DISASTER PREPAREDNESS

DISASTER PREPAREDNESS
❑ Disaster preparedness refers to measures taken to prepare for and reduce the effects of disasters. That is, to
predict and, where possible, prevent disasters, mitigate their impact on vulnerable populations, and respond to and
effectively cope with their consequences.

❑ Preparedness efforts range from individual-level activities (such as first aid training), to household actions (e.g.
stockpiling of equipment and supplies), community efforts (like training and field exercises), and governmental
strategies (including early warning systems, contingency plans, evacuation routes, and public information
dissemination). The traditional 3 Rs (Rescue, Relief & Restoration) are now being replaced by 3 Ps (Prevention,
Preparedness & Proofing).
 Disaster Preparedness

As disaster risk management focuses both on hazard and disaster, preparedness is also concerned to both the areas.
Disaster management is a cyclic process which revolves around the four phases of loss reduction, i.e., mitigation,
preparedness, response and recovery.
Overall, preparedness aims that the different units of society like individual, household, institutions and communities
cope with the disaster effectively and recover from the scourge of the disaster quickly. It includes measures to ensure life
and property safety. The US National Emergency Management Association (NEMA) has identified twelve elements of
preparedness. They are:
1. Laws and Authorities;
2. Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment;
3. Hazard Mitigation;
4. Resource Management;
5. Direction, Control and Coordination;
6. Communication and Warning;
7. Operations and Procedures;
8. Logistics and Facilities;
9. Training;
10. Exercise, Evaluation and Corrective Actions;
11. Crisis Communication, Education and Information;
12. Finance and Administration.
The above stated twelve elements are part of the four phases of disaster risk management cycle.
 DISASTER PREPAREDNESS MEASURES
Disasters cannot be stopped but the destruction from them can be lessened through appropriate preparedness measures,
It is being realized increasingly that smaller investment in preparedness can save many lives, other economic assets
and also reduce relief expenditure, Some of the preparedness measures include:

❑ Disaster Mapping:
• Disaster Mapping is done to assess the impact of disaster on population, property and natural resources.
• With the help of mapping, it is property and possible to provide pre and post-disaster related information which
further help in risk assessment, systematic rescue and relief operations.

❑ Disaster Preparedness Plan

• Preparedness Plans for disaster management are quite useful. The plans can either be short-term or long-term
encompassing the aims and objectives, the organizational structure for tackling disasters, preparedness measures,
the communication system, warning arrangements, community disaster operations, the operational aspects of the
implementation of plans, post-disaster review, training and public awareness.

❑ Land-use Zoning for Disaster Management

• Land-use zoning becomes quite important for disaster management. Proper land-use planning and zoning
regulations not only prevent disasters, but also reduce the extent of damage both to the lives and property.
❑ Preparing Community through Information Education and Communication:
• Three important aspects pertaining to disaster management namely information, education and communication
are essential. It will emphasise upon the ways to increase the awareness of the community about hazards, risks
and coping mechanisms. It further deals with tlie effective channels and strategies of communicating and
educating the community about disasters.

❑ Predictability, Forecasting and Warning

• Predictability of a disaster is the key to understand its nature and thereby assess the chances of its occurrence and
the scale of the event. Predictability is an attribute really applicable to natural disasters. For human-induced
disasters, it is the human error or mechanical fault or organisational failure that is responsible. Therefore, there is
no concept of as such for human-induced disasters. Mock drills, regular inspections and updating of
precautionary, measures take the place of predictability, forecasting and warning in case of human-induced
disasters.
 DISASTER PREPAREDNESS PLAN

❑ A Disaster Preparedness Plan is a plan of action that indicates the objectives to be fulfilled, the preparedness and
mitigation measures to be taken before, during and post-disaster phases.

❑ The plan provides a checklist of activities, responsibilities of various government agencies, officials, NGOs, and
international agencies at various stages, post- disaster review and assessment and also a schedule with procedures for
reviewing and updating the plan.

❑ It is a comprehensive plan that enables the authorities take prompt action in disaster situations.

❑ A Disaster Preparedness Plan is to be formulated and executed at all levels from national to the grass roots or
community level.

❑ In geographical terms, the nation, state, province, district and a village - all could have a Disaster Preparedness Plan.
Individual organisations too, have such plans.

❑ An effective basis of planning and the maintenance of relevant plans gives a clear and coherent approach in dealing
with disasters.

❑ Within cities, planning is generally practiced at the level of the local government, either by a department of that
government or by an authority separately established to execute delegated powers.
A Disaster Preparedness Plan facilitates the following:

❑ Clarifying Authority, Responsibility and Relationships: Clarifying as to who is responsible for ensuring that the
work gets done, distributing decision-making authority among the team members and the existing organisational
units, and establishing formal lines of communication.

❑ Obtaining Resources: Obtaining the funds, personnel, supplies and equipment necessary for doing the project
activities.

❑ Establishing the Control System: Determining the nature of information, which is necessary for carrying out the
activities, identifying sources of such information and setting up reporting systems for the project.

❑ Directing and Controlling: Motivating project staff, executing project activities, and obtaining information for
control and taking corrective action as necessary.

❑ Monitoring, Evaluation and Updating: The plan needs to be monitored from time to time and updated.
 DISASTER PREPAREDNESS PLAN: ESSENTIALS

Disaster preparedness plan, to be effective has to adhere to certain essential prerequisites as:

❑ Creation and Strengthening of the Nodal Agency

The nodal agency at the central level is said to function devoid of any needed expertise in different areas of disaster
management. The creation of nodal agency is not sufficient to give importance to the activity of managing disasters.
It needs to be strengthened with clear out specification of powers and responsibilities and autonomy. In addition it
requires the following:

a) Experts in different areas who may meet at regular intervals of time to assess tlie situation and provide suitable
suggestions.
b) Control room of nodal agency should be well furnished with the latest equipment and some key persons may be
entrusted the task of supervision and guidance.
c) Documentation-Historical, present plans, future design for disaster management must be systematically compiled
to have easy access and availability.
d) Constant monitoring and evaluation should be done even after the disaster to ensure rehabilitation, even though
disaster management is a state subject.
❑ Establishment of State Disaster Planning and Preparedness Management Machinery

It has been seen in Kutch, that there was no well-defined and established disaster planning and preparedness management
machinery. It was set up after the occurrence of the disaster in right earnest and its first meeting could take place only
after a lapse of eight hours. During such a gap, there was great loss of life and property. It is suggested that:
a) Well-established machinery for disaster planning preparedness management at state level may be set up, as
envisaged in the Disaster Management Act 2005, on a permanent basis as it is a state subject.
b) The disaster management machinery must be staffed by experts and bureaucrats responsible for implementation.
c) It should make use of latest technology such as Geographical Information System, remote sensing, etc.
d) An inventory of equipment required for different disasters should be kept ready.
e) A list of reliable and efficient NGOs must be kept along with their area of specialisation.
f) Special attention may be focused on the areas prone to disaster.
g) A permanent fund may be instituted so that immediate action may be initiated.
h) A roster of disaster management experts must be maintained.

