The Role of Government in

a Disaster Management
What is Disaster?
Disaster is a sudden accident or a natural catastrophe that causes
great damage or loss of life.

“A disaster can be defined as any occurrence that cause damage,

ecological disruption, loss of human life, deterioration of health and
health services on a scale, sufficient to warrant an extraordinary
response from outside the affected community or area”.
(W.H.O.)

There are mainly two types of disaster:

1. Natural
2. Man-Made
What is disaster management ?

“Disaster management” is the creation of plans through

which communities reduce the impact of disasters.

Components of Disaster Management:

1. Preparedness
2. Response
3. Recovery
4. Mitigation / Reduction
Principles of Disaster Management:

 Minimize casualties
 Prevent further casualties
 Rescue the victims
 First aid
 Evacuate
 Medical care
 Reconstruction
Role of Government:
 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.”
CAPABILITIES & STRENGTH OF NDRF:
1. Capable in CSSR(Collapsed Structure Search & Rescue)
operations.
2. Men are trained in MFR (Medical First Responder)
3. Men are trained in Flood and mountain rescue operations.
4. Each unit has deep divers.
5. 36 Dogs would be present with capability of search & rescue
operations.
6. Presence of specialized manpower viz. 36 Engineers, 19 Doctors,
36 Nurses, 18 Technicians, 18 Electricians etc. make it a highly
specialized professional Force.
7. Authorization and presence of highly specialized equipments.
8. High mobility.
ROLE OF NDRF:
PRE-DISASTER

 Will impart Disaster Management training to the local

police, District Authorities, PRIs and other Stake holders.
 Will organise community awareness and preparedness
programme during familarisation & recee of vulnerable
areas in the A.O.R.
 Will impart training to the teachers and school children in
the management of Natural Disasters.
ROLE OF NDRF:
DURING - DISASTER

 Pro-active deployment at level – III disaster.

 Provide hi-tech-specialist response during search and
rescue of victims.
 Provide immediate relief with available men and
material in the effected areas.

POST – DISASTER

 To assist States in recovery- maintenance of normalcy

at the areas of disaster.
For a few specific types of disasters the concerned
Ministries have the nodal responsibilities for
management of the disasters, as under:
Drought Ministry of Agriculture
Epidemics & Biological Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Disasters

Chemical Disasters Ministry of Environment & Forests

Nuclear Disasters Ministry of Atomic Energy

Air Accidents Ministry of Civil Aviation

Railway Accidents Ministry of Railways