DISASTER MANAGEMENT

INTRODUCTION
In India, disaster management is governed by the Disaster Management Act,
2005, which established the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA),
chaired by the Prime Minister. The NDMA is responsible for laying down policies,
plans, and guidelines for disaster management and coordinating with State and
District authorities to ensure a cohesive response

The National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM), under the Ministry of

Home Affairs, plays a crucial role in training and capacity building, conducting
research, and developing disaster management curricula for educational institutions
. At the state and district levels, authorities are tasked with implementing disaster
management plans, conducting risk assessments, and coordinating local response
efforts. For instance, initiatives like Uttarakhand 's "Aapda Sakhi Yojana" aim to
train female volunteers in disaster management skills, enhancing community
resilience .

WHAT IS DISASTER MANAGEMENT ?

Disaster management refers to the organization, planning, and application of
measures preparing for, responding to, and recovering from disasters. While it may
not completely avert or eliminate threats, it focuses on creating and implementing
preparedness and other plans to decrease the impact of disasters and "build back
better".

TYPES OF DISASTER
🌍 Natural Disasters
Natural disasters are extreme, sudden events caused by natural forces. They can be
further classified into:

1. Geophysical Disasters

 Earthquakes: Sudden shaking of the ground caused by movements along

fault lines.
  Tsunamis: Large sea waves generated by underwater earthquakes or
volcanic eruptions.
 Volcanic Eruptions: Eruptions of magma, gas, and ash from volcanoes.
 Landslides: Downhill movement of rock, soil, and debris, often triggered by
rainfall or earthquakes.

2. Hydrological Disasters

 Floods: Overflow of water onto normally dry land, often due to heavy
rainfall or dam failure.
 Urban Flooding: Flooding in cities due to inadequate drainage systems and
rapid urbanization.

3. Meteorological Disasters

 Cyclones, Hurricanes, and Typhoons: Intense tropical storms with strong

winds and heavy rains.
 Tornadoes: Violently rotating columns of air in contact with the ground and
associated with severe thunderstorms.
 Blizzards: Severe snowstorms with strong winds and low visibility.

4. Climatological Disasters

 Droughts: Extended periods of deficient rainfall leading to water shortages.

 Heatwaves: Prolonged periods of excessively hot weather.
 Wildfires: Uncontrolled fires in forests or grasslands, often exacerbated by
dry conditions.

5. Biological Disasters

 Epidemics: Outbreaks of infectious diseases affecting a large number of

people in a community.
 Pandemics: Global spread of infectious diseases, such as COVID-19.
 Infestations: Rapid increase in the population of harmful organisms, like
locust swarms.

🏭 Man-Made (Technological) Disasters

Man-made disasters result from human actions or negligence and can have severe
environmental and health impacts.

1. Industrial and Chemical Disasters

 Chemical Spills: Accidental release of hazardous chemicals, leading to

contamination.
 Explosions: Sudden and violent releases of energy from chemical reactions.
 Radiation Leaks: Release of radioactive materials, as seen in the Chernobyl
disaster.

2. Biological Disasters

 Bioterrorism: Deliberate release of viruses, bacteria, or other agents to

cause illness or death.
 Antibiotic Resistance: Overuse of antibiotics leading to resistant strains of
bacteria.

3. Environmental Disasters

 Oil Spills: Release of petroleum into the environment, affecting marine and
coastal ecosystems.
 Deforestation: Large-scale removal of forests, leading to loss of
biodiversity and soil erosion.
 Soil Erosion: Removal of the topsoil layer, reducing land fertility.

4. Technological Disasters

 Nuclear Accidents: Incidents involving the release of radioactive

substances, such as the Fukushima disaster.
 Transportation Accidents: Accidents involving vehicles, trains, ships, or
aircraft leading to significant damage.
 Infrastructure Failures: Collapse of buildings, bridges, or dams due to
design flaws or natural forces.