The Disaster Management Act 2005 provides for setting up a State Disaster Management Authority, with multifarious
responsibilities.
❑ NGOs' Participation in Disaster Preparedness Plan

The government alone cannot meet the needs of the people in such a crisis. They should take the help of NGOs in their
work. The following points may be kept in mind.

a) NGOs must be given specific task-based work suiting their specialisation in order to avoid duplication and
overlapping.
b) Only those NGOs of long-standing with a proven track record may be allowed to function.
c) should work with dedication and without self-interest.
d) The financial health of the NGOS must be ascertained.
e) A protocol for government-NGO coordination be put in place.

❑ Preparation of Exhaustive Preparedness Plans at District and Levels

The District is the focal point of administration from where all relief and rehabilitation, work is ensured. At present, this
is being done without exhaustive plans to mitigate the sufferings of disaster affected people. To ensure effective
preparedness of the state to handle disasters, efforts are initiated at the state level for State Disaster Management Action
Plan to support, strengthen and complement the efforts of the district administration. The preparation by District
Disaster Management Action Plan (DDMAP) by each district would prove helpful in the long-run.
 Disaster Preparedness For People With Special Need And Vulnerable
Groups
❑ In any disaster, it is the vulnerable sections of society who are more adversely affected. These include women
especially pregnant, lactating mothers and children including newborns and infants, old and infant people, physically
challenged, destitute, landless, and poor farmers.

❑ Disasters affect the communities in different ways. Livelihoods are the most important which bear the impact. For
instance, the drought situation in many states in India such as Rajasthan and Gujarat witnesses migration to nearby
states especially urban areas. This situation takes its toll on the health of the undernourished who are compelled to
undertake heavy physical work.

❑ Disasters affect the lives of poor in drastic ways. These include:

• Losses especially from agriculture.
• Disruption of the agriculture cycle.
• A fall in the purchasing power of the population.
• Distress sale of assets.
• Migration of population.
• Increase in a large number of women-headed households.

❑ Disasters, which strike without warning are traumatic for children. It creates fear in their minds about injuries, getting
separated from the family or being left alone.
❑ The severity of a child's reaction to a disaster depends on several risk factors which include exposure to the event,
personal injury or loss of a close relative, dislocation from their home or community, the level of physical destruction,
etc. Children can be under post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This can result in irritability, aggressiveness, fear,
anxiety, withdrawal, etc.

❑ There are attempts to. reduce the vulnerability of the groups, through various strategies especially by strengthening
their employment and livelihood options.

❑ Wheelchair accessible plans, specially designed warning/alert systems for deaf and dumb persons etc. should be
integrated in the architecture

❑ Disaster awareness curriculum in braille should be included in the schools of visually impaired students

❑ Special mock drills, evacuation strategies should be implemented for differently abled people

❑ Disaster preparedness for vulnerable sections needs to focus on:

• Sustainable livelihood programmes.
• Guaranteeing dignity and right to live.
• Special shelters especially for women and children, elderly and physically challenged.
• Building up a cadre of female relief workers.
• Training of women volunteers and children in preparedness activities including first aid, evacuation, search and
rescue etc.
 COMMUNITY BASED DISASTER RISK ASSESSMENT (CBDRA)
• Community Based Disaster Risk Assessment (CBDRA) is a systematic way to identify and assess the hazard, vulnerability and
capacity at the local level.
• According to ADPC, "community risk assessment is a participatory process of determining the nature, scope and magnitude of
negative effects (due to hazards), which can be anticipated during a specified period and be reduced by employing local capacities".
• The nature of a disaster is unique and distinct and each disaster makes different impact on the society.
• For instance, earthquakes damage lives, houses and critical infrastructure; whereas cyclone affects houses, livelihood and other related
matters. Hence, assessment of the hazard, risk, vulnerability and capacity (HRVC) of the village with the help of community will
increase the coping capacity of the local people and also augment the local resources.
Tools for Community-Based Disaster Risk Assessment
Participatory Risk Assessment tools are used to collect information from the community about the existing risk status of the village.
For such an assessment, it is not necessary to have a particular, technical expertise, but what is needed is only the local knowledge of
the community. This approach helps to conduct the baseline survey of the village, which would help in resolving the conflict
resolution through more interaction. The following are the Participatory Risk Assessment (PRA) Tools:
▪ Historical profiling
▪ Risk mapping
▪ Seasonal calendar
▪ Transect walk
▪ Institutional analysis
▪ Gender mapping
▪ Livelihood and existing coping strategies
▪ Disaster ranking
 COMMUNITY BASED DISASTER MANAGEMENT (CBDM)

CBDM: Definition
Asian Disaster Preparedness Centre (2004) defines Community Based Disaster Management (CBDM), as an approach
that "seeks to actively engage at-risk communities in the identification, analysis, implementation, monitoring and
evacuation of disaster risks in order to reduce their vulnerabilities and enhance their capacities".
In the Indian context, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) (2014) states "where communities are
equipped and prepared, disasters clearly have much lesser impact, especially in terms of the loss of lives".
Further it regards CBDM as an approach to "build the capacity of communities to assess their vulnerability to both human
induced and natural hazards and develop strategies and resources necessary to prevent and/or mitigate the impact of
identified hazards as well as respond, rehabilitate, and reconstruct following its onset".
❑ Community Based Disaster Management (CBDM) is the bottom-up approach in dealing with a disaster situation.

❑ In the initial years, top-down approach was resorted to, in dealing with a disaster situation, which mostly attempted
'command' and 'control' measures and neglected the participation of affected population both in policy making and
implementation. Such approach made the disaster response and rehabilitation measures ineffective and unsustainable.
However, in the last few decades, there has been the adoption of bottom-up approach, where a person at the ground
level, that is, the community is regarded as the key player.

❑ Any effort that involves the community can help in achieving sustainability, particularly in disaster risk reduction
activities.

❑ The concept of Community Based Disaster Management (CBDM) brings together the community and involves them
in the various phases of disaster risk reduction activities, viz., prevention, preparedness, mitigation, response, recovery,
rehabilitation and reconstruction.

❑ It creates opportunities for the community to appraise local conditions and situation through their past experiences. In
this approach, local communities are part of making plans, arriving at decisions and implementing the same. It can thus
be stated that the sustainability of any risk reduction programme completely depends upon the community involvement
and their active participation.
Principles of CBDM
The following are the basic principles of CBDM:
• Active participation: Active participation of the community is very important for reducing disaster risk. When disaster
risk reduction measures are community- centric, the local champions take ownership in planning, implementation and
management of disaster reduction activities.

• Use of local resources and capacities: Interventions begin from locally available and accessible resources, capacities
and networks/partnerships. Utilisation of all these aspects at the local level is an important principle to deal with a
disaster.

• Own choice and decision: Community should consider their choices and decisions while engaging in disaster risk
reduction.

