MODULE-5

COMMON DISASTER TYPES IN INDIA

High Power Committee on Disaster Management identified 31 types of disasters. Tsunami has
been added in 2005 in this list. List of various disasters

i. Water and Climate related disasters

a) Floods and drainage management

b) Cyclones

c) Tornadoes and Hurricanes

d) Hailstorms

e) Cloud burst

f) Heat wave and Cold wave

g) Snow avalanches

h) Droughts

i) Sea erosion

j) Thunder and lighting

k) Tsunami

ii. Geological related disasters

a) Landslides and mudflows

b) Earthquakes

c) Dam failure/Dam bursts

d) Mine disasters

Downloaded from Ktunotes.in

iii. Chemical, industrial and nuclear related disasters

a) Chemical and industrial disasters

b) Nuclear disasters

iv. Accident related disasters

a) Forest fires

b) Urban fires

c) Mine flooding

d) Oil spills

e) Major building collapse

f) Serial bomb blasts

g) Festival related disasters

h) Electrical disasters and fires

i) Air, road and rail accidents

j) Boat Capsizing

k) Village fire

v. Biological related disasters

a) Biological disasters and epidemics

b) Pest attacks

c) Cattle epidemics

d) Food poisoning

Downloaded from Ktunotes.in

Natural Disasters

(A) Drought In India : In India around 68 percent of the agriculture land country
is prone to drought in varying degrees. Of the entire area 35 percent receives
rain falls between 750 mm and 1125 mm which is considered drought prone
while 33 percent, which receives rainfalls between less than 750 mm is
considered to be chronically drought prone. The primary cause of any drought
is deficiency of rainfall and in particular, the timing, distribution and intensity
of this deficiency in relation to existing reserves. A prolonged period of
relatively dry weather leading to drought is a widely recognized climate
anomaly. Drought can be devastating as water supplies dry up, crops fail to
grow, animals die, and malnutrition and ill health become widespread The
environmental effects of drought, including Stalinization of soil and
groundwater decline, increased pollution of freshwater ecosystems and
regional extinction of animal species.
(B) Floods: India is one of the most flood prone countries in the world. The
principal reasons for flood lie in the very nature of natural ecological systems
in this country, namely, the monsoon, the highly silted river systems and the
steep and highly erodible mountains, particularly those of the Himalayan
ranges. The average rainfall in India is 1150 mm with significant variation
across the country. The annual rainfall along the western coast and Western
Ghats, Khasi hills and over most of the Brahmaputra valley amounts to more
than 2500 mm. Most of the floods occur during the monsoon period and are
usually associated with tropical storms or depressions, active monsoon
conditions and break monsoon situations. Flood destructions have always
brought miseries to numerous people, especially in rural areas. Flood results in
the outbreak of serious epidemics, specially malaria and cholera.
Simultaneously, scarcity of water also arises. It has a drastic effect on
agricultural Figure 2: Flood Hazard Map of INDIA produce. Sometimes, water
remains standing over large areas for long span of time hampering the Rabi

Downloaded from Ktunotes.in

 crops. Floods occur in almost all rivers basins in India. The main causes of
floods are heavy rainfall, inadequate capacity of rivers to carry the high flood
discharge, inadequate drainage to carry away the rainwater quickly to streams/
rivers. Landslides blocking streams; typhoons and cyclones also cause floods.
Flash floods occur due to high rate of water flow as also due to poor
permeability of the soil. Areas with hardpan just below the surface of the soil
are more prone to floods as water fails to seep down to the deeper layers.
(C) Cyclones: The major natural disaster that affects the coastal regions of India
is cyclone and as India has a coastline of about 7516 kms, it is exposed to
nearly 10 percent of the world‟s tropical cyclones. About 71 percent of this
area is in ten states (Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil
Nadu, Puducherry, Andhra Pradesh, Orissa and West Bengal) Figure 3. The
islands of Andaman, Nicobar and Lakshadweep are also prone to cyclones. On
an average, about five or six tropical cyclones form in the Bay of Bengal and
Arabian sea and hit the coast every year. Out of these, two or three are severe.
When a cyclone approaches to coast, a risk of serious loss or damage arises
from severe winds, heavy rainfall, storm surges and river floods. The effect of
a storm surge is most pronounced in wide and shallow bays exposed to
cyclones such as in the northern part of Bay of Bengal.
(D) Heat Wave: Extreme positive departures from the normal maximum
temperature result in a heat wave during the summer season. The rising
maximum temperature during the pre-monsoon months often continues till
June, in rare cases till July, over the northwestern parts of the country. Decrease
in the Diurnal Temperature Range (DTR) due to urbanisation is a new factor
leading to human mortality and discomfort. Increased minimum temperatures
in summer do not allow the necessary nocturnal cooling to neutralize the high
maximum temperature during a heat wave epoch.
(E) Cold Wave and Fog Occurrences of extreme low temperature in association
with incursion of dry cold winds from north into the sub continent are known
as cold waves. The northern parts of India, specially the hilly regions and the
adjoining plains, are influenced by transient disturbances in the mid latitude

