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VAC-233: Disaster Management Page ǀ 1

DEPARTMENT OF VALUE ADDED COURSES


STUDY MATERIAL
Course Title: Disaster Management
Course No: VAC – 233
Credits: 2 (1+0+1)
Prepared by
Prof. (Dr.) Kulthe, A. A.
Assistant Professor, MIT-CFT, Pune
MIT Art, Design & Technology University, Pune

Chapter No: 1
DESASTER MANAGEMENT
BACKGROUND
The global context:
Disasters are as old as human history but the dramatic increase and the damage caused by
them in the recent past have become a cause of national and international concern. Over the past
decade, the number of natural and manmade disasters has climbed inexorably. From 1994 to
1998, reported disasters average was 428 per year but from 1999 to 2003, this figure went up to
an average of 707 disaster events per year showing an increase of about 60 per cent over the
previous years. The biggest rise was in countries of low human development, which suffered an
increase of 142 per cent.
The figure 1.1 shows the deadliest disasters of the decade (1992 – 2001). Drought and
famine have proved to be the deadliest disasters globally, followed by flood, technological
disaster, earthquake, windstorm, extreme temperature and others. Global economic loss related
to disaster events average around US $880 billion per year.

Compiled and Edited by: Prof. (Dr.) Amit A. Kulthe MIT College of Food Technology, MIT-ADT University, Pune
VAC-233: Disaster Management Page ǀ 2

Indian scenario:
The scenario in India is no different from the global context. The super cyclone of Orissa
(1999), the Gujarat earthquake (2001) and the recent Tsunami (2004) affected millions across the
country leaving behind a trail of heavy loss of life, property and livelihood. Table 1.1 shows
a list of some of the major disasters that have caused colossal impact on the community.

Table 1.1 Major disasters in India since 1970


Sr. No. Disaster Impact
Cyclone
1. 29th October 1971, Odisha Cyclone and tidal waves killed 10,000 people
2. 19th November, 1977, Andhra Pradesh Cyclone and tidal waves killed 20,000 people
3. 29th and 30th October 1999, Odisha Cyclone and tidal waves killed 9,000 and 18
million people were affected
Earthquake
4. 20th October 1991 Uttarkashi An earthquake of magnitude 6.6 killed 723
people
5. 30th September 1993 Latur Approximately 8000 people died and there was
a heavy loss to infrastructure
6. 22 May 1997 Jabalpur 39 people dead
7. 29th March 1997, Chamoli 100 people dead
8. 26th January, 2001, Bhuj, Gujarat More than 10,000 dead and heavy loss to
infrastructure
Landslide
9. July 1991, Assam 300 people killed, heavy loss to roads and
infrastructure
10. August 1993, Nagaland 500 killed and more than 200 houses destroyed
and about 5kms. Road damaged.
11. 18th August 1998, Malpa 210 people killed. Villages were washed away
Flood
12. 1978 Floods in North East India 3,800 people killed and heavy loss to property.
13. 1994 Floods in Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, More than 2000 people killed and thousands
Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, affected
Panjab, Uttar Pradesh, Goa, Kerala and
Gujarat

In India, 59 per cent of the land mass is susceptible to seismic hazard; 5 per cent of the
total geographical area is prone to floods; 8 per cent of the total landmass is prone to cyclones;
70 per cent of the total cultivable area is vulnerable to drought. Apart from this the hilly regions
are vulnerable to avalanches/landslides/hailstorms/cloudbursts. Apart from the natural hazards,
we need to know about the other manmade hazards which are frequent and cause huge damage to
life and property. It is therefore important that we are aware of how to cope with their effects.
We have seen the huge loss to life, property and infrastructure a disaster can cause but let us
understand what is a disaster, what are the factors that lead to it and its impact.