5. Complex Emergencies

These involve a combination of natural and man-made factors, often leading to

humanitarian crises. They include:
  Armed Conflicts: Wars and civil wars causing widespread destruction and
displacement.
 Famine: Severe shortage of food due to various factors, including conflict
and drought.
 Displacement: Mass movement of people due to conflicts, disasters, or
development projects.

KEY PHASES OF DISASTER MANAGEMENT

The disaster management cycle is typically divided into four interrelated phases:

1. Mitigation: Actions taken to prevent or reduce the impact of disasters, such

as enforcing building codes or creating flood barriers.
2. Preparedness: Planning and training to ensure effective response, including
community education and emergency drills. Response: Immediate actions
taken during or after a disaster to save lives and prevent further harm, such
as search and rescue operations and medical assistance.
3. Recovery: Efforts to restore normalcy, rebuild infrastructure, and
support affected communities in the aftermath of a disaster.
These phases are interconnected and often overlap, requiring continuous evaluation
and adaptation.

National Disaster Management Framework of India

1. National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA)

 Role: Formulated under the Disaster Management Act, 2005, the NDMA is
the apex body responsible for laying down policies, plans, and guidelines for
disaster management in India.
 Composition: Chaired by the Prime Minister, with members including the
Union Home Minister, other Cabinet Ministers, and experts in disaster
management.
 Functions:
o Formulation of the National Disaster Management Plan.
o Approval of disaster management plans and guidelines.
o Coordination with state and district authorities.
 o Capacity building and training initiatives.

2. National Executive Committee (NEC)

 Role: Assists the NDMA in implementing the National Plan and

coordinating disaster management efforts.
 Composition: Comprises senior officers from various ministries and
departments.
 Functions:
o Preparation of disaster management plans.
o Implementation of disaster management policies.
o Monitoring and evaluation of disaster management activities.

3. National Disaster Response Force (NDRF)

 Role: A specialized force constituted under the National Disaster

Management Act to respond to disasters.
 Composition: Comprises battalions from various paramilitary forces,
including the Border Security Force (BSF), Central Reserve Police Force
(CRPF), and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP).
 Functions:
o Rapid response to natural and man-made disasters.
o Search and rescue operations.
o Provision of medical assistance and relief.

4. State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMAs)

 Role: State-level bodies responsible for disaster management within their

respective states.
 Composition: Chaired by the Chief Minister, with members including the
Chief Secretary and other senior officials.
 Functions:
o Preparation of State Disaster Management Plans.
o Coordination of disaster response and recovery efforts.
o Capacity building and training at the state level.

5. District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs)

 Role: District-level bodies responsible for disaster management at the

grassroots level.
  Composition: Chaired by the District Collector or Magistrate, with
members including elected representatives and officials.
 Functions:
o Preparation of District Disaster Management Plans.
o Implementation of disaster response and recovery activities.
o Community awareness and preparedness programs.

6. Local Authorities

 Role: Municipalities and Panchayats play a crucial role in disaster

management at the local level.
 Functions:
o Implementation of disaster management plans.
o Community engagement and awareness programs.
o Coordination with higher authorities during disasters.

🔧 Key Components of the Framework

National Disaster Management Plan (NDMP)

 A comprehensive document that outlines the strategies and actions for

disaster management across the country.
 Covers various aspects such as risk assessment, mitigation measures,
response strategies, and recovery plans.

Disaster Management Guidelines

 Developed by the NDMA, these guidelines provide detailed instructions on

managing specific types of disasters, including floods, earthquakes,
cyclones, and chemical spills.
 Regularly updated to incorporate new research, technologies, and lessons
learned from past disasters.

Capacity Building and Training

 The NDMA conducts various training programs and workshops for officials,
first responders, and community members to enhance their disaster
management skills.
  Collaborates with institutions like the National Institute of Disaster
Management (NIDM) to provide specialized training.

