- Damage to property and destruction of assets.

* Human Infrastructural:- Loss of Life.

* Governance:- Loss of services and administration problems

* Social:- Social and economic disruption –worst hit are women, children, and old

age as they are more vulnerable groups

* Environmental:– Environmental degradation.

Every disaster is unique in terms of the local socio-environmental factors that control

it, the social response it generates, and the way each social group negotiates with it.

There are three observations on disasters which are as follows:

* The magnitude, intensity, frequency and damages caused by natural disasters have

increased over the years.

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* There is a growing concern among people the world over to deal with the menace

created by these so that the loss of human life and property can be minimized.

* Significant changes have taken place in the pattern of natural disasters over the

years.

AGGRAVATING FACTORS OF DISASTERS

* Poverty: All disaster studies show that the wealthy among the population are less

affected and also able to recover quickly. However, poverty generally makes people

more vulnerable to the impacts of disasters.

* Population Growth: If there are more people and structures where a disaster strikes,

there will be more impact. Increasing number of people will compete for limited

resources (e.g., employment opportunities) which can lead to crisis-induced

migration.

* Rapid Urbanization: Many of the landslides or flood disasters are closely linked to

rapid and unchecked urbanization which forces low-income families to settle on the

slopes of steep hillsides or banks of rivers.

* Transitions in Social Practices: All societies are under a continual state of transition

which is often disruptive and uneven, leaving gaps in social coping mechanisms and

available technology. These transitions include nomadic population that become

sedentary, rural people who move to urban areas, and both rural and urban people

who move from one economic level to another.

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* Environmental Degradation: Many disasters are either caused or aggravated by

environmental degradation. Deforestation leads to rapid rain runoff, which

contributes to soil erosion and flooding.

* Lack of Awareness and Information: Lack of awareness and proper information

usually converts a hazard into a Disaster. This ignorance may not necessary be due to

poverty, but due to a lack of awareness of what measures can be taken to build safe

structures on safe locations.

* War and Civil Strife: War and civil strife are regarded as hazards, that is, extreme

events that produce disasters. The causal factors of war and civil strife include

competition for scarce resources, religious to ethnic intolerance and ideological

difference.

Levels of Disaster:-

As per the High Power Committee on Disaster Management in its report of

2001 categorized Disaster situations into three ‘levels’:

* Level-L1: The level of disaster that can be managed within the capabilities and

resources at the District level, However the state authorities will remain in readiness

to provide assistance if needed.

* Level-L2: This signifies the disaster situations that require assistance and active

mobilization of resources at the state level and deployment of state level agencies for

disaster management. The central agencies must remain vigilant for immediate

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deployment if required by the state.

* Level-L3: This corresponds to a nearly catastrophic situations or a very large scale

disaster that overwhelms the state and district authorities.

NOTE:-The categorization of disaster situations into levels L1 to L3 finds no mention in

Disaster Management Act 2005. Further, the DM Act does not have any provision for

notifying any disaster as a ‘national calamity’ or a ‘national disaster’.

DISASTERS IN INDIA

* India is vulnerable to both natural and man-made disasters (CBRN disasters).As per

GFDRR, India is one of the top 10 countries in the world which are disaster prone.

* As per UNISDR, India was 4th in the list of top 10 countries with the highest number

of disaster between2005 to 2015.

* India’s long coastline of nearly 7500 KM consists of 5,400 KM along the mainland,

132 KM in Lakshadweep and 1,900 KM in the Andaman and Nicobar islands.

* The coastal regions are vulnerable to tropical cyclones; storms surges; coastal

erosion and submergence; and tsunamis. About 10 percent of the world’s tropical

cyclones affect the Indian coast.

* Floods affect average area of around 7.5 million hectares per year .According to the
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National Commission on floods the area susceptible to flood was estimated in 1980 to

be around 40 million hectares.

* Nearly 59 percent of India’s Territory is vulnerable to earthquake .Seven states in

North East (Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura and

Meghalaya), the A&N Islands,part of three states in the North/North West (J&K,

Uttarakhand, Bihar and Gujarat) are in seismic zone V.

* Landslides occur in the hilly regions of India such as the Himalaya, North-East India,

the Nilgiris, Eastern Ghats and Western Ghats .It is estimated that 30 percent of the

World’s Landslides occur in the Himalayan ranges.

* The scenario in India is no different from the global context. The super cyclone of

Orissa (1999), the Gujarat earthquake (2001) and the recent Tsunami (2004) affected

millions across the country leaving behind a trail of heavy loss of life, property and

livelihood.

* Western part of India was badly affected by an earthquake or recent flash flood in

Uttarakhand or Cyclone Phalin at Odisha coast.

CLASSIFICATION OF DISASTERS:

Disasters are broadly classified into Natural disasters and Man-made Disasters

1. Natural Disasters: are the consequences or effects of natural hazards on human life.

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They represent a serious breakdown in sustainability and disruption of economic and

social progress. Example: Earthquake,landslides, cyclones, floods etc.

2. Man- made disasters: are also known as anthropogenic disasters and they occur as

a result of humanintent, error or as a result of failed systems. Example: Urban fire, rail

and road accidents, bomb blasts etc.

COMMON TYPE OF DISASTERS IN INDIA:

High Power Committee on Disaster Management which was constituted in 1999

identified the following types of disasters: (Note: Tsunami was added in 2005 in the

list)

1. Water & Climate Related Disaster:

2. Flood

3. Cyclone

4. Tornado

5. Hailstorm

6. Cloud Burst

7. Thunderstorm & Lightning

8. Snow avalanches

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9. Heat & Cold wave

10. Coastal Sea Erosion

11. Drought

12. Tsunami

13. Geologically Related Disasters:

14. Landslides and Mudflows

15. Earthquakes

16. Dam failures/ Dam Bursts

17. Mine Fire

18. Climate, Industrial & Nuclear Related Disasters:

19. Chemical & Industrial Disasters

20. Nuclear Disasters

21. Accident Related Disasters

22. Accident Related Disasters:

23. Forest Fire

24. Urban Fire

25. Mine Flooding

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26. Oil-Spill

27. Major Building Collapse

28. Serial Bomb Blasts

29. Festival Related Disasters

30. Electrical disaster and Fires

31. Air, Road and Rail Accidents

32. Boat Capsizing

33. Village Fire

34. Biologically Related Disasters

35. Biological Disaster and Epidemics

36. Pest Attacks

37. Cattle Epidemics

38. Food Poisoning

Natural Disasters

EARTHQUAKES
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We assume that students have read the basics of earthquakes in their geography

studies, here only Disaster Management related content would be presented.

The seismic zoning map of India is divided into four zones:

* Zone Damage risk Region Zone V (Very high damage risk zone): The entire

North-east, including the seven sister states, Kutch district, parts of Himachal and

Jammu & Kashmir, and the Andaman and Nicobar islands.

* Zone IV (High damage risk zone): Parts of the Northern belt starting from Jammu

and Kashmir to Himachal Pradesh. Also including Delhi and parts of Haryana. The

Koyna region of Maharashtra is also in this zone.

* Zone III (Moderate damage risk zone): A large part of the country stretching from

the North, including some parts of Rajasthan to the South through the Konkan coast,

and also the Eastern parts of the country.

* Zone II (Low damage risk zone): These two zones are contiguous, covering parts of

Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Orissa, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan, known as low

risk earthquake zone.

Effects of Earthquakes:

The direct and indirect effects of an earthquake includes:

* Deformed Ground Surface: The earthquake tremors and the resultant vibrations,

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resulting in the deformation of the ground surface, due to the rise and subsidence of

the ground surface and faulting activity. The alluvium filled areas of the flood plains

may get fractured at several places.

* Damage to man-made structures: Man-made structures such as buildings, roads,

rails, factories, dams, bridges, etc. get severely damaged.

* Damage to towns and cities: The towns and cities are the worst affected due to a

high density of buildings and population. Under the impact of tremors, large buildings

collapse and men and women get buried under the debris. Ground water pipes are

damaged and thus water supply is totally disrupted.

* Loss of human and animal life: The destructive power of an earthquake depends

upon the loss it can cause in terms of loss of life arid property. The Bhuj earthquake of

India in 2001 (8.1 on the Richter Scale) caused over one lakh human casualties.

* Devastating fires: The strong vibrations caused by an earthquake can cause fire in

houses, mines and factories due to the bursting of gas cylinders, contact with live

electric wires, churning of blast furnaces, displacement of other electric and fire

related appliances.

* Landslides: The tremors in hilly and mountainous areas can cause instability of

unconsolidated rock materials. This ultimately leads to landslides, which damage

settlements and transport systems.

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* Flash floods: Very strong seismic events result in the collapse of dams and cause

severe flash floods. Floods are also caused when the debris produced by tremors

blocks the flow of water in the rivers. Sometimes the main course of the river is

changed due to the blockage.

* Tsunamis: When the seismic waves travel through sea water, high sea waves are

generated, which can cause great loss to life and property, especially in the coastal

areas.

Challenges for Earthquake Mitigation in India

* Inadequate enforcement of earthquake-resistant building codes and town planning

by laws.

* Absence of earthquake-resistant features in constructions in urban and rural areas.

* Lack of formal training among professionals in earthquake-resistant construction

practices.

* Lack of adequate preparedness and poor response capacity of various stakeholder

Groups

* Lack of awareness among various stakeholders about the seismic risk.

* Absence of systems of licensing of engineers and masons.

PRE-DISASTER PREVENTIVE MEASURES:

Long-term:
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* Re-framing buildings’ codes, guidelines, manuals and byelaws and their strict

implementation .Tougher legislation for highly seismic areas.

* Incorporating earthquake resistant features in all buildings in high-risk areas.

* Making all public utilities like water supply systems, communication networks,

electricity lines, earthquake-proof.

* Creating alternative arrangements to reduce damages to infrastructure facilities.

