Disaster Management
UPSC Syllabus for Disaster Management
Disaster and Disaster Management
2022
1) Explain the mechanism and occurrence of cloudburst in the context of the Indian subcontinent. Discuss two recent examples. (150 words)
A cloudburst is an intense rainfall event that occurs within a short period, usually a few hours.
Mechanism and occurrence of cloudburst
Recent Examples of cloudburst in Indian subcontinent
Mechanism and occurrence of cloudburst
- The cloudburst involves the rapid upward movement of warm and moist air, which cools and forms dense clouds.
- These clouds contain huge amounts of water vapour, which condenses and forms droplets, leading to precipitation in the form of heavy rain.
- The rapid cooling and condensation result in the release of latent heat, which further fuels the upward movement of air and enhances precipitation.
Recent Examples of cloudburst in Indian subcontinent
- The 2013 Uttarakhand floods were triggered by heavy rainfall and cloudbursts in the region, leading to flash floods and landslides. The disaster resulted in the loss of thousands of lives and extensive damage to infrastructure.
- Similarly, in 2021, Himachal Pradesh witnessed a cloudburst in the tribal district of Lahaul-Spiti, which caused flash floods and landslides, leading to the loss of several lives and property.
2) Explain the causes and effects of coastal erosion in India. What are the available coastal management techniques for combating the hazard? ( 250 words)
Coastal erosion is a natural process that takes place on the shoreline of oceans, seas, and other water bodies. It refers to the wearing away of the coastline by the action of waves, tides, and currents.
The causes of coastal erosion in India
The causes of coastal erosion in India
- Sea-level rise due to global warming
- Intense wave action during cyclones and storms
- Destruction of mangroves and coral reefs
- Sand mining and dredging
- Construction of coastal structures like groynes, jetties, and breakwaters.
- Loss of land, property, and infrastructure
- Damage to natural habitats like mangroves and coral reefs
- Threat to human life during cyclones and storms
- Erosion of beaches, affecting tourism.
- Beach nourishment - replenishing eroded beaches with sand
- Construction of seawalls, groynes, and breakwaters to prevent erosion
- Restoration of mangroves and coral reefs to provide natural coastal protection
- Regulation of sand mining and dredging activities
- Coastal zoning and land-use regulations to prevent construction in vulnerable areas.
2021
3) Discuss about the vulnerability of India to earthquake related hazards. Give examples including the salient features of major disasters caused by earthquakes in different parts of India during the last three decades. (150 words)
As per the current systematic zone map of the country, over 59% of India's land area is under threat of moderate to severe seismic hazard.
India's vulnerability to earthquake related hazards such as Landslides/avalanches, Flash floods, Tsunami, Glacial burst etc.
Reason for vulnerability of India to earthquake related hazards
India's vulnerability to earthquake related hazards such as Landslides/avalanches, Flash floods, Tsunami, Glacial burst etc.
Reason for vulnerability of India to earthquake related hazards
- Tectonic activity: India is located at the boundary of the Indian Plate and the Eurasian Plate, making it prone to seismic activity.
- High population density: India is the second most populous country in the world, with a large population concentrated in urban areas.
- Aging infrastructure: The infrastructure in many parts of India, including roads, bridges, and public buildings, may not be designed to withstand strong earthquakes.
- Weak early warning systems: While India has made progress in establishing early warning systems for earthquakes, the coverage and effectiveness of these systems are still limited.
- Limited awareness and preparedness: Public awareness about earthquake safety measures and preparedness is relatively low in many regions of India.
- Bhuj Earthquake (2001): Casualties: Approximately 20,000 lives lost. Infrastructure Damage: Severe destruction of buildings, roads, bridges, and other infrastructure.
- Latur Earthquake (1993): Casualties: Around 10,000 lives lost Infrastructure Damage: Widespread damage to residential structures, schools, and other buildings
- Sikkim Earthquake (2011): Casualties: Several hundred lives lost Infrastructure Damage: Bridges, roads, and buildings were severely damaged. Impact: The earthquake affected Sikkim and nearby regions, causing landslides and disrupting communication and transportation networks. Many buildings, including heritage structures, were destroyed or damaged.
