MEV 002: Block-4 (Unit 02) – Natural disaster management

-

 UNIT 2: NATURAL DISASTER MANAGEMENT

2.0 Introduction

Natural disasters—such as earthquakes, floods, cyclones, and tsunamis—can cause catastrophic impacts on human life, infrastructure, and the environment. In recent years, their frequency and intensity have increased due to climate change, urbanization, and environmental degradation. Effective natural disaster management includes assessing hazards, issuing timely warnings, preparing communities, and using technology for risk mitigation. This unit explores the key components of managing natural disasters and reducing their impact.

2.1 Objectives

By the end of this unit, learners should be able to:

  • Understand the process of hazard assessment and disaster preparedness.
  • Recognize the importance of early warning systems and prediction.
  • Explain the specific preparedness strategies for earthquakes, floods, cyclones, and tsunamis.
  • Identify the roles of individuals and communities in disaster response.
  • Describe the role of technology such as GIS, remote sensing, and the internet in disaster management.
  • Understand the principles and practices of disaster risk management.

2.2 Hazard Assessment

Hazard assessment is the first step in natural disaster management. It involves identifying and analyzing potential natural hazards in a region and estimating their possible impact on people, property, and resources.

Components of Hazard Assessment:

  • Hazard Identification: Types, frequency, and historical records.
  • Vulnerability Analysis: Exposure and susceptibility of communities.
  • Risk Estimation: Probability and severity of impacts.

Assessment tools include geological surveys, hydrological studies, and historical disaster data.

2.3 Prediction and Warning

Early warning systems help minimize disaster impacts by providing timely alerts to vulnerable populations.

  • Earthquake Prediction: Though still limited, seismic zoning, historical data, and tectonic monitoring help identify high-risk zones.
  • Flood Forecasting: Involves rainfall data, river gauge levels, satellite monitoring, and meteorological inputs.
  • Cyclone Warning Systems: Meteorological models track cyclone formation and movement via satellite and radar.
  • Tsunami Alerts: Tsunami Warning Centres use underwater sensors and seismic stations to issue rapid alerts.

Reliable prediction and dissemination systems are crucial for enabling timely evacuation and emergency preparedness.

2.3.1 Preparedness

Preparedness refers to actions taken before a disaster strikes to ensure an effective response.

Key preparedness strategies:

  • Community training and drills
  • Stockpiling emergency supplies
  • Emergency communication systems
  • Institutional coordination and resource allocation

Preparedness minimizes panic, enhances response efficiency, and saves lives.

2.3.2 Earthquake Preparedness

  • Construct earthquake-resistant buildings using proper codes and retrofitting old structures.
  • Secure furniture and utilities to prevent falling or ruptures.
  • Develop school and workplace evacuation plans.
  • Conduct mock drills and educate the public on “Drop, Cover, and Hold” technique.

2.3.3 Flood Preparedness

  • Construct embankments, levees, and check dams to control water flow.
  • Promote rainwater harvesting and catchment management.
  • Identify flood-prone zones and set up community shelters on higher ground.
  • Improve drainage systems to prevent urban flooding.

2.3.4 Cyclone Preparedness

  • Strengthen buildings and use cyclone-resistant construction in coastal zones.
  • Disseminate alerts using radio, mobile phones, sirens, and public announcements.
  • Plan for relocation of vulnerable populations before landfall.
  • Maintain emergency stock (medicines, dry food, clean water) in cyclone shelters.

2.4.4 Tsunami Preparedness

  • Install tsunami sirens and signage in coastal areas.
  • Educate communities on recognizing natural signs of tsunamis (e.g., earthquake, receding sea).
  • Develop evacuation maps and conduct regular drills.
  • Establish international warning systems for coordination across oceanic regions.

2.5 Role of Individuals

Every individual plays a crucial role in natural disaster management through:

  • Staying informed about local risks
  • Preparing personal emergency kits
  • Learning first-aid and survival skills
  • Participating in community preparedness programs
  • Helping vulnerable populations like elderly and disabled during emergencies

Empowered citizens act as the first responders in most emergencies.

2.6 Technological Assistance for Disaster Management

Technology significantly enhances the ability to detect, prepare for, and respond to natural disasters.

2.5.1 GIS and Remote Sensing

  • GIS (Geographic Information Systems): Maps disaster-prone areas, plans evacuation routes, and helps resource allocation.
  • Remote Sensing: Uses satellites to monitor weather patterns, detect cyclones, track floods, and assess post-disaster damage.

2.5.2 Internet

  • Social media and websites enable real-time alerts and public information dissemination.
  • Online platforms coordinate volunteer efforts, crowdfunding, and relief logistics.
  • Mobile apps help in locating shelters, medical aid, and family reunification.

2.7 Disaster Risk Management

Disaster Risk Management (DRM) is a systematic process of using administrative decisions, organizational capacities, and operational skills to:

  • Prevent disasters
  • Reduce vulnerability
  • Improve preparedness
  • Provide efficient response and recovery

DRM involves:

  • Integration into development planning
  • Public-private partnerships
  • Community participation
  • Legal and institutional frameworks

India’s approach to DRM follows global frameworks like the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction.