• Capacitating community: DRR programmes should be community specific and focus on increasing the capacity of the
local level people

• Attention to vulnerable groups: Special focus should be given to vulnerable groups, so that their wellness and needs
are taken care of in the pre, during and post-disaster phases.
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TRADITIONAL AND CBDM APPROACH
 CBDM Plan
It is important to plan well ahead for managing disasters, as it is helpful to prevent major losses in terms of life, livelihood,
property, etc. Further, CBDM plans are also helpful as it contains details on the vulnerabilities, potential hazards that can hit
a place, mechanism that are in place to deal with a disaster immediately. The following section discusses about the
community based disaster management plan, which can be made in various phases of a disaster, viz., pre, during and post-
disaster.
CBDM Plan in Pre-disaster Phase
The planning process in the pre-disaster phase can cover the following:
1. Community orientation: The plan can have measures towards community orientation, wherein the community can be
briefed on the nature and effect of a disaster and their vulnerabilities;
2. Stock-taking of resources: Stock-taking of the resources within their village or locality is important in the pre-disaster
phase. Such stock-taking of the condition of schools, health centres, cyclone shelters, communication facilities,
conditions of roads and infrastructure, etc., can help the community to take quick decisions when a disaster actually
strikes;
3. Risk and vulnerability assessment: Assessing the risks and vulnerabilities of the community is another important
aspect of planning in the pre-disaster phase. It is important to take stock of the elements at risk, viz., area, physical
structures, economic assets, etc. and people at risk, viz., children, women, disabled, elderly, etc., so that preparedness
measures are appropriately planned;
Formulation of preparedness plan: Formulating preparedness plan at the community level is very crucial in the pre-
disaster phase. This takes the community needs into consideration; clarifies measures to be taken by the community before,
during and after the disaster strikes; gives idea of resources available at various places; specifies the roles and
responsibilities of concerned officials, departments, Panchayati Raj Institutions, NGOs, CBOs, etc. A properly prepared
plan facilitates the community to execute the plan effectively.
• Should consider their choices and decisions while engaging in disaster risk reduction.
• Capacitating community: DRR programmes should be community specific and focus on increasing the capacity of the
local level people.
• Attention to vulnerable groups: Special focus should be given to vulnerable groups, so that their wellness and needs
are taken care of in the pre, during and post-disaster phases.
CBDM- During Disaster
Following measures are to be taken into consideration, while planning for this phase of disaster management:
1. Organising search, rescue and evacuation activities: This includes identifying the disaster victims, bringing them to
safer places, providing first-aid, distributing relief, adhering to evacuation plan, etc.
2. Providing shelter to people and livestock: While the place of shelter for people and livestock is pre-planned, plan
should be made for other arrangements to be taken care of in the shelter, which include water supply, sanitation, kitchens,
fodder for animals, medical services, first-aid, etc.
3. Debris clearance and dead body identification: Clearing of debris from collapsed buildings, bridges, trees, other
structures, etc., and disposing of dead humans and livestock is a major concern in the 'during disaster phase', which has
be to planned appropriately, if the spread of disease and further health and environmental impact is to be contained.
4. Damage assessment: Assessing damages immediately on the occurrence of disaster facilitates quick emergency relief.
This is to be done with reference to the number of households, population, livestock, area affected, etc.
CBDM Plan- Post-disaster Phase
The CBDM plan in the post-disaster phase covers the following:
1. Detailed damage assessment: Undertaking a detailed damage assessment is very important in the post disaster phase, as
this is helpful to know the magnitude of loss both in terms of lives and other damages like infrastructure, damage to
crops and the estimated value.
2. Preparation of rehabilitation plan: Drawing up a comprehensive economic rehabilitation plan is necessary, which can
include measures for restoration of agricultural activity through necessary inputs, rehabilitation of artisans, marginal,
small scale and business people, those pursuing other occupations, replacement of cattle, agricultural and other
equipment, boats, fishing nets etc.
3. Social rehabilitation: The post-disaster plan should ensure social rehabilitation through strengthening of existing health
centres, schools, anganwadis, community centres, vocational training centres, psychological counselling to the affected
to enable them get back to their normal routine.
4. Monitoring of CBDM: It is important to build an appropriate monitoring and evaluation mechanism in community-
based disaster management programme. This is needed to facilitate proper utilisation and implementation of resources
 ROLE OF INFORMATION, EDUCATION, COMMUNICATION AND TRAINING

Information, Education and Communication (IEC) are of vital significance for disaster preparedness, prevention and
mitigation. It promotes an alert community which is essential for any successful activity. IEC are the essential constituents
of any programme especially in a disaster related scenario. IEC requires the administrative machinery, Non Governmental
Organizations (NGOs), Community-based Organizations (CBOs), other agencies and the community to be prompt, active
and well informed to carry out the activities confidently. Hence IEC should be given top priority in any disaster
management programme.

Creation of awareness is an integral part of the process of social development, communication has the power to liberate the
minds and potential of people. Critical awareness is needed in every field linked to human development. The generation of
an alert public will hinge on effective communication of information and ideas that relate to people’s needs, aspirations and
capacities. In this sense, getting the: development process initiated is largely the task of information, education and
communication. This research paper attempt to study the nature and significance of IEC and training, and the concept of
community awareness. The important components and strategies of IEC and training shall also be focused.
Information
• Preparing the community for disaster management through information implies the transfer of basic knowledge by
means of data, practices and processes to the community so as to increase their awareness.
• The key issue here is the availability of necessary information to the people, based on which they may form more
realistic perspectives, and be better prepared to anticipate and face the disaster. It is useful for the administration
and other agencies for planning purposes, and beneficial to the community for development of internal coping
mechanisms. Information addresses the questions of What, When, Where, How and How Much with respect to the
anticipated disaster. It also deals with the issue of probability of the occurrence of the disaster, more easily
understandable in terms of extent of risk.

Education
• Education implies learning that makes people aware and knowledgeable. Creativity addresses the values of the
people in question and besides making them aware of the risks,'it enlightens them about their issues, the [Link]
needed to be taken and their roles, and it also motivates them to act.
• Education enlightens the people about the 'Why' aspect as to the occurrence of disasters. It tells them what to do
and what not to do to prevent or mitigate disasters. It orients them about ways of managing situations, and provides
them with several alternatives.
Training
• Training attempts to improve knowledge, skills and attitudes amongst the recipients. With regard to managing
disasters, training is accorded a very important place, as it imparts the necessary knowledge and skills to varied
categories of personnel. It improves the performance of people involved in managing the crisis.
• It enables them apply their knowledge and skills to situations.
• Training needs to be given to build, strengthen and enhance the capacities of individuals, organizations, and
communities.
• It is necessary to have institutional support for effective training. Information Education Communication and
Training activities are to be based on appropriate needs analyses.
• It needs to be holistic as there are several categories of personnel involved in disaster management activities.
• These include policymakers, government officials, specialists, technocrats, youth, NGOs, CBOs, communities etc.
The training needs of these personnel differ.
• Accordingly, the IEC and training programmes have to be developed
 ROLE OF INFORMATION, EDUCATION, COMMUNICATION AND TRAINING

Communication
Communication involves information exchange between two or more groups1 individuals, It could be applied to both,
education as well as emergency communication management, In terms of disaster education and preparedness,
communication is a process of knowledge transfer to the community regarding disaster- risks, preparedness and mitigation
measures.
In this process, the system is of the flow of information from a singular awakened source to the mass group, i,e. the
community. Another manifestation of the same process is in times of emergency build-ups when the communication relates
to hazard forecasts, At such times warnings may have to be issued to the community regarding the impending disaster in a
clear understandable manner.
This is a critical and final stage of pre-disaster I communication that gives the community a chance to take evasive action,
or move away from the scene to a safer place in order to mitigate the disaster impact.
 DISASTER MANAGEMENT ACT, 2005