Downloaded from Ktunotes.in

 westerlies which often have weak frontal characteristics. These are known as
western disturbances. The cold waves mainly affect the areas to the north of
20°N but in association with large amplitude troughs, cold wave conditions are
sometimes reported from states like Maharashtra and Karnataka as well. UP
and Bihar rank the highest in terms of casualties from cold wave and this could
be due to poor level of development and lack of shelters to the outdoor workers
and farmers
(F) Earthquake: India has been divided into four seismic zones according to the
maximum intensity of earthquake expected. The entire Himalayan Region is
considered to be vulnerable to high intensity earthquakes of a magnitude
exceeding 8.0 on the Richter Scale, and in a relatively short span of about 50
years, four such major earthquakes have occurred in the region: Shillong, 1897
(M8.7); Kangra, 1905 (M.8.0); Bihar–Nepal, 1934 (M 8.3); and Assam–Tibet,
1950 (M 8.6). Scientific publications have warned that very severe earthquakes
are likely to occur anytime in the Himalayan Region, which could adversely
affect the lives of several million people in India.
(G) Landslides: Landslides constitute a major natural hazard in our country, which
accounts for considerable loss of life and damage to communication routes,
human settlements, agricultural fields and forest lands. Based on the general
experience with landslides, a rough estimate of monetary loss is of the order of
` 100 crore to ` 150 crore per annum at the current prices for the country as a
whole. Landslides mainly affect the Himalayan region and the western ghats
of India. Landslides are also common in the Nilgiri range. It is estimated that
30 percent of the world‟s landslides occur in the Himalayas. The Himalayan
Mountains, which constitute the youngest and most dominating mountain
system in the world, are not a single long landmass but comprises a series of
seven curvilinear parallel folds running along a grand arc for a total of 3400
kilometers. Due to its unique nature, the Himalayas have a history of landslides
that has no comparison with any other mountain range in the world. Landslides
are also common in the western gate. In the Nilgiris, in 1978 alone,
unprecedented rains in the region triggered about one hundred landslides

Downloaded from Ktunotes.in

 which caused severe damage to communication lines, tea gardens and other
cultivated crops. A valley in Nilgiris is called “Avalanches Valley”. Scientific
observation in north Sikkim and Garhwal regions in the Himalayas clearly
reveal that there is an average of two landslides per sq. km. The mean rate of
land loss is to the tune of 120 meter per km per year and annual soil loss is
about 2500 tones per sq km.
(H) Tsunami: A tsunami (in Japanese „tsu‟ means harbor and „nami‟ means wave) is
a series of water waves caused by the displacement of a large volume of a body of
water, usually an ocean. In the Tamil language it is known as “Aazhi Peralai”.
Seismicity generated tsunamis are result of abrupt deformation of sea floor resulting
vertical displacement of the overlying water. Earthquakes occurring beneath the sea
level, the water above the reformed area are displaced from its equilibrium position.
The release of energy produces tsunami waves which have small amplitude but a
very long wavelength (often hundreds of kilometer long). It may be caused by
nonseismic event also such as a landslide or impact of a meteor. Tsunami Sources
for India :
For a tsunami to hit Indian coast, it is necessary that earthquake of magnitude > 7
should occur. Two such possible zones are
• Andaman-Sumatra • Makran

Man-Made Disasters

(A) Industrial and Chemical Disaster: Industrial disaster: Industrial disasters are
disasters caused by chemical, mechanical, civil, electrical or other process failures due
to accident, negligence or incompetence, in an industrial plant which may spill over to
the areas outside the plant or with in causing damage to life, property and environment.
New industries are also coming up at a rapid rate.
Chemical disaster: Chemical disasters are occurrence of emission, fire or explosion
involving one or more hazardous chemicals in the course of industrial activity
(handling), storage or transportation or due to natural events leading to serious effects
inside or outside the installation likely to cause loss of life and property including
adverse effects on the environment. “Chemical accident or emergency can result in

