DM UNIT-I

Natural Hazards and Disaster Management: Introduction of DM – Inter

disciplinary nature of the subject– Disaster Management cycle – Five priorities for
action. Case study methods of the following: Vegetal Cover floods, droughts –
Earthquakes – landslides – global warming, cyclones & Tsunamis – Post Tsunami
hazards along the Indian coast.

1) Natural Hazards and Disaster Management:

Natural hazards are natural events or phenomena that can have a damaging impact
on human life, property, and the environment. Examples of natural hazards include
earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, droughts, landslides, and wildfires.
Disaster management is the process of preparing for, responding to, and recovering
from natural disasters. Effective disaster management requires a comprehensive
and coordinated approach that involves multiple stakeholders, including
government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector.

Here are some key components of natural hazard and disaster management:

Risk Assessment: Effective disaster management begins with a comprehensive

risk assessment. This involves identifying the natural hazards that are most likely
to occur in a given area, assessing the potential impact of these hazards on people,
property, and the environment, and developing strategies for mitigating these risks.
Emergency Planning and Preparedness: Emergency planning and preparedness
involve developing strategies and procedures for responding to natural disasters.
This includes preparing emergency response plans, stockpiling emergency
supplies, training emergency responders, and conducting regular emergency drills.
Early Warning Systems: Early warning systems can help communities prepare
for and respond to natural disasters. These systems involve monitoring natural
hazards, such as earthquakes or hurricanes, and providing advance warning to
communities so that they can take steps to protect themselves.
Response and Recovery: Effective disaster management also involves a rapid
response to natural disasters and a coordinated effort to aid recovery. This includes
providing emergency shelter, food, and medical care to affected individuals, as
well as restoring essential infrastructure, such as roads, power, and water.
Community Engagement: Community engagement is critical for effective
disaster management. Engaging with communities can help build resilience to
natural disasters, increase awareness of risks and preparedness measures, and
ensure that disaster management efforts are tailored to the specific needs of the
community.
In conclusion, natural hazards pose a significant risk to human life, property,
and the environment. Effective disaster management requires a
comprehensive and coordinated approach that includes risk assessment,
emergency planning and preparedness, early warning systems, response and
recovery, and community engagement. By taking proactive steps to address
natural hazards, individuals and organizations can help promote a safer and
more secure world.

2)Introduction of DM :-
Disaster management (DM) refers to the process of preparing for, responding to,
and recovering from natural or man-made disasters. Natural disasters include
events such as earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, and wildfires, while man-made
disasters can include industrial accidents, transportation accidents, and acts of
terrorism.
Effective disaster management involves a range of activities, including risk
assessment, emergency planning, response and recovery, and community
engagement. The goal of disaster management is to minimize the impact of
disasters on human life, property, and the environment.
Disaster management can involve multiple stakeholders, including government
agencies, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector. These
stakeholders work together to develop strategies and procedures for responding
to disasters, including providing emergency shelter, food, and medical care to
affected individuals, restoring essential infrastructure, and mitigating the risks of
future disasters.
The importance of disaster management has become increasingly apparent in
recent years, as the frequency and severity of natural disasters and man-made
disasters have increased. By taking proactive steps to prepare for and respond to
disasters, individuals and organizations can help minimize the impact of disasters
and promote a safer and more secure world.

3)Inter disciplinary nature of the subject

Disaster management is an interdisciplinary subject that draws on a range of fields

