MEVE 015: Unit 04 - Disaster Mitigation Strategy

-

UNIT 4: DISASTER MITIGATION STRATEGY

4.0 Introduction

Disaster mitigation refers to the systematic efforts to reduce the impact and risk of disasters through proactive planning, preparedness, and resilience-building measures. With the rising frequency and severity of disasters due to climate change, urbanization, and ecological degradation, a comprehensive mitigation strategy has become crucial.

This unit discusses emerging trends, global frameworks, national and international policies, financing tools like insurance schemes, training for emergency preparedness, and regulation for disaster-resilient infrastructure. Case studies are integrated to highlight real-world applications and strategies.

4.1 Objectives

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

  • Explain the concept and significance of disaster mitigation.
  • Analyze emerging trends and technological advancements in mitigation.
  • Understand national and international policies and resolutions on disaster risk reduction.
  • Examine the role of insurance and financial mechanisms in disaster mitigation.
  • Evaluate the importance of training, structural regulations, and adaptive strategies.
  • Apply lessons from national and global case studies to local contexts.

4.2 Emerging Trends in Disaster Mitigation

Modern disaster mitigation emphasizes risk prevention, community engagement, and technological integration.

4.2.1 Vulnerability Atlas of India

The Vulnerability Atlas of India, prepared by the BMTPC (Building Materials and Technology Promotion Council), maps multi-hazard zones across states. It aids planners, engineers, and administrators by:

  • Identifying disaster-prone regions (earthquake, flood, cyclone, etc.).
  • Guiding resilient construction practices.
  • Supporting risk-informed urban planning.

4.2.2 Sustainable Development and Disaster Mitigation

Disaster mitigation aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by ensuring:

  • Resilient infrastructure (SDG 9).
  • Reduced urban vulnerability (SDG 11).
  • Climate action (SDG 13).

Integrated planning ensures development activities do not increase disaster risks.

4.2.3 Epidemiological Surveillance

Post-disaster health crises (like disease outbreaks) require real-time epidemiological surveillance systems. These include:

  • Disease early warning systems.
  • Mobile health units.
  • Community health volunteers.

4.3 UN Draft Resolution on Strengthening Coordination of Humanitarian Emergency Assistance

The UN General Assembly resolution (1991) aimed to:

  • Improve coordination among humanitarian agencies.
  • Strengthen international disaster response.
  • Promote transparency and accountability in emergency assistance.
  • Encourage collaboration with NGOs and civil society.

This laid the groundwork for subsequent initiatives like the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (2015–2030).

4.4 International Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction (IDNDR)

The IDNDR (1990–1999) was a UN initiative to reduce global disaster losses. Key outcomes:

  • Emphasis on risk assessment and education.
  • Promotion of international cooperation in disaster mitigation.
  • Establishment of National Platforms for DRR.
  • Precursor to the Hyogo Framework (2005–2015) and Sendai Framework.

4.5 Policy for Disaster Reduction, Problems of Financing and Insurance

4.5.1 Policy

India’s disaster management policy emphasizes:

  • Shift from relief-centric to mitigation-centric approaches.
  • Institutional mechanisms like the NDMA, SDMAs, and DDMAs.
  • Community-based disaster risk reduction (CBDRR).
  • Mainstreaming DRR into development planning.

4.5.2 Financing and Insurance

Financing mitigation involves:

  • Budgetary allocations at central and state levels.
  • Disaster Response Funds (e.g., NDRF, SDRF).
  • Insurance schemes to reduce post-disaster economic losses.

4.5.3 Case Study: India’s National Index-based Insurance Schemes (CCAFS Report, 2015)

Key highlights:

  • Pioneered weather index-based insurance to protect farmers from climate risks.
  • Faster payouts based on weather indices (rainfall, temperature).
  • Reduced administrative costs and moral hazard.
  • Promoted by the CCAFS (CGIAR Research Program on Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security).

4.5.4 Modified NAIS (mNAIS)

  • Improved version of the earlier National Agricultural Insurance Scheme.
  • Features: wider coverage, actuarial premium rates, and individual-level assessments.
  • Implementation through public-private partnerships.

4.5.5 Weather-based Crop Insurance Scheme (WBCIS)

  • Insurance based on weather parameters (e.g., rainfall, temperature, humidity).
  • Advantages:
    • Faster claim settlement.
    • Objective loss assessment.
  • Encourages risk reduction in agriculture.

4.6 Training for Emergency

Training enhances preparedness and response capacity. Key components:

  • Mock drills, simulations, and evacuation training.
  • Capacity building of first responders (police, fire, medical staff).
  • Community-level education via NGOs, schools, and local institutions.
  • Use of digital tools and mobile apps for training and alerts.

4.7 Regulation/Guidelines for Disaster Tolerant Building Structures

Resilient infrastructure is a cornerstone of mitigation.

  • Building codes (e.g., IS Codes for earthquake-resistant design).
  • Urban planning guidelines to avoid high-risk zones.
  • Retrofitting old structures.

4.7.1 Case Study: Converting Disaster Experience into a Safer Built Environment – Case of Japan (Moullier et al., 2018)

Japan's approach includes:

  • Mandatory earthquake-resistant construction.
  • Frequent drills and retrofitting.
  • Public education campaigns.
  • Integration of disaster learning into urban planning laws.

It demonstrates how post-disaster reforms enhance long-term resilience.

4.8 National Preparedness and Adaptation Strategies

India’s preparedness involves:

  • Multi-hazard early warning systems.
  • Institutional coordination (IMD, NDMA, SDMAs).
  • Focus on climate adaptation, especially in agriculture and water sectors.

4.8.1 Case Study: Adaptation to Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction in Ica and Huancavelica, Peru (GIZ Project)

Highlights:

  • Integrated water resource management.
  • Strengthening of local governance and early warning.
  • Diversification of livelihoods to increase resilience.
  • Empowerment of women and indigenous communities.

This model links DRR with climate adaptation and inclusive development.

4.9 Let Us Sum Up

  • Disaster mitigation focuses on reducing risk before hazards strike.
  • Emerging trends include risk mapping, sustainable development integration, and health surveillance.
  • Global and national frameworks shape coordinated and proactive responses.
  • Insurance schemes (like mNAIS, WBCIS) reduce vulnerability of farmers and businesses.
  • Training and regulation are essential for preparedness and safer infrastructure.
  • International and local case studies offer practical lessons in resilience and adaptation.

4.10 Key Words

  • Disaster Mitigation – Measures to reduce the impact of hazards.
  • Vulnerability Atlas – Maps showing multi-hazard risks across regions.
  • mNAIS – Modified National Agricultural Insurance Scheme.
  • WBCIS – Weather-Based Crop Insurance Scheme.
  • DRR – Disaster Risk Reduction.
  • Sendai Framework – Global plan for DRR (2015–2030).
  • Retrofitting – Strengthening old buildings to withstand disasters.
  • Epidemiological Surveillance – Monitoring of disease patterns, especially post-disaster.

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