Comprehensive Key Points from the Document
1. Vulnerability to Lightning in Odisha
Lightning is an electrical discharge caused by imbalances between storm clouds and the
ground.
Key Risks:
Agricultural workers (exposed during daytime thunderstorms).
Unsafe housing (nighttime vulnerability).
Statistics:
Odisha recorded 213 lightning deaths in 2021 (highest in India).
Only 4 deaths from cyclones in the same year, showing lightning’s deadlier impact.
20 out of 30 districts in Odisha are highly vulnerable.
Climate Hazards and Vulnerability Atlas of India (2022) ranks Odisha as the most
lightning-prone state.
2. Institutional Framework for Disaster Management in India
A. National Level
Disaster Management Act, 2005: Legal foundation for disaster governance.
National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA):
Chairperson: Prime Minister.
Functions:
Approves National Disaster Plan.
Sets policies, guidelines, and funding for mitigation.
Coordinates international disaster aid.
Evolution:
Formed after the 2001 Gujarat earthquake.
Tenth Five-Year Plan first included Disaster Management as a priority.
National Disaster Response Force (NDRF):
Specialized force for disaster response.
Challenges: Lack of training, equipment, and housing.
B. State Level
State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA):
Led by the Chief Minister.
Prepares state-level policies and integrates mitigation into development plans.
C. District Level
District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA):
Headed by District Magistrate + elected representatives.
Responsibilities:
Disaster planning, relief coordination, enforcing safety standards.
3. Odisha’s Disaster Management Initiatives
A. Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF)
Formation: Created post-1999 Super Cyclone for rapid response.
Structure:
20 units (50 personnel each) drawn from police battalions.
Locations: Jharsuguda, Koraput, Sundergarh, Cuttack, etc.
Functions:
Search & rescue, relief line clearance, casualty management.
Training: Military-style drills, water rescue, collapsed structure operations.
Collaborations: Works with NDRF, Army, Navy, and Air Force.
B. Odisha State Disaster Management Authority (OSDMA)
Role:
Collects disaster data, updates policies, promotes awareness.
Implements Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) strategies.
Key Strategies:
Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for ODRAF deployment.
Joint mock drills with NDRF, Fire Services, Red Cross.
Early Warning Systems for floods, cyclones, and lightning.
4. Disaster Management Cycle
Phase Key Actions Examples
Reduce disaster
Mitigation Building codes, hazard mapping
impact
Preparedness Plan & train Early warnings, mock drills
Search & rescue, emergency
Response Immediate relief
shelters
Temporary housing, infrastructure
Recovery Restore normalcy
repair
5. Early Warning Systems (EWS)
Four Components:
1. Risk Knowledge – Understanding hazards.
2. Monitoring – Tracking weather patterns.
3. Response Capability – Preparedness measures.
4. Warning Communication – Disseminating alerts.
Impact:
24-hour warnings can reduce damage by 30%.
ROI: 800MinvestmentinEWScouldsave∗∗800MinvestmentinEWSc
ouldsave∗∗3-16B annually**.
Gaps:
60% of Africa’s population lacks EWS coverage.
6. Challenges in Disaster Management
1. NDMA’s Failures:
Poor response in 2013 Uttarakhand floods and 2015 Chennai floods.
CAG Report criticized delays in flood management projects.
1. Fund Misuse:
States misallocated Disaster Response Funds for unauthorized expenses.
1. Climate Change:
Increasing frequency of extreme weather events.
7. Strengthening Disaster Management
Policy Reforms:
Integrate disaster risk reduction into development plans.
Improve NDRF training and equipment.
Community Involvement:
Engage NGOs, local leaders, and media in awareness programs.
Global Best Practices:
Learn from Japan (earthquakes), Hong Kong (typhoons).
8. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in Disaster Management
Examples:
LEGO: Invests in renewable energy and waste reduction.
TOMS: Donates profits to health and education charities.
Johnson & Johnson: Funds clean water projects.
Benefits:
Enhances brand reputation while aiding disaster resilience.
Conclusion
Odisha’s lightning vulnerability highlights the need for better early warning systems.
NDMA, SDMA, and DDMA form India’s disaster governance backbone.
ODRAF and OSDMA showcase Odisha’s proactive disaster response.
Strengthening EWS, community preparedness, and CSR can enhance resilience.
This structured breakdown ensures clarity while retaining all critical details. Let me know if
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