Downloaded from Ktunotes.in

 extensive damage to the environment with considerable human and economic costs.
Chemical and industrial emergencies may arise in a number of ways, such as
• Explosion in a plant
• Accidents in storage facilities of chemicals
• Accidents during the transportation of chemicals, misuse of chemicals
• Improper waste management
• Accidents in treatment plants
• Technological system failures
• Failures of plant safety design
• Arson and sabotage
• Human error
(B) Stampede In stampede: In Stampede, the term mob or crowd is used to refer to a
congregated, active, polarized aggregate of people, which is basically heterogeneous
and complex. Its most salient features include homogeneity of thought and action
among its participants and their impulsive and irrational actions. Incidents of stampedes
can occur in numerous socio-cultural situations. These stampede incidents can be
categorized into the following types, where the causes and the impact are described in
the incident. Though the list is not exhaustive, it provides a fair idea about various types
of situations where stampedes can occur:
• Entertainment events
• Escalator and moving walkways
• Food distribution
• Processions
• Natural disasters
• Power failure
• Religious events
• Fire incidents during religious/other events
• Riots
• Sports events
• Weather related

Downloaded from Ktunotes.in

(C) Road Accidents : The rapid expansion of road transport has brought with it the
challenge of addressing adverse factors such as the increase in road accidents. Road
accidents are a human tragedy. It involves high human suffering and monetary costs in
terms of premature deaths, injuries, loss of productivity etc. Most deaths and injuries
due to road accidents are invisible to society. They are a hidden epidemic. In India,
motor vehicles including two wheelers are growing at a faster rate then the economic
and population growth.
(D) Rail Accidents :“Railway Disaster is a serious train accident or an untoward event of
grave nature, either on railway premises or arising out of railway activity, due to natural
or human-made causes, that may lead to loss of many lives and /or grievous injuries to
a large number of people, and/or severe disruption of traffic etc, necessitating large
scale help from other government/non-government and private organizations.” The
preparation of Disaster Management Plan on Indian Railways and on the Zonal
Railways in coordination with the different Departments of the Railway, other
Central/State Govt. agencies, NGOs, private agencies, etc. has to be done by the Safety
Department in the railway Board, on the Zonal Railway and Divisions. Railway Board
has approved the nomination of GMs, AGMs or CSOs (when GM/ AGM are not
available) for declaring an untoward incident as a Railway Disaster.
(E) Air Accidents: Air accidents are by and large of four types; mid-air collisions, forced
landings, crash due to technical snags and air-crash in mountainous terrain due to poor
visibility. While air accidents can occur at any time and at any place, areas within about
30 – 40 kms. radius of airports are most vulnerable. Experience shows that a majority
of air accidents occur either during take-off or landing near major airports where flight
paths get congested. In addition, air accidents also take place at remote inaccessible
places like forests, hilly and mountainous regions, high seas, etc. Causes of air
accidents are either human failure of pilots, air traffic controllers or technical failures
of on board, landing instruments. In rare cases, it may also be the result of terrorist
activities.
(F) Mine Disasters Mines Act, 1965 defines Disaster as an act Accident (unexpected
event) causing loss of more than 10 lives. A mining accident is an accident that occurs
in the process of mining minerals. The Act categories an accident involving loss of

Downloaded from Ktunotes.in

 lives less than 10 major accident. Thousands of miners die from mining accidents each
year, especially in the process of coal mining and hard rock mining. One of the greatest
mining disasters in Indian mines occurred on 27 December 1975 due to water in rush
from old abandoned incline working to a deep shaft mine working of Chasnallah
Colliery leading to death of 375 miners. Following types of mining disasters, losses
and impacts are classified by the DGMS. • Side fall (slope failure) disaster in opencast
mines,
• Roof and side falls in underground mines,
• Collapse of mine pillars,
• Air Blast,
• Failure of rope haulage,
• Accident due to electricity,
• Mine fires,
• Accidents due to explosive,
• Inundations,
• Explosions in mines.
• Rock burst and bumps,

G) Epidemics Infectious diseases are a major public health problem in India. While many
infectious diseases like tuberculosis and malaria are endemic, some of them occasionally attain
epidemic proportion. An epidemic refers to an increase, often sudden, in number of cases of a
disease in a community clearly in excess of what is normally expected in that population.
Epidemics are public health emergencies which disrupt routine health services and are major drain
on resources. Epidemics include viral infections disease (mengitis, measles, dengue, polio, typhoid
fever etc.) and Bacterial infectious diseases (cholera, diarrhea etc.) The main causes for epidemic
are non availability of clean and hygienic drinking water contamination of drinking water sources,
lack of awareness about sanitation, unhygienic food, and overcrowding, biological conditions in
addition to ecological factors.