What is a Disaster?
Almost every day, newspapers, radio and television channels carry reports on disaster
striking several parts of the world. But what is a disaster? The term disaster owes its origin to the
French word “Desastre” which is a combination of two words „des‟ meaning bad and „aster‟

Compiled and Edited by: Prof. (Dr.) Amit A. Kulthe MIT College of Food Technology, MIT-ADT University, Pune
VAC-233: Disaster Management Page ǀ 3

meaning star. Thus the term refers to „Bad or Evil star‟. A disaster can be defined as “A serious
disruption in the functioning of the community or a society causing wide spread material,
economic, social or environmental losses which exceed the ability of the affected society to cope
using its own resources”.
A disaster is a result from the combination of hazard, vulnerability and insufficient
capacity or measures to reduce the potential chances of risk. A disaster happens when a hazard
impacts on the vulnerable population and causes damage, casualties and disruption. Fig: 1.2
would give a better illustration of what a disaster is. Any hazard – flood, earthquake or cyclone
which is a triggering event along with greater vulnerability (inadequate access to resources, sick
and old people, lack of awareness etc.) would lead to disaster causing greater loss to life and
property. For example; an earthquake in an uninhabited desert cannot be considered a disaster,
no matter how strong the intensities produced.

An earthquake is disastrous only when it affects people, their properties and activities.
Thus, disaster occurs only when hazards and vulnerability meet. But it is also to be noted that
with greater capacity of the individual/community and environment to face these disasters, the
impact of a hazard reduces. Therefore, we need to understand the three major components
namely hazard, vulnerability and capacity with suitable examples to have a basic understanding
of disaster management.

What is a Hazard? How is it classified?


Hazard may be defined as “a dangerous condition or event, that threat or have the
potential for causing injury to life or damage to property or the environment.” The word „hazard‟
owes its origin to the word „hasard‟ in old French and „az-zahr‟ in Arabic meaning „chance‟ or
„luck‟. Hazards can be grouped into two broad categories namely natural and manmade.
1. Natural hazards are hazards which are caused because of natural phenomena (hazards with
meteorological, geological or even biological origin). Examples of natural hazards are cyclones,
tsunamis, earthquake and volcanic eruption which are exclusively of natural origin. Landslides,
floods, drought, fires are socio-natural hazards since their causes are both natural and manmade.

Compiled and Edited by: Prof. (Dr.) Amit A. Kulthe MIT College of Food Technology, MIT-ADT University, Pune
VAC-233: Disaster Management Page ǀ 4

For example flooding may be caused because of heavy rains, landslide or blocking of drains with
human waste.
2. Manmade hazards are hazards which are due to human negligence. Manmade hazards are
associated with industries or energy generation facilities and include explosions, leakage of toxic
waste, pollution, dam failure, wars or civil strife etc. The list of hazards is very long. Many occur
frequently while others take place occasionally. However, on the basis of their genesis, they can
be categorized as follows:
Table 1.2: Various Types of Hazards
Types Hazards
Geological Hazards 1. Earthquake
2. Tsunami
3. Volcanic eruption
4. Landslide
5. Dam burst
6. Mine Fire
Water & Climatic Hazards 1. Tropical Cyclone
2. Tornado and Hurricane
3. Floods
4. Drought
5. Hailstorm
6. Cloudburst
7. Landslide
8. Heat & Cold wave
9. Snow Avalanche
10.Sea erosion
Environmental Hazards 1. Environmental pollutions
2. Deforestation
3. Desertification
4. Pest Infection
Biological Hazards 1. Human / Animal Epidemics
2. Pest attacks
3. Food poisoning
4. Weapons of Mass Destruction
Chemical, Industrial and Nuclear 1. Chemical disasters
Accidents 2. Industrial disasters
3. Oil spills/Fires
4. Nuclear
Accident related 1. Boat / Road / Train accidents / air crash
2. Rural / Urban fires Forest fires
3. Bomb /serial bomb blasts
4. Building collapse
5. Electric Accidents
6. Festival related disasters
7. Mine flooding
What is vulnerability?
Vulnerability may be defined as “The extent to which a community, structure, services or
geographic area is likely to be damaged or disrupted by the impact of particular hazard, on
account of their nature, construction and proximity to hazardous terrains or a disaster prone
area.” Vulnerabilities can be categorized into physical and socio-economic vulnerability.

