KARMAYOGI IAS -@karmayogi_ias

DISASTER MANAGEMENT NOTES FOR MAINS BY

ADITYA (IRON MAN)

This notes has been curated by Aditya sir Popularly known as IRON
MAN . He has vast experience of Appearing in 3 CSE Interviews
2019,2020 and 2023 with 400+ scores in GS Thrice . He has also been
faculty in premium institutes and Founder of karmayogi IAS.

For more such valuable material , join our community -

@karmayogi_ias

INDEX
1 Basics ______________________________________
2. Legal and institutional Framework ____________________________
3. Sendai Framework and PM 10 Point Agenda -________________________
4. Floods _______________
5. Urban Flooding ____________________________________________
6. Drought ___________________________________________
7. Earthquake _________________________________
8. Heat wave ________________________________
9. Forest Fires _____________________________
10. CYCLONE _________________________________________

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1. BASICS
Disasters are sudden, catastrophic events causing significant disruption, leading to
extensive human, material, and environmental losses beyond the affected community’s
ability to manage.

Disaster Management:

Disaster management involves planning and implementing measures to prepare for,

respond to, and recover from disasters. It includes:

• Natural Disasters: Earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, etc., caused by natural

phenomena.
• Human-Made Disasters: Industrial accidents, fires, and acts of terrorism caused by
human actions.

Difference Between Disaster and Hazard:

• Hazard: A potential event that could cause harm (e.g., earthquakes, chemical spills).
• Disaster: Occurs when a hazard severely impacts society or the environment.

Disaster Management Cycle:

1. Mitigation: Reducing disaster impact.

2. Preparedness: Planning responses.
3. Response: Minimizing hazards.
4. Recovery: Restoring normalcy.

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2. LEGAL/ INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK

Disaster Management Act, 2005: Key Points

 Provides for effective disaster management and institutional mechanisms for
implementation
 Establishes National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), State Disaster
Management Authorities (SDMAs), and District Disaster Management Authorities
(DDMAs)
 Mandates government ministries and departments to draw up disaster management plans
 Provides for financial mechanisms like National Disaster Mitigation Fund and funds at
state and district levels
 Specifies roles for local bodies in disaster management

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Shift in Policy Approach

 From relief and rehabilitation to holistic management of disasters

 Incorporates prevention, mitigation, and preparedness, as well as response, recovery, and
reconstruction

Challenges

 Unsafe building practices in urban settlements

 Climate change implications
 Lack of protection for vulnerable segments of society
 Coordination and role clarity issues among institutional structures
 Public ignorance of disaster linkages with development and conservation
 Fund deficiency for disaster prevention and reduction programs

Second ARC Recommendations

 States to lead disaster management efforts, with Union Government playing a supportive
role
 Categorization of disasters for determining response levels
 National Disaster Management Authority to recommend policies and coordinate
implementation
 Prominence for local government in crisis management
 Stringent punishment for misutilization of funds
 Common platform for science and technology organizations and users

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3. SENDAI FRAMEWORK AND PM 10 POINT AGENDA

PM's 10-Point Agenda on Disaster Risk Reduction

1. All development sectors must incorporate the principles of disaster risk
management.
2. Risk coverage should encompass all, from poor households to SMEs, MNCs, and
nation states.
3. Women's leadership and increased participation are essential in disaster risk
management.
4. Invest in risk mapping to enhance understanding of disaster risks and their nature.
5. Harness technology to improve the efficiency of disaster risk management efforts.
6. Establish a network of universities to focus on disaster-related research.
7. Utilize social media and mobile technologies to support disaster risk reduction.
8. Build on local capacity and initiative to strengthen disaster risk reduction.
9. Seize every opportunity to learn from disasters by conducting post-disaster studies.
[Link] greater international cohesion in responding to disasters.

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4. FLOODS
With the monsoon accounting for 75% of annual rainfall, the country faces a dual
challenge of floods and droughts. The monsoon every year follows this destructive
pattern, reinforcing the urgent need for comprehensive flood risk mitigation strategies to
safeguard lives and property.