* Constructing earthquake-resistant community buildings and buildings (used to

gather large groups during or after an earthquake) like schools, hospitals, prayer halls,

etc., especially in seismic zones of moderate to higher intensities.

* Supporting R&D in various aspects of disaster mitigation, preparedness and

prevention and postdisaster management

Medium –Term

* Retrofitting of weak structures in highly seismic zones.

* Preparation of disaster related literature in local languages with the do’s and don’ts

for construction.

* Getting communities involved in the process of disaster mitigation through

education and awareness.

* Networking of local NGOs working in the area of disaster management.

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POST-DISASTER PREVENTIVE MEASURES

* Maintenance of law and order, prevention of trespassing, looting etc.

* Evacuation of people.

* Recovery of dead bodies and their disposal.

* Medical care for the injured.

* Supply of food and drinking water.

* Temporary shelters like tents, metal sheds etc.

* Repairing lines of communication and information.

* Restoring transport routes.

* Quick assessment of destruction and demarcation of destroyed areas, according to

the grade of damage.

Earthquake Prevention and Mitigation:

* National earthquake Risk Mitigation Project: The project aims at strengthening the

structural and non-structural earthquake mitigation efforts in reducing the

vulnerability in high risk districts prone to earthquakes.

* National Building Code:The salient features of the NBC 2005 include meeting the

challenges posed by natural calamities and reflecting the state-of-the-art and

contemporary applicable international practices.

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* Seismic retrofitting: It is the modification of existing structures to make them more

resistant to seismic activity, groundmotion, or soil failure due to earthquakes.

NDMA Guidelines on Earthquake Management

Guidelines issued by NDMA rest on six pillars of seismic safety for improving the

effectiveness of earthquake management in India:

1. Earthquake Resistant Construction of New Structures: All central ministries and

departments and state governments will facilitate the implementation of relevant

standards for seismically safe design and construction of buildings and other lifeline

and commercially important structures falling within their administrative control such

as bridges, flyovers, ports, harbors etc.

2. Selective Seismic strengthening & Retrofitting of existing Priority structures and

Lifeline Structures: All central ministries and state governments are required to draw

up programs for seismic strengthening of priority structures through ULBs and PRIs.

Buildings of national importance such as Raj Bhavans Legislatures, Courts, critical

buildings like academic institutions, public utility structures like reservoirs, dams and

multi-storeyed buildings with five or more floors. The responsibility to identify these

structures rests with the State Governments.

3. Regulation and Enforcement: State Governments are responsible for establishing

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mechanisms to implement Building Codes and other safety codes to ensure that all

stakeholders like builders, architects, engineers, government departments adhere to

seismic safety in all design and construction activities. The Home Ministry had

constituted a national level expert group which recommended modifications to the

town and country planning Acts, land use and zoning regulations, DCRs and building

bye-laws which are technically rigorous and conform to globally accepted norms.

4. Awareness & Preparedness: NDMA acknowledges that sensitization of all

stakeholders is one of the most challenging tasks in earthquake preparedness and

mitigation. It recommends preparation of handbooks on earthquake safety,

homeowner’s seismic safety manuals, a manual on structural safety audit and video

films for the general public. It also highlights the need to create vulnerability maps of

land areas and streamlining of NGOs and Volunteer Groups.

5. Capacity Development (Education, Training, R&D, Capacity Building and

Documentation): The target groups for capacity development include elected

representatives and government, officials, professionals in visual and print media,

urban planners, engineers, architects and builders, NGOs, Community Based

Organizations (CBOs), social activists, social scientists, schoolteachers, and

schoolchildren.

6. Emergency Response: All response activities are undertaken through Incident

Command System coordinated by the local administration. It includes involvement of

community, corporate sector and specialized

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DROUGHTS

Droughts refer to a serious shortfall in availability of water, mainly, but not exclusively,

due to deficiency of rains, affecting agriculture, drinking water supply and industry. It

is a slow onset disaster which evolves over months or even years and affects a large

spatial extent.

Definition of Drought in India:

In India, meteorological drought is defined by the Indian Meteorological Department

(IMD) as a situation when the deficiency of rainfall at a meteorological subdivision

level is 25 per cent or more of the long term average (LTA) of that sub-division for a

given period

* In India around 68 percent of the agriculture land country is prone to drought in

varying degrees.

* The primary cause of any drought is deficiency of rainfall and in particular, the

timing, distribution and intensity of this deficiency in relation to existing reserves

Causes of Drought

* The causes for droughts are increasingly attributable to the mismatch between

supply and demand, particularly the demand for non-agricultural purposes.

* While adequate availability of water is crucial to agriculture, it continues to be

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affected by other variables such as temperature, humidity, Solar radiation and wind

patterns.

TYPES OF DROUGHTS:

* Meteorological Drought: It is a situation when there is a prolonged period of

inadequate rainfall marked with mal-distribution of the same over time and space.

* Agricultural Drought: It is also known as soil moisture drought.It is characterized by

Low soil moisture that is necessary to support the crops thereby resulting in crop

failure. Moreover, if an area has more than 30% of its gross cropped area under

irrigation the area is excluded from the drought prone category.

* Hydrological Drought: It results when the availability of water in different storage

and reservoir like aquifers, lakes, reservoirs etc. falls below what the precipitation can

replenish.

* Ecological Drought: When the productivity of a natural ecosystem fails due to

shortage of water and as a consequence of ecological distress damages are induced in

the ecosystem.

Drought Situations:

The IMD recognizes five drought situations:

* Drought week: When the weekly rainfall is less than half of the normal.

* Agricultural Drought: When four droughts week occur consecutively during

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mid-June to September.

* Seasonal Drought: When seasonal rainfall is deficient by more than the standard

deviation from the normal.

* Drought Year: When annual rainfall is deficient by 20 percent of normal or more.

* Severe Drought Year: When annual rainfall is deficient by 25 to 40 percent of normal

or more.

Drought Prone Areas in India

Droughts and floods are the two accompanying features of Indian climate. According

to some estimates, nearly 19 per cent of the total geographical area of the country

and 12 percent of its total population suffer due to drought every year. About 30

percent of the country’s total area is identified as drought prone.

* Extreme Drought Affected Areas: Most parts of Rajasthan, particularly areas to the

west of the Aravali hills, i.e. Marusthali and Kachchh regions of Gujarat fall in this

category.The districts like Jaisalmer and Barmer from the Indian desert that receive

less than 90 mm average annual rainfall.

* Severe Drought Prone Area: Parts of eastern Rajasthan, most parts of Madhya

Pradesh, eastern parts of Maharashtra, interior parts of Andhra Pradesh and

Karnataka Plateau,northern parts of interior Tamil Nadu and southern parts of

Jharkhand and interior Odisha.

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* Moderate Drought Affected Area: Northern parts of Rajasthan, Haryana, southern

districts of Uttar Pradesh, The remaining parts of Gujarat, Maharashtra except Konkan,

Jharkhand and Coimbatore plateau of Tamil Nadu and interior Karnataka.

Impacts of Drought

Environmental:

* Moisture Stress.

* Drinking Water Shortage.

* Damage to Natural Vegetation and Various Ecosystems.

* Increased Air and Water Pollution.

Socio-economic:

* Malnutrition.

* Poor Hygiene.

* Bad Health.

* Migration.

* Increased Stress and Morbidity.

* Social Strife

Drought Management Framework in India

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The Government of India has devised many short-, medium- and long-term strategies

to mitigate and overcome adverse effects of drought.

Drought management mechanism includes:

* Institutional mechanisms.

* Employment generation and social welfare practices.

* Assistance/support by Central and State Governments.

* Operation of EWS.

Institutional Mechanisms:

* The Drought Management Group coordinate the efforts to deal with drought in

various states.

* The National Disaster Management Cell, monitors the drought situation in different

states and resource availability.

* The National Agricultural Drought Assessment and Monitoring System, 1989

provides scientific information at district level for most of the states and sub-district

levels in a few states.

Drought-Prone Area Development Programme and Desert Development Programme:

* Use the plans prepared on the basis of the integrated estimation.

* IMD and the National Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasting offer

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meteorological information support for drought preparedness and early warning

Consequences of Drought:

Droughts have cascading effects on various aspects such as:

* Crop failure.

* Shortage of water which leads to large scale death of cattle and other animals.

* Migration of human and livestock.

* Scarcity of water compels people to consume contaminated water resulting in the

speed of many water borne diseases.

Mitigation of Droughts

* Provision for the distribution of safe drinking water.

* Medicines for the victims.

* Availability of fodder and water for the cattle.

* Shifting of the people and their livestock to safer places.

NDMA guidelines to control Drought

* Identification of groundwater potential in the form of aquifers.

* Transfer of river water from surplus to deficient areas.

* Rainwater harvesting.

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* Interlinking of rivers and construction of reservation and dams.

* Remote sensing and satellite imagery can be useful in identifying the possible river

basin and in identifying the groundwater potential.

* Dissemination of knowledge about drought resistant crops at proper training to

practice the same can be some of the long-term measures that will be helpful in

drought mitigation.

* The watershed development approach is an important facet drought management

initiatives, taken up through the programs of GOI.

* Automatic weather station and rain-gauges shall be put in place at appropriate

spacing to enable micro level analysis and forecasting.

* State Drought Monitoring Cells (DMCs) shall undertake on a priority basis, the

preparation of vulnerability maps for their respective states.

Drought Crisis Management Plan, 2015

The NDMA manual sets out four important measures that a State government should

take at the time of drought, with the Union government’s help.

* MGNREGA to provide immediate employment to drought-affected people.

* The public distribution mechanism should be strengthened to provide food and

fodder.

* Initiate actions to recharge the groundwater table by building check dams and
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providing pipeline water and other irrigation facilities.

* The government should either waive off or defer farmer loans and arrange for crop

loss compensation.

FLOODS

* Flooding is a condition inundation of land and human settlements by the rise of

water in the channels and its spillover is present. Floods are relatively slow in

occurrence and often occur in well identified regions and within expected time in a

year.