and expertise to effectively prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters.
Some of the key disciplines involved in disaster management include:
Engineering: Engineers are involved in assessing the structural integrity of
buildings and infrastructure, designing and constructing disaster-resistant
structures, and developing technology to aid disaster response and recovery efforts.
Geography: Geographers study the physical and social environments that can
contribute to the risk of disasters, as well as the distribution of resources that can
impact disaster response and recovery.
Environmental Science: Environmental scientists study the impact of disasters on
the natural environment, including the impact on ecosystems, water quality, and air
pollution.
Public Health: Public health professionals are involved in managing the health
impact of disasters, including providing medical care, managing disease outbreaks,
and ensuring access to clean water and sanitation.
Social Science: Social scientists study the social impact of disasters, including the
impact on communities, social networks, and mental health.
Emergency Management: Emergency management professionals are responsible
for coordinating disaster response and recovery efforts, including coordinating
emergency services, developing emergency plans, and managing communication
between stakeholders.
Effective disaster management requires collaboration and coordination across
these different disciplines, as well as with government agencies, non-
governmental organizations, and the private sector. By working together,
these stakeholders can develop comprehensive strategies for managing
disasters and promoting a safer and more secure world.
4)Disaster Management cycle
The disaster management cycle is a model that outlines the different stages
involved in managing disasters. The cycle includes four main phases: mitigation,
preparedness, response, and recovery.
Mitigation: The mitigation phase involves taking actions to prevent or minimize
the impact of disasters. This can include measures such as building codes and
regulations, land-use planning, and the development of warning systems.
Preparedness: The preparedness phase involves developing plans and procedures
for responding to disasters. This can include developing emergency response plans,
stockpiling emergency supplies, training emergency responders, and conducting
regular emergency drills.
Response: The response phase involves taking immediate action to save lives,
protect property, and meet the basic needs of affected individuals. This can include
providing emergency shelter, food, and medical care to affected individuals, as
well as coordinating emergency services and communicating critical information to
the public.
Recovery: The recovery phase involves restoring essential infrastructure, such as
roads, power, and water, and helping affected communities rebuild and recover.
This can include providing financial assistance to affected individuals and
businesses, restoring damaged infrastructure, and addressing long-term
environmental and social impacts.
It is important to note that the disaster management cycle is not a linear process,
and the phases can overlap and occur simultaneously. Additionally, effective
disaster management requires ongoing evaluation and refinement of preparedness
plans and procedures to ensure that they are up-to-date and effective in responding
to new and evolving threats.
5)Five priorities for action
The five priorities for action in disaster management can vary depending on the
specific context and nature of the disaster. However, in general, the following
priorities are considered critical for effective disaster management:
Life safety: The first priority in any disaster is to ensure the safety and well-being
of affected individuals. This includes providing emergency medical care, search
and rescue operations, and emergency shelter and provisions.
Communication: Effective communication is essential for managing disasters,
including communicating warnings and emergency information to the public,
coordinating emergency services, and providing updates on the situation to
stakeholders.
Damage assessment: Conducting a thorough assessment of the extent of the
damage caused by the disaster is critical for understanding the scale of the response
required and for prioritizing recovery efforts.
Recovery and restoration: Restoring essential infrastructure and services, such as
power, water, and transportation, is critical for the recovery of affected
communities. This can include providing financial assistance to affected
individuals and businesses, as well as addressing long-term environmental and
social impacts.
Preparedness and prevention: Taking proactive measures to prevent disasters
and increase preparedness is critical for reducing the impact of future disasters.
This can include developing emergency response plans, conducting regular
training and exercises, and implementing building codes and regulations to
promote disaster-resistant construction.
6) Vegetal Cover floods
Vegetal cover, particularly trees, can help mitigate the impacts of floods by
providing a number of important functions:
Absorbing water: Trees have deep roots that can absorb large amounts of water,
reducing the amount of runoff that occurs during heavy rains or storms. This can
help to slow down the flow of water and reduce the risk of flash flooding.
Reducing erosion: The roots of trees help to stabilize soil, reducing erosion and
the risk of landslides during floods.
Providing a natural barrier: Trees and other vegetation can help to slow down
and absorb the impact of floodwaters, reducing the amount of damage that occurs
to buildings, roads, and other infrastructure.
Improving water quality: Vegetation can help to filter pollutants and other
contaminants out of floodwater, improving the overall quality of water in affected
areas.
However, it's important to note that vegetation can also contribute to
flooding if it is not properly managed. Overgrown vegetation can clog
waterways and prevent water from flowing, increasing the risk of flooding
during heavy rains or storms. Additionally, some types of vegetation, such
as invasive species, can actually exacerbate flooding by increasing runoff
and reducing water absorption.
Effective management of vegetal cover can help to mitigate the risks of
flooding and promote sustainable development. This can include strategies
such as:
• Implementing sustainable land-use practices, such as agroforestry and
sustainable agriculture, that promote healthy soil and vegetation.
• Developing and enforcing land-use regulations and policies that promote
responsible management of vegetation and protect natural areas.
• Conducting regular maintenance and pruning of vegetation to prevent
overgrowth and ensure that waterways remain clear.
By properly managing vegetal cover, we can reduce the risks of flooding, protect
infrastructure and property, and support healthy ecosystems.