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Causes of Floods in India

I. Natural and Meteorological Factors

1. Concentrated Rainfall: 80% of precipitation in India occurs during monsoon
months (June to September)
2. Extreme Weather Events: Cloud bursts, glacial lake outbursts, and
synchronization of floods in main and tributary rivers
3. Geological Factors: Erosion and silting of riverbeds, earthquakes, and landslides
II. Anthropogenic Influences

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1. Deforestation: Leading to increased runoff and decreased water absorption
2. Drainage Congestion: Encroachment on natural water bodies and poorly planned
construction activities
3. Unsustainable Practices: Unsustainable river-bed mining and climate change-
induced extreme weather events
III. Other Factors

1. Lack of Coordination: Between Centre and state governments, and absence of

real-time sharing of hydrological data
2. Infrastructure Limitations: Untapped potential of multipurpose dams and lack of
flood plain zoning
3. Lack of Integrated Approach: Insufficient reservoir operation and management

Flood Management Measures

I. Structural Measures

1. Embankments and Flood Walls

2. Dams and Reservoirs
3. Natural Detention Basins
4. Channel Improvement
5. Drainage Improvement
6. Diversion of Flood Waters
II. Non-Structural Measures

1. Flood Forecasting and Warning

2. Floodplain Zoning
3. Flood Fighting
4. Flood Proofing
5. Flood Insurance

Recommendations

1. Master Plan: For flood control and management

2. Effective Floodplain Zoning: Implementation and enforcement
3. Modernization of Data Collection: Hydro-meteorological data collection and
dissemination

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4. Research and Development: Focus on flash flood forecasting
5. Wetland Conservation: Prohibition of reclamation and restoration
6. Integrated Approach: Water management, physical planning, land use,
agriculture, transport, urban development, and nature conservation.

5. URBAN FLOODING

Increased high-intensity rainfall in short durations, combined with unplanned growth,

encroachment of natural water bodies, and poor drainage systems, has led to a rise in
urban flooding.
What is Urban Flooding?
Urban flooding occurs when rainfall exceeds the capacity of drainage systems, causing
inundation of land or property in built environments. Unlike rural floods, urban flooding is
exacerbated by unplanned urbanization, leading to increased flood peaks and volumes.

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Implications of Urban Flooding

1. Loss of Life and Property: Direct and indirect losses due to floods and water-
borne diseases.
2. Ecological and Environmental: Tree loss, riverbank erosion, and contamination
of consumable water.
3. Impact on Animal and Human Health: Stagnation of stormwater, sewage, and
solid waste lead to health problems.
4. Psychological Impacts: Emotional turmoil, long-lasting trauma, and recovery
process.
Government Initiatives

1. Jal Shakti Abhiyan (JSA)

2. Amrit Sarovar Mission
3. Atal Bhujal Yojana
4. Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) 2.0
5. Model Building Bye Laws (MBBL), 2016
6. Standard Operating Procedures (SoPs) on Urban Flooding
Way Forward

1. Implement Sustainable Urban Planning: Prioritize green spaces, retention

ponds, and permeable surfaces.
2. Upgrade and Expand Drainage Infrastructure: Regular maintenance and
cleaning of drains.
3. Identify and Map Flood-Prone Areas: Develop floodplain management strategies
and restrict construction.
4. Establish Early Warning Systems: Alert residents about impending floods and
take necessary precautions.

6. DROUGHT

Drought is a recurrent, yet sporadic, feature of climate, characterized by variability in

spatial expanse, intensity, and duration. Unlike aridity, drought is a temporary aberration
that can occur under all climatic regimes.
Types of Droughts
1. Meteorological Drought: Deficit of rainfall from the normal.

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2. Hydrological Drought: Reduction of natural stream flows, groundwater levels, and
stored water supplies.
3. Agricultural Drought: Insufficient soil moisture to maintain average crop yields.

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Impact of Drought

1. Ecological and Environmental:

 Adverse effect on groundwater recharge, soil moisture, and surface runoff.
 Loss of forest cover, migration of wildlife, and sharpening of man-animal conflicts.
2. Economic:
 Production losses in agriculture and allied sectors.
 Decline in cultivated area, purchasing power, and employment.
3. Social:
 Disruption in rural society, stress migration, and rise in school dropout rates.
 Malnutrition, starvation, and loss of social status.
Causes of Recurrent Droughts in India

1. Low Average Annual Rainfall: 75 cm over 33% of cropped area.

2. Limited Irrigation Coverage: Dependence on rainfall in areas with limited
irrigation facilities.
3. Uneven Distribution of Rainfall: 73% of annual rainfall concentrated in less than
100 days during South-West Monsoon.
Drought Management

1. Rainwater Harvesting: Structures, farm ponds, percolation tanks, and micro

irrigation systems.
2. Suitable Crops/Varieties: Seed bank, seed treatment, intercropping systems, and
agroforestry.
3. Farm Mechanization: Suitable implements, labor sharing, and custom hiring
centers.
4. Water Saving Technologies: Drip and sprinkler irrigation systems, organic
manure, and mulching.
Drought Prevention in India

1. Establishment of Drought Management Centre: At state headquarters.

2. Agriculture Contingency Plans: For districts and sub-district levels.
3. Monitoring of Seasonal Forecasts: IMD and other national/international
agencies.
Flash Drought

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1. Definition: Droughts that intensify rapidly, posing a risk to agriculture, ecosystems,
and water availability.
2. Causes: Extreme weather conditions, greenhouse emissions, and concurrent
occurrence of dry and hot periods during monsoon season.
3. Impacts: Soil moisture depletion, intra seasonal monsoon variation, and risk to
crop production.

