MEV 002: Block-4 (Unit 01) – Basic disaster management and institutional framework

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 UNIT 1: BASIC DISASTER MANAGEMENT AND INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK

1.0 Introduction

Disasters, both natural and human-induced, can cause devastating impacts on life, property, economy, and the environment. With increasing urbanization, climate change, and industrial growth, the frequency and intensity of disasters have increased. Disaster Management (DM) aims not only to respond to these events but also to reduce vulnerability, enhance preparedness, and build resilient communities. This unit introduces the foundational concepts of disaster management and the institutional structures in place to handle them effectively in India.

1.2 Objectives

After completing this unit, learners will be able to:

  • Understand the meaning and scope of disaster management.
  • Define disaster under the Disaster Management Act, 2005.
  • Distinguish between natural and human-induced disasters.
  • Recognize the importance of disaster risk reduction and capacity development.
  • Identify key components of India’s institutional disaster management framework.
  • Understand the National Disaster Management Plan and its operational levels.

1.3 Reducing Risk; Enhancing Resilience

Disaster risk is a combination of hazard exposure, vulnerability, and insufficient capacity to cope. Therefore, reducing disaster risk is a proactive process:

  • Risk Reduction Strategies:
    • Hazard mapping
    • Strengthening infrastructure
    • Early warning systems
    • Public awareness and community engagement
  • Resilience Building:
    • Promoting adaptive capacities
    • Ensuring continuity of services
    • Involving local communities in planning and response

1.4 Capacity Development Initiative

Capacity development is a key component of disaster preparedness and includes:

  • Training and education: For government officials, volunteers, and citizens
  • Infrastructure enhancement: Emergency shelters, communication systems, and health care facilities
  • Institutional strengthening: Creating frameworks and protocols for coordinated action
  • Community-based disaster management (CBDM): Empowering local communities to prepare and respond effectively

1.5 The DM Act 2005: Definition for Disaster

The Disaster Management Act, 2005, defines a disaster as:

"A catastrophe, mishap, calamity or grave occurrence in any area, arising from natural or man-made causes, which results in substantial loss of life, human suffering, damage to property or degradation of the environment..."

This Act provides the legal and institutional framework for disaster management in India. It led to the creation of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and mandates disaster risk mitigation at all administrative levels.

1.6 Disaster Management

Disaster Management involves a continuous cycle of activities aimed at:

  1. Prevention: Avoiding the occurrence of disasters.
  2. Mitigation: Reducing the severity or impact.
  3. Preparedness: Planning how to respond.
  4. Response: Immediate action during disaster.
  5. Recovery: Rehabilitation and rebuilding.

Key principles:

  • Integration with development planning
  • Multi-sectoral coordination
  • Community participation
  • Sustainability and risk-awareness

1.7 Disaster Risk Reduction (Mitigation)

Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) focuses on minimizing vulnerabilities and disaster risks throughout a society:

  • Structural measures: Earthquake-resistant buildings, flood levees
  • Non-structural measures: Land-use planning, awareness programs
  • Policy tools: Hazard zonation, building codes, insurance schemes
  • International cooperation: Sendai Framework for DRR (2015–2030)

1.8 Types of Disasters

Disasters are broadly categorized into:

  • Natural Disasters: Arising from natural phenomena
  • Human-Induced Disasters: Caused due to human negligence or conflict

1.9 Natural Hazards

Examples include:

  • Earthquakes
  • Cyclones
  • Floods
  • Landslides
  • Droughts
  • Tsunamis

These often lead to secondary disasters like epidemics or food insecurity.

1.10 Family Main Event Short Description / Secondary Disaster

A primary hazard event (e.g., flood) may trigger:

  • Secondary disasters: Disease outbreaks, malnutrition, migration
  • Cascading effects: Infrastructure breakdown, loss of livelihoods

Managing secondary disasters is a critical part of comprehensive DM.

1.11 Human-Induced Disasters

These are man-made events and include:

  • Industrial accidents
  • Urban fires
  • Oil spills
  • Transportation accidents
  • Wars and civil unrest

They often result in long-term environmental and public health crises.

1.12 Chemical (Industrial) Disaster

Examples:

  • Bhopal Gas Tragedy (1984) – Methyl isocyanate leak
  • Accidents involving hazardous chemicals, oil refineries, or gas pipelines

Prevention & Control:

  • Hazard analysis and audits
  • Safety regulations and monitoring
  • On-site and off-site emergency plans

1.13 Nuclear and Radiological Emergency (NRE)

NREs involve accidental or intentional release of radioactive material. Sources:

  • Nuclear power plants
  • Medical or research laboratories
  • Dirty bombs or radiological dispersal devices

Preparedness includes:

  • Radiation monitoring systems
  • Evacuation plans
  • Public information and training

1.14 National Disaster Management Plan (NDMP)

The NDMP provides a comprehensive, all-hazard approach to disaster management:

  • Key Goals:
    • Strengthen risk governance
    • Improve early warning systems
    • Promote resilient infrastructure
    • Strengthen disaster response and recovery

The plan aligns with international frameworks like the Sendai Framework and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

1.15 Levels of Disasters

India classifies disasters into:

  • Level I: Managed at the district level
  • Level II: Requires state-level resources
  • Level III: National-level intervention needed

This classification helps allocate responsibility and mobilize resources efficiently.

1.16 Nodal Ministry for Management / Mitigation of Different Disasters

Each disaster type is assigned to a nodal ministry for planning and coordination:

  • Earthquake & Cyclone: Ministry of Earth Sciences
  • Floods: Ministry of Jal Shakti
  • Drought: Ministry of Agriculture
  • Biological disasters: Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
  • Chemical and Nuclear disasters: Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change and Department of Atomic Energy

1.17 Let Us Sum Up

Disaster Management is an evolving discipline aimed at protecting communities through preparedness, mitigation, and coordinated response. The Disaster Management Act, 2005, institutionalized India’s disaster response system, empowering authorities from local to national levels. Understanding various types of disasters and the role of institutional frameworks is key to developing a resilient nation.

1.18 Key Words

  • Disaster: A serious disruption causing widespread harm and loss.
  • Mitigation: Steps taken to reduce the severity of a disaster.
  • Capacity Building: Strengthening abilities to manage disasters.
  • Resilience: The capacity to recover quickly from difficulties.
  • Nodal Ministry: Ministry responsible for coordinating specific types of disaster management.

 

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