7)droughts

Vegetal cover can also play an important role in mitigating the impacts of
droughts. During droughts, vegetation can help to maintain soil moisture and
reduce water loss through evaporation. Plants also play a critical role in
maintaining the health of ecosystems and supporting biodiversity, which can help
to mitigate the impacts of climate change and natural disasters.
However, it's important to note that vegetation can also be negatively impacted by
droughts, particularly if the drought is prolonged or severe. Drought conditions can
lead to water stress in plants, causing them to become more susceptible to pests,
diseases, and other stresses. In extreme cases, drought can also lead to the death of
vegetation, which can have long-term impacts on ecosystems and the environment.
Effective management of vegetal cover during droughts can help to mitigate the
impacts of water scarcity and support sustainable development. This can include
strategies such as:
• Planting vegetation that is well-suited to local climate and soil conditions,
and that is drought-resistant or drought-tolerant.
• Using techniques such as mulching and drip irrigation to reduce water loss
and maintain soil moisture.
• Developing and enforcing land-use regulations and policies that promote
responsible management of vegetation and protect natural areas.
• Conducting regular monitoring and assessment of vegetation health to
identify potential impacts of drought and take appropriate action.
By properly managing vegetal cover during droughts, we can reduce the risks of
water scarcity, protect ecosystems, and support sustainable development.

8)Earthquakes
Earthquakes are a major disaster that can have significant impacts on communities
and infrastructure. Effective disaster management strategies for earthquakes
typically involve a combination of preparedness, response, and recovery measures.
Preparedness measures can include:
• Developing and implementing earthquake safety plans: This can involve
assessing the vulnerability of buildings and infrastructure, identifying safe
evacuation routes, and establishing emergency communication protocols.
• Conducting public awareness campaigns: Education and outreach efforts can
help to raise awareness of earthquake risks and preparedness measures, and
encourage individuals and communities to take action to reduce their
vulnerability.
• Building earthquake-resistant infrastructure: Buildings and other
infrastructure can be designed and constructed to withstand earthquakes,
using techniques such as base isolation and damping.
Response measures can include:
 1. Search and rescue operations: In the immediate aftermath of an earthquake,
emergency responders can conduct search and rescue operations to locate
and rescue survivors.
2. Emergency medical care: Earthquakes can result in significant injuries and
medical emergencies, so it's important to have emergency medical care
available in affected areas.
3. Shelter and basic needs: People may be displaced from their homes or
without access to basic necessities such as food and water, so it's important
to have temporary shelter and basic needs assistance available.
Recovery measures can include:
1. Repair and reconstruction of infrastructure: Earthquakes can cause
significant damage to buildings and infrastructure, so recovery efforts may
involve repairing or rebuilding affected areas.
2. Mental health support: Earthquakes can be traumatic events that can cause
stress and mental health issues, so it's important to provide mental health
support services to affected individuals and communities.
3. Economic recovery: Earthquakes can have significant impacts on local
economies, so recovery efforts may involve efforts to stimulate economic
activity and support businesses and communities.
Overall, effective earthquake disaster management involves a coordinated and
comprehensive approach that addresses both the immediate needs of affected
communities and the longer-term recovery and rebuilding efforts.

9)landslides

Landslides are a type of natural disaster that can cause significant damage to
communities and infrastructure. Effective disaster management strategies for
landslides typically involve a combination of preparedness, response, and recovery
measures.
Preparedness measures can include:

Conducting hazard assessments: This can involve identifying areas that are at
high risk for landslides and developing risk maps and early warning systems.
Developing and implementing landslide safety plans: This can involve
identifying safe evacuation routes, establishing emergency communication
protocols, and conducting public awareness campaigns.
Building landslide-resistant infrastructure: Roads, bridges, and other
infrastructure can be designed and constructed to withstand landslides, using
techniques such as slope stabilization and drainage.