The Disaster Management Act, 2005, (23 December 2005) received the assent of the President of India on 9 January 2006.
The Act extends to the whole of India. The Act provides for "the effective management of disasters and for matters
connected therewith or incidental thereto". The Disaster Management Act, enacted in 2005, has a new multidisciplinary
focus on disaster prevention and risk reduction and a move away from a relief-centric regime.
• The institutional framework under the Act mandated the creation of the National Disaster Management Authority
(NDMA) and State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMAs) as the bodies responsible for disaster preparedness
and risk reduction at the respective levels.
• The Disaster Management Division of the Ministry of Home Affairs retained responsibility for overall steering of
the national disaster response.
• It mandated the concerned Ministries and Departments to draw up their own plans in accordance with the National
Plan.
• The Act further contains the provisions for financial mechanisms such as the creation of funds for the response,
National Disaster Mitigation Fund and similar funds at the state and district levels.
Role Of Government In Disaster Management At Central, State And District Level
 Role Of Government In Disaster Management At Central, State And District Level
Role of Central and State Govts
❑ Basic responsibility for rescue, relief and rehabilitation with the State Governments.
❑ The Central Government supplements the efforts of State Governments. by providing financial and logistic support in case of major
disasters.
❑ The logistic support includes deployment of aircrafts and boats, specialist teams of Armed Forces, Central Para Military Forces and
personnel of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), arrangements for relief materials & essential commodities including medical
stores, restoration of critical infrastructure facilities including communication network and such other assistance as may be required by the
affected States to meet the situation effectively.
❑ The Government of India enacted the Disaster Management Act, which envisaged the creation of "National Disaster Management
Authority" (NDMA), "National Disaster Response Force" (NDRF).
❑ Symbolic of National will to provide a multidisciplinary, multi-skilled, high-tech Specialist Response Force for all types of disaster
capable of insertion by Air, Sea & Land.
Funding Mechanisms
❑ The existing scheme, based on the recommendations of the Eleventh Finance Commission, is valid for the period 2000-05. Under this,
expenditure on immediate relief to the victims of natural calamities can be met by the State Governments through the following Funds:
Calamity Relief Fund (CRF) constituted for each State with pre-determined annual allocations for each of the five year period. The Central
Government contributes 75% and the State Govt. 25%.

❑ When the calamity is of a severe nature and the CRF is not sufficient, the States may approach Central Government for additional
assistance from the National Calamity Contingency Fund (NCCF) which is financed by levy of a special surcharge on Central (federal)
taxes for a limited period.
 Role of Armed Forces in Disaster Management
❑ In India the Armed Forces are the first responder when disaster occurs. They have equipment, training and a professional response to
any situation. The lack of a civil defense system is also a reason for the dependence on the armed forces in times of calamity. Some
specific disasters like oil spills, nuclear accidents require special equipment and training.

❑ The armed forces possess capabilities like airlift or the ability to carry large number of men and material to any place across the
country. Their expertise in the field of search and rescue is unmatched. The armed forces can also bring in equipment for repairing
damaged roads or building makeshift bridges.

❑ During the tsunami of 2004, Indian armed forces carried out one of the biggest peacetime relief operations. The armed forces helped
victims not only within India but in other countries too, namely, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Indonesia. Using Naval ships, helicopters and
aircraft Indian Navy supplied food, safe drinking water, medical facilities sanitation and shelter.

❑ The primary role of the armed forces relating to the defence of the country against external and internal threats is unambiguous and
needs no deliberation. The secondary role of the armed forces in aid to civil authority is a constitutional obligation, although as an
instrument of last resort. The armed forces can be called out to aid the civil authorities to meet various contingencies, as follows:
❑ To maintain law and order.
❑ To maintain essential services.
❑ To assist in natural calamities.
❑ To assist in execution of developmental projects.
❑ Other type of assistance which may be sought by civil authority.
 Role of Paramilitary Forces in Disaster Response and Management

❑ In India, a country frequently impacted by natural disasters such as floods, earthquakes, and cyclones, as well as man-
made crises, the role of paramilitary forces is indispensable in disaster response and management.

❑ Paramilitary forces are organized similarly to military forces but operate under a different mandate. They are trained
to handle situations that require a combination of military precision and civilian sensitivity.

❑ These forces, including the Border Security Force (BSF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and National
Disaster Response Force (NDRF), are equipped with specialized training and resources to handle emergencies
efficiently.

❑ Their swift and coordinated actions not only save lives but also provide critical infrastructure support and
humanitarian aid, showcasing their essential role in mitigating the effects of disasters across the nation. Here, we
explore the significant contributions of paramilitary forces in disaster situations.
Immediate Response
When a disaster strikes, the first few hours are critical. Paramilitary forces are often among the first to arrive on the
scene. Their immediate tasks include:
• Search and Rescue Operations: Paramilitary forces are trained in advanced search and rescue techniques. They
can quickly locate and rescue people trapped in debris or stranded in inaccessible areas.
• Medical Assistance: Many paramilitary units have medical teams that provide first aid and emergency medical
care to the injured. They can also help set up temporary medical camps to treat victims.
• Evacuation: These forces assist in evacuating people from danger zones to safer areas. Their training in crowd
control and logistics ensures that evacuations are orderly and efficient.

Infrastructure Support
After the initial response, paramilitary forces continue to play a crucial role in stabilizing the situation. Their
contributions include:
• Clearing Debris: Paramilitary units help clear roads and remove debris, allowing other emergency services to
reach affected areas more quickly.
• Restoring Communication: They assist in setting up communication networks, ensuring that coordination
between different agencies and affected populations is maintained.
• Constructing Temporary Shelters: Paramilitary forces often help in building temporary shelters for those
displaced by the disaster. These shelters provide a safe and secure environment for victims until permanent
arrangements can be made.
Psychological Support
In the aftermath of a disaster, psychological support is essential for victims who may be traumatized by the event.
Paramilitary forces provide:
• Counselling Services: Trained personnel offer counseling and psychological support to victims, helping them
cope with the trauma and begin the recovery process.
• Community Engagement: They engage with affected communities, offering reassurance and maintaining a
sense of order, which is crucial for emotional stability during crises.

Paramilitary forces play an indispensable role in disaster response and management. Their training, discipline, and ability
to adapt to challenging situations make them a critical component of any emergency response plan. From immediate
rescue operations to long-term recovery efforts, these forces provide invaluable support, helping to save lives and restore
normalcy in the aftermath of disasters. By continuing to invest in their training and preparedness, we can ensure that
paramilitary forces remain a robust and reliable pillar of disaster management.
Coordination and Logistics
Effective disaster management requires seamless coordination between various agencies. Paramilitary forces excel in this
area due to their organizational skills and discipline. They assist in:
• Coordination with Civil Authorities: Paramilitary forces work closely with local authorities, disaster
management agencies, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to ensure a unified response.
• Logistical Support: They provide logistical support by transporting relief materials, food, water, and medical
supplies to affected areas. Their expertise in logistics ensures that resources are distributed efficiently and reach
those in need promptly.

