definition - disaster

8/6/2019 Definition - Disaster

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DEFINITIONDEFINITION -- DISASTERDISASTER

sudden, calamitous eventsudden, calamitous event

bringing great damage, loss, andbringing great damage, loss, anddestruction and devastation to lifedestruction and devastation to lifeand propertyand property

Disaster varies with theDisaster varies with the

geographical location, climate andgeographical location, climate andthe type of the earththe type of the earth

surface/degree of vulnerabilitysurface/degree of vulnerability


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influences the mental, socioinfluences the mental, socio--economic, political andeconomic, political andcultural state of the affected area.cultural state of the affected area.

may also be termed as a serious disruption of themay also be termed as a serious disruption of thefunctioning of society, causing widespread human,functioning of society, causing widespread human,

material or environmental losses which exceed the abilitymaterial or environmental losses which exceed the abilityof the affected society to cope using its own resources.of the affected society to cope using its own resources.

disaster as a hazard causing heavy loss to life, propertydisaster as a hazard causing heavy loss to life, propertyand livelihood.and livelihood.

e.g. a cyclone killing 10,000 lives and a crop loss of onee.g. a cyclone killing 10,000 lives and a crop loss of onecrore can be termed as disaster.crore can be termed as disaster.


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EFFECTSEFFECTS

It completely disrupts the normal day toIt completely disrupts the normal day today lifeday life

negatively influences the emergencynegatively influences the emergencysystemssystems

Normal needs and processes like food,Normal needs and processes like food,

shelter, health, etc. are affected andshelter, health, etc. are affected anddeteriorate depending on the intensitydeteriorate depending on the intensity

and severity of the disasterand severity of the disaster


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MAIN FEATURESMAIN FEATURES

UnpredictabilityUnpredictability

UnfamiliarityUnfamiliarity SpeedSpeed

UrgencyUrgency

UncertaintyUncertainty ThreatThreat


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TYPESTYPES

NaturalNatural andand ManmadeManmade

Major/minor natural disaster andMajor/minor natural disaster and

Major/minor manmade disasters.Major/minor manmade disasters. (based on the extent/degree)(based on the extent/degree)


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Natural disastersNatural disastersMAJORMAJOR

FloodsFloods CycloneCyclone

DroughtDrought

EarthquakeEarthquake

MINORMINOR

Cold waveCold wave

ThunderstormsThunderstorms

Heat wavesHeat waves

Mud slidesMud slides StormStorm


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Man Made DisastersMan Made Disasters

MAJORMAJOR Setting of firesSetting of fires

EpidemicEpidemic

DeforestationDeforestation

Pollution due to prawn cultivationPollution due to prawn cultivation

Chemical pollution.Chemical pollution.

WarsWars


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MINORMINOR

Road / Train accidents & riotsRoad / Train accidents & riots

Food poisoningFood poisoning Industrial disaster/ crisisIndustrial disaster/ crisis

Environmental pollutionEnvironmental pollution


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Disaster Risk = Hazard +VulnerabilityDisaster Risk = Hazard +Vulnerability

RiskRisk a measure of the expected losses due toa measure of the expected losses due toa hazardous event of a particular magnitudea hazardous event of a particular magnitudeoccurring in a given area over a specific timeoccurring in a given area over a specific time

period.period. Risk is a function of the probability of particularRisk is a function of the probability of particular

occurrences and the losses each would cause.occurrences and the losses each would cause.The level of risk depends on:The level of risk depends on:

Nature of the HazardNature of the Hazard Vulnerability of the elements which are affectedVulnerability of the elements which are affected

Economic value of those elementsEconomic value of those elements


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Vulnerability:Vulnerability:

It is defined asIt is defined as the extent to which a community, structure, service,the extent to which a community, structure, service,and/or geographic area is likely to be damaged or disrupted by theand/or geographic area is likely to be damaged or disrupted by theimpact of particular hazard, on account of their nature, constructionimpact of particular hazard, on account of their nature, constructionand proximity to hazardous terrain or a disaster prone areaand proximity to hazardous terrain or a disaster prone area

Hazards:Hazards:

Hazards are defined asHazards are defined as Phenomena that pose a threat to people,Phenomena that pose a threat to people,structures, or economic assets and which may cause a disaster.structures, or economic assets and which may cause a disaster.They could be either manmade or naturally occurring in ourThey could be either manmade or naturally occurring in ourenvironmentenvironment

The extent of damage in a disaster depends on:The extent of damage in a disaster depends on:1)1) The impact, intensity and characteristics of the phenomenon andThe impact, intensity and characteristics of the phenomenon and2)2) How people, environment and infrastructures are affected byHow people, environment and infrastructures are affected by

that phenomenonthat phenomenon


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Rehabilitation

Reconstruction

Disaster

Development

Prevention

CR

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M

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GE

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DISATER MANGEMENT CYCLE

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ResponseRehabilitationPreventionMitigationPreparedness