4) Describe the various causes and the effects of landslides. Mention the important components of the National Landslide Risk Management Strategy. (250 words)
Landslides are defined as the downward movement of rock, soil, or debris under the influence of gravity.
Causes of landslides
Natural
Short term
Causes of landslides
Natural
- Earthquakes
- Heavy rainfall
- Slope instability due to geological
- Topographical factors
- Deforestation
- Mining
- Construction
- Land-use changes.
Short term
- Loss of life: E.g.: Kedarnath landslide in Uttarakhand in June 2013, caused by flash floods that resulted in over 5,000 deaths.
- Damage to infrastructure: E. g.: Landslides in Kerala in Idukki have caused massive damage of infrastructure
- Destruction of agricultural land, destroy seed and food stocks and can further result in the loss of livestock and standing crops.
- Soil erosion and soil loss: Landslides can result into transports of large volume of soil in a short time.
E. g.: The average annual rate of soil erosion in the country is 16.35 tons per hectare i.e. 5334 million tons per vear - Relocation of population: Landslide increases the vulnerability of the area, destruction of life, property and land forcing people to relocate from the area.
- The National Landslide Risk Management Strategy was launched by the Government of India in 2019.
- Landslide hazard zonation and mapping: This involves identifying landslide-prone areas and developing hazard maps to provide early warning and prevent loss of life and property.
- Early warning systems: This involves installing sensors and monitoring systems to detect landslides and provide early warning to the affected population.
- Capacity building and awareness generation: This involves training and capacity building of stakeholders such as government officials, disaster management personnel, and local communities. It also involves awareness generation campaigns to educate people about the risks associated with landslides and how to mitigate them.
- Ecosystem-based approaches: This involves using nature-based solutions such as afforestation, slope stabilization, and soil conservation to prevent landslides and enhance ecosystem resilience.
- Policy and institutional framework: This involves developing policy and institutional frameworks for landslide risk management, including legislative and regulatory frameworks, institutional structures, and financial mechanisms.
2020
5) Vulnerability is an essential element for defining disaster impacts and its threat to people. How and in what ways can vulnerability to disasters be characterized? Discuss different types of vulnerability with reference to disasters. (150 words)
Vulnerability refers to the susceptibility of people, communities, or regions to damage or loss as a result of natural or man-made disasters. It is an essential element for defining disaster impacts and the threat to people.
Vulnerability- Essential element in defining disaster impact
Vulnerability- Essential element in defining disaster impact
- Differential Impact: Vulnerability determines how different individuals, communities, and regions are affected by disasters. It highlights the varying degrees of susceptibility and capacity to cope with adverse events.
- Humanitarian Response: By understanding the vulnerabilities of affected populations, relief efforts can be tailored to meet their specific needs.
- Risk Assessment: Vulnerability assessment is an integral part of risk assessment. It helps in understanding the potential impacts of a disaster on people, infrastructure, and the environment.
- Resilience Building: By identifying the factors that make individuals, communities, and systems vulnerable, targeted interventions can be designed to strengthen their capacity to withstand and recover from disasters.
- Socioeconomic factors: Socioeconomic factors play a significant role in vulnerability to disasters. These include poverty, inequality, lack of access to basic services etc.
- Institutional factors: Institutional factors refer to the capacity, governance, and policies in place to manage disasters. Weak governance, inadequate disaster management institutions, corruption, and lack of effective policies can increase vulnerability.
- Social and cultural factors: influence vulnerability by shaping societal norms, behaviors, and responses to hazards. This includes factors such as gender inequality, social exclusion, discrimination, cultural practices, and social networks
- Physical vulnerability refers to the susceptibility of buildings, infrastructure, and essential facilities to damage or destruction during disasters.
