[🌍 DISASTERS AND DISASTER MANAGEMENT IN INDIA
Anjana Majumdar
Important Essay Questions and Answers
1. Discuss the different kinds of disasters faced by India and the reasons why India is highly vulnerable to disasters.
Answer:
India is highly prone to both natural and man-made disasters. Its geographical location, geological features, long coastline, high mountains and large population make the country especially vulnerable.
Different regions of India face different kinds of disasters. Northern India frequently experiences landslides, floods, droughts and earthquakes. The eastern region is affected by floods in rivers such as the Brahmaputra and Ganga, along with droughts, heat waves, hailstorms, cyclones and earthquakes. The north-eastern region is also vulnerable to floods, landslides and earthquakes.
Western India is known for severe droughts, soil erosion, floods and cyclones. The southern coastal region faces cyclones, sea erosion, tsunami and landslides. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep are also affected by sea erosion and tsunami.
India has experienced several major disasters such as the Gujarat earthquake of 2001, the tsunami of 2004, the Mumbai-Gujarat floods of 2005, the Uttarakhand flash floods and Cyclone Phailin in 2013. The Bhopal Gas Tragedy of 1984 is an important example of a man-made disaster.
India has only about two per cent of the world's geographical area but supports about eighteen per cent of its population. This creates great pressure on natural resources. Thus, geographical conditions, population pressure and human activities make India highly vulnerable to disasters.
2. Describe the effects of disasters on people and society. What measures can reduce their impact?
Answer:
Disasters cause widespread damage, destruction and death. They affect not only individuals but also the normal functioning of society.
When a disaster occurs, important services such as communication, power supply, water supply and drainage may be damaged. Hospitals and healthcare services also come under great pressure. Business and economic activities are badly affected, and normal life may come to a standstill.
Disasters also cause serious psychological trauma (മാനസിക ആഘാതം). Therefore, victims need psychological support along with physical rehabilitation. Poor people are often the worst affected because they depend on daily work for their livelihood.
Unsafe buildings are another major cause of death during earthquakes, cyclones and tsunamis. Buildings should therefore follow proper safety rules and approved plans. Good-quality materials must be used, and buildings in disaster-prone areas should be regularly checked.
Proper planning, safe construction, effective warning systems, trained rescue teams and quick rehabilitation can greatly reduce the damage caused by disasters.
3. Explain the importance of disaster management and the role of the government in managing disasters in India.
Answer:
Disaster management is essential because disasters cannot always be prevented, but their impact can be reduced through proper preparation and action.
In India, state governments play the major role in disaster management, while the Central Government mainly provides support and coordination. At the state level, a State Level Disaster Management Committee consisting of senior officials and representatives of NGOs coordinates disaster-management activities.
At the national level, there is a Crisis Management Committee headed by the Cabinet Secretary. The Central Government coordinates different ministries and provides necessary support to the states. It can arrange services such as air dropping, rescue operations, searching for victims, transport of relief materials, rail and ferry services, healthcare personnel and medical assistance.
Rehabilitation (പുനരധിവാസം) is also an important part of disaster management. Since disasters are unusual situations, ordinary procedures alone may not be enough. Different government departments must work together to provide quick relief. Rescue workers should have special skills and must be equipped with modern technology.
The main aim of disaster management is not simply to prevent disasters, because many natural and man-made disasters cannot be completely avoided. Its real purpose is to reduce their impact, save lives and help people return to normal life as quickly as possible.]