* 20% of deaths caused by floods in the World occur in India. In India, around 40

million hectare area is flood-prone, which is one eighth of the total area.

Flood prone Areas in India

The most flood prone areas are the Brahmaputra, Ganga and Indus basins. As far as

the states are concerned, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal and Orissa are the most

flood affected states followed by Haryana, Punjab and Andhra Pradesh. Nowadays

Rajasthan and Gujarat also feel the fury of floods. Karnataka and Maharashtra are no

longer immune to floods.

Causes of Floods

Natural causes

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* Heavy rainfall: Heavy rain in the catchment area of a river causes water to overflow

its banks, which results in the flooding of nearby areas.

* Sediment deposition: River beds become shallow due to sedimentation. The water

carrying capacity of such river is reduced. As a result the heavy rainwater overflow the

river banks.

* Cyclone: Cyclone generated sea waves of abnormal height spreads the water in the

adjoining coastal areas. In October 1994 Orissa cyclone generated severe floods and

caused unprecedented loss of life and property.

* Change in the course of the river: Meanders and change in the course of the river

cause floods.

* Tsunami: Large coastal areas are flooded by rising sea water, when a tsunami strikes

the coast.

* Lack of Lakes – Lakes can store the excess water and regulate the flow of water.

When lakes become smaller, their ability to regulate the flow becomes less and hence

flooding.

Anthropogenic causes

* Deforestation: Vegetation facilitates percolation of water in the ground. As a result

of deforestation, the land becomes obstruction free and water flows with greater

speed into the rivers and causes flood.

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* Interference in drainage system: Drainage congestion caused by badly planned

construction of bridges, roads, railway tracks, canals etc. hampers the flow of water

and results in floods.

* International dimension – The rivers originating in China, Nepal and Bhutan cause

severe floods in the states of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Arunachal Pradesh

and Assam. For flood management (FM), cooperation with the neighbouring countries

viz. China, Nepal and Bhutan is essential.

* Population pressure – Because of large amount of people, more materials are

needed, like wood, land, food, etc. This aggravates overgrazing, land encroachment,

over cultivation and soil erosion which increases the risk of flooding.

* Poor Water and Sewerage Management – Old drainage and sewerage systems in

urban areas have not been overhauled. During the rainy season every year, the

drainage and sewer system collapse resulting in urban flooding.

Challenges

* Less importance to comprehensive risk assessment of urban flooding. It includes

understanding, analysis and assessment of urban flood risks, before flood mitigation

measures are planned and implemented.

* Ignorance of mapping of different factors and risks in different cities and

non-inclusion of the same in development planning.

* Unsatisfactory coordination among different institutions for experience sharing for

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the purpose of public awareness and imparting professional training of disaster

managers.

* Lack of information sharing.

* Disintegrated investment decisions.

* Lack of consultation with stakeholders.

Consequences of Floods

* Frequent inundation of agricultural land and human settlement has serious

consequences on the national economy and society.

* Floods destroy valuable crops and also damage physical infrastructure such as roads,

rails, bridges and human settlements.

* Millions of people are rendered homeless and are also washed down along with

their cattle in the floods.

* Spread of diseases like cholera, gastro-enteritis, hepatitis and other water-borne

diseases spread in the flood affected areas.

* Floods also make a few positive contributions. Every year, floods deposit fertile silt

over agricultural fields which restores fertility of the soil.

Flood Forecasting and Warning in India

Real time discharge and rainfall data is the basic requirements for the formulation of a

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flood forecast. Most of the hydro-meteorological data are observed and collected by

the field formations of Central Water Commission; IMD supplies the daily rainfall data.

Impact and Mitigation Strategies for Urban Flood

* Pre-Monsoon Phase (Preparedness): It involves an estimation of emergency needs,

familiarization of the stakeholders, particularly the communities through training and

simulation exercises, identification of Teams for maintaining the drains and roads and

conducting exercises for prevention of water logging/ inundation.

* During Monsoon Phase (Early Warning & Effective Response): It includes timely,

qualitative and quantitative warnings based on the intensity of rainfall to various

agencies to take preventive measures. The Response phase focuses primarily on

emergency relief: saving lives, providing first aid, minimizing and restoring damaged

systems (communications and transportation), meeting the basic life requirements of

those impacted by disaster (food, water, and shelter), and providing mental health

and spiritual support and comfort care.

* Post-Monsoon Phase: Restoration and Rehabilitation phase includes establishment

of a programme to restore both the disaster site and the damaged materials to a

stable and usable condition.

NDMA Guidelines on Flood Management

The main thrust of the flood protection programme undertaken in India so far has

been on structural measures. Flood Prevention, Preparedness and Mitigation

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Structural measures

* Reservoirs, Dams, Other Water Storages: By constructing reservoirs in the courses of

rivers could stores extra water at the time of flood. Such measures adopted till now

however, have not been successful. Dams built to control floods of Damodar could not

control the flood.

* Embankments/Flood Levees/Flood Walls: By building flood protection

embankments, flood water can be controlled from overflowing the banks and

spreading in nearby areas. Building of embankments on Yamuna, near Delhi, has been

successful in controlling the flood.

* Drainage improvement: Drainage system is generally choked by the construction of

roads, canals, railway tracks etc. Floods could be checked if the original form of

drainage system is restored.

* Channel Improvement/Desilting/Dredging of Rivers: A channel can be made to carry

flood discharge at levels lower than its prevailing high flood level by improving its

discharge carrying capacity. It aims at increasing the area of flow or velocity of flow (or

both) to increase its carrying capacity. Selective desilting/dredging at

outfalls/confluences or local reaches can, however, be adopted as a measure to tackle

the problem locally.

* Diversion of Flood Water: Diverting all or a part of the discharge into a natural or

artificially constructed channel, lying within or in some cases outside the flood plains

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is a useful means of lowering water levels in the river.

* Catchment Area Treatment/Afforestation: Watershed management measures such

as developing the vegetative cover i.e. afforestation and conservation of soil cover in

conjunction with structural works like check dams, detention basins etc. serve as an

effective measure in reducing flood peaks and controlling the suddenness of the

runoff.

Non-structural measures

* Flood forecasting and warning.

* Floodplain zoning.

* Flood fighting.

* Flood proofing.

* Flood insurance.

NDMA Guidelines on Urban Flood

* Early Warning System and Communication: National Hydro-meteorological Network

and Doppler Weather Radars can provide and a lead time of 3 to 6 hours. Once flood

warning is generated, it must be communicated to the public in an effective manner.

* Design and Management of Urban Drainage: Rapid urbanization has resulted in

increased impermeable surfaces in the form of pavements, roads and built-up areas,

thereby reducing the infiltration and natural storage.

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* Drainage System: A proper inventory of water supply system with details of all

pumping, storage etc. must be maintained, particularly of the minor drainage systems.

* Catchment as a basis of design: As runoff processes are independent of states and

city administrative boundaries outlines of drainage divides must be depend on

watershed delineation.

* Contour Data: Accurate contours are necessary for determining the boundaries of a

watershed/ catchment and for computing directions of flow.

* Design Flow: Estimation of peak flow rates for adequate sizing and quantity control

facilities.

* Removal of Solid Waste: Most towns and cities have open surface drains beside the

road, into which there is unauthorized public disposal of waste. Solid waste increases

hydraulic roughness, causes blockage and generally reduces flow capacity.

* Drain Inlet Connectivity: It is seen that the inlets to drain the water from the roads

into the roadside drains are either not properly aligned or non-existent leading to

severe waterlogging on the roads.

* Rain Gardens: Rain gardens consist of a porous soil covered with a thin layer of

mulch. Stormwater runoff is directed into the facility, allowed to pond and infiltrates

through the plant/mulch/soil environment.

* Vulnerability Analysis and Risk Assessment: Identification of areas at risk,

classification of structures according to function and estimation of risk for each

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structure and function using Hazard Risk Zoning.

* Urban Flooding Cells: A separate Urban Flooding Cell (UFC) will be constituted within

MoUD which will coordinate all UFDM activities at the national level. ULBs will be

responsible for the management of urban flooding at the local level.

* Response: Emergency Operation Centers, Incident Response System, flood shelters,

search and rescue operations, emergency logistics are some key action areas of flood

response mechanism.

* Sanitation: Diseases like malaria, dengue and cholera can spread if adequate

sanitation and disinfection are not carried out.

* Capacity Development, Awareness Generation and Documentation: Participatory

urban flood planning and management involving both local government and the

community.

CYCLONES

Recent Cyclones in India

Cyclone Prone Areas in India

There are 13 coastal states and union territories (UTs) in the country, encompassing 84

coastal districts which are affected by tropical cyclones. Four states (Tamil Nadu,
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Andhra Pradesh, Orissa and West Bengal) and one UT (Puducherry) on the east coast

and one state (Gujarat) on the west coast are highly vulnerable to cyclone disasters.

Challenges

* The failure to adequately respond to warnings stemming from lack of planning and

coordination at the national and local levels, as well as a lack of understanding by

people of their risks.

* Bare minimum the terminal-end equipment and communication back-up equipment

support.

* Lack of grass root level participation in disaster management to build up effective

resilience to disasters.

* Lack of a fully automated and state-of-the-art OC at NDMA and MHA with all

terminal-end facilities and communication connectivity both for routine activities and

also during disasters.

* The need for integration of networks set up by various agencies to establish various

types of networks in the country for disaster management.

* Failure of even well-engineered structures such as communication and transmission

towers past cyclones.

Consequence of Tropical Cyclone

* The coastal areas are often struck by severe cyclonic Storms with an average velocity

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of 180 km per hour.

* Often this results in the abnormal rise in sea level known as storm surge .

* This results in inundation of human settlements, agricultural fields, damaging crops

and destruction of structures created by human beings.