7. EARTHQUAKE

Earthquakes are violent shakings of the ground caused by movement between tectonic
plates, resulting in ground shaking, landslides, fissures, avalanches, fires, and tsunamis.

Earthquake-Prone Areas
 12% prone to very severe earthquakes
 18% prone to severe earthquakes
 25% prone to damageable earthquakes

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Causes of Earthquakes

 Fault zones
 Plate tectonics
 Volcanic activity
 Human-induced activity

Types of Earthquakes

 Shallow focus (0-70 km)

 Intermediate focus (70-300 km)
 Deep focus (300-700 km)

Impact of Earthquakes

 Shaking and ground rupture

 Landslides and avalanches
 Fires
 Soil liquefaction
 Tsunami
 Floods

NDMA Guidelines

 Earthquake-resistant design and construction

 Seismic strengthening and retrofitting
 Regulation and enforcement
 Awareness and preparedness
 Capacity development
 Response

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Challenges in India's Preparedness

 Retrofitting in hilly and mountainous areas

 Skilled labor deficit
 Lack of competency-based licensing
 Non-compliance with building codes
 Inadequate awareness and training

Prevention and Mitigation

 Long-term measures: reframing building codes, incorporating earthquake-resistant

features
 Medium-term measures: retrofitting, preparation of disaster-related literature
 Important institutions: National Centre for Seismology, National Earthquake Risk
Mitigation Project.

India’s recent heatwave crisis has reignited the debate about officially recognizing
heatwaves as a notified disaster under the Disaster Management (DM) Act of 2005.

8. HEAT WAVES

A heatwave is a period of abnormally high temperatures during the summer, typically

between March and June, and sometimes extending into July.
• IMD Criteria for Heatwaves:
• Temperature:
• Plains: 40°C or more
• Hilly Regions: 30°C or more
• Coastal Areas: 37°C or more
• Deviation from Normal:
• Heatwave: 5-6°C above normal
• Severe Heatwave: Above 7°C
• Actual Temperature:
• Heatwave: Above 45°C
• Severe Heatwave: Above 47°C

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• Declaration:
• Conditions must persist in at least two stations within a meteorological sub-
division for at least two consecutive days.

Causes of Heatwaves

• Hot and Dry Air:

Large regions of hot, dry air elevate temperatures when spread by prevailing winds.
• Lack of Moisture:
Dry air allows more solar radiation to reach the ground, raising temperatures faster.
• Cloudless Skies:
Without clouds, more sunlight reaches the Earth, intensifying heat.
• Anticyclonic Flow:
Sinking air in anticyclones compresses and warms, increasing surface temperatures.
• Geographical Factors:
More frequent in arid/semi-arid regions like Northwest India, with westerly winds
spreading heat.
• Climate Change:
Global warming is increasing the frequency and severity of heatwaves.

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Impacts of Heatwaves

• Health:
Leads to dehydration, heat stroke, and other health issues; 730 heat-related deaths were
recorded in 2023.
• Water Resources:
Exacerbates water scarcity, with reservoirs in southern states only 25% full.
• Energy:
Increased electricity demand strains power grids, potentially causing blackouts.
• Agriculture:
Reduces crop yields and stresses livestock, affecting agriculture.
• Wildfires:
21.4% of India’s forest area is vulnerable to fires.

NDMA Guidelines for Heatwaves

• Avoid sun exposure between 12:00 and 15:00.

• Stay hydrated and wear light, loose clothing.
• Avoid alcohol and high-protein foods.
• Keep homes cool and use ORS or homemade drinks.

Heatwaves as a Notified Disaster

Current Status:
13 disasters are officially notified under the DM Act, 2005, including cyclones,
earthquakes, and floods. States can use up to 10% of SDRF for “local disasters” like
heatwaves.

Challenges:
• Finance Commission Reluctance:
Concerns about financial implications and difficulty in estimating heat-related deaths.
• Potential Fund Exhaustion:

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Adding heatwaves could strain SDRF and NDRF resources.
• Need for Recognition:
• Improved Resource Allocation:
Would enable dedicated funding for mitigation and healthcare.

9. FOREST FIRES

A forest fire is an uncontrolled fire that destroys large areas of forest. In India, the forest
fire season runs from November to June, with peak activity typically between late
February and April.

Forest Fire Prone Regions

• Extent:
21.67% of India’s geographical area is forested.
• High-Risk Areas:
Forests in Assam, Mizoram, and Tripura are classified as “extremely fire-prone.” Dry
deciduous forests are particularly vulnerable.

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Causes of Forest Fires

Natural Causes:

• Lightning: Strikes can ignite fires.