Community-Based Disaster Risk Reduction (CBDRR)

 Encourages the active participation of communities in disaster risk reduction

activities.
 Focuses on building local capacities, raising awareness, and promoting
sustainable practices.

🛰️ 1. Remote Sensing & Geographic Information Systems

(GIS)
 Remote Sensing: Utilizes satellite and aerial imagery to monitor
environmental changes, detect hazards, and assess damage.
 GIS: Integrates spatial data to map disaster-prone areas, plan evacuation
routes, and coordinate resource distribution.
 These tools are instrumental in hazard mapping and damage assessment.

📡 2. Early Warning Systems (EWS)

 Purpose: Provide timely alerts for impending disasters like cyclones,
tsunamis, and floods.
 Components: Integrate meteorological data, sensors, and communication
networks to disseminate warnings.

Example: The Indian Meteorological Department's impact-based warnings

have significantly reduced cyclone-related fatalities.

️ 3. Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Machine Learning

 Forecasting: AI models analyze vast datasets to predict disaster occurrences
and impacts.
 Response Optimization: AI algorithms assist in resource allocation and
logistics during disasters.
  Post-Disaster Analysis: Machine learning aids in assessing damage and
planning recovery efforts.

CASE STUDIES
🏥 1. Cachar Floods, Assam (June 2025)
In response to severe flooding in Cachar district, including Silchar and Katigorah,
over 7,200 residents received free medical treatment at 487 camps organized
between June 1 and 6, 2025. The initiative was led by local authorities and health
officials, mobilizing medical teams to address urgent health concerns resulting
from the floods, such as diarrhoea, skin infections, and vector-borne illnesses. Key
services included consultations, medicine distribution, hygiene counselling, and
screenings for tuberculosis and non-communicable diseases. The response received
widespread praise for its efficiency, compassion, and coordination, setting a strong
example of disaster healthcare management.

🚁 2. Arunachal Pradesh: Drone-Assisted Relief in

Mawali Village
Following devastating floods and landslides in Arunachal Pradesh’s Dibang
Valley, the Indian Army conducted an innovative humanitarian mission to aid
Mawali village, which had been completely cut off due to damaged transportation
links. Army specialists utilized custom-built drones to deliver essential rations,
medical supplies, and emergency provisions directly to the isolated villagers.
Additionally, a rope-line based cable transport system was engineered across the
river, enabling ongoing supply deliveries and potential evacuation. This combined
use of drone technology and traditional methods highlighted the Army’s
adaptability in managing disaster relief.

🏗️ 3. Bihar: State Disaster Response Force (SDRF)

Headquarters at Bihta
The construction of a new State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) headquarters and
training centre at Dilawarpur village near Bihta in Patna is nearing completion and
is expected to be fully operational by July 2025. Built on a 25-acre plot with an
increased budget of Rs 287.52 crore, the facility includes a modern administrative
building, staff housing, barracks, messes, and various training amenities such as a
national-level swimming pool for flood-relief training, a fitness centre, and a Quick
Response Team (QRT) block. This development aims to enhance disaster response
capabilities in Bihar by improving internal training and rapid mobilization during
emergencies.

🏚️ 4. Kolkata: Building Collapse in Bowbazar

A century-old three-storey building in Bowbazar, Kolkata, collapsed during
unauthorized renovation work, resulting in the death of a 40-year-old labourer and
injuring four others. The incident occurred while labourers were reinforcing the
building's pillars and ceilings using plywood and iron. The dilapidated building,
once owned by Barrister Srinath Das, had been occupied by multiple tenants. The
local councillor stated that tenants failed to notify authorities about the
construction. Emergency teams conducted rescue operations and assessed the
building’s safety. The Kolkata Municipal Corporation has begun dismantling
dangerous parts of the structure and has asked all tenants to evacuate.