Compiled and Edited by: Prof. (Dr.) Amit A. Kulthe MIT College of Food Technology, MIT-ADT University, Pune
VAC-233: Disaster Management Page ǀ 5

Physical Vulnerability: It includes notions of who and what may be damaged or destroyed by
natural hazard such as earthquakes or floods. It is based on the physical condition of people and
elements at risk, such as buildings, infrastructure etc.; and their proximity, location and nature of
the hazard. It also relates to the technical capability of building and structures to resist the forces
acting upon them during a hazard event. Unchecked growth of settlements in unsafe areas
exposes the people to the hazard. In case of an earthquake or landslide the ground may fail and
the houses on the top may topple or slide and affect the settlements at the lower level even if they
are designed well for earthquake forces.
Socio-economic Vulnerability: The degree to which a population is affected by a hazard will not
merely lie in the physical components of vulnerability but also on the socioeconomic conditions.
The socio-economic condition of the people also determines the intensity of the impact. For
example, people who are poor and living in the sea coast don‟t have the money to construct
strong concrete houses. They are generally at risk and lose their shelters whenever there is strong
wind or cyclone. Because of their poverty they too are not able to rebuild their houses.

What is capacity?
Capacity can be defined as “resources, means and strengths which exist in households
and communities and which enable them to cope with, withstand, prepare for, prevent, mitigate
or quickly recover from a disaster”. People‟s capacity can also be taken into account. Capacities
could be:
Physical Capacity: People whose houses have been destroyed by the cyclone or crops have been
destroyed by the flood can salvage things from their homes and from their farms. Some family
members have skills, which enable them to find employment if they migrate, either temporarily
or permanently.
Socio-economic Capacity: In most of the disasters, people suffer their greatest losses in the
physical and material realm. Rich people have the capacity to recover soon because of their
wealth. In fact, they are seldom hit by disasters because they live in safe areas and their houses
are built with stronger materials. However, even when everything is destroyed they have the
capacity to cope up with it.
Hazards are always prevalent, but the hazard becomes a disaster only when there is
greater vulnerability and less of capacity to cope with it. In other words the frequency or
likelihood of a hazard and the vulnerability of the community increases the risk of being severely
affected.

What is risk?
Risk is a “measure of the expected losses due to a hazard event occurring in a given area
over a specific time period. Risk is a function of the probability of particular hazardous event and
the losses each would cause.” The level of risk depends upon:
 Nature of the hazard
 Vulnerability of the elements which are affected
 Economic value of those elements
A community/locality is said to be at „risk‟ when it is exposed to hazards and is likely to
be adversely affected by its impact. Whenever we discuss „disaster management‟ it is basically
„disaster risk management‟. Disaster risk management includes all measures which reduce
disaster related losses of life, property or assets by either reducing the hazard or vulnerability of
the elements at risk.

Compiled and Edited by: Prof. (Dr.) Amit A. Kulthe MIT College of Food Technology, MIT-ADT University, Pune
VAC-233: Disaster Management Page ǀ 6

When and where it occurs?


 Anytime and anywhere, not confined to any part of the world.
 Some disasters can be predicted and whereas some cannot be predicted.
 Warfare is a special category, because it is well planned and damage is the intended goal of
action.

Factors affecting Disaster


 Host factors
• Age
• Immunization status
• Degree of mobility
• Emotional stability
 Environmental factors
• Physical Factors
• Chemical Factors
• Biological Factors
• Social Factors
• Psychological Factors

Effects of Disaster
 Population displacement
 Injury or Death
 Risk of epidemic of diseases
 Damage to infrastructure
 Psychological problems
 Food shortage
 Socioeconomic losses
 Shortage of drugs and medical supplies.