* Inundation of sea water in low lying areas of coastal regions,

* Heavy floods, landslides

* Erodes beaches and embankments,

* Destruction of vegetation, infrastructure and loss of life

* Loss of crops and food supplies along with loss of soil fertility

* Contamination of ground and pipe water supply

* Severe disruption in the communication links

Tropical cyclone Hazard Mitigation

* Green belt plantation along the coastal line in a scientific interweaving pattern can

reduce the effect of hazard.

* Land use control should be designed so that least critical activities are placed in

vulnerable areas.

* Structures need to be built to withstand wind forces.

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* Torrential rains, strong winds and storms range leads to flooding in the cyclone

affected areas. There are possibilities of landslides too. Floods mitigation measures

could be incorporated.

National Cyclone Risk Mitigation project (NCRMP)

The NCRMP, to be implemented with financial assistance from the World Bank, is

envisaged to have four major components

* Component A: Improvement of early warning dissemination system by

strengthening the Last Mile Connectivity (LMC) of cyclone warnings and advisories.

* Component B: Cyclone Risk Mitigation Investments.

* Component C: Technical assistance for hazard risk management and capacity

building.

* Component D: Project management and institutional support

* The Government of India approved NCRMP Phase-I for Andhra Pradesh & Odisha in

January 2011 to address the vulnerability of the coastal community to cyclones, who

are generally poor and are from the weaker section of the society.

* The NCRMP Phase-II was approved as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme for

implementation in the States of Goa, Gujarat, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra and

West Bengal by Union Cabinet in July 2015.

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Integrated Coastal Zone Management Project (ICZMP)

To assist the Government in building the national capacity for implementation of a

comprehensive coastal management approach in the country and piloting the

integrated coastal zone management approach in states of Gujarat, Orissa and West

Bengal.

National Guidelines for the management of cyclones:

* Establishing state-of-the-art cyclone EWS involving observations, predictions,

warnings, and customized local level advice for decision makers (national, state,

district level) for managing the impact of cyclone

* Commissioning of Aircraft Probing of Cyclone (APC) facility for India with a

combination of manned aircraft and high altitude Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV)

which can effectively fill the critical observational data gaps in case of cyclones over

Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea.

* Establishing a comprehensive Cyclone Disaster Management Information System

(CDMIS) covering all phases of DM to provide online services to the departments of

Disaster management in the states.

* Specifying the roles and responsibilities of the State Disaster Management

Departments in institutionalizing Cyclone risk mitigation with Developmental

planning.
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* Launching Community Based Disaster Management (CBDM) activities similar to

DRM projects initiatives of MHA in all villages of the 84 districts vulnerable to cyclones

that have not yet been covered.

* NCDMI will be established as an exclusive institutional set-up in one of the coastal

states to address all issues related to cyclone risk.

HEAT WAVES

* It is a condition of atmospheric temperature that leads to physiological stress, which

sometimes can cause deaths as well.

* The World Meteorological Department defines a heat wave as five or more

consecutive days during which the daily maximum temperature exceeds the average

maximum temperature by five degree Celsius.

* In India, a heat wave is considered if maximum temperature of a station reaches at

least 40 degree Celsius or more for plains, 37 degree Celsius or more for coastal

stations and at least 30 degree Celsius or more for hilly regions.

Criteria for Declaring a Heat Wave

1. a) Based on departure from normal

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* Heat wave: Departure from normal is 4.5 degree Celsius to 6.4 degree Celsius.

* Severe Heat Wave: Departure from normal is greater than 6.4 degree Celsius.

1. b) Based on Actual Maximum temperature (for plains only)

* Heat Wave: When actual maximum temperature greater than or equal to 45 degree

Celsius.

* Severe Heat Wave: When actual maximum temperature greater than or equal to 47

degree Celsius.

* To declare a heat wave, the above criteria should be met at least at two stations in a

meteorological subdivision for at least two consecutive days. A heat wave will be

declared on the second day.

How do heat waves occur?

* Heat waves occur when a ridge of high pressure sits over a region for an extended

period of time, bringing down dry, hot air to the ground. As the air sinks, it warms and

compresses and it becomes very hot by the time it reaches the surface.

* This hot air quickly heats up the ground, which raises the air temperature. Since the

center of high pressure areas are usually cloud free, the direct sunlight further raises

the day time temperature creating a heat wave.

Causes of Heat Waves

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* Hot winds blowing from deserts with the dry winds on surface.

* Anticyclone formations leading to no cloud formation and thunderstorm activity

which fails to balance the temperature.

* Rising global temperatures due to climate change and global warming.

* Shifts in air currents and weather patterns due to shifting of pressure belts.

* Depletion of Ozone layer.

* Jet streams.

Heat Wave in India

* In India, April to June is a typical heat wave season. June is the onset month of

Southwest Monsoon when summerlike conditions leave Peninsular and Central India

but remains in North India. Cities are hotter than rural areas due to population density,

pollution from industrial activities and presence of buildings.

* Hilly regions, Northeast India and coastal stations generally do not witness heat

wave conditions.

* Heat waves prevail in pockets of Haryana, Delhi, Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra

Pradesh, Odisha, West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and Karnataka.

Consequences of Heat Waves

Effects on Human Health

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* High moisture at high temperature doesn’t let body sweat to evaporate easily to

cool itself and body temperature raises eventually causing sickness.

* Heat stroke, Heat exhaustion, Heat cramps.

* Dehydration, nausea, dizziness, headaches.

* Diseases transmitted by chemical air.

* Heat waves is one of the biggest killers amongst all natural calamities.

Effects on Nature

* Heat waves can lead to droughts with decrease in moisture in the air and soil.

Moisture in soil helps in cooling down the temperature by evaporation.

* Some species may disappear. Few new species may appear which are heat resistant.

* Adaptations in lifestyle and behavior of few organisms.

* Wildfires in open areas or forests become frequent due to heat waves.

* Coral bleaching in oceans can rise.

* Huge damage to crops leading to food shortage.

Effects on Infrastructure and Economy

* Heat tests the ability of infrastructure to withstand the pressure created by

increased energy demand. Electricity transmission line expands due to heat.

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* Transport services gets impacted.

* Loss of labor efficiency.

Challenges in Heat Wave Management

* Lack of research using sub-district level data to provide separate indices for urban

and rural areas to enable more targeted geographical interventions.

* Narrow analysis of urban ward-level data to provide intra-city vulnerability patterns.

* Less active usage of available provisions of public messaging (radio, TV), mobile

phone-based text messages, automated phone calls and alerts.

* Lack of Public awareness like promotion of traditional adaptation practices, such as

staying indoors and wearing comfortable clothes.

* Half-hearted attempts for popularization of simple design features such as shaded

windows, underground water storage tanks and insulating housing materials.

* Unavailability of provision of drinking water within housing premises and indoor

toilets.

Heat Wave Hazard Mitigation

* Four criteria are important for prevention and mitigation of heat waves:

1. a) forecasting heat waves and enabling an early warning system.

2. b) Building capacity of healthcare professionals to deal with heat wave-related

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emergencies;

3. c) community outreach through various media.

d)Inter-agency cooperation as well as engagement with other civil society

organizations in the region.

* Create a list of the high-risk areas of the city vulnerable to heat waves for more

focused activities on heat prevention. For example- Adoption of a ‘Heat Action Plan’

(HAP).

* Build on the “Green Cover” activity to establish tree-plantation campaign in

hotspot areas such as roadsides and during plantation festival in June.

* Discuss establishing cooling Centre facilities in high-risk areas around the city.

* Public awareness- Conduct training workshops and outreach sessions with

community groups and mobilizers such as MahilaArogyaSamiti, Self-Employed Women’

s Association (SEWA),ASHA workers, anganwadis, and municipal councils to help

inform and get vulnerable communities more actively involved, including women.

* Incorporate other sectors such as higher education, non-profits, and community

leaders to increase reach to communities.

* Protect environment. Adopt sustainable environment practices.

TSUNAMI
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* A tsunami is a series of water waves caused by the displacement of a large volume

of a body of water, usually an ocean in the form of high vertical waves.

* The loss of life and property is likely to be much higher by a tsunami as compared to

other natural hazards in the coastal areas due to high population density and center of

economic activities

* The impact of the tsunami is less over the ocean and more near the coast where

* they cause large-scale devastation.

* Tsunami occurred on 26th December 2004 in which more than 300,000 people lost

their

* lives

* India has volunteered to join the International Tsunami Warning System after the

December 2004 tsunami disaster.

How is a Tsunami formed?

* Seismicity generated tsunamis are the result of abrupt deformation of sea floor

resulting vertical displacement of the overlying water.

* When earthquakes occur beneath the sea level, the water above the reformed area

is displaced from its equilibrium position.

* The release of energy produces tsunami waves which have small amplitude but a

very long wavelength.

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* It may be caused by a non-seismic event such as a landslide or impact of a meteor.

Tsunami Sources for India:

For a tsunami to hit Indian coast, it is necessary that the earthquake of magnitude > 7

should occur. Two such possible zones are

* Andaman-Sumatra

* Makran

* Not all major earthquakes are tsunami genic

* To generate tsunami Earthquakes must occur under or near ocean

* Slow Rupture Velocities are most efficient Tsunami Generators.

Measures for Safety from Tsunamis and Storm Surges in Coastal areas:

Structural measures:

* Plantation of mangroves and coastal forests along the coast line

* Development of a network of local knowledge centers (rural/urban) along the coast

lines to provide necessary training and emergency communication during crisis time

(e.g. centers developed by M.S. Swaminathan Foundation in Pondicherry)

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* Construction of location specific sea walls and coral reefs in consultation with

experts

* Development of break waters along the coast to provide necessary cushion against

tsunami hazards

* Development of tsunami detection, forecasting and warning dissemination centres.

* Development of a “Bio-Shield” – a narrow strip of land along coastline.

* Identification of vulnerable structures and appropriate retrofitting for

tsunami/cyclone resistance of all such buildings as well as appropriate planning,

designing, construction of new facilities like:

* Critical infrastructures e.g. power stations, warehouses, oil and other storage

tanks etc located along the coastline.

