UNIT I

HAZRADS, VULNERABILITY AND DISASTER RISKS

Definition: Disaster, Hazard, Vulnerability, Resilience, Risks – Types of Disasters: Natural, Human
induced, Climate change induced –Earthquake, Landslide, Flood, Drought, Fire etc – Technological
disasters - Structural collapse, Industrial accidents, oil spills -Causes, Impacts including social,
Economic, political, environmental, health, psychosocial, etc.- Disaster vulnerability profile of India
and Tamil Nadu - Global trends in disasters: urban disasters, pandemics, Complex emergencies,
Inter relations between Disasters and Sustainable development Goals

DEFINITION: DISASTER, HAZARD, VULNERABILITY, RESILIENCE, RISKS

1. Disaster

A disaster is a serious disruption of the functioning of a community or society involving widespread

human, material, economic, or environmental losses and impacts. Disasters exceed the ability of the
affected community or society to cope using its own resources. Examples include natural disasters
like earthquakes, floods, and hurricanes, as well as man-made disasters such as industrial accidents or
terrorist attacks.

2. Hazard

A hazard is a potentially damaging physical event, phenomenon, or human activity that may cause
loss of life, injury, or other health impacts, property damage, social and economic disruption, or
environmental degradation. Hazards can be natural (like earthquakes or hurricanes), anthropogenic
(like industrial accidents), or a combination of both.

3. Vulnerability

Vulnerability refers to the characteristics and circumstances of a community, system, or asset that
make it susceptible to the damaging effects of a hazard. Vulnerability is a function of exposure,
sensitivity, and adaptive capacity, and it can be influenced by factors such as poverty, lack of
information, inadequate infrastructure, and social inequities.
4. Resilience

Resilience is the ability of a system, community, or society exposed to hazards to resist, absorb,
accommodate, and recover from the effects of a hazard in a timely and efficient manner. This
includes the preservation and restoration of essential structures and functions, such as social,
economic, and environmental systems.

5. Risk

Risk in the context of DRRM refers to the potential for loss or harm due to the interaction of hazards,
exposure, and vulnerability. It is typically expressed as a combination of the probability of a
hazardous event occurring and its potential consequences. Managing risks involves assessing and
reducing hazards, exposure, and vulnerability, while enhancing resilience.

TYPES OF DISASTERS

1. Natural Disasters

Natural disasters are events caused by natural processes or phenomena. They include:

• Earthquake: A sudden and violent shaking of the ground, often caused by movement within
the Earth's crust or volcanic activity. Earthquakes can lead to widespread damage, including
building collapse, tsunamis, and landslides.
• Landslide: The movement of rock, earth, or debris down a slope due to gravity. Landslides
can be triggered by factors such as heavy rainfall, earthquakes, volcanic activity, or human
activities like deforestation.
• Flood: An overflow of water that submerges land that is usually dry. Floods can result from
heavy rainfall, storm surges, dam failures, or rapid melting of snow and ice. They cause
significant damage to property, infrastructure, and can lead to loss of life.
• Drought: A prolonged period of abnormally low rainfall, leading to a shortage of water.
Droughts can cause crop failure, water shortages, and contribute to desertification.
• Fire (Wildfire): An uncontrolled fire that spreads rapidly across vegetation, forests, or
grasslands. Wildfires can be caused by natural factors like lightning or by human activities
such as campfires, arson, or agriculture.
2. Human-Induced Disasters

Human-induced or anthropogenic disasters are caused by human actions or negligence. These can
include:

• Industrial Accidents: Incidents such as chemical spills, explosions, or fires that occur in
industrial settings due to equipment failure, human error, or lack of safety protocols.
• Transportation Accidents: Disasters involving vehicles, such as airplane crashes, train
derailments, or shipwrecks, often caused by mechanical failure, human error, or natural
conditions.
• Terrorism: The use of violence and threats to intimidate or coerce, particularly for political
purposes, which can result in large-scale harm and disruption.
• Nuclear Accidents: Incidents involving the release of hazardous nuclear material due to
reactor malfunctions, improper handling, or other factors, leading to radiation exposure and
environmental contamination.