Difference between hazard and disaster


 Hazard and disaster are closely related.
 A hazard is a natural event while the disaster is its consequence.
 A hazard is a perceived natural event which threatens both life and property. A disaster is the
culmination of such hazard.
 A hazard is a potential for a disaster. A hazard becomes a disaster when it hits an area
affecting the normal life system. If a hazard like a cyclone hits an unpopulated area, say an
unpopulated coast, it need not be considered as a disaster. However, it will be considered a
disaster if life and property are seriously damaged.
 A hazard may be regarded as pre-disaster situation, in which some risk of disaster exists,
because the human population has placed itself in a situation of risk.
 Disasters are extreme events which cause great loss of life and/or property and create severe
disruptions to human activities. They can be created by human actions, e.g., transport
accidents and industrial explosions or natural processes like earthquakes.
 A hazard is when extreme events or process occur in an area of human settlement and could
cause loss of life and damage to existing constructed resources or infrastructure.

Compiled and Edited by: Prof. (Dr.) Amit A. Kulthe MIT College of Food Technology, MIT-ADT University, Pune
VAC-233: Disaster Management Page ǀ 7

Disaster assessment: Disaster is assessed on the basis of the following features:


 Disruption to normal pattern of life. Such disruption is usually severe and may also be
sudden, unexpected and widespread.
 Human effects such as loss of life, livelihood and property, injury, hardship and adverse
effects on health.
 Effects on Social Structure such as destruction of or damage to infrastructure, buildings,
communication and other essential services.
 Community needs such as shelter, food, clothing, medical assistance and social care.
The severity of a disaster situation is usually measured in terms of loss of life or property or
both.

Types of Disasters
Natural Disaster:
 Wind Related: Storm, Cyclone, Tornado, Storm surge, Tidal waves.
 Water Related: Flood, Cloudburst, Flash flood, Excessive Rains, Draught.
 Earth Related: Earthquake, Tsunami, Avalanches, Landslides, Volcanic eruption.

Manmade Disaster:
 Accidents: Road, Rail, Air, Sea, Building collapse.
 Industrial Mishaps: Gas leak, Explosion, Sabotage.
 Fire: Building, Coal, Oil.
 Forest Fire: (In Tropical counters, forest fires are often manmade).
 Contamination/Poisoning: Food, Water, Epidemics.
 Terrorist Activities.
 Ecological: Pollution (Air, Water, Noise), Soil degradation, Loss of biodiversity, Global
warming, Sea level rise, Toxic Wastes, Nuclear accidents.
 Warfare: Conventional, Chemical, Nuclear.

Phases of disaster management


Risk reduction phase before a disaster:
 Disaster Mitigation
 Disaster Preparedness

Recovery phase after a disaster


 Disaster Response
 Disaster Rehabilitation
 Disaster Reconstruction

Principles of Disaster Management


 Comprehensive – disaster managers consider and take into account all hazards, all phases,
and all impacts relevant to disasters.
 Progressive – anticipate future disasters and take preventive and preparatory measures.
 Risk-driven – use sound risk management principles (hazard identification, risk analysis, and
impact analysis) in assigning priorities and resources.
 Integrated – ensure unity of effort among all levels of government and all elements of a
community.

Compiled and Edited by: Prof. (Dr.) Amit A. Kulthe MIT College of Food Technology, MIT-ADT University, Pune
VAC-233: Disaster Management Page ǀ 8

 Collaborative – create and sustain broad and sincere relationships among individuals and
organizations.
 Coordinated – synchronize the activities to achieve a common purpose.
 Flexible – use creative and innovative approaches in solving disaster challenges.
 Professional – value a science and knowledge-based approach for continuous improvement.

Disaster Management Cycle


Disaster Risk Management includes sum total of all activities, programmes and measures
which can be taken up before, during and after a disaster with the purpose to avoid a disaster,
reduce its impact or recover from its losses. The three key stages of activities that are taken up
within disaster risk management are:
1. Before a disaster (pre-disaster): Activities taken to reduce human and property losses
caused by a potential hazard. For example, carrying out awareness campaigns, strengthening the
existing weak structures, preparation of the disaster management plans at household and
community level, etc. Such risk reduction measures taken under this stage are termed as
mitigation and preparedness activities.
2. During a disaster (disaster occurrence): Initiatives taken to ensure that the needs and
provisions of victims are met and suffering is minimized. Activities taken under this stage are
called emergency response activities.
3. After a disaster (post-disaster): Initiatives taken in response to a disaster with a purpose to
achieve early recovery and rehabilitation of affected communities, immediately after a disaster
strikes. These are called as response and recovery activities.