* All other infrastructure facilities located in the coastal areas

* Public buildings and private houses

* All marine structures

* Construction and maintenance of national and state highways and other

coastal roads.

Non-Structural Measures:

* Strict implementation of the coastal zone regulations (within 500 m of the high tide

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line with elevation of less than 15 m above m.s.l.

* Mapping the coastal area for multiple hazards, vulnerability and risk analysis up to

taluka /village level.

* Capacity building requirements for the local people and the administration for facing

the disasters in the wake of tsunami and cyclone

* Developing tools and techniques for risk transfer in highly vulnerable areas

* Launching a series of public awareness campaign throughout the coastal area

* Training of local administration in forecasting warning dissemination and evacuation

techniques

* Awareness generation and training among the fishermen, coast guards, officials

from fisheries department and port authorities and local district officials etc., in

connection with evacuation and post tsunami storm surge management activities.

* Studies focusing on the tsunami risk in India may be taken under NCRM project.

Dos and Don’ts for Protection from Tsunami

Before Tsunami

* Know the height of your street above sea level and the distance of your street from

the coast or other high-risk waters.

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* Plan evacuation routes from your home, school, workplace, or any other place you

could be where tsunamis present a risk. If possible, pick areas (30 meters) above sea

level or go as far as 3 kilometers inland, away from the coastline.

* Use a Weather Radio or stay tuned to a local radio or television station to keep

informed of local watches and warnings.

During Tsunami

* If you feel an earthquake that lasts 20 seconds or longer when you are in a coastal

area, you should drop, cover, and hold on. You should first protect yourself from the

earthquake damages

* Gather members of your household and move quickly to higher ground away from

the coast.

* Move immediately to higher ground, DO NOT wait for a tsunami warning to be

announced.

* Stay away from rivers and streams that lead to the ocean

Tsunami Warning and Communication System

* The Indian Tsunami Early Warning Centre (ITEWC) has been established at Indian

National Centre for Ocean Information Sciences, (INCOIS – ESSO) Hyderabad.

* It has the responsibility to provide tsunami advisories to Indian Mainland and the
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Island regions.

Recommendation of NDMA for Tsunami

* The Guidelines recommends practical and effective ways for awareness generation,

capacity building, education, training and research & development for better tsunami

risk management.

* The Guidelines explore options for effective dissemination of tsunami alert and

warning messages generated by INCOIS to the concerned agencies and coastal

vulnerable communities exposed to tsunamis in a coordinated manner.

* Structural Mitigation measures, as envisaged in the Guidelines, gives a brief

guidance on design and construction of new structures as well as strategies for

protecting lifeline and priority structures from Tsunamis along the seafront.

* The Guidelines urge BIS to roll out the pending construction standards entitled

‘Criteria for Tsunami-Resistant Design of Structures’.

* It further recommends a robust techno-legal regime through efficient land use

practices, bio shields, shelter belt plantation and mangrove regeneration with

community involvement etc.

LANDSLIDES

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* Landslide is a process involving the downward and outward movement of a part of

the slope forming material due to the action of gravity.

* Areas with steep slopes, for example mountainous regions, are particularly

susceptible to landslide hazards.

Causes of Landslides

* Undercutting of a slope by stream erosion, wave action, glaciers, or human activity

such as road building

* Intense or prolonged rainfall, rapid snowmelt, or sharp fluctuations in ground-water

levels

* Shocks or vibrations caused by earthquakes or construction activity,

* Loading on upper slopes, or

* A combination of these and other factors

* Shifting agriculture: In the North Eastern part of India, the number and frequency of

landslides has increased due to the practice of shifting agriculture.

Effects of Human activity

* Slope failures can be triggered by construction activity that undercuts or overloads

dangerous slopes

* Construction activity can also redirect the flow of surface or ground-water.

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* Poorly planned forest clearing may increase rates of surface water run-off or

groundwater

* Infiltration

* Inefficient irrigation or sewage effluent disposal practices may result in increased

ground-water

* pressures, which in turn can reduce the stability of rock and sediment.

CASE STUDY

Pune Landslide 2014

* Heavy rains triggered a landslide in Pune in 2014 killing hundreds of people

* Environmentalists claimed that the landslide was a human-induced landslide.

* Deforestation and levelling of ground for cultivation were pointed out as the primary

reasons for the landslide.

* Heavy machinery such as backhoes were used to level the slopes, which has

contributed to loosening the soil to such an extent that it has impacted the hill’s

drainage of water

* The windmill project has also led to large-scale erosion in the region.

Landslide Vulnerability in India:

* Himalayan Mountain ranges and Hilly tracts of North-eastern region:

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 * immature and rugged topography,

* fragile rock conditions

* high seismicity resulting from proximity to the plate margins,

* high rainfall

* Extensive anthropogenic interference, as part of developmental activities

* Western Ghats:

* steep hill slopes

* overburden

* High intensity rainfall.

* Nilgiris Hills:

* High Intensity and protracted rainfall.

* Landslides in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal as also those in Sikkim, Mizoram,

Tripura, Meghalaya, Assam, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh pose chronic problems,

causing recurring economic losses worth billions of rupees

Impact of Landslides:

Short-term

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* Loss of life

* Loss of property

Long- term

* Changes in landscape

* Loss of cultivable land

* Soil erosion and soil loss

* Relocation of population

* Sources of water are drying up.

* Diversion of river courses due to landslides can also lead to flooding and loss of life

and property.

* Landslides are degrading the environment of mountains. Natural beauty is

diminishing slowly and slowly.

NDMA Guidelines on Landslide Hazard Management:

Landslide hazard management involves measures taken to avoid or mitigate the risk

posed by landslide hazards.

* Landslide Hazard, Vulnerability and Risk Assessment: This includes delineating areas

susceptible to landslide hazards and status of landslide hazards in different areas and

to assess the resources at risk due to these hazards

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* Landslide Remediation Practice: Encouraging implementation of successful landslide

remediation and mitigation technologies.

* Research and Development; Monitoring and Early Warning

* Knowledge Network and Management: Establishing an effective system for

gathering information on landslides, loss assessment resulting from landslides, and

the effective dissemination of technical information and maps is an essential

component of the disaster management process.

* Capacity Building and Training: Developing institutional capacity and training for

geoscientists’ engineers, and planners is necessary for effective management of the

landslide hazard.

* Public Awareness and Education

* Emergency Preparedness and Response: Development of coordinated landslide

rapid response capability

* Regulation and Enforcement: Establishment of a techno-legal mechanism of

landslide hazard assessment and mitigation

* There have also been talks on formulating National Landslide Risk Management

Strategies

Do’s and Don’ts

* Keep drains clean,

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* Direct storm water away from slopes,

* Inspect drains for – litter, leaves, plastic bags, rubble etc.

* Keep the weep holes open.

* Don’t let the water go waste or store above your house.

* Grow more trees that can hold the soil through roots,

* Identify areas of rock fall and subsidence of buildings, cracks that indicate landslides

and move to safer areas. Even muddy river waters indicate landslides upstream.

* Notice such signals and contact the nearest District Head Quarters.

* Ensure that the toe of the slope is not cut, remains protected, don’t uproot trees

unless revegetation is planned.

Landslide Hazard Mitigation

* Adopt area specific measures

* Restriction on construction and other developmental activities such as roads and

dams.

* Limiting agriculture to valleys and areas with moderate slopes.

* Control on the development of large settlements in the high vulnerability zones ‘

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* Promoting large scale afforestation programs.

* Construction of bunds to reduce the flow of water.

* It is always advisable to adopt area-specific

* Hazard mapping should be done to locate areas commonly prone to landslides

* Terrace farming should be encouraged in the northeastern hill states replacing

Jhumming or shifting cultivation measures to deal with landslides.

* Retaining walls can be built of mountain slopes to stop land from slipping

Manmade Disaster

CROWD DISASTER (Stampede)

* Over the last few years, India has witnessed several instances of crowd

mismanagement leading to fatalities.

* With rapid population increase and increasing instances of mass gathering at

different places, especially at socio-religious gatherings, railway stations and shopping

malls, these mishaps are increasing.

* As crowd disasters are local events, disaster management is primarily the

responsibility of the organizers and local/ district administration with support,

guidelines from the state and the national authorities.

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Stampedes in India

* According to the National Crime Records Bureau figures, from 2000 to 2013, almost

2,000 people died in stampedes.

* A 2013 study published by the International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction

(IJDRR) points out that religious gatherings and pilgrimages have been venues for 79%

of the stampede in India.

* September, 2017: Foot over bridge at Mumbai’s Elphinstone Railway Station.

* July 2015: banks of the Godavari River in Rajahmundry on the Opening day of the

Pushkaralu festival.

* October 2013: bridge near the Ratangarh Mata Temple in Datia district, Madhya

Pradesh.

* February 2012: Mahashivratri fair at Bhavnath temple in Junagadh in Gujarat.

Causes of Crowd Disaster:

Structural

* Structural collapse of bamboo railings, bridges etc.

* Absence of emergency exists and lack of entry points

* Difficult terrains like presence of famous temples on top of hills which are difficult to

access etc.

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Fire/Electricity

* Fire in makeshift facility due to short circuit or cooking

* Non-availability of fire extinguisher.

* Electricity supply failure leading to mass exodus.

* Panic due to fire on elevators.

* Illegal manufacturing and selling of fire crackers etc.

Crowd Control

* More than anticipated crowd at places of mass gatherings in various occasions.

* Underestimation of audience, staffing, services.

* Lack of access control.

* Lack of proper public address system to control crowd.

* Uncontrolled parking and vehicular movement

Crowd Behavior

* Wild rush to force the way towards the entrance/exit gates.

* Crowds attempting to enter a venue after the entry/closing time.

* Free distribution of food, clothing and other gifts triggering a surge and crush.