- Social vulnerability refers to the susceptibility of people, communities, or groups to physical, economic, or social harm, based on their age, gender, ethnicity, class, or other factors.
- Economic vulnerability refers to the susceptibility of people, communities, or regions to economic damage or loss as a result of disasters.
- Environmental vulnerability refers to the susceptibility of natural resources, ecosystems, and the environment to damage or loss during disasters.
6) Discuss the recent measures initiated in disaster management by the Government of India departing from the earlier reactive approach. (250 words)
Disaster management has been one of the top priorities for India. In the recent past, the approach towards disaster management has been shifted from reactive to proactive.
Earlier approaches
Earlier approaches
- Relief centric approach: act after disaster
- Top down approach: no proper community participation
- Unplanned development
- The Government of India has established the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) to provide a quick response to any disaster in the country.
- The Government of India has also established the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to develop policies, plans, and guidelines for effective disaster management in the country.
- The NDMA has formulated a National Disaster Management Plan (NDMP) to provide a framework for disaster management in the country. The plan is aimed at reducing the impact of disasters and improving the preparedness of the country to face disasters.
- The Government of India has launched the National Cyclone Risk Mitigation Project (NCRMP) to reduce the vulnerability of coastal communities to cyclones and other natural disasters. The project includes the establishment of cyclone shelters, early warning systems and capacity building of local communities.
- The Government of India has also initiated several technology-based solutions to improve disaster management. For instance, the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for mapping and monitoring disaster-hit areas, and the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) for predictive analysis and early warning systems.
- The Government of India is also focusing on capacity building of local communities to effectively manage disasters. The government has initiated various training programs for disaster management officials, volunteers and local communities.
2019
7) Disaster preparedness is the first step in any disaster management process. Explain how hazard zonation mapping will help in disaster mitigation in the case of landslides. (250 words)
Disaster preparedness means the state of readiness to deal with a threatening disaster situation or disaster and the effects thereof. Disaster preparedness aims at getting ready to deal with disaster situations
Disaster preparedness is the first step in disaster management process- Mitigating Loss of Life and Injuries: Disaster preparedness measures such as developing evacuation plans, establishing early warning systems, and conducting drills and training exercises can help us to take timely actions to protect ourselves and minimize the impact of the disaster.
- Minimizing Damage to Infrastructure: Disaster preparedness involves assessing and strengthening critical infrastructure to make it more resilient to potential hazards.
- Enhancing Response and Recovery Efforts: By establishing coordination mechanisms, pre-positioning resources, and training emergency response teams, the response to a disaster can be more organized and efficient.
- Promoting Community Resilience: By involving community members in preparedness activities, such as developing local response plans and participating in training exercises strengthens the overall resilience of the community.
- Identifying high-risk areas: Hazard zonation mapping helps identify areas that are susceptible to landslides based on factors such as slope steepness, soil composition, geological conditions, and past landslide occurrences
- Land use planning: Hazard zonation maps provide valuable information for land use planners, enabling them to designate suitable areas for various purposes
- Early warning systems: Hazard zonation mapping contributes to the establishment of early warning systems for landslides
- Public awareness and education: Hazard zonation maps facilitate public awareness and education campaigns about landslide risks
2018
8) Describe various measures taken in India for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) before and after signing ‘Sendai Framework for DRR (2015-2030)’.How is this framework different from ‘Hyogo Framework for Action, 2005’? (250 words)
India is highly vulnerable to natural disasters such as floods, earthquakes, landslides, cyclones, droughts, and forest fires, which have devastating consequences for life and property. To address these challenges, the country has taken several measures for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) before and after signing the ‘Sendai Framework for DRR (2015-2030)’. Some of the key measures are:
Various measures taken in India for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR)
Before signing the Sendai Framework:
Various measures taken in India for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR)
Before signing the Sendai Framework:
- National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA): India established the NDMA in 2005 to plan, coordinate, and implement policies and programs for disaster management.
- Disaster Management Act, 2005: This act laid down the legal framework for disaster management in India.