Compiled and Edited by: Prof. (Dr.) Amit A. Kulthe MIT College of Food Technology, MIT-ADT University, Pune
VAC-233: Disaster Management Page ǀ 9

NATURAL HAZARDS – EARTHQUAKE

EARTHQUAKE
Earthquakes constitute one of the worst natural hazards which often turn into disaster causing
widespread destruction and loss to human life. The effects of earthquake vary upon the
magnitude and intensity. Earthquakes occur every now and then all round the world, except in
some places where earthquakes occur rarely. The devastation of cities and towns is one of the
effects of earthquake.

WHAT IS EARTHQUAKE?
 An Earthquake is the result of a sudden release of energy in the earth‟s crust that creates
seismic waves. The seismic activity of an area refers to the frequency, type and size of
earthquakes experienced over a period of time.
 For example: If you throw stone in a pond of still water, series of waves are produced on the
surface of water, these waves spread out in all directions from the point where the stone
strikes the water. Similarly, any sudden disturbances in the earth‟s crust may produce
vibration in the crust which travel in all direction from point of disturbances.

Terms Related To Earthquake


 Focus (Hypocentre): Focus is the point on the fault
where rupture occurs and the location from which
seismic waves are released.
 Epicentre: Epicentre is the point on the earth‟s surface
that is directly above the focus, the point where an
earthquake or underground explosion originates.
 Focal Depth: The distance between the focus and the
epicentre is known as the focal depth.
 Fault Line: A Fault line is the surface trace of a fault,
the line of intersection between the earth‟s surface.
 Fault plane: Fault plane are the cracks or sudden slips of the land.
 Fault Scrap: A Fault scrap is the topographic expression of faulting attributed to the
displacement of the land surface by movement along faults.

How Earthquake Occur?


 The primary cause of an earthquake is faults on the crust of the earth.
 “A Fault is a break or fracture b/w two blocks of rocks in response to stress.”
 This movement may occur rapidly, in the form of an earthquake or may occur slowly, in the
form of creep.
 Earth scientists use the angle of the fault with respect to the surface (known as the dip) and
the direction of slip along the fault to classify faults.

Classification of Faults
Normal fault: A dip-slip fault in which the block above the fault has moved downward relative
to the block below.

Compiled and Edited by: Prof. (Dr.) Amit A. Kulthe MIT College of Food Technology, MIT-ADT University, Pune
VAC-233: Disaster Management Page ǀ 10

Thrust (reverse) fault: A dip-slip fault in which the upper block, above the fault plane, moves
up and over the lower block.

Strike-slip fault:
A left-lateral strike-slip fault:
It is one on which the displacement of the far block is to the left when viewed from either side.
A right-lateral strike-slip fault:
It is one on which the displacement of the far block is to the right when viewed from either side.

Cause of Earthquake:
Some major causes of earthquakes are:
 Surface cause: Great explosions, landslides, slips on steep coasts, dashing of sea waves,
avalanches, railway trains, heavy trucks, some large engineering projects cause minor
tremors. Some of them are man-made, other are natural.
 Volcanic cause: Volcanic eruptions produce earthquakes. Earthquakes may precede,
accompany and frequently follow the volcanic eruptions.
 They are caused by sudden displacements of lava within or beneath the earth crust.
 Tectonic cause: Structural disturbances resulting in the parts of the lithosphere is the main
cause of this type of earthquake. Most of the disastrous earthquakes belong to this category
and occur in areas of great faults and fractures. Sudden yielding to strain produced on the
rocks of accumulating stress causes displacements especially along old fault zones known as
great transform faults.