Response

Mitigation

Preparedness


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OVERVIEW OF THE DISASTER RISK MANAGEMENTOVERVIEW OF THE DISASTER RISK MANAGEMENTPROGRAMMEPROGRAMME

20022002--20072007

Government of India [GoI], Ministry of HomeGovernment of India [GoI], Ministry of HomeAffairs [MHA] and United Nations DevelopmentAffairs [MHA] and United Nations Development

Program [UNDP] have signed an agreement onProgram [UNDP] have signed an agreement onAugust 2002 for implementation ofAugust 2002 for implementation ofDisasterDisasterRiskManagementRiskManagementProgram to reduce theProgram to reduce thevulnerability of the communities to naturalvulnerability of the communities to naturaldisasters, in identified multidisasters, in identified multihazard disasterhazard disaster

prone areas.prone areas. GoalGoal: : Sustainable ReductioninNaturalSustainable ReductioninNaturalDisasterRiskinsome ofthe mosthazardDisasterRiskinsome ofthe mosthazardprone districtsinselectedstatesofIndia.prone districtsinselectedstatesofIndia.


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mainmain objectivesobjectivesof this programof this program

1.1. National capacity building support to the Ministry of HomeNational capacity building support to the Ministry of HomeAffairsAffairs

2.2. Environment building, education, awareness program andEnvironment building, education, awareness program andstrengthening the capacity at all levels in natural disaster riskstrengthening the capacity at all levels in natural disaster riskmanagement and sustainable recoverymanagement and sustainable recovery

3.3. MultiMulti--hazardhazard preparedness, response and mitigationpreparedness, response and mitigationplans for the program at state, district, block and village/ward levelsplans for the program at state, district, block and village/ward levelsin select program states and districtsin select program states and districts

4.4. Networking knowledge on effective approaches, methods andNetworking knowledge on effective approaches, methods andtools for natural disaster risk management, developing andtools for natural disaster risk management, developing andpromoting policy frameworkspromoting policy frameworks


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EARTHQUAKESEARTHQUAKESSAFETY TIPSSAFETY TIPS

Prepare before the earthquakePrepare before the earthquake

Always keep the following in a designated place:Always keep the following in a designated place:bottled drinking water, nonbottled drinking water, non--perishable food (chura, gur,perishable food (chura, gur,etc),firstetc),first--aid kit,torchlightand batteryaid kit,torchlightand battery--operated radio withoperated radio with

extra batteries.extra batteries. Teachfamily members how toturn offelectricity, gas,Teachfamily members how toturn offelectricity, gas,

etc.etc. Identify places in the house thatcan provide coverIdentify places in the house thatcan provide cover

during an earthquake.during an earthquake. Itmay be easierto make long distance calls during anItmay be easierto make long distance calls during an

earthquake.earthquake. Identify an outIdentify an out--ofof--town relative orfriend astown relative orfriend asyourfamilys emergency contact.yourfamilys emergency contact. Ifthe family members getIfthe family members getseparated afterthe earthquake and are notable to contactseparated afterthe earthquake and are notable to contacteachother,they should contactthe designatedeachother,they should contactthe designatedrelative/friend.relative/friend. The address and phone numberoftheThe address and phone numberofthecontactperson/relative should be withall the familycontactperson/relative should be withall the familymembers.members.


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Safeguard your houseSafeguard your house

Consider retrofitting your house withConsider retrofitting your house withearthquakeearthquake--safety measures.safety measures. ReinforcingReinforcingthe foundation and frame couldthe foundation and frame could makemake

your house quake resistant.your house quake resistant. You mayYou mayconsult a reputable contractor and followconsult a reputable contractor and followbuilding codes.building codes.

Kutchha buildings can also beKutchha buildings can also beretrofitted and strengthened.retrofitted and strengthened.


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DuringquakeDuringquake

Earthquakes give no warning at all. Sometimes, a loudEarthquakes give no warning at all. Sometimes, a loudrumbling sound might signal its arrival a few secondsrumbling sound might signal its arrival a few secondsahead of time. Those few seconds could give you aahead of time. Those few seconds could give you a

chance to move to a safer location. Here are some tipschance to move to a safer location. Here are some tipsfor keeping safe during a quake.for keeping safe during a quake.

Take cover. Go under a table or other sturdyTake cover. Go under a table or other sturdyfurniture; kneel, sit, or stay close to the floor. Hold on tofurniture; kneel, sit, or stay close to the floor. Hold on to

furniture legs for balance. Be prepared to move if yourfurniture legs for balance. Be prepared to move if yourcover moves.cover moves.

If no sturdy cover is nearby, kneel or sit close toIf no sturdy cover is nearby, kneel or sit close tothe floor next to a structurally sound interior wall. Placethe floor next to a structurally sound interior wall. Placeyouryour hands on the floor for balance.hands on the floor for balance.