- National Disaster Response Force (NDRF): India created the NDRF in 2006 to undertake rescue and relief operations during disasters.
- National Disaster Management Plan: India launched the National Disaster Management Plan in 2016, which outlines a comprehensive approach to disaster risk reduction.
- Risk Assessment: India has conducted risk assessments for all types of disasters and established risk transfer mechanisms such as insurance.
- Capacity building: India has established training institutes for disaster management and conducts regular drills and exercises to build capacity at all levels.
- Sendai Framework is a 15-year plan that focuses on reducing disaster risk and building resilience, whereas the Hyogo Framework was a 10-year plan that aimed to reduce the number of disaster-related deaths, injuries, and economic losses.
- The Sendai Framework also includes new elements such as the importance of international cooperation, the involvement of private sector and civil society, and the need to integrate DRR into development policies.
- Wide Scope: Sendai framework has wider scope than Hyogo as it includes man made hazards as well as biological hazards.
2017
9) On December 2004, a tsunami brought havoc on fourteen countries including India. Discuss the factors responsible for the occurrence of tsunamis and their effects on life and economy. In the light of guidelines of NDMA 2010 describe the mechanisms for preparedness to reduce the risk during such events. (250 words)
“Tsunami” refers to an ocean wave that is caused by an ocean event, such as an earthquake, landslide, or volcanic eruption. The Indian Ocean earthquake on December 26, 2004, triggered a massive tsunami that affected fourteen countries, including India, Indonesia, Malaysia etc.
Factors responsible for the occurrence of the tsunami
On life
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) of India formulated guidelines in 2010 for disaster management during tsunamis. It recommends various mechanisms, such as
Factors responsible for the occurrence of the tsunami
- Submarine earthquakes: Earthquakes occurring beneath the ocean floor.
E.g.: Indian Ocean tsunami in 2004 - Volcanic eruptions: Volcanic activity can also lead to tsunamis.
Eg.: Krakatoa volcanic eruption in 1883, triggered a series of tsunamis that affected coastal regions in Indonesia. - Submarine landslides: Large underwater landslides, often triggered by earthquakes or volcanic activity, can displace large volumes of water and generate tsunamis.
E.g.: Storegga landslide off the coast of Norway - Asteroid impacts: Extremely rare but highly destructive, asteroid impacts in the ocean can generate mega-tsunamis.
On life
- Loss of human life: Tsunamis can cause significant loss of life, particularly in coastal areas
- Physical damage to infrastructure: Tsunamis can cause extensive damage to buildings, houses, roads etc
- Displacement of communities: Tsunamis can displace large numbers of people, forcing them to leave their homes and seek temporary shelter
- Environmental damage: Tsunamis can cause destruction of coastal ecosystems such as coral reefs, mangroves, and wetlands.
- Industries get negatively impacted. E.g.: Tourism, fishing etc
- Loss of livelihoods, and damage to natural resources.
- Disruption to economic activities can lead to job losses, reduced income, decreased investments, and a decline in overall economic growth.
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) of India formulated guidelines in 2010 for disaster management during tsunamis. It recommends various mechanisms, such as
- Early warning systems
- Evacuation plans
- Community-level preparedness plans, including mock drills
- Development of infrastructure (coastal protection measures, sea walls, and coastal shelters)
- Public awareness campaigns to educate people
2016
10) The frequency of urban floods due to high intensity rainfall is increasing over the years. Discussing the reasons for urban floods, highlight the mechanisms for preparedness to reduce the risk during such events. (200 words)
Urban flooding is the inundation of land or property in a built environment, particularly in more densely populated areas (like cities), caused by rainfall overwhelming the capacity of drainage systems. E.g.: Chennai flood, Hyderabad flood etc
Reasons for urban floods in India
To reduce the risk of urban floods, preparedness measures can be taken at various levels such as individual, community, and government.
Reasons for urban floods in India
- Inadequate Drainage Systems: Many Indian cities have outdated or insufficient drainage systems that are unable to cope with heavy rainfall.
