2025.

DM-3
By Dr. Abhishek Kumar

Table of content
1. Hazard and Its Types
Difference Between Hazard and Disaster
2. Risk and Its Components
3. Disaster Risk Reduction DRR
4. Disaster Management
Definition and Scope of Disaster Management
Phases of Disaster Management
5. Types of disasters in India
6. Vulnerability Profile of India
Some recent disasters in India

1. Hazard and Its Types

A hazard is defined as "A dangerous phenomenon, substance, human activity,
or condition that may cause loss of life, injury or other health impacts, property
damage, loss of livelihoods and services, social and economic disruption, or
environmental damage."

Natural hazard events can be characterized by their magnitude or intensity,

speed of onset, duration, and area of extent.

Name Description Examples

Natural process or
phenomenon that may cause
loss of life, injury or other Earthquakes, hurricanes, floods,
Natural hazards
health impacts, property wildfires, tsunamis
damage, and social
disruption.

Process or phenomenon of
biological origin that may Outbreaks of infectious diseases,
Biological
cause loss of life, injury, exposure to toxins, contamination of
hazards
illness, property damage, and food or water sources
environmental damage.

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 Increased occurrence of
Landslides due to deforestation,
geophysical and hydro-
Socio-natural flooding due to urbanization,
meteorological hazard events
hazards drought due to overexploitation of
arising from the interaction of
water resources
natural hazards with land.

Industrial accidents, infrastructure

Hazards originating from
failures, hazardous chemical spills,
technological or industrial
Technological nuclear accidents, cyber-attacks, oil
conditions that may cause
hazards spills, air or water pollution from
loss of life, injury, property
industrial activities, unsafe working
damage, and disruption.
conditions

Difference Between Hazard and Disaster

The key difference between a hazard and a disaster is that a hazard is a
potential threat, while a disaster is an actual event that causes disruption.

A hazard becomes a disaster when it intersects with greater vulnerability and a

lack of capacity to cope.

Term Definition

A potential threat that may cause loss of life, injury, property damage,
Hazard
and social disruption.

An actual event causing disruption, resulting from the intersection of a

Disaster
hazard with greater vulnerability and a lack of capacity to cope.

2. Risk and Its Components

Definition and Components

Risk is the anticipated loss from a hazardous event affecting a vulnerable

element over a specific time period. It encompasses several key components:

Probability of a hazard occurring at a particular magnitude.

Elements at risk Those susceptible to potential loss or damage.

Nature of vulnerability of these elements.

Specified future time period during which the risk is assessed.

A community or locality is considered at risk when exposed to hazards and

likely to suffer adverse effects. In the realm of disaster management, this
concept is central and is more accurately termed disaster risk management.

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 This approach focuses on reducing disaster-related losses of life, property, or
assets by diminishing either the hazard itself or the vulnerability of the elements
at risk.

Risk Formula and the Concept of Exposure

Conventionally, risk is quantified as:

Risk  Hazards x Vulnerability / Capacity.

This formula highlights the inverse relationship between risk and capacity: as
capacity to manage hazards increases, the overall risk decreases.

Additionally, some disciplines incorporate the concept of exposure, particularly

focusing on the physical aspects of vulnerability.
Importance of Assessing Risk
The discussion on risk in disaster management often centres on the importance
of reducing vulnerability. By addressing and lessening vulnerability, the overall
risk factor can be significantly lowered, leading to more effective disaster
management strategies.

3. Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR)

Overview of Disaster Risk Reduction
Disaster Risk Reduction DRR represents a systematic approach aimed at
identifying, assessing, and reducing the risks associated with disasters. This
approach is fundamentally about minimising vulnerabilities and disaster risks
across society. It focuses on preventing or at least limiting the adverse impacts
of hazards, all within the overarching goal of sustainable development.

Key Fields of Action in DRR

The DRR framework encompasses several critical areas of action:

Risk awareness and assessment This includes hazard analysis and

vulnerability/capacity analysis.