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Ifoutdoors:

Ifoutdoors:

Move into the open, away from buildings,Move into the open, away from buildings,streetlights, and utility wires. Once in the open,streetlights, and utility wires. Once in the open,stay there until the shaking stops.stay there until the shaking stops.

If your home is badly damaged, you willIf your home is badly damaged, you willhave to leave. Collect water, food, medicine,have to leave. Collect water, food, medicine,other essential items and important documentsother essential items and important documentsbefore leaving.before leaving.

Avoid places where there are looseAvoid places where there are looseelectrical wires and do not touch metal objectselectrical wires and do not touch metal objects

that are in touch with the loose wires.that are in touch with the loose wires.

Do not reDo not re--enter damaged buildings andenter damaged buildings andstay away from badly damaged structuresstay away from badly damaged structures


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Ifinamovingvehicle:Ifinamovingvehicle:

Move to a clear area away from buildings,Move to a clear area away from buildings,

trees, overpasses, or utility wires, stop,trees, overpasses, or utility wires, stop,and stay in the vehicle. Once the shakingand stay in the vehicle. Once the shakinghas stopped, proceed with caution. Avoidhas stopped, proceed with caution. Avoidbridges or ramps that might have beenbridges or ramps that might have beendamaged by the quake.damaged by the quake.


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Afterthe quakeAfterthe quake

Wear shoes/chappals to protect your feetWear shoes/chappals to protect your feetfrom debrisfrom debris

After the first tremor, be prepared forAfter the first tremor, be prepared foraftershocks.aftershocks. Though less intense, aftershocksThough less intense, aftershockscause additional damages and may bring downcause additional damages and may bring downweakened structures.weakened structures. Aftershocks can occur inAftershocks can occur inthe first hours, days, weeks, or even monthsthe first hours, days, weeks, or even monthsafter the quake.after the quake.

Check for fire hazards and use torchlightsCheck for fire hazards and use torchlightsinstead of candles or lanterns.instead of candles or lanterns.


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If the building you live in is in a good shapeIf the building you live in is in a good shapeafter the earthquake, stay inside and listen forafter the earthquake, stay inside and listen forradio advises. If you are not certain about theradio advises. If you are not certain about thedamage to your building, evacuate carefully. Dodamage to your building, evacuate carefully. Donot touch downed power line.not touch downed power line.

Help injured or trapped persons. Give firstHelp injured or trapped persons. Give firstaid where appropriate. Do not move seriouslyaid where appropriate. Do not move seriouslyinjured persons unless they are in immediateinjured persons unless they are in immediatedanger of further injury. In such cases, call fordanger of further injury. In such cases, call forhelp.help.

Remember to help your neighbours whoRemember to help your neighbours whomay require special assistancemay require special assistance--infants, theinfants, theelderly, and people with disabilitieselderly, and people with disabilities


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Listen to a batteryListen to a battery--operated radio for theoperated radio for the

latest emergency information.latest emergency information. Stay out of damaged buildings.Stay out of damaged buildings.

Return home only when authorities say it isReturn home only when authorities say it issafe. Clean up spilled medicines, bleaches orsafe. Clean up spilled medicines, bleaches orgasoline or other flammable liquids immediately.gasoline or other flammable liquids immediately.Leave the area if you smell gas or fumes fromLeave the area if you smell gas or fumes fromother chemicals. Open closet and cupboardother chemicals. Open closet and cupboarddoors cautiously.doors cautiously.

If you smell gas or hear hissing noise, openIf you smell gas or hear hissing noise, openwindows and quickly leave the building. Turn offwindows and quickly leave the building. Turn offthe switch on the top of the gas cylinderthe switch on the top of the gas cylinder


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Look for electrical system damagesLook for electrical system damages -- if you see sparks, brokenif you see sparks, brokenwires, or if you smell burning of amber, turn off electricity at thewires, or if you smell burning of amber, turn off electricity at themain fuse box.main fuse box. If you have to step in water to get to the fuse box,If you have to step in water to get to the fuse box,call an electrician first for advice.call an electrician first for advice.

Check for sewage and water lines damage. If you suspectCheck for sewage and water lines damage. If you suspectsewage lines are damaged, avoid using the toilets. If water pipessewage lines are damaged, avoid using the toilets. If water pipes

are damaged, avoid using water from the tap.are damaged, avoid using water from the tap.

Use the telephone only for emergency callsUse the telephone only for emergency calls.. In case family members are separated from one another duringIn case family members are separated from one another during

an earthquake (a real possibility during the day when adults are atan earthquake (a real possibility during the day when adults are at

work and children are at school), develop a plan for reuniting afterwork and children are at school), develop a plan for reuniting afterthe disaster.the disaster. Ask an out of state / district relative or friend to serveAsk an out of state / district relative or friend to serveas the family contact.as the family contact. Make sure everyone in the family knowsMake sure everyone in the family knowsthe name, address, and phone number(s) of the contact person (s).the name, address, and phone number(s) of the contact person (s).

definition - disaster

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