3. Climate Change-Induced Disasters

These disasters are linked to or exacerbated by the effects of climate change, such as global warming
and changes in weather patterns:

• Sea-Level Rise: As a result of melting polar ice and thermal expansion of seawater, rising sea
levels can lead to coastal erosion, saltwater intrusion, and increased flooding, especially in
low-lying areas.
• Increased Frequency and Intensity of Extreme Weather Events: Climate change has led to
more frequent and severe storms, hurricanes, heat waves, and heavy rainfall, which can cause
extensive damage to ecosystems, infrastructure, and human life.
• Glacial Retreat and Reduced Snowpack: Melting glaciers and reduced snowpack due to
higher temperatures can lead to reduced water supply in regions dependent on melt water,
impacting agriculture and water availability.
 TECHNOLOGICAL DISASTERS

1. Structural Collapse: Structural collapse refers to the failure of a building, bridge, dam, or other
constructed infrastructure, leading to a partial or complete collapse.

Causes:

• Poor Design or Engineering: Inadequate structural design, errors in calculations, or the use of
substandard materials.
• Construction Defects: Poor workmanship, use of defective materials, or failure to follow
engineering specifications.
• Aging Infrastructure: Lack of maintenance, wear and tear over time, and degradation of
materials.
• Natural Disasters: Earthquakes, floods, or hurricanes can weaken structures, leading to
collapse.
• Overloading: Exceeding the load capacity of a structure, such as too many occupants, heavy
equipment, or vehicles.

Impacts:

• Social: Loss of life, injury, displacement of residents, and community trauma. It can also lead
to a loss of confidence in public safety.
• Economic: High costs for rescue operations, rebuilding, and compensation for victims.
Business interruptions and loss of property value can also occur.
• Political: Scrutiny of government policies, regulations, and enforcement. It may lead to public
outrage, legal action, and changes in policy or leadership.
• Environmental: Debris and hazardous materials released into the environment, impacting air
and water quality.
• Health: Immediate injuries and fatalities, long-term health issues from exposure to dust and
chemicals, and psychological trauma.
• Psychosocial: Fear, anxiety, and stress among survivors and the broader community. Long-
term mental health issues such as PTSD can develop.
2. Industrial Accidents: Industrial accidents occur in workplaces, particularly in manufacturing,
chemical plants, or construction sites, leading to significant damage and harm.

Causes:

• Human Error: Mistakes by workers, operators, or supervisors due to lack of training, fatigue,
or negligence.
• Equipment Failure: Malfunctioning or poorly maintained machinery can lead to explosions,
fires, or chemical releases.
• Process Failures: Inadequate safety protocols, improper handling of hazardous materials, or
design flaws in industrial processes.
• External Factors: Natural disasters, sabotage, or cyber attacks can trigger industrial accidents.

Impacts:

• Social: Death, injury, and displacement of workers and nearby communities. Loss of jobs and
livelihoods in the affected area.
• Economic: Direct costs related to damage, compensation, and lawsuits. Indirect costs from
production losses, clean-up operations, and decreased investor confidence.
• Political: Government and regulatory agencies may face criticism for inadequate safety
standards. Can lead to policy changes and increased regulation.
• Environmental: Release of toxic substances can contaminate soil, water, and air, affecting
ecosystems and human health.
• Health: Acute injuries, long-term health effects from exposure to chemicals, respiratory
issues, and chronic diseases.
• Psychosocial: Trauma among workers, their families, and the community. Anxiety and stress
related to job insecurity and health concerns.

3. Oil Spills: Oil spills involve the release of liquid petroleum into the environment, particularly
marine areas, leading to widespread contamination.