Knowledge development Encompassing education, training, research, and

information dissemination.

Public commitment and institutional frameworks Involving organisational,

policy, legislative, and community actions.

Application of measures Such as environmental management, land-use

and urban planning, protection of critical facilities, leveraging science and

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 technology, fostering partnerships and networking, and utilising financial
instruments.

Early warning systems These systems are crucial for forecasting,

disseminating warnings, and preparing response capacities.

Mitigation in Disaster Risk Reduction

In the context of disaster risk reduction DRR,
mitigation means taking measures to limit the negative effects of natural
hazards, environmental damage, and technological hazards.
These mitigation efforts are important for reducing risk and making
communities and societies more resilient to different disasters.

4. Disaster Management
Definition and Scope of Disaster Management
Disaster Management refers to a continuous and integrated process
encompassing various measures necessary for managing disasters. These
measures include:

 Prevention Aiming to prevent the danger or threat of any disaster.

 Mitigation Focused on reducing the risk, severity, or consequences of any

disaster.

 Capacity Building Involves enhancing capabilities through research and

knowledge management.

 Preparedness Preparing to effectively address any disaster.

 Prompt Response Quick and efficient response to any threatening disaster

situation. This will include:

a Evacuation, Rescue, and Relief Executing evacuation plans,

conducting rescue operations, and providing relief to affected
individuals.

 Assessment Evaluating the severity or magnitude of the effects of any

disaster.

 Rehabilitation The process of restoring the affected community after a

disaster, aiming to improve living conditions and promote recovery. It
involves providing essential services, housing, healthcare, and support to

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 affected individuals and communities, enabling them to regain their normal
lives and livelihoods.

 Reconstruction The process of rebuilding and restoring the affected

community and infrastructure after a disaster. It involves repairing or
constructing damaged buildings, roads, bridges, and other essential
facilities to facilitate the recovery and improve the resilience of the affected
area.

Each of these components plays a crucial role in the comprehensive

management of disasters, ensuring a coordinated and effective approach to
mitigate the impacts and aid recovery.

Phases of Disaster Management

Risk Assessment

Identification and evaluation of risks and vulnerabilities to various disasters.

Analysis of potential disaster impacts to inform disaster management

planning.

Disaster Prevention and Mitigation

Implementation of measures to prevent or lessen disaster effects.

Adoption of building codes, zoning laws, and early warning systems.

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 Development of disaster-resilient infrastructure and conservation of natural
barriers.

Disaster Preparedness

Advance preparations for efficient disaster response.

Formulation of response plans and establishment of emergency

communication systems.

Stockpiling of supplies and capacity building of emergency personnel.

Public awareness initiatives and practice drills for readiness.

Disaster Response

Immediate actions to protect lives and provide relief during/after a disaster.

Execution of search and rescue, medical care, and supply distribution.

Establishment of temporary shelters and restoration of crucial services.

Disaster Recovery

Medium to long-term restoration efforts post-disaster.

Reconstruction of infrastructure and rehabilitation of the affected populace.

Revival of economic activities and psychosocial support for affected

individuals.

Reinforcement of resilience in rebuilding efforts against future disasters.

5. Types of disasters in India

The table below categorises the different types of disasters in India as per the
High Powered Committee HPC report from 2001

Disasters under the

Category Description
Category

1. Floods and Excess water causing inundation and

I. Water and Climate
Drainage disruption of normal drainage
Related Disasters
Management systems.

Large-scale atmospheric
2. Cyclones disturbances characterized by strong
vortex of winds and heavy rain.

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 Violently rotating columns of air that
3. Tornadoes and
are in contact with both the surface of
Hurricanes
the Earth and a cumulonimbus cloud.

Severe weather condition

4. Hailstorm characterized by large, falling balls of
ice.

Sudden, heavy rainfall over a small

5. Cloud Burst
area, often leading to flash floods.

6. Heat Wave and Prolonged periods of excessively hot

Cold Wave or cold weather.