Downloaded from Ktunotes.in

 LEGISLATIONS IN INDIA ON DISASTER MANAGEMENT

1. RESPONSIBILITIES

While the primary responsibility of disaster management rests with the States, the Central
Government supports the efforts of State Governments by providing logistical and financial
support.

On behalf of the Central Government, DM Division in the Ministry of Home Affairs co-ordinates
with disaster affected State Government(s), concerned line ministries/departments, National
Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), National
Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM) and the Directorate General of Fire Services, Home
Guards and Civil Defence, and Armed Forces for effective disaster risk reduction. The Division is
responsible for legislation, policy, capacity building, prevention, mitigation, response and long
term rehabilitation. Major responsibilities of the Disaster Management Division, MHA are as
follows:

● Resource mobilization for relief and response to natural disasters except drought, hail storms,
cold and frost waves and pest attack
● Operation of control room and situation reports
● Multi-hazard Early Warning Systems
● Matters related to State Disaster Response Fund and National Disaster Response Fund
● All matters related to disaster response, preparedness, prevention, mitigation and capacity
building
● International cooperation in disaster management
● Post-disaster/long term rehabilitation and reconstruction
● All administrative and budget matters related to NDMA, NDRF and NIDM
● Strengthening of fire and emergency services
● All matters related to Fire Services, Civil Defence and Home Guards including Director General
of (Fire Services, Civil Defence & Home Guards), National Civil Defence College (NCDC) and
National Fire Service College (NFSC)
● Administration of the Disaster Management Act, 2005
● Provides secretarial support to NEC, HLC and NPDRR.

Downloaded from Ktunotes.in

 NATIONAL DISASTER MANAGEMENT POLICY

To build a safe and disaster resilient India by developing a holistic, proactive, multi-disaster
oriented and technology driven strategy through a culture of prevention, mitigation, preparedness
and response.
Disaster Management

A disaster refers to a catastrophe, mishap, calamity or grave occurrence from natural or man-made
causes, which is beyond the coping capacity of the affected community. DM involves a continuous
and integrated process of planning, organising, coordinating and implementing measures which
are necessary or expedient for:

● Prevention of danger or threat of any disaster.

● Mitigation or reduction of risk of any disaster or its severity or consequences.
● Capacity building including research and knowledge management.
● Preparedness to deal with any disaster.
● Prompt response to any threatening disaster situation or disaster.
● Assessing the severity or magnitude of effects of any disaster.
● Evacuation, rescue and relief.
● Rehabilitation and reconstruction.

Objectives

The objectives of the national policy on disaster management are:

● Promoting a culture of prevention, preparedness and resilience at all levels through

knowledge, innovation and education.
● Encouraging mitigation measures based on technology, traditional wisdom and
environmental sustainability.
● Mainstreaming disaster management into the developmental planning process.
● Establishing institutional and techno-legal frame works to create an enabling regulatory
environment and a compliance regime.

Downloaded from Ktunotes.in

 ● Ensuring efficient mechanism for identification, assessment and monitoring of disaster
risks.
● Developing contemporary forecasting and early warning systems backed by responsive and
failsafe communication with information technology support.
● Promoting a productive partnership with the media to create awareness and contributing
towards capacity development.
● Ensuring efficient response and relief with a caring approach towards the needs of the
vulnerable sections of the society.
● Undertaking reconstruction as an opportunity to build disaster resilient structures and
habitat for ensuring safer living.
● Promoting productive and proactive partnership with media in disaster management.

The Disaster Management Act 2005

This Act may be called the Disaster Management Act, 2005.

It extends to the whole of India.

It shall come into force on such date as the Central Government may, by notification in the Official
Gazette appoint; and different dates may be appointed for different provisions of this Act and for
different States, and any reference to commencement in any provision of this Act in relation to any
State shall be construed as a reference to the commencement of that provision in that State.
Definitions.-In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires,-

"Affected area" means an area or part of the country affected by a disaster;

"Capacity-building" includes-

● Identification of existing resources and resources to be acquired or created;

● (Acquiring or creating resources identified under sub-clause (i);
● Organization and training of personnel and coordination of such training for effective
management of disasters;

"Central Government" means the Ministry or Department of the Government of India having
administrative control of disaster management;

Downloaded from Ktunotes.in

"Disaster" means a catastrophe, mishap, calamity or grave occurrence in any area, arising from
natural or manmade causes, or by accident or negligence which results in substantial loss of life or
human suffering or damage to, and destruction of, property, or damage to, or degradation of,
environment, and is of such a nature or magnitude as to be beyond the coping capacity of the
community of the affected area;
"Disaster management" means a continuous and integrated process of planning, organising,
coordinating and implementing measures which are necessary or expedient for-
Prevention of danger or threat of any disaster;