* Tussle to catch a glimpse of a celebrity.

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* Unruly and irresponsible crowd behavior.

Lack of coordination between stakeholders

* Coordination gap between different agencies (police department, fire department,

PWD, forest Department)

* Communication delays.

* Vacant posting of key personnel.

Security

* Under deployment of security personnel to regulate to control crowd.

* Lack of adequate scientific planning to deal with the crowd.

* Absence of walkie-talkies for the police official on duty.

* Inadequate CCTV surveillance of the crowd etc.

Prevention and Mitigation Strategies for Crowd Disaster

Crowd management, intervention, and control strategies and tactical considerations

may include:

* Establishing contact with the crowd, understand crowd behavior.

* Gaining verbal compliance.

* Capacity Planning.

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* Supporting and facilitating First Amendment activities.

* Developing a traffic management and/or control plan.

* Using crowd control strategy and dispersal methods.

* Protecting critical facilities.

* Providing a high-visibility law enforcement presence.

* Proper transmission of information.

NDMA Guidelines

Recently in 2017 NDMA has released crowd management guidelines to ‘Reduce risks

this festive season’.

Major Suggestions include

* The organizers of crowded events/venue managers should discourage general

admissions and have plans to handle VIP visitors or, alternatively, refuse entry to VIPs

where it adds to safety concerns.

* A public address system, with loudspeakers installed at all crowded points, to

communicate with the crowds. The guidelines suggest that there should be a 3-4

meter gap in between a row of 5-6 shops, through which pilgrims can escape during

an unexpected rush.

* The guidelines also call upon the authorities to have separate tracks for pilgrims

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travelling by foot and those covering the journey on ponies/mules. The event

organizers and venue managers should develop, implement, review and revise the

disaster management plan in coordination with others including local administration

and police.

* The police should actively participate in venue assessment and preparedness checks

and guide crowd and traffic movements.

* Event/venue managers can involve NGOs and civil defense in traffic control, people

flow control, medical assistance, sanitation and mobilization of local resources in case

of disaster.

* The NDMA has also suggested setting up of medical first-aid rooms and emergency

operations Centre to handle post-disaster emergencies

CHEMICAL TERRORISM

* Chemical terrorism relates to acts of terrorism using chemical agents.

* Terrorists sponsored by states, and technical expertise, may acquire explosives,

incendiaries, and chemical agents similar to those used by the military services.

* Toxic industrial chemicals or materials, together with their hazardous waste, as well

as Chemical Warfare (CW) agents are included in the quadrate of Chemical, Biological,

Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) agents due to their widespread accessibility,

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availability of dual technology, lesser complexity of production, ease of use, and

potential toxicity.

Types of Chemical Agents

Toxic chemicals which can be used in terrorism may be generally classified in the

following broad categories based on their toxicity and usage:

* CW Agents.

* Dual use of chemicals.

* Toxic industrial chemicals/materials (TIC/TIM).

* HAZCHEM and their waste by-products.

* Agricultural Chemicals.

* Other poisonous substances.

* Natural gas and petroleum products.

GUIDELINES

Legislative and Regulatory framework

* Policies and guideline issued by NDMA, both in the government (nodal and line

ministries, state government and district administration) and private set up at each

level

* Prompt and effective response to various chemical terrorism activities will be

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coordinated by NDMA,NEC,NCMC,SDMAs, and DDMAs.

Preventive Measures

* Important preventive measures like counter-terrorism strategies, risk and

vulnerability assessment, chemo-surveillance, and environmental monitoring can help

in prevention or mitigation of the effects of CTD.

* NDMA and other relevantagencies must ensure the development of essential

indicators by understanding the terrorists motivation and capabilities and deny access

to toxins,tailoring deterrence strategies, and strengthening response measures.

* Mechanism will be developed for preventing cyber based exchange of information

which can be used to cause a CTD.

* Standard operating procedures must be developed for all the emergency responders

working under the overall provision of the incident commander.

Preparedness

* Capabilities for individual physical protection (respiratory and body protection), and

collective protection must be ensured at the district level, as are adequate numbers of

protective gear.

* A mobile chemical laboratory containing chemical analyzers will be developed for

highly vulnerable areas.

* Dedicated mobile teams trained to work in the chemical scenario and prior

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arrangements for evacuation of victims from the contaminated environment need to

be form.

Community Preparedness

* Community will be empowered with appropriate knowledge in such a manner that it

does not panics and reacts appropriately.

* Community will participate in mock-drills conducted for the management of CTD

Research and Development

* It is essential to develop new research methods and technologies which will

facilitate rapid identification and characterization of novel threat agents.

Rehabilitation and Recovery

* SOPs will be prepared for medical rehabilitation, including psycho-social care, long

term medical care for vulnerable groups, and vocational rehabilitation.

Media Management

* Media management is a necessary component of CTD management. Astrong

mechanism for effective media management shall be developed.

Regulatory Framework for Chemical Safety in India

1. The Environment (Protection) Act was enacted in 1986. Under the Act, two rules

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have been notified for ensuring chemical safety, namely,

* The Manufacture, Storage and Import of Hazardous Chemicals Rules, 1989 (MSIHC)

amended in 1994 and 2000

* The Chemical Accidents (Emergency, Planning, Preparedness, and Response) Rules,

1996 (EPPR) under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.

1. The Public Liability Insurance Act 1991(amended in 1992) and the Public Liability

Insurance Rules 1991(amended in 1993) require maximum hazard units to procure an

insurance policy and deposit an equal amount in the Environment Relief Fund to

provide immediate relief to victims of chemical accidents.

2. Recently Indian Chemical Council (ICC) has initiated a program called “Nicerglobe”

which provide GPRS tracking of trucks right from its origin to the place of destination.

* The Nicerglobe platform is well linked to the emergency response providers.

SECOND ARC ON NDM ACT 2005

* Disaster/Crisis Management should continue to be the primary responsibility of the

State Governments and the Union Government should play a supportive role.

* The Act should provide categorization of disasters (say, local, district, state or

national level). This categorization along with intensity of each type of disaster will

help in determining the level of authority primarily responsible for dealing with the

disaster as well as the scale of response and relief – detailed guidelines may be

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stipulated by the NDMA on this subject.

* The law should make provisions for stringent punishment for misutilization of funds

meant for crisis/disaster management.

* The role of the local governments should be brought to the forefront for

crisis/disaster management.

* The NEC as stipulated under the Disaster Management Act need not be constituted,

and the NCMC should continue to be the apex coordination body. At the state level,

the existing coordination mechanism under the Chief Secretary should continue.

BIOLOGICAL DISASTER

BASICS

* It may be described as a disaster caused due to natural outbreaks of epidemics of

intentional use of biological agents.

* Biological agents are living organisms their toxic products that can kill or

incapacitate people, livestock and plants.

* Cholera and swine flu are examples of biological disasters.

Biological Terrorism (BT)

The intentional use of microorganisms, or toxins, derived from living organisms, to

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produce death or disease in humans, animals or plants

Epidemic and pandemic

* Epidemic-level biological disasters affect large members of people within a given

community or area. Example: cholera

* Pandemic– level biological disasters affect a much larger region, sometimes

spanning entire continents or the globe. Example: Swine flu

Biological hazard or biohazard

* These refer to biological substances or organic matters produced by parasites,

viruses, bacteria, fungi and protein that pose a threat to the health of living organisms,

primarily that of humans.

* This can include:

* Medical waste

* Samples of a micro organism

* Virus or toxin (from a biological source)

* Substances harmful to other animals

Challenges

The essential challenges posed by natural and artificial outbreaks of disease

(bioterrorism) include:

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* the development of mechanisms for prompt detection of incipient outbreaks

* isolation of the infected persons and the people they have been in contact with

* mobilization of investigational and therapeutic countermeasures

* international collaboration as epidemics do not respect national borders.

Effects of Biohazards:

* The harmful effects posed to human health by biohazards are mainly of three types:

* Infection

* Allergy

* Poisoning

Biohazard Symbol

* The biohazard symbol was developed in 1966 by Charles Baldwin, an environmental

health engineer

* It is used in the labelling of biological materials that carry a significant health risk,

including viral samples and used needles.

* In Unicode, the biohazard symbol is U+2623.

Impact of Biological Disaster:

* Loss of life

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* Disability

* Quarantine

* Overwhelming of local medical capabilities

* Long term environmental consequences

* Long term economic consequences.

Biological Warfare:

* It is the use of biological toxins or infectious agents such as bacteria, viruses, and

fungi with intent to kill or incapacitate humans, animals or plants as an act of war.

* NBC is the military acronym for nuclear, biological, and chemical warfare using

weapons of mass destruction. This can also be termed as bioterrorism.

Prevention of Biological Disaster

* Vulnerability Assessment and Risk Management

* Environmental management

* Safe water supply and proper maintenance of sewage pipeline.

* Awareness about personal hygiene

* Vector control.

* Environmental engineering work and generic integrated vector control

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measures.

* Elimination of breeding places

* Regular spraying of insecticides

* Burial disposal of dead bodies.

* Prevention of post disaster epidemics

* integrated disease surveillance systems

* Detection and containment of or outbreak- this would include:

* Recognition and diagnosis by primary health care practitioners

* Communication of surveillance information to public health authorities

* Epidemiological analysis of the surveillance date

* Delivery of appropriate medical and public health measures.

* Pharmaceutical interventions – immunization and other preventive measures

* Biosafety and Biosecurity

* System for inventory control in the laboratories dealing with bacteria, viruses

or toxins which can be a source of potential causative agents for biological disasters

Legislations Involved in Biological Safety

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There are a number of legislations that control and govern the nation’s health policies.

* The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974

* The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981

* The Environmental (Protection) Act, 1986, and the Rules (1986): This Act also

provides for the Biomedical Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 1998 with a

view to controlling the indiscriminate disposal of hospital/ biomedical wastes.

* Disaster Management Act of 2005.

