MEVE 015: Unit 02 - Disaster Preparedness

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 UNIT 2: DISASTER PREPAREDNESS

2.0 Introduction

Disaster preparedness is a crucial phase of the disaster management cycle that focuses on planning and readiness before a disaster strikes. It involves anticipating possible hazards, assessing risks, organizing resources, educating communities, and building resilient infrastructure. With climate change, urbanization, and increasing vulnerability, preparedness has become essential in reducing disaster-related losses.

This unit provides a comprehensive understanding of disaster preparedness, including planning strategies, community involvement, governance mechanisms, and real-world case studies.

2.1 Objectives

After completing this unit, learners will be able to:

  • Define the concept and nature of disaster preparedness.
  • Understand the importance of having a disaster preparedness plan.
  • Identify key measures for preparing people and infrastructure.
  • Appreciate the significance of community-based disaster preparedness (CBDP).
  • Examine the role of national, state, and district disaster management authorities.
  • Recognize the components and communication systems critical to effective preparedness.

2.2 Concept and Nature

Disaster preparedness refers to the systematic planning and actions undertaken before a disaster occurs to ensure an effective response and recovery. It includes:

  • Risk assessments
  • Capacity building
  • Stockpiling resources
  • Establishing early warning systems
  • Community awareness and drills

2.2.1 Importance of Disaster Preparedness

  • Reduces loss of life and property
  • Enables faster emergency response
  • Strengthens resilience of communities and infrastructure
  • Minimizes panic and confusion during disasters
  • Enhances coordination among stakeholders

2.3 Disaster Preparedness Plan

A disaster preparedness plan outlines the roles, responsibilities, and procedures for disaster readiness. It typically includes:

  • Hazard identification and risk mapping
  • Evacuation routes and shelters
  • Resource mobilization strategies
  • Emergency contact lists
  • Communication protocols
  • Regular drills and training programs

Such plans must be dynamic, reviewed periodically, and tailored to local contexts.

2.4 Preparedness for People and Infrastructure

2.4.1 Preparedness Measures for People

  • Public awareness campaigns
  • School safety education
  • Mock drills and simulations
  • First-aid and emergency training
  • Special plans for vulnerable groups (e.g., elderly, disabled, children)

2.4.2 Infrastructure Preparedness Measures

  • Retrofitting and strengthening buildings
  • Designing disaster-resilient roads, bridges, and utilities
  • Creating safe shelters
  • Backup systems for electricity and water supply
  • Secure storage of hazardous materials

2.5 Community-Based Disaster Preparedness (CBDP)

CBDP empowers local communities to take charge of their safety through participation in planning and risk reduction. Key elements include:

  • Community hazard mapping
  • Village-level disaster committees
  • Training local volunteers
  • Use of indigenous knowledge
  • Coordination with local government agencies

Benefits of CBDP:

  • Cost-effective
  • Culturally relevant
  • Builds trust and cooperation
  • Ensures timely response

2.6 Case Studies

Case Study 1: Cyclone Preparedness in Odisha

  • Community cyclone shelters built post-1999 Super Cyclone
  • Trained volunteer networks for early warning dissemination
  • Drills conducted regularly
  • Resulted in significantly reduced fatalities during Cyclone Fani (2019)

Case Study 2: Earthquake Preparedness in Gujarat

  • Post-2001 Bhuj earthquake: strict building codes enforced
  • Earthquake-resistant school buildings
  • Community capacity-building programs launched
  • GIS-based planning for urban development

2.7 Disaster Management Governance

Disaster preparedness in India operates through a three-tiered system:

2.7.1 National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA)

  • Apex body under the Ministry of Home Affairs
  • Prepares national disaster management plans and guidelines
  • Coordinates with ministries, states, and international agencies
  • Develops training programs and public awareness

2.7.2 State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA)

  • Headed by the Chief Minister
  • Prepares state-level disaster plans
  • Coordinates with departments and local bodies
  • Oversees disaster preparedness and capacity building at the state level

2.7.3 District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA)

  • Headed by District Collector or Magistrate
  • Prepares district disaster management plans
  • Coordinates with panchayats, urban local bodies, and NGOs
  • Conducts mock drills and awareness campaigns at the grassroots level

2.8 Key Components of Disaster Preparedness Framework

Effective disaster preparedness relies on several interconnected components:

  • Hazard and vulnerability assessment
  • Contingency planning
  • Training and capacity building
  • Emergency supplies and logistics
  • Early warning and information dissemination

2.8.1 Communication System for Disaster Preparedness

  • Use of radio, television, SMS alerts, satellite phones
  • Public address systems in high-risk zones
  • Use of social media for real-time updates
  • Coordination hubs for emergency services (e.g., 112)

2.8.2 National Early Warning Systems

  • India Meteorological Department (IMD): Cyclones, heatwaves, storms
  • Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS): Tsunami alerts
  • Central Water Commission (CWC): Flood forecasts
  • Forest Survey of India (FSI): Forest fire alerts
  • Integration with NDMA's Common Alerting Protocol (CAP) for mass communication

2.9 Let Us Sum Up

  • Disaster preparedness is proactive planning to reduce risks and enhance response.
  • Preparedness includes plans for people, infrastructure, and institutional coordination.
  • Community involvement is crucial through CBDP.
  • NDMA, SDMA, and DDMA form the governance backbone.
  • Communication systems and early warning mechanisms play a vital role in minimizing disaster impacts.

2.10 Key Words

  • Disaster Preparedness: Pre-disaster actions to enhance safety and response.
  • CBDP: Community-based Disaster Preparedness.
  • NDMA: National Disaster Management Authority.
  • Early Warning System: Mechanism to alert populations before disaster strikes.
  • Mock Drill: Simulated emergency exercise for preparedness testing.
  • Retrofitting: Strengthening existing structures to withstand hazards.

 

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