- Encroachment of Water Bodies and Floodplains: Rapid urbanization often involves encroachment upon water bodies, wetlands, and floodplains.
- Climate Change and Extreme Weather Events: India is experiencing changes in weather patterns and an increase in extreme rainfall events due to climate change. Intense and prolonged rainfall can overwhelm drainage systems and cause urban flooding.
- Improper Waste Management: Inadequate waste management practices, including improper disposal of solid waste and clogging of drains with plastic and debris, contribute to urban floods.
- Urban Development and Land Use Changes: Unplanned and haphazard urban development without proper consideration for water management and land use exacerbates the risk of urban floods. Conversion of permeable surfaces to impermeable ones leading to increased surface runoff and flooding.
To reduce the risk of urban floods, preparedness measures can be taken at various levels such as individual, community, and government.
- At the individual level, people can keep their surroundings clean, avoid dumping waste in drains, and plant more trees.
- At community level, Communities can work together to clean up and maintain drainage systems, construct rainwater harvesting structures, and develop emergency plans for flood situations.
- At the government level, policies and strategies need to be implemented for better urban planning, creation of green spaces, and construction of flood-resistant infrastructure such as embankments, storm water drains, and retention ponds.
11) With reference to National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) guidelines, discuss the measures to be adopted to mitigate the impact of recent incidents of cloudbursts in many places of Uttarakhand. (200 words)
Cloudbursts are short-duration, intense rainfall events over a small area. In recent years, many parts of Uttarakhand have been hit by incidents of cloudbursts leading to massive loss of lives and properties.
Measures to be adopted to mitigate the impact of recent incidents of cloudbursts in many places of Uttarakhand according to NDMA guidelines
Measures to be adopted to mitigate the impact of recent incidents of cloudbursts in many places of Uttarakhand according to NDMA guidelines
- Setting up an effective early warning system can provide timely alerts to the people living in vulnerable areas. It can be done by installing weather monitoring systems, rain gauges, and sensors to track water levels in rivers and streams.
- In case of an emergency, an evacuation plan must be in place to ensure the safe and timely movement of people to safer places. It should be ensured that evacuation routes are clear and transportation is available to move people to safer areas.
- Adequate relief camps should be set up in safe areas for those who have been evacuated from their homes. These camps should provide basic amenities like food, water, shelter, and medical aid.
- A team of trained professionals should be ready to conduct search and rescue operations immediately after the disaster.
- After the disaster, rehabilitation and reconstruction work should be taken up on a priority basis.
- The participation of the local community is crucial in disaster management. Awareness programs should be conducted to educate people about the dangers of cloudbursts and the measures they can take to mitigate the impact.
2015
12) The frequency of earthquakes appears to have increased in the Indian subcontinent. However, India’s preparedness for mitigating their impact has significant gaps. Discuss various aspects. (200 words)
An earthquake is the shaking of the earth as a result of the interior of the earth’s crust releasing energy, which creates waves that move in all directions. India is prone to earthquakes due to its location in the seismic zone.
Gaps in India’s preparedness for mitigating earthquake’s impact
Gaps in India’s preparedness for mitigating earthquake’s impact
- Lack of proper infrastructure: Many buildings and structures in India are not built according to seismic codes and are vulnerable to earthquakes. This makes the impact of earthquakes more severe, and the chances of loss of life and property are higher.
- Lack of awareness among the people: Many people in India are unaware of the risks and hazards of earthquakes and do not know how to respond in case of an earthquake. This makes it difficult to evacuate people during an earthquake and increases the chances of loss of life.
- Early Warning Systems: The coverage and effectiveness disseminate warnings to affected areas and integrate with critical infrastructure for better impact mitigation require improvement.
- Emergency Response and Resilience: Strengthening emergency response mechanisms and enhancing the resilience of critical infrastructure are key areas that require attention. Developing robust disaster management plans, establishing well-equipped response teams, and improving coordination among various stakeholders are essential for effective post-earthquake response and recovery.