💧 5. Nagpur & Amravati: Water Conservation

Challenges
At the Vidarbha Water Conference held in Nagpur, Revenue Minister
Chandrashekhar Bawankule revealed that nearly 90% of water conservation
structures in Nagpur and Amravati districts are non-functional due to neglect and
lack of maintenance. Of the 10,000 structures—6,500 in Amravati and 3,500 in
Nagpur—many lack effective plugs, leak water, or have not been maintained. To
address this water crisis, Bawankule announced plans for geo-tagging the
structures and allocating Rs 2-4 lakh per bund for repairs, including deepening by
500 meters where needed. The minister stressed a strategic shift toward water
recycling and zero discharge, citing the redirection of Pench water for agriculture
and Koradi power plant’s adoption of treated wastewater. The conference
showcased successful water initiatives, such as solar-powered irrigation in
Muradpur and river revitalisation in Sangli.

1. Inadequate Infrastructure and Resources

 Lack of Resilient Infrastructure: Critical services like power,
communication, and transportation are often vulnerable to disasters. For
instance, indigenous knowledge plays a crucial role in developing resilient
structures, such as Koti Banal, an earthquake-resistant design found in
Uttarakhand.
 Limited Resources: Despite increasing investments, resources for disaster
management remain limited, particularly at the local level. This includes
shortages in emergency shelters, medical facilities, and transportation
capabilities, making it challenging to provide immediate assistance to
affected populations.

2. Coordination and Communication Challenges

 Fragmented Coordination: Overlapping responsibilities between central,
state, and district-level authorities can lead to confusion and delays in
decision-making during large-scale disasters.
 Communication Gaps: Effective communication is critical in emergency
management, but it can be difficult to achieve in the chaos of an emergency
situation. Emergency responders must be able to quickly and accurately
communicate with each other, as well as with victims and other
stakeholders. This requires clear lines of communication, reliable
technology, and effective training for emergency responders.

3. Weak Early Warning Systems

 Delayed Alerts: Despite advanced technologies, setbacks hamper the ability
to alert and evacuate communities at risk, leading to increased casualties and
damage.
 Limited Coverage: While there have been investments in early warning
systems, many regions still lack the necessary systems to alert communities
about impending disasters. This gap can lead to increased vulnerability and
loss of life during emergencies.
4. Insufficient Community Awareness and
Participation
 Lack of Preparedness: Many communities are not aware of disaster risks
and do not have plans in place for emergencies. This lack of preparedness
can lead to ineffective responses and increased casualties during disasters.

 Limited Engagement: While the Disaster Management Act of 2005
emphasizes community-based disaster risk reduction, in practice, many
communities remain uninformed about disaster risks and unprepared to
respond effectively. This highlights the need for better awareness programs,
particularly in disaster-prone areas, and the inclusion of local knowledge in
disaster planning.

5. Financial Constraints and Mismanagement

 Budget Limitations: Despite significant allocations, such as ₹68,463 crore
for the National Disaster Risk Management Framework from 2021-22 to
2025-26, a substantial portion is directed towards response rather than
mitigation. This allocation limits proactive measures and long-term
resilience building.
 Corruption and Mismanagement: Instances of corruption and
mismanagement have been reported, leading to funds not reaching where
they are most needed. This undermines the effectiveness of disaster
management efforts.

6. Climate Change and Environmental Degradation

 Increased Frequency of Disasters: Climate change is exacerbating existing
vulnerabilities, leading to more frequent and intense extreme weather events,
such as heatwaves, droughts, and floods. Environmental Degradation:
Deforestation, urbanization, and other forms of environmental degradation
 contribute to the severity of disasters, making mitigation efforts more
challenging.

7. Institutional Weaknesses
 Reactive Approach: India's disaster management frameworks often remain
reactive rather than proactive, with insufficient funding for mitigation
efforts. Weak institutional accountability and fragmented policies hinder
effective disaster risk reduction and resilience-building.
 Lack of Enforcement: Disaster risk management plans or risk-sensitive
building codes exist but are not enforced due to a lack of government
capacity or public awareness.