● Mitigation or reduction of risk of any disaster or its severity or consequences;

● Capacity-building;
● Preparedness to deal with any disaster;
● Prompt response to any threatening disaster situation or disaster;
● Assessing the severity or magnitude of effects of any disaster;
● Evacuation, rescue and relief;
● Rehabilitation and reconstruction;
● "District Authority" means the District Disaster Management Authority constituted under
sub-section (1) of section 25;
● "District Plan" means the plan for disaster management for the district prepared under
section 31;
● "Local authority" includes panchayati raj institutions, municipalities, a district board,
cantonment board, town planning authority or Zila Parishad or any other body or authority,
by whatever name called, for the time being invested by law, for rendering essential
services or, with the control and management of civic services, within a specified local
area;
● "Mitigation" means measures aimed at reducing the risk, impact or effects of a disaster or
threatening disaster situation;
● "National Authority" means the National Disaster Management Authority established
under sub-section (1) of section 3;
● "National Executive Committee" means the Executive Committee of the National
Authority constituted under sub-section (1) of section 8;

Downloaded from Ktunotes.in

 ● "National Plan" means the plan for disaster management for the whole of the country
prepared under section 11;
● "Preparedness" means the state of readiness to deal with a threatening disaster situation or
disaster and the effects thereof;
● "Prescribed" means prescribed by rules made under this Act;
● "Reconstruction" means construction or restoration of any property after a disaster;
● "Resources" includes manpower, services, materials and provisions;
● "State Authority" means the State Disaster Management Authority established under sub-
section (1) of section 14 and includes the Disaster Management Authority for the Union
territory constituted under that section;
● "State Executive Committee" means the Executive Committee of a State Authority
constituted under sub-section (1) of section 20;
● "State Government" means the Department of Government of the State having
administrative control of disaster management and includes Administrator of the Union
territory appointed by the President under article 239 of the Constitution;
● "State Plan" means the plan for disaster management for the whole of the State prepared
under section 23.

With effect from such date as the Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette
appoint in this behalf, there shall be established for the purposes of this Act, an authority to be
known as the National Disaster Management Authority.
The National Authority shall consist of the Chairperson and such number of other members, not
exceeding nine, as may be prescribed by the Central Government and, unless the rules otherwise
provide, the National Authority shall consist of the following:-

1. The Prime Minister of India, who shall be the Chairperson of the National Authority, ex
officio;
2. Other members, not exceeding nine, to be nominated by the Chairperson of the National
Authority.
3. The Chairperson of the National Authority may designate one of the members nominated
under clause (b) of sub-section (2) to be the Vice-Chairperson of the National Authority.

Downloaded from Ktunotes.in

 4. The term of office and conditions of service of members of the National Authority shall be
such as may be prescribed.

Meetings of National Authority

● The National Authority shall meet as and when necessary and at such time and place as the
Chairperson of the National Authority may think fit.
● The Chairperson of the National Authority shall preside over the meetings of the National
Authority.
● If for any reason the Chairperson of the National Authority is unable to attend any meeting
of the National Authority, the Vice-Chairperson of the National Authority shall preside
over the meeting.

Appointment of officers and other employees of the National Authority.-The Central Government
shall provide the National Authority with such officers, consultants and employees, as it considers
necessary for carrying out the functions of the National Authority.
Powers and functions of National Authority

1. Subject to the provisions of this Act, the National Authority shall have the responsibility
for laying down the policies, plans and guidelines for disaster management for ensuring
timely and effective response to disaster.
2. Without prejudice to generality of the provisions contained in sub-section (1), the National
Authority may -

o Lay down policies on disaster management;

o Approve the National Plan
o Approve plans prepared by the Ministries or Departments of the Government of
India in accordance with the National Plan;
o Lay down guidelines to be followed by the State Authorities in drawing up the State
Plan;
o Lay down guidelines to be followed by the different Ministries or Departments of
the Government of India for the purpose of integrating the measures for prevention
of disaster or the mitigation of its effects in their development plans and projects;

Downloaded from Ktunotes.in

 o Coordinate the enforcement and implementation of the policy and plan for disaster
management;
o Recommend provision of funds for the purpose of mitigation;
o Provide such support to other countries affected by major disasters as may be
determined by the Central Government;
o Take such other measures for the prevention of disaster, or the mitigation, or
preparedness and capacity building for dealing with the threatening disaster
situation or disaster as it may consider necessary;
o Lay down broad policies and guidelines for the functioning of the National Institute
of Disaster Management.