2.8 Let Us Sum Up

Natural disasters are inevitable, but their impacts can be greatly minimized through proactive planning, preparedness, and technology integration. This unit discussed various types of natural hazards, the importance of prediction and warning systems, and specific preparedness strategies. The role of individuals, communities, and advanced technologies like GIS and the internet play a pivotal role in creating disaster-resilient societies.

2.9 Key Words

  • Hazard Assessment: Process of identifying and analyzing potential threats.
  • Preparedness: Measures taken before a disaster to enable effective response.
  • GIS: Technology for spatial data analysis and disaster planning.
  • Remote Sensing: Satellite-based observation used in hazard monitoring.
  • Disaster Risk Management: Strategic approach to reduce disaster risks and impacts.

 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular Posts

Jcert Class 8 Daffodil Chapter 1a: The Naive Friends Solutions

-
Chapter 1a : The Naive Friends Answer the following questions: 1. Which questions made Keshav and Shyama curious about the egg? Ans.         How did the chick come out? How big would the eggs? How many? What colours would they? What did they eat? Such types of questions made Keshav and Shyama curious about the egg. 2. What three things did the children do to protect the eggs? Ans.         The children done three things are: (i)          Adjustment of food. (ii)        Adjustment of water. (iii)      Adjustment of roof. 3. Why did Keshav think of making a cushion for the eggs? Ans.         When Keshav saw the egg on direct sun light, he thaught making a cushion for the eggs. 4. What excuse did Keshav give for not showing the eggs to Shyama? Ans.     ...
Read more

Jcert Class 8 भाषा मंजरी Chapter 3 मित्रता Solutions

-
अध्याय - 3 : मित्रता 1. आप किस प्रकार कह सकते हैं कि मित्रों के चुनाव की उपयुक्तता पर हमारे जीवन की सफलता निर्भर करती है? उ. मित्रों के चुनाव की उपयुक्तता पर हमारे जीवन की सफलता निर्भर करती है क्योंकि संगति का गुप्त प्रभाव हमारे आचरण पर पड़ता है और यदि हमें अच्छी संगति, अच्छे मित्र मिलते हैं तो वे हमें सफलता की ओर ले जाते हैं जबकि बुरी संगति हमारे जीवन को खाक में मिला देती है।  2. 'विश्वासपात्र मित्र जीवन की एक औषध है।' आशय स्पष्ट कीजिए। उ. 'विश्वासपात्र मित्र जीवन की एक औषध है'- ऐसा इसलिए कहा गया है कि यदि हमें विश्वासी मित्र मिल गया तो हम अपने जीवन में चाहे जैसा भी कदम उठाएँ, उस कदम की आलोचना करके वह हमें सही दिशा की ओर उन्मुख करेगा। हम अपनी गलती रूपी बीमारी को उसकी आलोचना रूपी औषधि से दूर कर सकेंगे।  3. मित्र का चुनाव करते समय हमें किन बातों का ध्यान रखना चाहिए? उ. मित्र का चुनाव करते समय हमें निम्नलिखित बातों का ध्यान रखना चाहिए हमारे अच्छे विचारों (संकल्पों) को दृढ़ करने वाला हो। हमें दोषों और त्रुटियों से बचाए। हमारे सत्य, पवित्रता ...
Read more

Jcert Class 8 भाषा मंजरी Chapter 8 अमरूद का पेड Solutions

-
अध्याय - 8 : अमरूद का पेड 1. लेखक को क्यों लगता है कि इन सब पिछड़े खयालातों का हमारे घर में गुजर नहीं हो सकेगा। उ. अमरूद के पेड़ को देखकर सबसे पहले बाबू कन्हैयालाल की बूढ़ी पत्नी ने एक दिन टोका कि पश्चिम की तरफ अगर मकान का मुखड़ा हो और सामने ही अमरूद का पेड़ तो 'राम-राम बड़ा अशुभ होता है और माँ के चेहरे पर थोड़ा-सा भय दिखा पर लेखक को विश्वास था कि इन सब पिछड़े खयालातों का हमारे घर में गुजर नहीं हो सकेगा क्योंकि उसके घर के लोग आधुनिक विचारधारा के थे उसकी माँ सत्याग्रह के दिनों में अजमेर में लम्बा जेल कर चुकी है। पिताजी खुद राजनैतिक सामाजिक उदारता वाले आदमी थे। बुआ ने विवाह नहीं किया था, पढ़ने-लिखने में ही अपनी सम्पूर्ण जिन्दगी लगा दी और समाज कोई चुनौती देने का साहस नहीं कर सका। साथ ही परिवार के सभी लोगों में पिछड़ेपन के प्रति भर्त्सना का भाव था। 2. अमरूद के पेड़ की छाया किस प्रकार लेखक को उनके भाई-बहनों के साथ जोड़ती है ? उ. अमरूद के पेड़ की छाया लेखक को उसके भाई-बहनों के साथ जोड़ती है। वे सभी अमरूद की छाया में बेंत की कुर्सियों पर बैठ चर्चाएँ करते थे जिससे उनके बीच...
Read more