DISASTER MANAGEMENT

A disaster is an extreme disruption in the functioning of a habitat that causes widespread human,
material, or environmental losses that exceed the ability of the affected population to cope with its own
resources. Landslides, earthquakes, tsunami, cyclones, droughts, floods etc are some of the examples
of disasters. The direct or indirect impacts of disasters, either natural or man-
made are colossal damage, destruction and death.

Petra Nemcova
has very wisely said, “We cannot stop natural disasters but we can arm
ourselves with knowledge: so many lives wouldn't have to be lost if there was
enough disaster preparedness.” It is quite true life is uncertain and
unpredictable only for those who don’t prepare themselves for its
uncertainties. Many people lose their life on account of some large scale
natural disasters and catastrophes. This large scale loss of property and human
life could be prevented if proper preventive measures are taken.

Natural disasters such as floods, hurricanes, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions,

tsunamis, and tornadoes can be tackled and handled quite safely if proper
warning and safety measures are taken well in advance. It has been observed
that these disasters wreaked quite havoc when these disasters took the victims
by surprise. Wherever there was a warning, and preparedness, there was less
destruction and loss.

With all the technological advancement, it is possible now to predict natural disasters well
in advance. The weather satellites orbiting the earth, the early warning
systems installed at key locations are already doing wonders in keeping
millions of people safe.

The bitter truth is we as nation are usually quite careless. We take life for granted. We
really need to reset our priorities. We must be responsible for ensuring our
safety. We have the required infrastructure and resources to be capable of
predicting any natural disaster that might strike our nation; however, the
focus and will of the people of our country as on trivial things and issues.

ISRO, DRDO, BHEL, BDL, many scientists, students in colleges, schools, and universities can
be roped in inventing newer devices and technologies to predict natural
disasters well in advance accurately. In India, national disaster management authority (NDMA) has
been set up to coordinate responses to natural or man-made disasters across the country. NDMA runs
various programs for mitigation and responsiveness for specific situations.

These include the national cyclone risk management project, school safety project, decision support
system etc. But going by the lack of preparedness exposed by the outbreak of recent disasters in the
country, the NDMA needs to make more organized and effective efforts to mitigate the losses caused
by disasters. In fact, the society as a whole must make efforts to co-operate with the central and state
agencies in coming out with a collective response to deal with disasters.

The need of the hour is Government and people along with the prediction mechanism further
must work more proactively to be prepared for natural disasters. It is not the
infrastructure and means we lack; we lack proper attitude to the disasters. So,
we must set our attitude right.