8. Social Inequities
 Marginalized Groups: Disasters amplify existing social vulnerabilities,
with women, children, and marginalized groups disproportionately affected.
For example, following cyclones like Amphan and Yaas, women and
children in affected areas were targeted by traffickers, and social inequalities
worsened as communities struggled with recovery.
 Exclusion from Planning: The most vulnerable segments—poor,
marginalized, women, children, elderly, and differently-abled individuals—
often do not find their due place in disaster risk reduction policy documents.

RECOMMENDATIONS
1. Strengthen Early Warning Systems

 Implement Impact-Based Forecasting: Develop and deploy advanced

forecasting models that provide actionable, location-specific warnings,
enabling timely evacuations and preparedness measures.
 Enhance Community Awareness: Conduct regular awareness campaigns to
educate the public on recognizing early warning signs and appropriate
response actions.
2. Enhance Infrastructure Resilience

 Retrofit Critical Infrastructure: Strengthen bridges, roads, and

communication towers to withstand extreme weather events.
 Promote Sustainable Urban Planning: Encourage the construction of
disaster-resilient buildings and the development of green spaces to absorb
floodwaters.

3. Foster Community Participation

 Establish Local Disaster Management Committees: Empower

communities to take proactive roles in disaster preparedness and response
through training and resource allocation.
 Integrate Indigenous Knowledge: Incorporate traditional practices and
local knowledge into modern disaster management strategies.

4. Develop a Skilled Workforce

 Expand Training Programs: Increase the number of disaster management

training centers and offer specialized courses for various stakeholders.
 Promote Public-Private Partnerships: Collaborate with private sector
entities to provide training and resources for disaster response.

5. Enhance Financial Mechanisms

 Establish a National Disaster Fund: Create a dedicated fund to support

disaster preparedness, response, and recovery efforts.
 Encourage Insurance Coverage: Promote disaster insurance schemes for
individuals and businesses to reduce financial losses.

6. Promote Research and Innovation

  Support Technological Advancements: Invest in research to develop new
technologies for disaster prediction, monitoring, and response.
 Encourage Collaboration with Academia: Foster partnerships between
government agencies and academic institutions to drive innovation in
disaster management.

7. Implement Climate Change Adaptation Strategies

 Develop Climate-Resilient Agriculture: Promote the use of drought-

resistant crops and sustainable farming practices.
 Enhance Water Management: Implement rainwater harvesting and
efficient irrigation systems to cope with changing precipitation patterns.

8. Strengthen Legal and Policy Frameworks

 Update Disaster Management Policies: Regularly review and update

policies to address emerging risks and challenges.

Exclusion from Planning: The most vulnerable segments—poor, marginalized,

women, children, elderly, and differently-abled individuals—often do not find
their due place in disaster risk reduction policy documents.

Conclusion: Strengthening Disaster Management in India

Disaster management in India has evolved significantly over the years,

transitioning from a reactive approach to a more proactive and integrated system.
This shift is evident in the establishment of the National Disaster Management
Authority (NDMA) and the enactment of the Disaster Management Act of 2005,
which laid the foundation for a structured disaster management framework.

Recent advancements in technology have further bolstered India's disaster

management capabilities. The development of the "Sachet" app by the NDMA
exemplifies the integration of technology in disaster preparedness, providing real-
time alerts and information to citizens in multiple languages. Additionally, the
Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) has been instrumental in
promoting resilient infrastructure development across the country.
However, challenges persist, including inadequate infrastructure, limited resources,
and the need for enhanced community awareness and participation. Addressing
these issues requires a concerted effort from all stakeholders, including
government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector.

In conclusion, while India has made commendable progress in disaster

management, continuous improvement is essential. By leveraging technology,
strengthening infrastructure, and fostering community engagement, India can build
a more resilient future, capable of effectively managing and mitigating the impacts
of disasters.

- Vaishnavi Mhatre
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