SST
Disaster management
Disaster:A disaster is a serious disruption of a community or
society, often causing widespread human, material, economic,
or environmental losses that exceed the ability of the affected
community to cope with using its own resources
Disasters are broadly categorized into natural and man-made
events
Natural Disasters:
Geological: Earthquakes, landslides, volcanic
eruptions, and tsunamis.
Hydrological: Floods, droughts, and tsunamis.
Atmospheric: Hurricanes, tornadoes, cyclones,
and blizzards.
Biological: Epidemics, pandemics, and
infestations.
Fire-Related: Wildfires
Man-made Disasters:
Human Conflict: War, civil unrest, and terrorism.
Industrial Accidents: Chemical spills, oil spills,
and explosions.
Infrastructure Failures: Building collapses,
transportation accidents, and power outages.
Environmental Pollution: Pollution incidents and
hazardous materials releases.
Technological Disasters: Nuclear accidents and
cyberattacks.
Disaster management
Disaster management encompasses the organized efforts to
prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters, both
natural and human-made.
Aspects of Disaster Management
Mitigation: Reducing risk
mitigation refers to actions taken to reduce the severity of a
disaster's impact, either by preventing the disaster from
happening in the first place, or by lessening the damage it
causes. It's a proactive approach that aims to reduce the long-
term risk to people and property
Preparedness: Planning ahead
the measures taken in advance to minimize the impact of
disasters on human life and property. It involves building the
capacity to effectively anticipate, respond to, and recover from
disaster events, whether natural or man-made. Preparedness
is a proactive approach aimed at reducing the vulnerability of
communities and individuals to potential disasters.
Response: Immediate help
the measures taken in advance to minimize the impact of
disasters on human life and property. It involves building the
capacity to effectively anticipate, respond to, and recover from
disaster events, whether natural or man-made. Preparedness
is a proactive approach aimed at reducing the vulnerability of
communities and individuals to potential disasters
Recovery: Rebuilding after
the process of restoring or improving livelihoods, health, and
the broader environment, economy, and society of a disaster-
affected area. It encompasses rebuilding physical
infrastructure, addressing social and economic impacts, and
ensuring that affected communities are better equipped to
withstand future disasters.
Disaster Prevention
Building stronger infrastructure
Avoiding deforestation
Proper land-use planning
Regular drills in schools/offices
Strict rules for using hazardous materials in
industries
Page 7: Disaster Preparedness
Disaster preparedness refers to the steps taken before a
disaster occurs to reduce risk and ensure a faster, safer
response. These actions help save lives, protect
property, and reduce panic during emergencies.
1. Creating Emergency Kits
Families should prepare emergency kits
containing essential items like water bottles, dry
food, torch, batteries, first aid supplies, important
documents, and extra clothes.
These kits should be kept in an easily
accessible place so they can be grabbed quickly
during evacuation.
2. Community Awareness
Organizing workshops, school programs, and
community meetings to educate people about
potential disasters in their area.
Teaching basic safety rules, like "Drop, Cover,
and Hold" during an earthquake or "Do not touch
electric wires" during floods.
3. Early Warning Systems
Governments and weather agencies install
warning systems to alert people before a disaster,
such as cyclone alerts, sirens, or phone
notifications.
These systems give people valuable time to
take action and stay safe.
4. Evacuation Plans
Communities and families should have clear
evacuation routes and meeting points.
Regular drills should be conducted in schools,
offices, and neighborhoods so everyone knows what
to do in an emergency.
Page 8: Disaster Recovery and Relief
Short-term: rescue, food, medical aid
These are urgent actions taken just after a disaster occurs:
1. Rescue Operations
Search and rescue teams help trapped people
Use of helicopters, boats, and trained dogs in
dangerous areas
2. Food and Water Supply
Distribution of dry food packets and clean
drinking water
Community kitchens set up for affected people
3. Medical Aid
First aid to the injured
Temporary hospitals and mobile clinics
Vaccination and disease control to avoid
outbreaks
4. Temporary Shelters
Tents, schools, or community halls used as
relief camps
Basic hygiene kits provided (soap, sanitary
pads, towels, etc.)