Role of World Health Organization (WHO):

WHO contributes to global health security by:

* strengthening national surveillance programmes, particularly in the field of

epidemiology and laboratory techniques;

* disseminating verified information on outbreaks of diseases, and also by providing

technical support for response;

* Collecting, analyzing and disseminating information on diseases likely to cause

epidemics of global importance.

FIRE RISKS

Fires in Buildings

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* India often sees death due to fires in buildings. On an average, India, suffers from

death of more than 20, 000 people annually .Most of these deaths can be prevented,

provided we take proper steps in preventing the fire.

* Inadequate data on these losses does not make it easy for policy makers to come up

with fire mitigation policies.

* Oxygen leaks especially in hospitals are also one of the causes of fires in buildings.

* Numerous incidents of fires have been observed, especially during the time of

Diwali due to illegal manufacturing and storage of firecrackers at several places.

Residential and Non-Residential Structural Fires

* Fires can start due to human activities or from natural causes.

* The most common fires are the residential and non-residential structural fires

caused usually by human activities.

* Most industrial and chemical fires are triggered by human activity.

* They are sometimes caused by human errors, faulty designs, or mechanical failures.

Fire can also be a secondary effect of a disaster like an earthquake.

* Secondary fires after a disaster like earthquakes constitute a substantial and heavy

risk.

* Damage to natural gas systems during an earthquake can lead to major fires and

explosions.
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* Damages to electrical systems during a disaster can ignite major fire.

Measures to prevent Fire Accidents

* Regular inspection and timely maintenance of defective equipment.

* Comprehensive Fire Safety Audit.

* Enhancement of existing infrastructures with advanced technology & well trained

firefighters.

* Dedicated helpline to reduce response time mapping of cities using color coded

zones based on their level of vulnerability.

* Strict adherence to Standard Operating Procedures through proper training of

concerned staff.

* Training and participation of staffs and officials in fire safety drills at all public and

private workplaces, schools, educational institutions.

* Encouraging people to participate in mock fire drills to ensure there is no panic

during adverse situations of fire-incidents.

* Better facilities in hospitals through quick medical aid at the nearest hospitals

through quick medical aid at the nearest hospital.

* Construction of explosion and fire resistant buildings in future.

FOREST FIRES

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* Forests are vulnerable to fire. Their vulnerability varies from place to place

depending upon the type of vegetation and the climate. Fires can start due to human

activities or from natural causes.

* Forest fires can start from either natural causes or human activity or combination of

both.

Measures to prevent forest fires

* Capacity development of forest departments’ officials at different levels (national,

regional, local) to reduce the vulnerability of Indian forests fire.

* Creating forests fire manuals for field staff suggesting them ways to detect and

report forest fires.

* Incorporation of guidelines and responsibilities of different role players and other

stakeholders for a systematic management of forest fires.

* Mechanism to access and monitor forest fire risks and increase sustainable

application of warning systems.

* Using indigenous knowledge and techniques to detect and suppress forest fire.

* Making use of technology through research to reduce instances of forest fires.

Prevention and Mitigation in Fire Risks

Legislation Involved:

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* The National Building Code of India, 2005, is the basic model code in India on

matters relating to building construction and fire safety.

* Many of the code provisions have been incorporated by various State Governments

and Local Bodies in their own building regulations.

Fire Safety Audit

* It is aimed to assess the building for compliance with the National Building Code of

India, relevant Indian Standards and the legislations enacted by State Governments

and Local Bodies, on fire prevention, fire protection and life safety measures.

* Comprehensive fire safety audit can address the inherent fire hazards associated

with the activities in an occupancy and recommend measures to reduce the potential

fire hazards

NUCLEAR AND RADIOLOGICAL DISASTERS

* Any radiation incident resulting in, or having a potential to result in, exposure to

and/or contamination of the workers or the public, in excess of the respective

permissible limits can be termed as a nuclear/ radiological emergency.

* Nuclear emergency scenarios at various nuclear fuel cycle facilities may arise due to

the failure of multiple barriers, which include systems, equipments and human errors.

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* Example:

* The dreadful memory of the use of nuclear weapons in 1945 by the USA on

Hiroshima and Nagasaki in Japan.

* Reactor accidents at Three Mile Island (TMI) in USA.

* Chernobyl in erstwhile USSR has strongly influenced the public perception of

nuclear emergency to be linked most often

CAUSES

A nuclear disaster is caused due to:

* An extraordinary release of radioactive material or radiation in the operation of

nuclear reactors.

* Explosion of a Radiological Dispersal Device (RDD) or Improvised Nuclear Device

(IND).

* Explosion of a nuclear weapon.

* It is accompanied with a sudden release of harmful radiation or radioactive

materials or both together into the environment.

* However, nuclear emergencies can still arise due to factors beyond the control of

the operating agencies from human error like system failure, sabotage, extreme

natural events like earthquake, cyclone, flood, tsunami, or a combination of these.

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* To counter this, proper emergency preparedness plans must be in place so that

there is minimum loss of life, livelihood, property, and impact on the environment.

Guidelines to Mitigate Nuclear and Radiological Disaster:

Preparation of Disaster Management Plans and Financial arrangements.

* The national guidelines are to be implemented by preparing appropriate DM plans

at all levels of administration.

* Specialists in nuclear science and technology are to be inducted at all levels of

administration in the formulation of plans and their effective monitoring during

implementation, covering all the activities of disaster continuum.

Capacity Development

* A reliable and dedicated communication system, with adequate redundancy and

diversity, shall be established to provide the last mile-connectivity to the disaster

affected areas.

* Specialized response teams will be raised, specially trained for nuclear/radiological

emergency/disaster and fully equipped at the state and central levels.

* Sufficient inventory of radiation monitoring instruments and protective gear will be

built-up by all the SDMAs and DDMAs in order to ensure the availability of these basic

needs for response to nuclear/radiological emergency.

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* The possible places of shelters in large metros and vulnerable areas are to be

identified by the various state governments/UTs, with assistance from DAE/DRDO, for

the people to be evacuated in the event of any nuclear/radiological emergency.

* There is a need to enhance the security of radioactive sources at radiation facilities

and during their transportation by the concerned facility operator.

* Establishment/Upgradation of primary, secondary and tertiary care hospitals which

can handle sufficient number of people affected during a nuclear emergency must be

a priority.

Training of First Responders and Mock Drills

* Training of the various first responders and the administrative personnel involved in

DM at various levels of administration will be imparted at regular intervals by the

CBRN trained NDRF trainers and NIDM with assistance from DAE, DRDO and NDMA.

* To cope with radiological emergencies, mock-drills emergency preparedness

exercises will be conducted by SDMAs/DDMAs on a regular basis in the public domain.

* Training programmers of medical professionals for treatment of radiation injuries

along with maintaining sufficient stock of essential medicines and database for

experienced medical professional will be taken up on priority.

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STRUCTURE OF DISASTER MANAGEMENT SYSTEM IN INDIA

The structure of Disaster Management in India has two distinct features:

* The structure is hierarchical and functions at four levels – centre, state, district and

local.

* It is a multi-stakeholder setup, i.e., the structure draws involvement of various

relevant ministries, government departments and administrative bodies

National Level Institutions:

National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA)

* Initially constituted in 2005 under the Chairmanship of Prime Minister vide an

executive order

* Formally constituted in 2006 in accordance to the National Disaster Management

Act, 2005

Mandate of NDMA

* Lay down policies on disaster management

* Approve the National Plan;

* Approve plans prepared by the Ministries or Departments of the Government of

India in accordance with the National Plan;

* Lay down guidelines to be followed by the State Authorities in drawing up the State

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Plan;

* Lay down guidelines to be followed by the different Ministries or Departments of

the Government of India for the purpose of integrating the measures for prevention

of disaster or the mitigation of its effects in their development plans and projects;

* Coordinate the enforcement and implementation of the policy and plan for disaster

management;

* Recommend provision of funds for the purpose of mitigation;

* Provide such support to other countries affected by major disasters as may be

determined by the Central Government;

* Take such other measures for the prevention of disaster, or mitigation, or

preparedness and capacity building for dealing with the threatening disaster situation

or disaster as it may consider necessary;

* Lay down broad policies and guidelines for the functioning of the National Institute

of Disaster Management

National Executive Committee (NEC)

* National Executive Committee is constituted in accordance with the Disaster

Management Act, 2005.

* NEC has the responsibility to act as the coordinating and monitoring body for

disaster management, to prepare a National Plan, monitor the implementation of

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National Policy etc.

State Level Institutions:

State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA)

* The DM Act, 2005 provides for constitution of SDMAs.

* The Chief Minister is the Chairperson of the SDMA

* Except Gujarat and Daman and Diu, all the states have constituted SDMAs under the

DM Act 2005.

* Gujarat has constituted its SDMA under its Gujarat State Disaster Management Act,

2003.

* Daman & Diu have also established SDMAs prior to enactment of DM Act 2005.

State Executive Committee (SEC)

* The DM Act 2005 envisages the established of the SECs

* The SEC is headed by the Chief Secretary of the state.

District Level Institutions

District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA)

* The DM Act also provides for constitution of DDMA for every district of the state.

* The District Authority is responsible for planning, coordination and implementation

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of disaster management and to take such measures for disaster management as

provided in the guidelines.

* The Authority also has the power to examine the construction in any area in the

district to enforce the safety standards.

* It is also responsible for arranging relief measures and respond to the disaster at the

district level.

Institutional Framework in Metropolitan Cities

* In larger cities, the Mayor, assisted by the Commissioner of the Municipal

Corporation and the Police Commissioner are directly responsible for Crisis

Management.

National Disaster Response Force (NDRF):

* The NDRF was constituted under the DM Act 2005.

* Presently, NDRF has strength of 12 battalions each with authorized strength of 1149

personnel.

Role of NDRF:

* Provide specialized response for rescue and relief in case of disasters-natural and

manmade.