The Chairperson of the National Authority shall, in the case of emergency, have power to exercise
all or any of the powers of the National Authority but exercise of such powers shall be subject to
ex post facto ratification by the National Authority.

INSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR DISASTER MANAGEMENT IN INDIA

1. National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA):

The Disaster Management ACT, 2005 provides for setting up of a National Disaster Management
Authority (NDMA) with the Prime Minister as Chairperson. Apart from him there are members
whose number shall not exceed nine. One of these can be nominated as Vice-Chairperson of the
Authority.

Presently, Sh. M. Shashidhar Reddy, a sitting member of Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly is
the Vice-Chairman of the Authority. NDMA is responsible for laying down policies, plans and
guidelines for disaster management for ensuring timely and effective response to disaster .

NDMA is to be assisted by a National Executive Committee which comprises of Secretaries to the

Government of India heading various Ministries or Departments having administrative control
over Agriculture, Atomic Energy, Defence, drinking water supply, environment and forests,
finance, health, power, rural development, science and technology, space, telecommunication,
urban development and water resources. Chief of the Integrated Defence Staff of the Chiefs of
Staff Committee is also a member of the Executive Committee.

Downloaded from Ktunotes.in

National Executive Committee is responsible for preparing and updating a National Plan for
disaster management. The Plan includes measures to be taken for prevention of disasters or the
mitigation of their effects; measures to be taken for the integration of mitigation measures in the
development plans; measures to be taken for preparedness and capacity building to effectively
respond to any threatening disaster situation or disaster; and defining the roles of various
departments in respect of these measures
State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA):
The Disaster Management Act 2005 also provides for setting up of Stage Disaster Management
Authorities under the Chairpersonship of the Chief Minister. State Authority is to be assisted by a
State Executive Committee under the Chairpersonship of the Chief Secretary of the State.

The Committee shall prepare a state plan which would include assessment of vulnerability of
different parts of the state to different forms of disasters; measures to be adopted for prevention
and mitigation of disasters; capacity building; and role of departments of State Government. Apart
from the planning aspect it is also involved in taking up and supervising relief and rescue
operations at the time of disaster and in disseminating information about any impending disaster.

District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA):

The structure of disaster management institutions goes down to the district level where the
responsibility is given to DDMA which is headed by the Collector/ District Magistrate with elected
representative of the local authority as co-chairperson. DDMA will act as the planning,
coordinating and implementing body for disaster management at the district level.

It will prepare the District Plan for disaster management in accordance with instructions by NDMA
and SDMA. The DDMA will also ensure that the guidelines for prevention, mitigation,
preparedness and response measures laid down by the NDMA and the SDMA are followed by all
the Departments of the State Government at the District level and the local authorities in the

Downloaded from Ktunotes.in

District

Local Authority:

For the purpose of disaster management, local authorities would include Panchayati Raj
institutions and those agencies which control and manage civic services. These bodies are required
to ensure capacity building of their employees for managing disasters and carrying out relief and
reconstruction activities in the affected areas.

Downloaded from Ktunotes.in

2. National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM):
Capacity building is an important aspect of disaster management. This requires developing human
resources to handle disaster management work and undertake studies and research on the subject.
Disaster Management Act gives this mandate to the National Institute of Disaster Management.

The institute was formed as National Centre for Disaster Management (NCDM) in 1995 but was
re-designated as National Institute of Disaster Management in 2005 after the enacting of the
Disaster Management Act. The institute is headed by the Union Home Minister and Vice-
Chairman, NDMA also acts as the Vice-President of the Institute.

Day to day works are looked after by the Executive Director. The institute has five divisions i.e.,
Geo-Hazard Division; Hydro-Met Hazard Division; Policy Planning and Cross Cutting Issues
Division; Response Division; and Administrative and Finance Division.

3. National Disaster Response Force (NDRF):

NDRF was constituted in 2006 with 8 battalions drawn from the paramilitary forces. Presently it
has strength of 10 battalions. General superintendence of the force vests in NDMA and the force
is headed by the Director General of NDRF and Civil Defence. These battalions are positioned at
different locations to provide timely response to disaster situations and are available to State
Governments at the time of need.

The force provides specialized response during disasters, is pro-actively deployed in impending
disaster situations, imparts training to state disaster response force personnel and conducts
programmes for creating awareness and community capacity building.

4. Integrated Data Resource Network (IDRN):

Integrated Data Resource Network is a database in the electronic form maintained by the Ministry
of Home Affairs. The data enlists inventory of equipment and human resources relevant to disaster
management.