Rapid downhill movement of a mass

7. Snow Avalanches
of snow.

Extended periods of below-average

8. Droughts
precipitation.

Gradual wearing away of coastal

9. Sea Erosion
lands by wave action.

10. Thunder and Atmospheric electrical discharge

Lightning accompanied by thunder.

Series of ocean waves caused by

11. Tsunami* Added
large-scale disturbances, such as
in 2005
earthquakes or volcanic eruptions.

II. Geologically Related 1. Landslides and Downhill movement of masses of

Disasters Mudflows rock, earth, or debris due to gravity.

Shaking of the Earth's surface caused

2. Earthquakes by the sudden release of energy in
the Earth's crust by plate tectonics.

Structural failure or collapse of a dam,

3. Dam Failures/Dam
resulting in the release of stored
Bursts
water.

Uncontrolled fires in mostly coal

4. Mine Fires
mines.

III. Chemical, Industrial Accidents or incidents involving

1. Chemical and
and Nuclear Related hazardous substances or industrial
Industrial Disasters
Disasters processes.

Accidents or incidents involving

2. Nuclear Disasters nuclear power plants or nuclear
weapons.

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 IV. Accident Related Uncontrolled fires that spread across
1. Forest Fires
Disasters forests.

Uncontrolled fires that spread across

2. Urban Fires
urban areas.

Inundation of mines with water, often

3. Mine Flooding
due to inadequate drainage systems.

Accidental release of oil into the

4. Oil Spill environment, typically from a ship or
offshore drilling rig.

5. Major Building Structural failure or collapse of a

Collapse building.

6. Serial Bomb Multiple explosions occurring in close

Blasts succession.

7. Festival Related Disasters occurring during festivals or

Disasters large gatherings.

8. Electrical Accidents or incidents involving

Disasters and Fires electrical systems or electrical fires.

9. Air, Road and Rail Accidents involving air, road, or rail

Accidents transportation systems.

Overturning or sinking of a boat or

10. Boat Capsizing
ship.

Uncontrolled fires that spread across

11. Village Fire
rural areas.

1. Biological
V. Biologically Related Outbreaks of infectious diseases or
Disasters and
Disasters epidemics.
Epidemics

Infestations or attacks by pests, such

2. Pest Attacks
as insects or rodents.

Epidemics affecting livestock or cattle

3. Cattle Epidemics
populations.

Illness caused by consuming

4. Food Poisoning
contaminated food or drink.

6. Vulnerability Profile of India

Disaster-Prone Regions 27 out of 35 states and union territories.

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 Earthquake Vulnerability 58.6% of landmass prone to moderate to very
high seismic activity.

Flood and Erosion Risk 40 million hectares 12% of land) susceptible to

flooding and river erosion.

Cyclone and Tsunami Exposure 7,516 km coastline at risk, with the

potential for cyclones and tsunamis.

Drought Risk Areas 68% of agricultural land vulnerable to drought.

Landslide and Avalanche Prone Zones Hilly areas at significant risk.

Hazard Profile of India

Global Ranking Among the top ten disaster-prone countries worldwide.

Diverse Factors Combination of natural and human-induced factors

contribute to hazards.

Regional Challenges Distinct regional issues across Himalayan areas,

alluvial plains, hilly peninsulas, and coastal zones.

Himalayan Region Prone to seismic activities and associated river

siltation and flooding.

Western India Frequently hit by droughts and cyclones due to oceanic

temperature and pressure changes.

Coastline Faces an average of five to six tropical cyclones per year

from the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal.

Human Impact Population growth, environmental degradation,

deforestation, and unscientific development practices amplify disaster
impacts and frequency.

Disaster Impact Statistics

Historical Data 19802010 Natural disasters led to 143,039 deaths,

averaging over 4,768 deaths per year.

Some recent disasters in India

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