Training and Preparedness

Paramilitary forces are not only reactive but also proactive in disaster management. They engage in regular training and
preparedness activities, such as:
• Mock Drills: Conducting mock drills to simulate disaster scenarios helps paramilitary personnel stay prepared
and improves their response time.
• Community Awareness Programs: They organize awareness programs to educate the public about disaster
preparedness and safety measures. These programs help communities become more resilient and better equipped
to handle emergencies.
• Collaboration with Other Agencies: Paramilitary forces often collaborate with national and international
disaster response
 Role of the Media in Disaster Management

• The media forges a direct link between the public and emergency organizations.
• It plays a very important role in disseminating vital information to the public before, during and after
disasters.
• The media assists in the management of disasters by educating the public about disasters; warning of hazards;
gathering and transmitting information about affected areas. “
• It alerts government officials, relief organizations and the public to specific needs; and facilitating discussions
about disaster preparedness and response for continuous improvement.
1. Be pro-active, write about disasters and their
potential threats before they happen
2. Investigate the extent to which DRR/M measures
have been undertaken
3. Conduct interviews with disaster managers and
encourage debates on DRR/M issue.
4. Report on the vulnerable segments of the society
and how they are affected through disasters
through powerful personal stories
5. Provide practical and useful information on health
precautions
• Report accurately and compassionately after
verifying the news from competent authorities

• Use multiple sources of information to verify

the facts

• Choose words carefully. Avoid speculation.

Stay calm and don't express or create panic

• Avoid sharing information on personal

accounts on Social media without editorial
cross check, in order to ensure that only news,
information, pictures, video are shared that are
allowed to be broadcasted

• Provide real time information

• Strictly follow safety protocols and never risk

your life
• Informing the public about the causes that trigger disasters
along with sharing verified facts and information

• Highlighting Issues related to the lack of early warning

systems and their significance, urban planning and building
resilience.

• Investigating the economic, social and cultural impacts of a

disaster

• Engaging experts in dialogue who could draw lessons and

follow up on the long-term effects of disasters with current
affairs and media dialogue.

• Keeping the issues burning by including DRR issues in

cultural and social events covered by media (e.g. children's
programmes, Current affairs programmes, talk shows, soap
operas, etc.)
 Guidelines for Reporting on Disasters

1. lt is the responsibility of electronic and pint media reporter to seek and provide accurate information to the public.
Reporters should be accountable for their actions
2. Electronic media reporters should sensitize the public on the significance of preparedness by producing programs,
documentaries, dramas, and songs on disasters and their impacts.
3. Electronic media can play a vital role in providing early warnings to the public but care should be taken while
transmission of the early warning
4. Message should be phrased clearly and confirmed through the reliable sources to avoid false reports and unnecessary
panic.
5. In the event of disasters, electronic media reporters should prepare themselves with background knowledge of the
disaster from authentic sources and should critically examine the information which they have received from official
sources.
6. Electronic media reporters should sensitize the public on the significance of preparedness by producing programs,
documentaries, dramas, and songs on disasters and their impacts. o Reporters should confirm that the information being
provided is accurate through multiple sources.
7. Reporter should treat disaster affected people with respect and never compromise on human dignity.
8. Women reporters who are now engaged in reporting should highlight the issues related to the women protection and
health specifically
9. Reporters should highlight the actions being taken by government to save the lives of people in an affected area and
also identify gaps in the formulation and implementation of gaps
10. Media should also expand its role as a watchdog in monitoring and handling of humanitarian assistance in the post
disaster phase and transparency and accountability in the use of funds for rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts.
11. While reporting on the reconstruction phase, media should highlight the need for integration of risk reduction
measures in reconstruction projects to ensure that the infrastructure is safer from future disasters
 IMPACT OF MEDIA
The media is a mere tool in the hands of the disaster management professional and can, therefore, yield positive
or negative results depending on how it is used.

Positive effects of the media

1. The media provides instantaneous information and are considered to be trusted sources.
2. The network's continuous and factual coverage of incidents and post-disaster events can aid decision making
and response immediately after a disaster, thereby saving lives and property.
3. In the absence of telephones and other mechanisms for communicating with the world outside an affected
area, the news media provides the affected population with much needed information and the outside world
with a glimpse of what that affected community is dealing with.

Negative effects of the media

1. The media may exaggerate some elements of the disaster and create unnecessary panic.
2. News reporting can often be biased. In order to divert public’s attention, use of fake/ unverified data and
unethical journalism leads to chaos.
3. Influential politicians may manipulate the media for personal or political gains.
4. Sensational journalism is often based on uncooked data and presented in disguising manner to attract viewers
 ROLE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY IN DISASTER PREPAREDNESS

❑ Disaster preparedness is a complex natural social-economic systems engineering. It requires support not only from
many basic disciplines but also from advanced technologies. Disaster preparedness and management in this
context, includes:
1. Information Collection
2. Analysis and Diagnosis
3. Disaster Prediction
4. Transmission of Warning
5. Disaster Monitoring
6. Rescue and Relief
7. Post-disaster Recovery; and
8. Reconstruction.
❑ The discharge of these tasks depends to a large extent on the advances in science and technology and more
importantly, on its proper use and application. Every government department also needs scientific and
technological support to make disaster preparedness policies and build disaster real-time monitoring system to
coordinate activities during disaster.
❑ Early Warning Systems
• Weather Forecasting Models: Advanced meteorological models and satellite-based observation systems
(e.g., Doppler radar, NOAA satellites) predict weather-related disasters like cyclones, floods, and droughts.
• Seismic Monitoring Systems: Technologies like seismographs and earthquake early warning systems (e.g.,
ShakeAlert) detect and warn about impending earthquakes.
• Tsunami Warning Systems: Ocean buoys and seismic sensors track underwater seismic activity to predict
tsunamis.
• IoT-Based Sensors: Detect environmental changes like landslides, volcanic eruptions, and floods in real-time.

❑ Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

• Mapping Vulnerabilities: GIS helps map high-risk areas, enabling better land-use planning and disaster risk
assessment.
• Crisis Management: Real-time data layering assists authorities in planning evacuation routes and resource
allocation.

❑ Remote Sensing
• Satellite Imaging: Monitors disaster-prone regions, detects changes (e.g., deforestation, glacier melt), and
assesses disaster impacts.
• Drones: Provide aerial imagery for disaster-prone or inaccessible regions, helping in damage assessment and
resource planning.
❑ Communication Technologies
• Mobile Alerts: SMS-based alerts, mobile apps, and community networks disseminate warnings to at-risk
populations.
• Satellite Phones: Ensure communication during disasters when terrestrial networks fail.
• Radio and HAM Networks: Provide backup communication systems in emergencies.

❑ Big Data and Cloud Computing

• Data Integration: Combines data from multiple sources (e.g., weather forecasts, social media) for
comprehensive disaster risk assessments.
• Scalable Resources: Cloud platforms handle large-scale data analytics and ensure data availability even
during disasters.

❑ Renewable Energy and Backup Power

• Solar-Powered Systems: Provide energy to critical infrastructure during power outages.
• Microgrids: Decentralized energy systems ensure electricity supply for essential services.

❑ Social Media and Crowdsourcing

• Real-Time Updates: Platforms like Twitter and Facebook provide instant updates on disaster situations.
• Crowdsourced Data: Communities share localized disaster information, aiding rescue and relief operations.
 DISASTER MITIGATION

(CONCEPT, STRATEGIES AND EMERGING TRENDS, MITIGATION MANAGEMENT)

 DISASTER MITIGATION
❑ Disaster mitigation involves measures to reduce the effects of disaster causing phenomena.