Organizations related with the work update the inventory of equipment, skilled human resources
and critical supplies for emergency response. Idea is to make available the information on
availability of equipment and human resources required to combat any emergency situation. This

Downloaded from Ktunotes.in

database also helps the policy makers to assess the level of preparedness for specific
vulnerabilities.

Other Institutional Arrangements:

Cabinet Committee on Management of Natural Calamities (CCMNC) has been constituted to
oversee all aspects relating to the management of natural calamities.

National Calamity Contingency Fund (NCCF) was created in 2000-01 by the Govt of India with a
corpus fund of Rs.500 crores with an objective of providing assistance to disaster affected states.
The fund was replenished with the National Calamity Contingent Duty on certain items such as
tobacco products etc., and was operated through a High Level Committee (HLC) which had
Finance Minister, as Chairman and the Home Minister, Agriculture Minister and Deputy
Chairman, Planning Commission as members. Since 2010, this find has been merged with National
Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) which is also operated by a High Level Committee with similar
composition.

THE SENDAI FRAMEWORK FOR DISASTER RISK REDUCTION

The Sendai Framework on Disaster Risk Reduction (2015-2030) is an ambitious agreement that
sets out the overall objective to substantially reduce disaster risk and losses in lives, livelihoods
and health and in the economic, physical, social, cultural and environmental assets of persons,
businesses, communities and countries. It pursues the following goal:

"Prevent new and reduce existing disaster risk through the implementation of integrated and
inclusive economic, structural, legal, social, health, cultural, educational, environmental,
technological, political and institutional measures that prevent and reduce hazard exposure and
vulnerability to disaster, increase preparedness for response and recovery, and thus strengthen
resilience."

The Framework recognizes that the strong commitment and involvement of political leadership in
every country is crucial. State level governments share their responsibility to reduce disaster risk
with other stakeholders such as local government, the private sector and other non-State actors. It

Downloaded from Ktunotes.in

puts in place 4 clear priorities for action and 7 global targets for the substantial reduction of disaster
risk.

The Sendai Framework covers technological hazards, in addition to natural hazards, which
represent an evolution compared to its predecessor, the Hyogo Framework for Action. These
technological hazards include chemical/industrial hazards further to radiological, nuclear,
biological, and others.

The seven global TARGETS are:

⮚ 1. Substantially reduce global disaster mortality by 2030, aiming to lower average per
100,000 global mortality between 2020-2030 compared to 2005-2015.

⮚ 2. Substantially reduce the number of affected people globally by 2030, aiming to lower
the average global figure per 100,000 between 2020-2030 compared to 2005-2015.

⮚ 3. Reduce direct disaster economic loss in relation to global gross domestic product (GDP)
by 2030.

⮚ 4. Substantially reduce disaster damage to critical infrastructure and disruption of basic

services, among them health and educational facilities, including through developing their
resilience by 2030.

⮚ 5. Substantially increase the number of countries with national and local disaster risk
reduction strategies by 2020.

⮚ 6. Substantially enhance international cooperation to developing countries through

adequate and sustainable support to complement their national actions for implementation
of this framework by 2030.

⮚ 7. Substantially increase the availability of and access to multi-hazard early warning

systems and disaster risk information and assessments to the people by 2030.

GUIDING PRINCIPLES
The implementation of the present framework will be guided by the following principles,
while taking into account national circumstances, and consistent with domestic laws as
well as international obligations and commitments:

Downloaded from Ktunotes.in

1. Each State has the primary responsibility to prevent and reduce disaster risk,
including through international, regional, subregional, transboundary and bilateral
cooperation. The reduction of disaster risk is a common concern for all States and
the extent to which developing countries are able to effectively enhance and
implement national disaster risk reduction policies and measures in the context of
their respective circumstances and capabilities can be further enhanced through the
provision of sustainable international cooperation;
2. Disaster risk reduction requires that responsibilities be shared by central
Governments and relevant national authorities, sectors and stakeholders, as
appropriate to their national circumstances and system of governance;
3. Managing the risk of disasters is aimed at protecting persons and their property,
health, livelihoods and productive assets, as well as cultural and environmental
assets, while promoting and protecting all human rights, including the right to
development;.
4. Disaster risk reduction requires an all-of-society engagement and partnership. It
also requires empowerment and inclusive, accessible and non - discriminatory
participation, paying special attention to people disproportionately affected by
disasters, especially the poorest. A gender, age, disability and cultural perspective
in all policies and practices; and the promotion of women and youth leadership; in
this context, special attention should be paid to the improvement of organized
voluntary work of citizens;
5. Disaster risk reduction and management depends on coordination mechanisms
within and across sectors and with relevant stakeholders at all levels, and. it requires
the full engagement of all State institutions of an executive and legislative nature
at national and local levels and a clear articulation of responsibilities across public
and private stakeholders, including business and academia, to ensure mutual
outreach, partnership, complementarity in roles and accountability and follow-up;
6. While the enabling, guiding and coordinating role of national and federal State
Governments remain essential, it is necessary to empower local authorities and
local communities to reduce disaster risk, including through resources, incentives
and decision-making responsibilities, as appropriate;