Causes:

• Transportation Accidents: Collisions or grounding of oil tankers, leading to breaches and

spills.
 • Pipeline Ruptures: Corrosion, mechanical failure, or sabotage can cause pipelines to rupture,
releasing oil into the environment.
• Drilling Accidents: Blowouts or leaks from offshore oil rigs during drilling operations.
• Operational Errors: Mistakes during oil transfer, storage, or handling.

Impacts:

• Social: Loss of livelihoods for communities dependent on fishing and tourism. Displacement
and long-term disruption of community life.
• Economic: High costs for clean-up operations, legal settlements, and compensation.
Economic downturns in affected regions due to loss of fisheries, tourism, and real estate
value.
• Political: Government and industry accountability come under scrutiny. Potential for protests,
policy changes, and international disputes over trans boundary pollution.
• Environmental: Severe damage to marine ecosystems, including the death of fish, birds, and
marine mammals. Long-term degradation of habitats like coral reefs and mangroves.
• Health: Immediate health risks include exposure to toxic substances, respiratory issues, and
skin irritation. Long-term risks include cancer and other chronic conditions.
• Psychosocial: Psychological stress and trauma for affected communities, especially those who
lose their livelihoods. Long-term impacts include anxiety, depression, and social unrest.

DISASTER VULNERABILITY PROFILE OF INDIA AND TAMIL NADU

India and the state of Tamil Nadu are both highly vulnerable to various natural and human-
induced disasters due to their geographic, socio-economic, and environmental conditions. Below is
an overview of the disaster vulnerability profiles of India and Tamil Nadu:

India’s Disaster Vulnerability Profile

India is one of the most disaster-prone countries in the world, with a diverse range of hazards
affecting its vast and varied landscape.
1. Geographical Vulnerabilities

• Earthquakes: About 58% of India's land area is prone to earthquakes, with the Himalayan
region, the North-eastern states, and parts of Western and Central India being the most
susceptible.
• Floods: India experiences frequent flooding, particularly in the Indo-Gangetic plains,
Brahmaputra valley, and the coastal regions. Floods are exacerbated by monsoon rains,
cyclones, and the overflow of rivers.
• Cyclones: The eastern coastline, including states like Odessa, West Bengal, and Andhra
Pradesh, is highly vulnerable to tropical cyclones from the Bay of Bengal. The western coast,
including Gujarat and Maharashtra, also faces cyclone risks.
• Droughts: Large parts of India, especially the states of Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and
Andhra Pradesh, are prone to droughts due to erratic rainfall and high dependency on
monsoon rains.
• Landslides: The Himalayan region, North-eastern states, and the Western Ghats are highly
susceptible to landslides, particularly during the monsoon season.
• Tsunamis: The coastal regions of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Odessa, and the Andaman
and Nicobar Islands are vulnerable to tsunamis, as witnessed during the 2004 Indian Ocean
tsunami.

2. Socio-Economic Vulnerabilities

• Population Density: High population density in urban areas increases the risk of casualties
and damage during disasters.
• Poverty: A significant portion of the population lives below the poverty line, making them
more vulnerable to the impacts of disasters due to lack of resources and resilience.
• Infrastructure: Poorly constructed buildings, inadequate infrastructure, and lack of
enforcement of building codes contribute to increased vulnerability.
• Agriculture Dependence: A large part of the population depends on agriculture, which is
highly vulnerable to natural disasters like droughts, floods, and cyclones.

3. Environmental Vulnerabilities

• Deforestation: Widespread deforestation and degradation of forests have led to increased risk
of landslides, floods, and droughts.
 • Climate Change: Changing weather patterns due to climate change have led to more frequent
and intense extreme weather events, such as heat waves, heavy rainfall, and cyclones.

Tamil Nadu’s Disaster Vulnerability Profile

Tamil Nadu, located in the southern part of India, faces its own unique set of disaster risks due to its
geographical and socio-economic conditions.