❑ It includes all actions to reduce the impact of a disaster that can be taken prior to its occurrence including
preparedness and long-term risk reduction measures.

❑ According to Coppola (2015), "The components of disaster management cycle, that is, preparedness, response and
recovery are performed either in reaction to hazards or in anticipation of their consequences and mitigation
measures seek to reduce the likelihood or consequences of hazard risk before a disaster ever occurs“

❑ The DM Act, 2005, defines Mitigation as "measures aimed at reducing the risk, impact, or effects of a disaster or
threatening disaster situation".

❑ Like preparedness and preventive measures, mitigation measures are also essential to deal with disaster. Thus, a
sustainable development model towards disaster management has to focus on mitigation too
 DISASTER MITIGATION APPROACHES
❑ The disaster mitigation can be divided into two approaches viz., Structural Approach and Non-structural Approach.

Structural Approach
• Structural approach is divided into engineered structures and non-engineered structures.
• Engineered structure is about the structure that is constructed by architects and engineers.
• This approach involves various activities like planning and designing of bridges, dams, buildings, roads, etc.
The building codes are available to construct various structures in disaster prone areas.
• Though engineered structures are expensive it helps in disaster resistance.
• On the other hand, non-engineered structure is something which is constructed by local people with the
available local knowledge and skills. Mostly it is constructed by locally available masons, carpenters, etc.
• The materials which are used for this are mostly from locally available raw material. The cost of the
construction is less expensive; however, it is not disaster resistant.
• The structural approach is also called as a "man-controlling nature".

Non-structural Approach
• Non-structural approach of the disaster mitigation is human behaviour oriented, which does not focus on the
engineered structures.
• It is called as a "man adapts nature".
• The following are the key components of Non-structural approach of mitigation, that is, Legislation,
Insurance, Information, education and training, Community participation, Community action groups,
Responding to warning systems, Institution building, Incentives and Public awareness.
 DISASTER MITIGATION: GUIDING PRINCIPLES
❑ There 'are certain principles of disaster mitigation. These include:
1. Creating awareness of risk at community level.
2. Promoting local actions through community participation to reduce such risks.
3. Incorporating mitigation measures in the national and regional development plans, land-use planning
proposals and in project design and appraisal in hazard-prone areas.
4. Assisting decision makers (politicians and administrators) to understand the nature and extent of various risks
faced by communities, and assessing the economic effects of natural disasters on agriculture, commerce and
industry.
5. Demonstrating ways and means to reduce those risks within the limits of national, regional or socio-economic
conditions through proper decision making and planning.
6. Introducing effective measures to implement disaster mitigation plans at the different levels of government
based on risk assessment and vulnerability analysis.

❑ In brief, mitigation involves community, administrators, politicians and decision makers in reducing risks through
actions at local level and taking appropriate measures in consonance with the local, regional, and development
plans.
 DISASTER MITIGATION TOOLS

❑ Mitigation tools include certain broad measures taken to address the prevention goals. They encompass:
• Preservation and protection of natural resources that include watershed management, forest conservation, soil
erosion control, wet land preservation etc.
• Regulatory and administrative activities which cover adherence to building codes, byelaws, land use planning
and control etc.
• Information Education arid Communication activities aimed at developing an alert, and educated community.
• Alternative to structures such as dams, buildings, flood walls etc., to lessen the hazard impact.

❑ The adoption of appropriate mitigation tools requires the assessment of certain key steps involved in this process.
These include:
• An understanding of nature of hazards the community or area is likely to face
• An assessment of vulnerabilities of the community; and
• An appropriate strategy that aims at saving lives, reducing property losses but also lessens the consequences of
disasters on economic activities and social institutions.
 DISASTER MITIGATION STRATEGIES
Cyclones
❑ Cyclones, which generally affect the coastal areas have an effect on weak houses, light weight structures,
telecommunication infrastructure, etc.
❑ The mitigation strategies include:
• Suitable engineered structures
• Incorporating building codes
• Better architectural design of buildings.
• Cyclone shelters.
Drought
❑ Drought severely affects the livelihoods of people, as it has impact on land, livestock and physical infrastructure.
❑ In extreme cases, it leads to migration of people to other areas. The drought mitigation strategies as such include:
• Water preservation
• Watershed management
• Alternate cropping and farming patterns
• Reducing deforestation and fire wood cutting
• Tackling soil erosion through check dams, leveling, planting, etc.
• Promoting alternative livelihood practices
• Repair and upkeep of existing water storage facilities
• Cultivation, storage and distribution of fodder
• Promoting rainwater harvesting, groundwater re-charge.
Floods
❑ Floods cause inundation which is destructive and injurious. The following mitigation measures can help in
reducing the losses caused by floods:
• Land-use planning and control
• Construction of dams, dykes, embankments, dukes, reservoirs
• Diversion of flood water through a bypass
• Prevention of construction in riverbeds and other waterways
• Maintenance of drains and canals to ensure free flow of water.

Earthquakes
❑ Earthquakes, as you all are aware, cause extensive damage to human lives, livestock and property.
❑ Its intensity can be reduced through making provision for:
• Seismic building codes
• Retrofitting of existing buildings
• Seismic zonation
• Appropriate location planning and land-use regulations.

The mitigation strategies need to be not only structural but non-structural, involving people at various levels.
Training, education and incentives are to be built into this process. Also we need to make use of certain traditional
practices to mitigate the disaster effects
 EMERGING TRENDS IN DISASTER MITIGATION
❑ Disaster Mitigation, refers to policies/ measures, taken from the short and long-term perspectives to prevent disasters or
reduce disaster impact through preparedness for speedy and efficient response.
❑ Ecological management, planning, environmental impact assessment (ElA), and building disaster-resilient communities
are the basics/components of disaster mitigation strategies.

Some of the emerging trends currently emphasized in disaster mitigation are:

• Fostering a culture of prevention by creating awareness among people regarding disaster prevention requirements
such as water harvesting; earthquake-proof buildings, incorporating conditionalities for the same in housing loans,
insurance schemes.
• Providing a long-term development perspective to vulnerability reduction matters like managing risks in shanty
settlements, controlling migration etc., to treat the causes of problems over the long run rather than simply tackling
the symptoms in the short run.
• Committing resources to structural mitigation measures like earthquake and flood proofing of buildings, especially
critical facilities, such as hospitals, communication infrastructure, government offices etc.
• Tackling impending urban crises as an urgent measure to create resilient cities. Greater resilience of cities can be
ensured through investments in technical, organisational, social and economic sectors. Technical or structural
investments can be achieved through robustness, redundancy and adaptation of critical infrastructure.
• Developing a disaster management perspective in development programmes in general with regard to rural and
urban development separately/conceitedly, whereas required. For example, risk management for shanty settlements
has to address the wider problem of rural to urban migration.
 COMMUNITY BASED DISASTER MANAGEMENT (CBDM)
❑ Community Based Disaster Management (CBDM) is the bottom-up approach in dealing with a disaster situation.
❑ In the initial years, top-down approach was resorted to, in dealing with a disaster situation, which mostly attempted
'command' and 'control' measures and neglected the participation of affected population both in policy making and
implementation. Such approach made the disaster response and rehabilitation measures ineffective and unsustainable.
❑ However, in the last few decades, there has been the adoption of bottom-up approach, where a person at the ground
level, that is, the community is regarded as the key player.
❑ Any effort that involves the community can help in achieving sustainability, particularly in disaster risk reduction
activities.
❑ The concept of Community Based Disaster Management (CBDM) brings together the community and involves them in
the various phases of disaster risk reduction activities, viz., prevention, preparedness, mitigation, response, recovery,
rehabilitation and reconstruction.
❑ It creates opportunities for the community to appraise local conditions and situation through their past experiences. In
this approach, local communities are part of making plans, arriving at decisions and implementing the same.
❑ It can thus be stated that the sustainability of any risk reduction programme completely depends upon the community
involvement and their active participation.
DISASTER RELIEF AND RESPONSE
DISASTER RELIEF AND RESPONSE
 DISASTER RELIEF MEASURES AND METHODOLOGIES
Disaster relief is a systematic effort carried out through are discussed here under.