Downloaded from Ktunotes.in

 7. Disaster risk reduction requires a multi-hazard approach and inclusive risk-
informed decision-making based on the open exchange and dissemination of
disaggregated data, including by sex, age and disability, as well as on the easily
accessible, up-to-date, comprehensible, science-based, non-sensitive risk
information, complemented by traditional knowledge;
8. The development, strengthening and implementation of relevant policies, plans,
practices and mechanisms need to aim at coherence, as appropriate, across
sustainable development and growth, food security, health and safety, climate
change and variability, environmental management and disaster risk reduction
agendas. Disaster risk reduction is essential to achieve sustainable development;
9. While the drivers of disaster risk may be local, national, regional or global in scope,
disaster risks have local and specific characteristics that must be understood for the
determination of measures to reduce disaster risk;
10. Addressing underlying disaster risk factors through disaster riskinformed public
and private investments are more cost-effective than primary reliance on post-
disaster response and recovery, and contribute to sustainable development;
11. In the post-disaster recovery, rehabilitation and reconstruction phase it is critical to
prevent the creation of and to reduce disaster risk by “Building Back Better” and
increasing public education and awareness of disaster risk;
12. An effective and meaningful global partnership and the further strengthening of
international cooperation, including the fulfilment of respective commitments of
official development assistance by developed countries, are essential for effective
disaster risk management;
13. Developing countries, in particular the least developed countries, small island
developing States, landlocked developing countries and African countries, as well
as middle-income and other countries facing specific disaster risk challenges need
adequate, sustainable and timely provision of support, including through finance,
technology transfer and capacity-building from developed countries and partners
tailored to their needs and priorities, as identified by them.

PRIORITIES FOR ACTION

Downloaded from Ktunotes.in

⮚ Understanding disaster risk
● The Convention stresses the importance of identifying potentially
hazardous activities to be able to target actions for prevention, preparedness
and response.
● It sets out preventive measures to be carried out by national authorities and
operators, including legislative and institutional measures.
● The Convention also deals with the siting of hazardous installations as part
of landuse planning policies and measures to minimize risks to the
population and the environment.

⮚ Strengthening disaster risk governance to manage disaster risk

● The Convention provides a framework for Parties to set up their legal and
institutional frameworks at local, national and regional levels to address the
prevention of, preparedness for and response to industrial accidents.
● It focuses on disaster risk reduction arising from hazardous activities
which can cause a transboundary effect in case of accident.
● The Convention can be regarded as a mechanism for regional and
subregional cooperation, as it addresses local and transboundary disaster
risk reduction in case the consequences of an accident travel across borders
and supports capacity development.

⮚ Investing in disaster risk reduction for resilience

● The Convention promotes the prevention of technological disaster risks
through institutional, legislative and practical measures adopted by
authorities and operators.
● This comes with an obligation to adopt legislation for disaster risk
reduction, requiring operators of hazardous installations to ensure and
demonstrate the safe performance of their activities.
● To ensure implementation of these measures, Parties need to include
financial means as well.

Downloaded from Ktunotes.in

 ● The Convention therefore also promotes coherence across sectors by
stipulating cooperation among national authorities, which includes the
private sector.
● Proper investments in all elements of DRR and industrial accident
prevention are critical in order to strengthen resilience.

⮚ Enhancing disaster preparedness for effective response and to “Build Back

Better” in recovery, rehabilitation and reconstruction
● The Convention promotes the organization of transboundary exercises to
train relevant authorities and the population on preparedness and response.
More specifically, in line with the Sendai Framework, the Convention
contains obligations to:
A. Prepare, review and periodically update disaster preparedness and
contingency policies, plans and programmes, ensuring the participation of
all sectors and stakeholders, in particular when preparing on- and off-site
contingency plans as required by the Convention
B. Promote regular disaster preparedness, response and recovery exercises
C. Develop and strengthen, as appropriate, coordinated regional approaches
and operational mechanisms to prepare for and ensure rapid and effective
disaster response, for example, through the use of the UNECE Industrial
Accident Notification System to request and render mutual assistance in a
cross-border context.

Downloaded from Ktunotes.in