Waves produced due to Earthquake: Seismic waves produced due to earthquake are basically
divided into two major types: body waves and surface waves.
Body waves: Body waves travels through the interior (body) of earth as they leave the focus.
Body waves are further divided into following types: Primary (P) and Secondary(S) waves.

Compiled and Edited by: Prof. (Dr.) Amit A. Kulthe MIT College of Food Technology, MIT-ADT University, Pune
VAC-233: Disaster Management Page ǀ 11

Properties
Primary Waves (P-waves) Secondary Waves(S-wave)
High frequency High frequency
Short Wavelength Short Wavelength
Longitudinal waves Transverse waves
Pass through both solids and liquids Cannot move through liquids
Move forwards and backwards as it Move in all direction from their source
compressed and decompressed
P-wave is faster S-wave is more slower than P-wave
First P-wave arrive After P-wave, S-wave is arrive

Surface Wave: Surface waves travel parallel to the earth‟s surface and these waves are slowest
and most damaging. Surface wave are divided into following types: Love and Rayleigh waves

Properties
Love Waves Rayleigh wave
Guided waves Guided waves
Displacement is parallel to the free surface Displacement is perpendicular to love-wave
displacement
Love wave is faster Rayleigh wave is slower
Causes horizontal shifting of the earth Ground move in circular motion.
surface.

Compiled and Edited by: Prof. (Dr.) Amit A. Kulthe MIT College of Food Technology, MIT-ADT University, Pune
VAC-233: Disaster Management Page ǀ 12

Measuring Earthquakes
Earthquakes can be described by the use of two distinctively different scales of
measurement demonstrating magnitude and intensity. Earthquake magnitude or amount of
energy released is determined by the use of a seismograph’ which is an instrument that
continuously records ground vibration. The scale was developed by a seismologist named
Charles Richter. An earthquake with a magnitude 7.5 on the Richter scale releases 30 times the
energy than one with 6.5 magnitudes. An earthquake of magnitude 3 is the smallest normally felt
by humans. The largest earthquake that has been recorded with this system is 9.25 (Alaska, 1969
and Chile, 1960).
The second type of scale, the earthquake intensity scale measures the effects of an
earthquake where it occurs. The most widely used scale of this type was developed in 1902 by
Mercalli an Italian seismologist. The scale was extended and modified to suit the modern times.
It is called the Modified Mercalli Scale, which expresses the intensity of earthquake effect on
people, structure and the earth‟s surface in values from I to XII. With an intensity of VI and
below most of the people can feel the shake and there are cracks on the walls, but with an
intensity of XII there is general panic with buildings collapsing totally and there is a total
disruption in normal life.

Group Magnitude
Great 8.0 and higher
Major 7.0-7.9
Strong 6.0-6.9
Moderate 5.0-5.9
Light 4.0-4.9
Minor 3.0-3.9
Very Minor <3.0
Fig. Seismogram

Earthquake Predictions:
Earthquake prediction is usually defined as the specification of the time , location , and
magnitude of a future earthquake within stated limits.
But some evidence of upcoming Earthquake are following:
 Unusual animal behavior
 Water level in wells
 Large scale of fluctuation of oil flow from oil wells
 Foreshocks or minor shocks before major earthquake
 Temperature change
 Uplifting of earth surface
 Change in seismic wave velocity

Distribution pattern of Earthquakes in India

Compiled and Edited by: Prof. (Dr.) Amit A. Kulthe MIT College of Food Technology, MIT-ADT University, Pune
VAC-233: Disaster Management Page ǀ 13

India falls quite prominently on the 'Alpine - Himalayan Belt'. This belt is the line along
which the Indian plate meets the Eurasian plate. This being a convergent plate, the Indian plate is
thrusting underneath the Eurasian plate at a speed of 5 cm per year.
The movement gives rise to tremendous stress which keeps accumulating in the rocks and
is released from time to time in the form of earthquakes.

The seismic zoning map of India is divided into four zones namely Zone II, III, IV and V,
with zone V shown in red colour in figure being most vulnerable to earthquakes. Much of India
lies in zone III. New Delhi the capital city of India lies in zone IV where as big cities like
Mumbai and Chennai are in zone III.