❑ Evacuation: In the event of the impending disaster the first step towards relief to be provided in the area concerned is
through evacuation. It is carried out for the purpose of ensuring safety of people. Thus, it involves shifting of
population from the risk areas of the concerned disaster to safer place, which could be a cyclone shelter, a concrete
building, and higher altitude for a temporary shelter.

Evacuation is of different types namely:

• Preventive (done much before the disaster actually strikes);
• Protective (done as a precautionary measure to guard against spread of diseases or an impending disaster);
• Rescue-oriented (focusing on rescue operation whereby in the aftermath of disaster the inhabitants are to be
moved to identified places in safe areas).

For evacuation to be effective, there is requirement of timely and accurate warning, clearly identified escape routes,
arrangement for transportation, cooperation of the people of affected area and coordination amongst various stakeholders
involved in the process. Evacuation could be of great relevance, if carried out effectively.
❑ Search and Rescue (SAR):
• Search and Rescue (commonly known as SAR) is of utmost The Search and Rescue kits, ideally available in central
importance in ensuring People's safety. location of vulnerable areas, contain required tools. A
• The process needs to be carried out after the disasters strike
typical SAR kit comprises the following.
an area.
• It is carried out by the locals, who are the first responders;
NGOs; voluntary organisations and the emergency agencies.
Search and Rescue operations are meant to save as many
trapped people as possible.
• It aims at survival of the maximum number of affected
persons.
• It is normally and preferably carried out with the help of
people as they are familiar with the area concerned and also
have the assessment of the trapped victims. Primarily Search
and Rescue operations are undertaken by trained personnel
who normally follow the following three key principles:
• LOOK: See physically the incidents and make a
thorough visual perception.
• LISTEN: Listen to all sources of information from the
community and government records etc. Assess the
community data regarding people in danger.
• FEEL: Feel convinced regarding the facts, the gravity of
the dangers involved and one's own capacity to respond
 RESPONSE MECHANISM
❑ The National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) acts as the communication and coordination hub during this
phase and it maintains constant touch with early warning agencies for updated inputs.

❑ It informs State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC) and District Emergency Operations Centre (DEOC) through all
available communication channels and mechanisms.

❑ The Disaster Management Division (DM Division) of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) communicates and
coordinates with designated early warning agencies, various nodal Ministries, and State Governments.

❑ It mobilises reinforcements from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Armed Forces and the Central Armed
Police Forces (CAPFs) and puts together transportation plans for moving resources.

❑ The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) supports the overall coordination of response as per needs of
MHA. The NDMA provides general guidance, and takes decisions for the deployment of the NDRF.

❑ The NDRF is deployed as required depending on the request from State Government. They keep the force in
operational readiness at all times.
RESPONSE MECHANISM
 RESPONSE MECHANISM
❑ The Government of India has established a flexible response mechanism for a
prompt and effective delivery of essential services as well as resources to ❑ The major tasks of response given in the
assist a State Government or Union Territory severely hit by a disaster. responsibility matrix are:
❑ Disaster management is considered as the responsibility of the State
Governments, and hence the primary responsibility for undertaking rescue,
relief and rehabilitation measures during a disaster lies with the State
Governments.
❑ The Central Government supplements their efforts through logistic and
financial support during severe disasters as requested by the State
Governments.
❑ Responding to such emergencies stretches the resources of district and State
administration to the utmost and they may require and seek the assistance of
Central Ministries/Departments and agencies like the NDRF, Armed Forces,
CAPF, and Specialised Ministries/Agencies.
❑ The DDMA is the nodal agency for coordination of response at District level.
❑ Various central ministries, departments, agencies, and state governments have
to prepare their own hazard specific response plans as per guidelines of the
NDMA and in line with the NDMP.
❑ They need to ensure preparedness for response at all times and must carry out
regular mock drills and conduct tests of readiness periodically, and the
ministries/departments must report the status to the NDMA (Government of
India, 2016).
DISASTER AND DEVELOPMENT
(REHABILITATION, RECONSTRUCTION AND RECOVERY)
❑ Rehabilitation, reconstruction and recovery are three essential facets in the post-disaster phase.

❑ These are in direct consonance with the nature of the disaster, location of the disaster, the proportion of damage,
direct and indirect losses, availability of human resource with local capacities, available material resources along
with institutional capacities.

❑ For example, when an earthquake occurs, it leads to damage of infrastructure and buildings, therefore, the planning
for rehabilitation and reconstruction should be related to buildings and infrastructure
 REHABILITATION
❑ Rehabilitation means to take necessary actions after the disaster to resume the basic services, help the victim, to
compensate the physical damage done to the surroundings and to start again economic actions to provide
psychological support, social security and comfort to the victim.

❑ It functions to capacitate the affected people to restart regular functions of life.

❑ It may be considered as a dovetailing between present time relief and long-term development.

❑ Thus, the main aim of rehabilitation is to revive the victim to the normal life.

❑ Rehabilitation is classified as:

1. Physical Rehabilitation
2. Social Rehabilitation
3. Economic Rehabilitation
4. Psychological Rehabilitation
❑ Physical Rehabilitation
• Physical rehabilitation is an important component of rehabilitation. In this step, the focus is on the
reconstruction of physical amenities such as houses, buildings, railways, roads, water supply, communication
network, electricity, etc. It also includes strategies towards environment protection, employment generation,
job creation, watershed management, alternative cropping techniques, canal irrigation. Rehabilitation of
animal husbandry, agriculture, farm implements, flood plain zoning, land-use planning, retrofitting of
undamaged houses are some other related activities of physical rehabilitation.

❑ Social Rehabilitation
Social rehabilitation has its own significance. It aims at providing social support to sufferers. It could be through:
• Establishing educational committees that provide regular counselling to sufferers.
• Finding persons who could conduct educational activities and provide books and writing material to
children.
• Running various programmes related to physical and mental health, stress management, nutrition and
hygiene etc.
• Providing day care and old age homes to the sufferers for a limited time period.
• Setting up multi-purpose community centre and promote self help group.
• Finding native surroundings to sufferers like old age persons, women & children.
❑ Economic Rehabilitation
• It plays an important role to compensate the economic loss occurred due to the disaster, it involves providing
compensation to the victim based on:
• Broad investigation of actual and future hazard and compulsion of troubled group; and
• Investigation of current livelihood planning and business.