Response measures can include:

Search and rescue operations: In the immediate aftermath of a landslide,

emergency responders can conduct search and rescue operations to locate and
rescue survivors.
Emergency medical care: Landslides can result in significant injuries and medical
emergencies, so it's important to have emergency medical care available in affected
areas.
Shelter and basic needs: People may be displaced from their homes or without
access to basic necessities such as food and water, so it's important to have
temporary shelter and basic needs assistance available.
Recovery measures can include:

Repair and reconstruction of infrastructure: Landslides can cause significant

damage to buildings and infrastructure, so recovery efforts may involve repairing
or rebuilding affected areas.

Mitigation measures: This can involve implementing measures to reduce the risk
of future landslides, such as vegetation management, slope stabilization, and
drainage improvements.

Economic recovery: Landslides can have significant impacts on local economies,

so recovery efforts may involve efforts to stimulate economic activity and support
businesses and communities.

Overall, effective landslide disaster management involves a coordinated and

comprehensive approach that addresses both the immediate needs of affected
communities and the longer-term recovery and rebuilding efforts.

10) global warming, cyclones & Tsunamis

Global warming, cyclones, and tsunamis are all natural phenomena that can
cause significant damage to communities and infrastructure. Effective disaster
management strategies for these events typically involve a combination of
preparedness, response, and recovery measures.

Global warming:

Preparedness measures can include: Identifying the areas that are at risk of
flooding due to rising sea levels, assessing the vulnerability of infrastructure and
people, and developing early warning systems.
Response measures can include: Evacuation plans, relief and rescue operations,
and mobilizing resources to affected areas.
Recovery measures can include: Infrastructure repairs, disaster risk reduction and
preparedness plans for the future, and addressing the long-term impacts of global
warming.
Cyclones:
Preparedness measures can include: Early warning systems, evacuation plans,
and prepositioning of resources such as food, water, and medical supplies.
Response measures can include: Emergency shelter and medical care, search and
rescue operations, and mobilizing resources to affected areas.
Recovery measures can include: Infrastructure repairs, reconstruction of homes
and buildings, and addressing the long-term impacts of the cyclone such as
economic and social disruption.
Tsunamis:
Preparedness measures can include: Early warning systems, evacuation plans,
and public education about the dangers of tsunamis.
Response measures can include: Emergency shelter and medical care, search and
rescue operations, and mobilizing resources to affected areas.
Recovery measures can include: Infrastructure repairs, reconstruction of homes
and buildings, and addressing the long-term impacts of the tsunami such as
economic and social disruption.
Overall, effective disaster management strategies for global warming, cyclones,
and tsunamis involve a comprehensive approach that addresses both the immediate
needs of affected communities and the longer-term recovery and rebuilding efforts.
This requires coordination and collaboration among government agencies, non-
governmental organizations, and affected communities.
11) Tsunami hazards along the Indian coast.
The 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami caused significant damage
and loss of life along the Indian coast, particularly in the states of Tamil Nadu,
Andhra Pradesh, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. In the aftermath of the
disaster, there were several post-tsunami hazards that posed a threat to the affected
communities.
1. Disease outbreak: The risk of disease outbreaks increases after a disaster,
particularly when there is a breakdown in sanitation and hygiene systems. In
the aftermath of the tsunami, there was a risk of outbreaks of waterborne
diseases such as cholera and typhoid.
2. Displacement: The tsunami displaced thousands of people from their
homes, and many were forced to live in temporary shelters or camps. The
displacement and loss of livelihoods can have long-term impacts on the
affected communities.
3. Mental health: The trauma of experiencing a disaster of this magnitude can
have a significant impact on the mental health of those affected. There was a
need for mental health services to address the psychological trauma
experienced by survivors.
4. Environmental hazards: The tsunami caused significant damage to the
environment, particularly to coastal ecosystems. The disruption to the
ecosystem can have long-term impacts on the local ecology and biodiversity.
5. Infrastructure damage: The tsunami caused significant damage to
infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and buildings. The rebuilding and
repair of infrastructure was a major challenge for the affected communities.

Overall, effective post-tsunami hazard management required a coordinated and

comprehensive approach that addressed the immediate needs of affected
communities, such as food, water, and shelter, as well as the longer-term recovery
and rebuilding efforts. This required collaboration between government agencies,
non-governmental organizations, and affected communities to ensure that the
needs of all stakeholders were addressed.