Published on 01 Feb 2025
Pre-disaster Phase
Risk Assessment: Identifying potential hazards like earthquakes, floods, cyclones, tsunamis, landslides, etc. Conduct vulnerability assessments to understand the susceptibility of different regions to specific hazards and plan accordingly.
Example: Scheme for Sustainable Reduction in Disaster Risk in 10 Multi-Hazard Districts.
Disaster Management Plans: Developing and updating comprehensive disaster management plans for different types of hazards in adherence with DMA 2005.
Example: National Disaster Management Policy 2009
Capacity Building: Conducting regular training programs for first responders, disaster response teams, and volunteers.
Example: Self-Study Programme on Disaster Risk Management by NIDM.
Hazard Zone Mapping: Utilizing Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing technologies to map hazard-prone areas. Integrating hazard maps into urban planning and infrastructure development.
Example: India Disaster Resource Network (IDRN) and India Disaster Knowledge Network (IDKN)
Early Warning Systems: Implementing technology-based systems for timely dissemination of warnings and alerts to vulnerable populations.
Example: Early Warning Dissemination System (EWDS) of Odissa.
Community Engagement: Involving local communities in identifying risks and developing localized early warning systems. Promoting community-based disaster risk reduction and management initiatives.
Example: NDRF is conducting a School Safety Programme (SSP) to prepare the children of a community to deal with disasters.
Legislation and Policy: Developing and updating relevant legislation and policies for disaster risk reduction and management.
Example: Formulating NDMA guidelines in compliance with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction.
Resource Allocation: Allocating resources and funds for disaster preparedness and mitigation activities at national and regional levels.
Example: National Disaster Response Fund.
During a Disaster
Emergency Response: Activating emergency response mechanisms promptly, involving police, fire services, medical teams, and other relevant agencies.
Search and Rescue: Deploying search and rescue teams to locate and evacuate trapped individuals.
Example: Use of NDRF, Army etc.
Communication and Information Dissemination: Utilizing various communication channels, including mass media, social media, and mobile apps, to disseminate real-time information to the public.
Example: National Disaster Management Services implemented by BSNL.
Interagency Coordination: Ensuring seamless coordination among various government departments, disaster response agencies, and NGOs.
Example: Incident Command System
Medical Assistance: Setting up medical camps and temporary healthcare facilities to provide medical aid to the affected population.
Example: Use of drones for delivery of medicines.
Evacuation and Shelter Management: Organizing safe and orderly evacuation of affected communities to designated shelters.
Damage Assessment: Conducting rapid assessments to evaluate the extent of damage and the immediate needs of affected areas.
Example: Utilizing GIS and satellite imagery for remote damage assessment in inaccessible regions.
Psychological Support: Providing psychosocial support to individuals and communities traumatized by the disaster.
Example: Work done by DISHA in Kerala during Covid 19.
Post-disaster Phase
Rehabilitation and Reconstruction: Formulating and implementing plans for the recovery and reconstruction of affected infrastructure and communities.
Example: Build back better Programme
Capacity Building and Training: Conducting workshops and training programs for communities to enhance their resilience and disaster response capabilities.
Example: Aapda Mitra Scheme
Livelihood Restoration: Supporting affected communities in restoring their livelihoods through financial aid and vocational training.
Example: Infrastructure projects continued during Covid-19 which ensured employment of many labourers.
Lessons Learned: Conducting comprehensive evaluations of the disaster response to identify strengths and weaknesses.
Example: Adopting the ‘Room for the River’ project in flood-prone areas in India.
Infrastructure and Ecosystem Restoration: Repairing damaged infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, and utilities, to restore normalcy.
Example: Rebuild Kerala initiative.
Social Welfare and Support: Providing support to vulnerable groups, including the elderly, children, and people with disabilities.
Example: Use of PM CARES fund.
Disaster Management
India’s Current Strategy for managing a Disaster
disaster
disaster management
disaster management cycle
India Disaster Resource Network
NDMA
India and disaster
National Disaster Response Fund
General Studies Paper 3
Disaster and Disaster Management