- Lapse in risk Assessment and Mitigation: Conducting comprehensive risk assessments to identify vulnerable areas and implementing targeted mitigation measures is vital.
2014
13) Drought has been recognized as a disaster in view of its spatial expanse, temporal duration, slow onset and lasting effects on vulnerable sections. With a focus on the September 2010 guidelines from the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), discuss the mechanisms for preparedness to deal with likely El Nino and La Nina fallouts in India. (200 words)
Drought is termed as any lack of water to satisfy the normal needs of agriculture, livestock, industry or human population. Droughts can affect large geographic areas, characterized by their long duration, often spanning months or even years, they typically have a gradual and slow onset, can have long-lasting effects on various sectors of society, particularly vulnerable populations such as small-scale farmers, rural communities, and marginalized groups.
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued guidelines for preparedness to deal with droughts, including those likely to be caused by El Nino and La Nina events.
Mechanisms for preparedness to deal with likely El Nino and La Nina fallouts in India.
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued guidelines for preparedness to deal with droughts, including those likely to be caused by El Nino and La Nina events.
Mechanisms for preparedness to deal with likely El Nino and La Nina fallouts in India.
- Early Warning Systems: development and implementation of early warning systems to detect and forecast drought conditions. These systems should be based on monitoring of rainfall, soil moisture, groundwater levels, and other indicators of drought.
- Contingency Plans: development of contingency plans including plans for water conservation, alternative sources of water, and provision of food and other relief measures for affected populations.
- Capacity Building: The NDMA recommends capacity building at all levels of government and in the communities affected by drought, including training in drought management and response, water conservation, and agricultural practices that are resilient to drought conditions.
- Inter-Agency Coordination: establishment of inter-agency coordination mechanisms to ensure effective collaboration and communication between government departments and agencies involved in drought management.
- Public Awareness and Participation: The NDMA recommends the involvement of the public in drought management efforts, including raising awareness of drought conditions, promoting water conservation and sustainable agricultural practices, and mobilizing community-based responses to drought.
2013
14) How important are vulnerability and risk assessment for pre-disaster management? As an administrator, what are key areas that you would focus on in a Disaster Management System? (200 words)
Vulnerability assessment is a process that assesses the susceptibility of a community or region to the impacts of hazards, such as natural disasters. Risk assessment is qualitative or quantitative approach to determine the nature and extent of disaster risk by analysing potential hazards and evaluating existing conditions of exposure and vulnerability. Vulnerability and risk assessments are crucial for effective pre-disaster management.
Importance of vulnerability and risk assessment for pre-disaster management
Importance of vulnerability and risk assessment for pre-disaster management
- Identification of vulnerabilities and Understanding potential risks
- Resource allocation: provide valuable insights for allocating resources effectively.
- Mitigation and preparedness planning: Vulnerability and risk assessments inform the development of mitigation measures and preparedness plans
- Decision-making and policy formulation: provide evidence-based information for decision-making and policy formulation
- Community engagement and awareness: facilitate community engagement and raise awareness about potential hazards and their associated risks.
- Developing a robust communication system: In the event of a disaster, clear and timely communication is critical. Developing a communication plan that includes multiple channels of communication is important.
- Establishing an Emergency Response Team: Having a well-trained and organized Emergency Response Team (ERT) is essential for an effective Disaster Management System. The ERT should be equipped with the necessary resources and knowledge to respond to disasters.
- Conducting regular vulnerability and risk assessments: Regular assessments are important to ensure that disaster preparedness plans are updated and relevant. These assessments should be based on current data and should take into account changes in the environment or population.
- Building community resilience: Disaster management efforts should focus on building community resilience. This includes educating the public about disaster preparedness, providing resources for emergency preparedness, and ensuring that vulnerable populations are accounted for.
- Developing evacuation and shelter plans: In the event of a disaster, evacuation and shelter plans are critical. Developing and testing these plans is important to ensure that they are effective.