1. Geographical Vulnerabilities

• Cyclones: Tamil Nadu's long coastline makes it highly vulnerable to cyclones and storm
surges, particularly from the Bay of Bengal. The state experiences frequent cyclones,
especially during the Northeast monsoon (October to December).
• Floods: Chennai and other coastal districts are prone to urban flooding due to heavy rainfall
during the monsoon season, poor drainage, and unplanned urbanization.
• Droughts: Certain regions in Tamil Nadu, especially the interior districts, are prone to
droughts due to variability in monsoon rainfall and over-dependence on monsoons for
agriculture.
• Earthquakes: While Tamil Nadu is not in a high seismic zone, some areas, particularly in the
Western Ghats, are susceptible to moderate earthquakes.
• Tsunamis: The state’s eastern coastline was severely affected by the 2004 Indian Ocean
tsunami, making it vulnerable to future tsunami events.

2. Socio-Economic Vulnerabilities

• Urbanization: Rapid urbanization, particularly in Chennai and other major cities, has led to
the development of vulnerable settlements in flood-prone areas.
• Agriculture Dependence: Like much of India, a significant portion of Tamil Nadu’s
population depends on agriculture, making them vulnerable to droughts and other climate-
related risks.
• Fisheries: The coastal population, dependent on fishing, is highly vulnerable to cyclones,
storm surges, and tsunamis.
• Poverty: Although Tamil Nadu is one of the more developed states in India, poverty in rural
and urban areas still makes sections of the population vulnerable to disasters.
3. Environmental Vulnerabilities

• Deforestation and Degradation: The Western Ghats, a critical environmental zone, faces
deforestation and degradation, leading to increased landslide risks.
• Water Scarcity: Over-exploitation of groundwater and water resources has led to water
scarcity, exacerbating the impact of droughts.
• Climate Change: Tamil Nadu is witnessing the impacts of climate change, with increasing
frequency and intensity of cyclones, unpredictable monsoon patterns, and rising sea levels
threatening coastal communities.

GLOBAL TRENDS IN DISASTERS

In recent years, the nature and frequency of disasters have evolved due to various global
trends such as urbanization, pandemics, and complex emergencies. These changes have significant
implications for disaster risk management and sustainable development.

1. Urban Disasters

Urbanization is a major global trend, with more than half of the world’s population now
living in cities. This shift has led to increased vulnerability to disasters in urban areas.

Key Characteristics:

• High Population Density: Urban areas are densely populated, making them more vulnerable
to high casualty rates in the event of disasters such as earthquakes, floods, or fires.
• Inadequate Infrastructure: Many cities, especially in developing countries, have inadequate
infrastructure, such as poor drainage systems, substandard housing, and insufficient
emergency services, increasing the risk of disasters.
• Informal Settlements: A significant portion of the urban population lives in informal
settlements, which are often located in high-risk areas like floodplains, riverbanks, or unstable
slopes.
• Climate Change Impact: Cities are increasingly facing climate-induced disasters like heat
waves, urban flooding, and sea-level rise, exacerbating the existing vulnerabilities.
Implications for Disaster Management:

• Need for Resilient Infrastructure: Investment in resilient urban infrastructure, such as

sustainable housing, efficient drainage systems, and disaster-resistant buildings, is crucial.
• Urban Planning: Integrating disaster risk reduction into urban planning, including land-use
policies and building codes, can mitigate risks.
• Community-Based Approaches: Engaging communities in disaster preparedness and
response plans is essential to enhance resilience.

2. Pandemics

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the global vulnerability to infectious diseases,

emphasizing the need to consider pandemics as a critical component of disaster management.