❑ Psychological Rehabilitation
• One of the most important steps of rehabilitation is psychological rehabilitation. It is a very sensitive issue.
The shock of disaster is directly connected with victims' psychology. The victims generally experience many
types of physical and psychological strains.
• A disaster victim goes through specific types of emotional stages. Psychological rehabilitation focuses on
treating victims to cope up with the emotional imbalance. The psychological rehabilitation helps the victims to
lead a normal life. Counsellors help the affected in leading a happy and healthy life.
❑ Reconstruction means to repair or to re-establish all services like buildings, infrastructure, replacement of damaged
structures, reintegration of economic sectors (industries & agriculture), and the creation of cultural, social and
environmental settings.

❑ Reconstruction is a long-term development plan to mitigate or reduce future disaster risk by incorporating
appropriate measures. Damaged structure may not be necessarily being restored to their previous form.

❑ It may include temporary arrangements. Reconstruction aims to build the rehabilitated system to safer standards so
that the future risks could be reduced.

❑ The reconstruction efforts aim at restoring the affected structures to a condition equal to or better than what existed
before the disaster.

❑ It also aims at constructing permanent housing besides restoring the basic amenities.

❑ Reconstruction should pay attention to certain specific activities for for speedy recovery in disaster-hit areas. Every
disaster results in a different type of damage, for example, when an earthquake occurs, it damages the infrastructure
and buildings of that area, therefore, the planning for reconstruction should focus on the mentioned thrust areas.
 RECONSTRUCTION
❑ The major steps of reconstruction are:

❑ Development of Physical and Economic Infrastructure: Infrastructure is classified as:

• Physical Infrastructure: Physical infrastructure includes roads, water, drainage, electricity.
• Service Infrastructure: In service infrastructure, transportation, health and education are included.
• Social Infrastructure: In social infrastructure, social sector services, primary healthcare, old age homes and community centres are
the main components.
• Environmental Infrastructure: In environmental infrastructure, creation of necessary environmental conditions to reduce the risk of
disaster is the thrust area.

❑ When we talk about the physical infrastructure in relation to disaster, we refer to the nature of houses. In case of earthquake, it needs to
be ensured that the houses are earthquake resistant. In the case of flood, it needs to be ensured that the houses are constructed away from
the flood prone area. In case of landslides, it needs to be ensured that the houses are constructed away from the area prone to landslides.
Housing infrastructure needs to be planned according to the environmental conditions of the region.

❑ Example of post-earthquake rehabilitation in Gujarat is useful at this point. The agenda in the reconstruction programme, propagated by
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), has not been just to build houses, but also construct them in a demonstrative manner
to transfer the technologies to the villagers. These houses have served as model houses, incorporating disaster resistant technologies.

❑ The UNDP's shelter programme aimed to:

• Build local capacities (training of semi- skilled construction workers and masons in hazard resistant construction)
• Support the environment (use of alternative technologies)
• Involve local communities
• Help rebuild lost livelihoods
❑ Funding arrangements for Reconstruction: It is very important to have proper knowledge about the policies available for providing
funds for reconstruction in a disaster hit area. Central and state governments have specific schemes/ strategies for providing funds for
disaster management activities like reconstruction and rehabilitation.

❑ Some of the funding arrangements are as follows:

• National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF):The NDRF (earlier known by the nomenclature NCCF) is a Fund constituted under
Section 46 of Disaster Management Act, 2005. It covers calamities of cyclone, drought, earthquake, fire, flood, tsunami, hailstorm,
landslide, avalanche, cloud burst and pest attack. NDRF is operated by the Government of India (Gol) for the purpose of providing
immediate relief to people affected by the calamities of severe nature, under non-plan expenditure.
• State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF): SDRF (whuich has replaced earlier Calamity relief Fund (CRF)) is a fund consitited under
section 48 (1a) of Disaster Management Act. The SDRF shall be used only for meeting the expenditure for providing immediate
relief to the victims of Disasters, as identified for NDRF grant.
• National Disaster Mitigation Fund: As per Section 47 of the DM Act 2005, central govt. may constitute a National Disaster
Mitigation fund for projects exclusively for the purpose of mitigation.
• District Level Funds: District Relief Fund at the district level is based on the principles of CRF so that they are readily availability
for immediate requirements. The District Level Relief Committee under the chairmanship of the District Collector/ Magistrate would
evolve the guidelines and norms for expenditure to be made from the funds allotted for rehabilitation at the district level.
• Prime Minister's National Relief Fund: The Prime Minister's National Relief Fund, created shortly after independence, provides
immediate relief to people in distress. The fund depends entirely on voluntary donations received from the public. The fund renders
assistance to individuals facing disaster. Its resources are utilised for the provision of immediate relief to the families of those killed
in natural calamities like floods, cyclones and earthquake.
• Insurance Schemes: Insurance is an important risk transfer technique. It is very helpful to counter the losses caused by the disaster.
However, the insurance cover cannot be regarded as a funding arrangement for disaster. Some insurance scheme are : Pradhan Mantri
Fasal Bima Yojna, Restructured Weather-based Crop Insurance Scheme, Seed Crp Insurance, Kisan Credit Card etc.
 RECOVERY
❑ Recovery is the process by which society and the nation are supported in turning back to their appropriate level of working,
ensuing disaster.
❑ The recovery process is a time taking process which takes almost 5 to 10 years or even more.
❑ The recovery process includes activities like re-establishing the necessary services, reconstruction of repairable homes and
also other buildings, accommodate alternate housing, measures to facilitate the physical and psychological rehabilitation of
persons who have gone through the disaster and also long term measures of reconstruction, including the restoration of
buildings and infrastructure that have been devastated by the disaster.
❑ Post-disaster analysis should also be involved as part of the recovery process.
❑ The recovery process is, therefore, complex and extensive; it can lead to a multiplicity of problems, some of which will
necessitate changes to original plans as recovery proceeds.
❑ Thus, decision makers should be prepared to take a flexible attitude toward policy implementation to produce the best
results.
❑ Also, it is important to bear in mind that recovery from disaster offers opportunities for improvement and development.

The Ground for Recovery Activity: The ground for earliest recovery activity depends on following pillars:
• Identification of various necessary aspects of the recovery mode;
• Defining an overall strategy for recovery, with suitable proposed and potential national development;
• Decision of distinct recovery programmes within the overall strategy;
• Implementation of the individual programmes within the overall strategy; and
• Fulfilment of individual programmes and projects on a well supervised and coordinated basis
Problems in Recovery Areas

❑ Major problems in the area of recovery are necessary to be outlined. These are:
• Recovery programmes formulation has been always delayed because the description and administration of recovery
programmes have not been sufficiently considered in overall counter-disaster planning;
• Severe and extensive damage may be so destructive that difficulties can take considerable time to formulate and assess
recovery programmes;
• Information for the formulation of recovery programme is inadequate. Resurveys can be necessary in some cases in
order to establish more accurately the post-disaster effect;
• Recovery programme may impose additional load on government system and even functioning output of government
departments may slow down whereby the whole recovery process becomes unsatisfactory;
• Resources from recovery programmes and fund may divert due to the occurrence of another major disaster;
• Problems relating to ministerial responsibilities may arise because recovery
• requirements overlap from one department to another;
• Formulation of recovery programmes may hinder due to inavailability of required finance and restrictions;
• Sometimes political problems can arise when some areas are not receiving the same priority of attention as in regard to
other recovery programmes;