• Volcanic Eruption: Lava flows can start fires.
• Heat Patterns: Global warming increases fire risk.
• Lack of Soil Moisture: Dry soil, as seen in Uttarakhand, can trigger fires.
• Natural Combustibles: Abundant dry wood and leaves in forests fuel fires.

Anthropogenic Causes:

• Smoking: Unextinguished cigarette butts can ignite fires.

• Campfires: Unattended campfires can lead to wildfires.
• Burning Debris: Burning trash can cause fires, e.g., Simlipal Forest fire.
• Slash and Burn Cultivation: A major cause of fires in Northeast India.

Why Do Peak Forest Fires Occur During Spring?

• Less Rainfall: Winter months have reduced rainfall, lowering soil moisture.
• Combustible Material: Abundant dry wood and leaves increase fire intensity, with
strong winds exacerbating it.

Impact of Forest Fires in India

• Ecosystem Loss: Destroys habitats and biodiversity, risking wildlife extinction.

• Forest Degradation: Reduces soil fertility, biodiversity, and ecosystem health.
• Livelihood Impact: Affects millions dependent on forests for resources like fuelwood
and bamboo.
• Air Pollution: Increases smoke and reduces carbon sequestration.
• Soil Degradation: Kills beneficial microorganisms and leads to erosion.
• Watershed Destruction: Destroys wetlands protected by forests.

Government Initiatives for Forest Fires in India

1. Forest Fire Alert System (FFAS): Real-time monitoring of wildfires by Forest
Survey of India (FSI).

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2. MODIS Sensors: Collects real-time information on forest fires, sent to FSI, and
forwarded to state, district, and local levels via email and SMS alerts.
3. National Master Plan for Forest Fire Control: Coordinated and integrated fire-
management program to reduce forest fires.
Way Forward to Reduce Forest Fires

1. Capacity Development: Train forest department officials at national, regional, and

local levels.
2. Forest Control Manuals: Create manuals for field staff on early detection,
reporting, and controlling fires.
3. Comprehensive Forest Fire Policy: Formulate a cohesive policy incorporating
climate change and guiding principles for wildfire management.
4. Indigenous Knowledge: Utilize local and tribal knowledge in comprehensive
wildfire management.
5. Infrastructure Creation: Improve staffing and capacity of firefighters, construct
watchtowers, and hire seasonal fire watchers.
6. Development of Technology: Adopt modern firefighting techniques, develop a
National Fire Danger Rating System (NFDRS), and Fire Forecasting System.

10. CYCLONES

What are Cyclones?

 Rapid inward air circulation around a low-pressure area
 Anticlockwise in the Northern Hemisphere, clockwise in the Southern Hemisphere
 Accompanied by violent storms and adverse weather conditions

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Types of Cyclones

 Tropical Cyclones: Also known as hurricanes or typhoons, formed over tropical or

subtropical waters
 Extratropical Cyclones: Also known as temperate cyclones, formed in Polar Regions,
affecting temperate zones and high-latitude regions
Formation of Tropical Cyclones

 Requires favorable conditions: warm sea surface, Coriolis force, minimal wind speed
variations, and pre-existing low-pressure area
 Stages: early, mature, and final

Cyclones in India

 Originate over Bay of Bengal, Arabian Sea, and Indian Ocean

 Affect coastal states: Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Odisha, and Gujarat
 Recent cyclones: Amphan, Sitrang, Fani, Asani, Yaas, Nisarga, and Tauktae

Measures to Manage

 Structural: cyclone shelters, cyclone-resistant buildings, road links, culverts, bridges,

canals, drains, saline embankments, and surface water tanks
 Non-structural: early warning dissemination systems, coastal zone management,
awareness, disaster risk management, and capacity building

NDMA Guidelines

 Early Warning Systems: Establish Doppler weather radars and satellite imagery for
accurate forecasts
 Evacuation Procedures: Identify safe zones, evacuate people to cyclone shelters or safe
buildings
 Cyclone Shelters: Construct shelters in vulnerable areas, ensure accessibility and safety
 Disaster Risk Management: Conduct risk assessments, develop contingency plans, and
conduct regular drills
 Capacity Building: Train officials, emergency responders, and communities on cyclone
preparedness and response

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 Coastal Zone Management: Regulate development activities, protect natural barriers,
and promote sustainable livelihoods

India's Response after the Odisha Cyclone

 Enhanced early warning systems

 Established dedicated response agencies: National Disaster Management Authority
(NDMA)
 Invested in infrastructure: cyclone shelters, evacuation centers, and multipurpose
community buildings
 Community engagement and capacity building: awareness campaigns, training programs,
and mock drills
 Collaboration with international partners: knowledge exchange, technical assistance, and
financial support

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