5. Counseling Support
Emotional and mental health care for trauma
victims
Support for children who have lost family
members
Long-term: housing, jobs, mental health support
These are urgent actions taken just after a disaster occurs:
1. Permanent Housing and Infrastructure
Construction of safe and durable homes for
displaced families
Rebuilding roads, schools, hospitals, and
public buildings
Ensuring earthquake- or flood-resistant
structures in future development
1. Employment and Livelihood Support
Job opportunities through government and
NGO programs
Skill development and vocational training for
affected individuals
Financial aid or loans to restart small
businesses and farming
2. Mental Health and Trauma Recovery
Continued counseling services for survivors,
especially children
Community healing programs and support
groups
Training local volunteers and teachers to
identify trauma signs
3. Education Restoration
Repair and reopening of damaged schools
Providing school supplies and uniforms to
children
Special classes for children who missed
schooling during the disaster
4. Disaster Preparedness and Awareness
Community training programs on how to
respond to future disasters
Building early warning systems and
evacuation plans
Promoting insurance and savings habits for
future security
Role of NGOs (Non-Governmental
Organizations) in Disaster Management
NGOs play a very important role during and after disasters.
They work closely with affected people and provide support
when government help is delayed or not enough.
1. Quick Response and Rescue
NGOs often reach the affected area quickly with
trained volunteers.
They help rescue people trapped in collapsed
buildings, floods, or fire.
2. Food, Water, and Basic Needs
NGOs set up community kitchens, distribute food
packets, and supply clean drinking water.
They give clothes, blankets, tents, and hygiene kits.
3. Medical Help
Some NGOs run mobile clinics, offer first aid, and
bring doctors to the disaster zone.
They provide mental health support to people
suffering from trauma.
4. Rebuilding and Rehabilitation
NGOs help build temporary shelters, schools, and
community spaces.
They support people in rebuilding homes using
stronger, safer designs.
5. Awareness and Preparedness Training
Before disasters happen, NGOs educate
communities on what to do in emergencies.
They conduct mock drills, workshops, and disaster
safety lessons.
6. Fundraising and Donations
NGOs raise money through donations from the
public, companies, and international groups.
This money is used for food, medicines, rebuilding,
and training.
Page 9: Disaster Management Authorities in
India
India has a three-level system for managing disasters:
National, State, and District. Each level has a special
authority that plans, prepares, and acts during disasters.
1. NDMA – National Disaster Management Authority
This is the top-level authority in India for disaster
management.
Headed by the Prime Minister of India.
Responsibilities:
Makes national policies and plans for disaster
prevention and relief.
Coordinates with the army, air force, navy,
and international help.
Supports states during major disasters like
earthquakes, floods, tsunamis, etc.
Launches national awareness campaigns.
2. SDMA – State Disaster Management Authority
Formed in every state.
Headed by the Chief Minister of the state.
Responsibilities:
Plans for disasters that affect the entire
state.
Sets up disaster training programs in schools
and colleges.
Coordinates with hospitals, fire brigades, and
police within the state.
Works with NDMA to receive help during large
disasters.
3. DDMA – District Disaster Management Authority
Formed in each district.
Headed by the District Collector (DC or DM).
Responsibilities:
Prepares local disaster plans (like for a city
or village area).
Identifies safe zones, hospitals, and
evacuation routes.
Conducts mock drills in schools, colleges, and
offices.
Works with local NGOs and citizens during
rescue and relief.
Summary of Roles in Planning and Rescue:
Authori Who Leads What It Does
ty It
NDMA Prime National-level policies, coordination,
Minister training, and rescue
SDMA Chief State plans, training, and support
Minister
DDMA District Local rescue, shelters, drills, safety
Collector planning
Reference : wikipedia
Source:
Definition & Types of Disasters
1. UNDRR – Disaster Definitions & Types
2. EM-DAT – The International Disaster Database
[Link]
Aspects of Disaster Management (Mitigation,
Preparedness, Response, Recovery)
1. UNDRR Disaster Risk Reduction Framework
2. WHO Emergency Response Preparedness
Guide
[Link]
Disaster Prevention & Preparedness
1. UNDRR: Building Resilience Through
Prevention
2. IFRC – Community Early Warning Systems
Disaster Recovery and Relief
1. UNDP – Post-Disaster Recovery Guidelines
Role of NGOs in Disaster Management
1. Sphere Handbook – Humanitarian Charter and
Minimum Standards
2. Oxfam Disaster Relief Operations
Disaster Management Authorities in India
1. NDMA – National Disaster Management
Authority (India)
[Link]
2. NDMA Structure and Guidelines (PDFs &
Resources)
3. Disaster Management Act, 2005