How many Types of Disaster Management are There

How many Types of Disaster Management are There

Edited By Team Careers360 | Updated on Jun 12, 2023 02:12 PM IST

Introduction

Mainly four types of disaster management is a comprehensive strategy for dealing with preventative measures, response and recovery from natural or man-made crises. These crises often referred to as "mishaps", can range from floods, earthquakes, and tsunamis, to biological or chemical attacks, caused by both natural phenomena and malicious human actions. But with proper planning and preparation, the devastating effects of these disasters can be minimized.

The Disaster Management Act of 2005 defines disaster management as an integrated approach to planning, coordinating, organizing, and executing the necessary actions for rehabilitation and reconstruction, swift response to potential threats, mitigation of consequences, preparedness, evacuation, rescue and relief of survivors, and capacity building.

Disaster Management and its Types

Disasters come in many forms and can be classified into two main categories: those that occur naturally, and those that are caused by human actions.

  • Natural Disasters: These are events that occur due to changes in the environment or the earth. They can have a significant impact on both people and property. Examples include earthquakes, tsunamis, landslides, epidemics, and wildfires.

  • Man-Made Disasters: These are caused by human actions, whether intentional or not. They can range from bomb blasts, biological weapons, deforestation, pollution, and accidents like rope-way or passenger bus crashes.

The Disaster Management Cycle is a model used to effectively deal with disasters, from emergency response to recovery. It includes four phases:

  • Mitigation: This phase involves taking measures to reduce the impact of a disaster, such as revising zoning laws, strengthening public infrastructure, and managing land use.

  • Preparedness: This phase includes educating and training communities on how to respond to and recover from a disaster.

  • Response: This phase involves taking action to address the immediate threat of a disaster, and establishing a business recovery centre to focus on meeting humanitarian needs and completing the clean-up process.

  • Recovery: This final phase involves restoring the community and normalizing the local economy, addressing the long-term effects of the disaster on the environment, economy, and society.

Disaster Management in India

Disaster management in India is a complex and multi-faceted endeavour, involving a variety of agencies and bodies at the national, state, and local levels. The National Disaster Management Act of 2005, passed by the government in the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha, serves as the foundation for disaster management in India. This act aims to provide relief to survivors affected by any disaster and to ensure efficient management before and after the occurrence of any disaster.

Agencies involved in Disaster Management in India include:

  1. National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA): The NDMA prepares policies and guidelines for disaster management to combat the severe effects of disasters. This body is composed of 9 members, including a chairperson, and has a tenure of 5 years.

  2. National Executive Committee (NEC): The NEC prepares the national disaster management plan for the entire country and ensures its annual review.

  3. State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA): The SDMA closely looks at all the states about the pre-planning of the disaster management plans as guided by national authorities.

  4. National Disaster Response Force (NDRF): The NDRF is a special force constituted to help and assist survivors during disasters.

Together, these agencies work to ensure that India is prepared and able to respond effectively to any disaster that may arise.

National Policy on Disaster Management-2009

  • The National Policy on Disaster Management 2009 is a comprehensive strategy aimed at promoting a culture of prevention and preparedness at all levels of society, through education, innovation, and knowledge-sharing. This policy, which was developed in line with the Disaster Management Act of 2005, serves as a roadmap for handling disasters in India.

  • The National Policy on Disaster Management 2009 was established with the vision of protecting the people from disasters and creating a smart, technology-driven approach to dealing with extreme conditions. It covers a wide range of topics related to disaster management, including financial and legal arrangements, reconstruction, rehabilitation, and recovery.

  • The Policy emphasizes proactive measures, early warning systems, and risk reduction techniques, to minimize the impact of natural and man-made disasters. It also aims to strengthen the institutional mechanisms for disaster management, capacity building and community participation for disaster risk reduction and management, and to create a culture of preparedness and mitigation.

  • The National Policy on Disaster Management 2009 is a comprehensive and holistic approach to dealing with disasters and ensuring the safety and well-being of all citizens.

The National Disaster Management Plan -2016

Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), is a pioneering effort by India to address and mitigate the impact of disasters in the country. This plan, which aligns with the Sendai Framework, aims to reduce the loss of lives and assets caused by disasters.

The National Disaster Management Plan 2016, was the first initiative plan by India and it has set a vision of making India a disaster-free country and minimizing the aftermath of a disaster. The plan focuses on building local capacities, starting with the poor and reducing the significant loss of life, livelihoods, and assets in different forms, which include economic, physical, social, cultural, and environmental and enhancing the ability to cope with disasters at all levels.

The NDMA plan works towards disaster risk reduction across all sectors, from community-based activities to high-level policy interventions and emphasizes proactive measures, early warning systems, and risk reduction techniques, to minimize the impact of natural and man-made disasters. It aims to strengthen the institutional mechanisms for disaster management, capacity building and community participation for disaster risk reduction and management, and to create a culture of preparedness and mitigation.

The National Disaster Management Authority

  • The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) is the premier body responsible for managing disasters in India. This authority holds the crucial role of approving the National Plan and formulating the necessary policies to effectively manage disasters.

  • As per the Disaster Management Act 2005, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) is mandated to establish institutional mechanisms at district levels. This act empowers NDMA to create policies and guidelines for disaster management, with a focus on prevention, mitigation, preparedness, and response.

  • NDMA is led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Kamal Kishore serves as the member secretary. Together, they oversee the implementation of disaster management strategies and policies, ensuring that India is prepared to effectively respond to any disaster that may arise.

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