* Deployment in case of impending disasters.

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* Assistance to civil authorities in distribution of relief material during/after disaster.

* Co- ordination with other agencies engaged in rescue/relief work

Tasks of NDRF:

* Deployment in case of impending disaster

* Provide specialist response in case of disasters which covers:

* NBC Disaster (Decontamination of the area and personnel)

* Removal of debris.

* Extrication of victims-live or dead.

* First medical response to victims.

* To extend moral support to victims.

* Assistance to civil authorities in distribution of relief material

* Coordination with sister agencies.

* Providing assistance to foreign countries if asked.

* Capacity building.

* Imparting training to SDRF

* Community awareness- Target groups-villagers, school children, NGOs, volunteers

and state administration.

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State Disaster Response Force (SDRF)

* State Disaster Response Forces (SDRFs) have also been set up across different states.

* The SDRFs response to the disaster on the lines of NDRFs

Civil Defence

* The Civil Defence Act of 1968 was amended in 2010 to cater to the needs of disaster

management.

* Provisions were made to utilise the services of Civil Defence volunteers effectively

for enhancement of public participation in disaster management related activities in

the country.

Funding in Disaster Management

* National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF): levying the “National Calamity Contingent

Duty” on imported petrol and products, crude oil, motor cars, imported multi utility

vehicles, two wheelers, mobile phones, pan masala etc.

* Environmental Relief Fund

* Disaster Response Reserve

* Capacity Building Grant

* Various national schemes and international (USAID, UNDP) funding

SECOND ARC ON NDM ACT 2005

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* Disaster/Crisis Management should continue to be the primary responsibility of the

State Governments and the Union Government should play a supportive role.

* The Act should provide categorization of disasters (say, local, district, state or

national level). This categorization along with intensity of each type of disaster will

help in determining the level of authority primarily responsible for dealing with the

disaster as well as the scale of response and relief – detailed guidelines may be

stipulated by the NDMA on this subject.

* The law should make provisions for stringent punishment for misutilization of funds

meant for crisis/disaster management. The role of the local governments should be

brought to the forefront for crisis/disaster management.

* The NEC as stipulated under the Disaster Management Act need not be constituted,

and the NCMC should continue to be the apex coordination body. At the state level,

the existing coordination mechanism under the Chief Secretary should continue.

International Cooperation in Disaster Management

* SAARC Disaster Management Centre in New Delhi

* United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (UNISDR)

* United Nation Disaster Management Team (UNDMT)

* United Nations Disaster Assessment and Coordination (UNDAC)

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* International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG)

* Global Facility for Disaster Risk Reduction (GFDRR)

* ASEAN Region Forum (ARF)

* USAID’s Program for Enhancement of Emergency Response (PEER)

* Asian Disaster Reduction Centre (ADRC)

* Various bilateral (Swiss, Russia), trilateral (Russia and China( and multilateral

agreements

* Hyogo Framework of Action: 2005 Kobe, Japan, to work globally towards sustainable

reduction of disaster losses in lives and in the social, economic and environmental

assets of communities and countries.

Three Strategic Goals:

* The more effective integration of disaster risk reduction into sustainable

development policies, planning and programming at all levels, with a special emphasis

on disaster prevention, mitigation, preparedness and vulnerability reduction.

* The development and strengthening of institutions, mechanisms and capacities at all

levels in particular at the community level that can systematically contribute to

building resilience to hazards.

* The systematic incorporation of risk reduction approaches into the design and

implementation of emergency preparedness, response and recovery programmes in

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the reconstruction of the affected communities.

Five Priority Action Areas:

* Ensure that disaster risk reduction is a national and a local priority with a strong

institutional basis for implementation,

* Identify, assess and monitor disaster risks and enhance early warning,

* Use knowledge, innovation and education to build a culture of safety and resilience

at all levels,

* Reduce the underlying risk factors,

* Strengthen disaster preparedness for effective response at all levels.

Key focus areas

* Promote socio-economic development practices; Land-use planning and other

technical measures,

* Strengthening of institutional and technical capacities,

* Review and implement preparedness and contingency plans,

* Promote volunteerism and community participation,

* Creation of provision of emergency funds,

* Dialogue, coordination and exchange of information between disaster managers and

development sectors.
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SENDAI FRAMEWORK

The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030 was adopted at the

Third United NationsWorld Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction, held from 14 to 18

March 2015 in Sendai, Miyagi, Japan which represented a unique opportunity for

countries:

* To adopt a concise, focused, forward-looking and action-oriented post 2015

framework for disaster risk reduction;

* To complete the assessment and review of the implementation of the Hyogo

Framework for Action 2005–2015: Building the Resilience of Nations and Communities

to Disasters;

* To consider the experience gained through the regional and national strategies/

institutions and plans for disaster risk reduction and their recommendations, as well

as relevant regional agreements for the implementation of the Hyogo Framework for

Action;

* To identify modalities of cooperation based on commitments to implement a post

2015 framework for disaster risk reduction;

* To determine the modalities for the periodic review of the implementation of a post

2015 framework for disaster risk reduction.

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The Framework is for 15-year: It is a voluntary and non-binding agreement which

recognizes that the State has the primary role to reduce disaster risk but that

responsibility should be shared with other stakeholders including local government,

the private sector and other stakeholders.

It is the first major agreement of the post-2015 development agenda, with seven

targets and four priorities for action.

Actions to be taken in four Priority Areas

Understanding Disaster Risk:

* To promote the collection, analysis, management and use of relevant data and

practical information and ensure its dissemination, taking into account the needs of

different categories of users, as appropriate.

* To systematically evaluate, record, share and publicly account for disaster losses and

understand the economic, social, health, education, environmental and cultural

heritage impacts.

* To build the knowledge of government officials at all levels, civil society,

communities and volunteers, as well as the private sector, through sharing

experiences, lessons learned, good practices and training and education on disaster

risk reduction.

* To ensure the use of traditional, indigenous and local knowledge and practices, as

appropriate, to complement scientific knowledge in disaster risk assessment and the

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development and implementation of policies.

* To promote and enhance, through international cooperation, including technology

transfer, access to and the sharing and use of non-sensitive data and information for

supporting national measures for successful disaster risk communication.

* To develop effective global and regional campaigns for promoting a culture of

disaster prevention, resilience and responsible citizenship.

Strengthening disaster risk governance to manage disaster risk:

* To carry out an assessment of the technical, financial and administrative disaster risk

management capacity to deal with the identified risks at the local and national levels.

* To encourage the establishment of necessary mechanisms and incentives to ensure

a high level of compliance with the existing safety-enhancing provisions of sectoral

laws and regulations, including those addressing land use and urban planning,

building codes, environmental and resource management and health and safety

standards.

* To establish and strengthen government coordination forums composed of relevant

stakeholders at the national and local levels, such as national and local platforms for

disaster risk reduction, and a designated national focal point for implementing the

Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030.

* To promote the development of quality standards, such as certifications and awards

for disaster risk management, with the participation of the private sector, civil society,
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professional associations, scientific organizations and the United Nations.

* To formulate public policies on addressing the issues of prevention or relocation of

human settlements in disaster risk-prone zones.

* To promote the strengthening of international voluntary mechanisms for monitoring

and assessment of disaster risks, including relevant data and information, benefiting

from the experience of the Hyogo Framework for Action Monitor.

Investing in disaster risk reduction for resilience:

* To allocate the necessary resources, including finance and logistics, as appropriate,

at all levels of administration for the development and the implementation of disaster

risk reduction strategies, policies, plans, laws and regulations in all relevant sectors.

* To promote mechanisms for disaster risk transfer and insurance, risk-sharing and

retention and financial protection, as appropriate, for both public and private

investment in order to reduce the financial impact of disasters on Governments and

societies, in urban and rural areas.

* To promote the mainstreaming of disaster risk assessment, mapping and

management into rural development planning and management of, inter alia,

mountains, rivers, coastal floodplain areas and all other areas prone to droughts and

flooding.

* To increase resilience of country’s critical infrastructure.

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* To strengthen and broaden international efforts aimed at eradicating hunger and

poverty through disaster risk reduction.

Enhancing disaster preparedness for effective response and to “Build Back Better” in

recovery, rehabilitation and reconstruction:

* To establish community centers for the promotion of public awareness and the

stockpiling of necessary materials to implement rescue and relief activities.

* To train the existing workforce and voluntary workers in disaster response and

strengthen technical and logistical capacities to ensure better response in

emergencies.

* To promote the cooperation of diverse institutions, multiple authorities and related

stakeholders at all levels, including affected communities and business, in view of the

complex and costly nature of post-disaster reconstruction, under the coordination of

national authorities.

* To develop guidance for preparedness for disaster reconstruction.

* To establish a mechanism of case registry and a database of mortality caused by

disaster in order to improve the prevention of morbidity and mortality.

* To enhance recovery schemes to provide psychosocial support and mental health

services for all people in need.

* To enhance international mechanisms, such as the International Recovery Platform,

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for the sharing of experience and learning among countries and all relevant

stakeholders.

The Seven Global Target of Sendai Framework

* Substantially reduce global disaster mortality by 2030, aiming to lower average per

100,000 global mortality rate in the decade 2020-2030 compared to the period

2005-2015.

* Substantially reduce the number of affected people globally by 2030, aiming to

lower average global figure per 100,000 in the decade 2020 –2030 compared to the

period 2005–2015.

* Reduce direct disaster economic loss in relation to global gross domestic product

(GDP) by 2030.

* Substantially reduce disaster damage to critical infrastructure and disruption of

basic services, among them health and educational facilities, including through

developing their resilience by 2030.

* Substantially increase the number of countries with national and local disaster risk

reduction strategies by 2020.

* Substantially enhance international cooperation to developing countries through

adequate and sustainable support to complement their national actions for

implementation of this Framework by 2030.

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* Substantially increase the availability of and access to multi-hazard early warning

systems and disaster risk information and assessments to the people by 2030.

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