Typical adverse effects


Physical damage:
Damage occurs to human settlement, buildings, structures and infrastructure, especially
bridges, elevated roads, railways, water towers, pipelines, electrical generating facilities.
Aftershocks of an earthquake can cause much greater damage to already weakened structures.
Secondary effects include fires, dam failure and landslides which may block water ways and also
cause flooding. Damage may occur to facilities using or manufacturing dangerous materials
resulting in possible chemical spills. There may also be a breakdown of communication
facilities. The effect of an earthquake is diverse. There are large number of casualties because of
the poor engineering design of the buildings and close proximity of the people. About 95 per
cent of the people who are killed or who are affected by the earthquake is because of the building
collapse. There is also a huge loss to the public health system, transport and communication and
water supply in the affected areas.

Earthquake Safety Rules


If you are in house:
• Don‟t use lift for getting down from building.
• Be prepared to move with your family.
If you are in shop, school or office:

Compiled and Edited by: Prof. (Dr.) Amit A. Kulthe MIT College of Food Technology, MIT-ADT University, Pune
VAC-233: Disaster Management Page ǀ 14

• Run for an exit or Take cover under a desk/table.


• Move away from window glass.
• Do not go near electric point and cable. Keep away from weak portion of the building
and false ceiling.

If you are outside:


• Avoid high buildings, walls, power lines and other objects that could fall and create
block.
• Don‟t run through streets.
• If possible, move on to an open are away from hazard including trees.
If you are in vehicle:
• Stop in a safe open place.
• Remain inside vehicle.
• Close window, doors and vents.

After An Earthquake
 Keep calm, switch on the transistor radio and obey instructions.
 Keep away from beaches and low banks of river. A huge wave may sweep in
 Do not re-enter badly damaged buildings and do not go near damage structures.
 Turn off the water, gas and electricity.
 Do not smoke, light match or use a cigarette lighter
 Do not turn on switches there may be gas leak or short circuit
 If there is any fire, try to put it out or call fire brigade.
 Do not drink water from open containers without having examined it.
 If you aware of people have been buried, tell the rescue team. Do not rush and try not to
worsen the situation.
 Avoid places where there are loose electric wires and do not come in contact with any metal
object.
 Eat something. You will better and more capable of helping other.
 Do not walk around the streets to see what is happening. Keep the streets clear so rescue
vehicles can access the roads easily.

Possible risk reduction measures:


Community preparedness: Community preparedness is vital for mitigating earthquake impact.
The most effective way to save you even in a slightest shaking is 'DROP, COVER and HOLD'.
Planning: The Bureau of Indian Standards has published building codes and guidelines for safe
construction of buildings against earthquakes. Before the buildings are constructed the building
plans have to be checked by the Municipality, according to the laid down bylaws. Many existing
lifeline buildings such as hospitals, schools and fire stations may not be built with earthquake
safety measures. Their earthquake safety needs to be upgraded by retrofitting techniques.

Compiled and Edited by: Prof. (Dr.) Amit A. Kulthe MIT College of Food Technology, MIT-ADT University, Pune
VAC-233: Disaster Management Page ǀ 15

Public education is educating the public on causes and characteristics of an earthquake and
preparedness measures. It can be created through sensitization and training programme for
community, architects, engineers, builders, masons, teachers, government functionaries teachers
and students.
Engineered structures: Buildings need to be designed and constructed as per the building by
laws to withstand ground shaking. Architectural and engineering inputs need to be put together
to improve building design and construction practices.
The soil type needs to be analysed before construction. Building structures on soft soil should be
avoided. Buildings on soft soil are more likely to get damaged even if the magnitude of the
earthquake is not strong as shown in Figure 2.1.7. Similar problems persist in the buildings
constructed on the river banks which have alluvial soil.

Compiled and Edited by: Prof. (Dr.) Amit A. Kulthe MIT College of Food Technology, MIT-ADT University, Pune

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