Key Characteristics:

• Global Reach: Pandemics can spread rapidly across countries and continents, affecting
millions of people and disrupting global systems.
• Healthcare Strain: Pandemics place immense pressure on healthcare systems, leading to
shortages of medical supplies, healthcare workers, and facilities.
• Economic Impact: The economic fallout from pandemics is severe, affecting employment,
trade, and the global economy.
• Social Disruption: Pandemics lead to widespread social disruption, including lockdowns,
travel restrictions, and changes in work and education.

Implications for Disaster Management:

• Strengthening Health Systems: Building resilient healthcare systems capable of responding

to large-scale health emergencies is vital.
• Global Collaboration: International cooperation and data sharing are crucial for managing
pandemics, including vaccine distribution and research.
• Integration into DRRM: Pandemics should be integrated into disaster risk reduction
strategies, with plans for rapid response, resource allocation, and public communication.
3. Complex Emergencies

Complex emergencies are situations where multiple, interconnected crises occur

simultaneously, often involving conflict, natural disasters, and humanitarian crises.

Key Characteristics:

• Conflict Zones: Complex emergencies often arise in conflict zones, where political
instability, violence, and displacement exacerbate the impact of disasters.
• Humanitarian Crisis: These emergencies lead to large-scale displacement, food insecurity,
and breakdown of governance and social services.
• Protracted Nature: Complex emergencies can be prolonged, leading to chronic humanitarian
needs and long-term recovery challenges.
• Climate Change: Climate change is increasingly contributing to the severity and frequency
of complex emergencies by exacerbating natural disasters and resource conflicts.

Implications for Disaster Management:

• Integrated Approaches: Addressing complex emergencies requires an integrated approach that

combines humanitarian aid, peace building, and disaster risk reduction.
• Long-Term Planning: Long-term recovery and development planning are essential to address
the root causes of vulnerability in complex emergencies.
• Protection of Vulnerable Populations: Special attention is needed for vulnerable groups,
including women, children, and displaced persons, in complex emergency settings.

Interrelations Between Disasters and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations aim to address global
challenges, including poverty, inequality, and environmental sustainability. Disasters and disaster
risk reduction are closely linked to the achievement of these goals.

1. SDG 1: No Poverty

• Disasters exacerbate poverty by destroying livelihoods, homes, and infrastructure. People

living in poverty are more vulnerable to disasters and have fewer resources to recover.
 • Reducing disaster risk is essential to prevent poverty and ensure that development gains are
not lost due to disasters.

2. SDG 2: Zero Hunger

• Disasters, especially droughts and floods, can lead to food insecurity by disrupting
agricultural production and supply chains.
• Building resilient agricultural systems is crucial to achieving food security and reducing
hunger.

3. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

• Disasters and pandemics pose significant threats to health, leading to injuries, loss of life, and
the spread of diseases.
• Strengthening health systems and ensuring access to healthcare in disaster-prone areas is vital
for public health.

4. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

• Urban disasters challenge the sustainability of cities by damaging infrastructure, displacing

populations, and increasing vulnerability.
• Disaster-resilient urban planning is key to creating sustainable and inclusive cities.

5. SDG 13: Climate Action

• Climate change increases the frequency and intensity of disasters, such as storms, floods, and
droughts.
• Integrating disaster risk reduction into climate action plans is essential for building resilience
to climate-related disasters.

6. SDG 15: Life on Land

• Natural disasters, such as wildfires and landslides, can lead to deforestation, habitat
destruction, and biodiversity loss.
• Protecting ecosystems and promoting sustainable land management can reduce the risk of
disasters and contribute to environmental sustainability.
7. SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

• Complex emergencies often occur in contexts of weak governance, conflict, and social
instability.
• Promoting peace, justice, and strong institutions is crucial for reducing vulnerability to
disasters and ensuring effective disaster response.

8. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

• Global cooperation and partnerships are essential for disaster risk reduction, particularly in
the context of pandemics and complex emergencies.
• Strengthening international collaboration can enhance disaster preparedness, response, and
recovery efforts.

UNIT – I – COMPLETED