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 DISASTER

A disaster is a sudden, calamitous event that seriously disrupts the functioning of a community or society and causes human, material, economic and environmental losses. 

Types of Disaster :

Disaster can be divided into two types:

> Natural Disaster

> Man made disasters

Classification of Natural Disaster :

Classification of man-made disaster:

Problems associated with disaster:

The common problems associated with disasters are:

➢ Death and disabilities

➢ Spread of communicable disease

➢ Population displacements

➢ Climate change

➢ Problem in water supply and sanitization

➢ Damage to health infrastructure

➢ Psychological reaction

➢ Environmental degradation

➢ Economic loss 

 

Disaster risk /threats:

The potential disaster losses, in lives, health status, livelihoods, assets and

services, which could occur to a particular community or a society over some

specified future time period. 

 

➢ Traditional disaster threats: Most of the old disaster threats still exist like

earthquakes, cyclones, volcanic eruptions, tsunamis, wildfires, floods,

landslides, and drought. The man-made ones like fire, explosions and

other major accidents which cause heavy human casualties, economic

and social losses. These same traditional threats have increased as

increase in population has force people to settle in disaster prone areas

which increase the impact of disaster. 

 

➢ Modern disaster threats: These consist of man made events like

hijacking, terrorism, civil war, and conflict with conventional arms as well

as chemical, biological, nuclear, or radio logical weapons. Increased social

violence has drastically affected many nations and communities. 

 

 

General effects of disaster:

Disasters affect communities in multiple ways-

➢ Can cause an unexpected number of deaths and wounded or sick people

that exceed the local resources capacity to respond and require external aid.

➢ Can destroy health infrastructure not only affecting the immediate response, but also disrupting preventive activities, leading to long-term consequences with increased morbidity and mortality.

➢ Can have adverse effects on the environment that will increase the risk for infectious, transmissible diseases and environmental hazards. This will impact morbidity, premature death, and future quality of life.

➢ Can affect the psychological and social behavior of the community.

➢ Can cause shortages of food, with severe nutritional consequences.

➢ Can cause large movements of the population, to areas where health services might not be able to handle the excessive requirement.

Earthquake:

It is the sudden shaking of the earth crust. The impact of an earthquake is sudden and there is hardly any warning, making it impossible to predict.

Cause of Earthquake:

The earth’s crust is a rocky layer of varying

thickness ranging from a depth of about 10 km

under the sea to 65 km under the continents. The

crust is not one piece but consists of portions

called ‘plates’ which vary in size from a few

hundred to thousands of kilometers. The ‘theory

of plate tectonics’ holds that the plates ride up on

the more mobile mantle, and are driven by some

yet unconfirmed mechanisms, perhaps thermal

convection currents. When these plates contact

each other, stress arises in the crust. 

 

 

Stresses can be classified according to the type of movement along the plate’s

boundaries:

a) Pulling away from each other,

b) Pushing against one another and

c) Sliding sideways relative to each other.

All these movements are associated with earthquakes.

 

 

Different types of plate movement:

 

Divergent: Where new crust is generated as the plates pull away from each

other.

Example: The Mid-Atlantic Ridge, which splits nearly the entire Atlantic Ocean

north to south, is probably the best known and most-studied example of a

divergent-plate boundary. The rate of spreading along the Mid Atlantic Ridge

averages about 2.5 centimeters per year (cm/yr), or 25 km in a million years.

 

Convergent: Where crust is destroyed as one plate dives under another.

Example: Ring of Fire and The Himalayan Mountain range dramatically

demonstrates one of the most visible and spectacular consequences of plate

tectonics.

 

Transformational: Where crust is neither produced nor destroyed as the plates

slide horizontally past each other.

Example: The San Andreas fault slicing through the Carrizo Plain in the Temblor

Range east of the city of San Luis Obispo.

 

 

Epicenter:

The areas of stress at plate boundaries which release accumulated energy by

slipping or rupturing are known as ‘faults’. The point of rupture is called the

‘focus’ and may be located near the surface or deep below it. The point on the

surface directly above the focus is termed as the ‘epicenter’ of the earthquake. 

 

 

 

General characteristics of earthquake: 

 

Earthquake vibrations occur in a variety of frequencies and velocities. The actual

rupture process may last for a few seconds to as long as one minute for a major

earthquake. The ground shaking is caused by ‘body waves’ and ‘surface wave’.

 

➢ Body waves (P and S waves) penetrate the body of the earth, vibrating

fast. ‘P’ waves travel about 6 kilometers per hour and ‘S’ waves travel with

a speed of 4 kilometers per hour. 

 

➢ Surface waves: Vibrate the ground horizontally and vertically. These long

period waves cause swaying of tall buildings and slight waves motion in

bodies of water even at great distances from the epicenter. 

 

 

Earthquake can be classified into three types based on focal depth:

 

➢ Deep: 300 to 700 kms from the earth surface

➢ Medium: 60 to 300 kms

➢ Shallow: less than 60 kms

 

The deep focus earthquakes are rarely destructive because by the time the waves reach the surface the impact reduces. Shallow focus earthquakes are more common and are extremely damaging because of their proximity to the surface.

 

 

Measuring earthquake:

 

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).

 

 

Adverse effect of earthquake: 

 

➢ Loss of life and property: Damage occurs to human settlement, buildings, structures and infrastructure, especially bridges, elevated roads, railways, water towers, pipelines, electrical generating facilities.

➢ Landslides and avalanche: Earthquakes can produce slope instability leading to landslides and avalanche.

➢ Tsunamis: When earthquakes occur under sea it causes tsunami. Most destructive tsunamis are caused by earthquakes of magnitude 7.5 or more.

➢ Floods: These are secondary effects of earthquakes, as they may occur if dams are damaged.

➢ Fires: Earthquakes can cause fires by damaging electrical power or gas lines.

➢ Destabilization: It destabilizes ecological and social structure of nation.

Essential services also got disrupted. 

 

Distribution pattern of Earthquake in India:

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.

 

 

List of significant earthquakes in India: 

 

 

Management and mitigation methods: 

 

Earthquakes cannot be stopped or predicted accurately but certain management techniques could be followed to minimize its effect:

1) Construction of buildings which can tolerate earthquakes.

This can be done by:

    a) To keep pads or floats beneath buildings.

    b) Wooden house to be preferred in earthquake prone area.

2) Soil testing should be done so that stability of building is assured.

3) Seismic retrofitting is the modification of existing structures to make them more resistant to seismic activity, ground motion, or soil failure due to earthquakes.

4) Preparedness and safe building construction can reduce extent of damage and loss.

5) Establishment of GPS station in the earthquake prone region to assess future

crustal movements. 

 

Effect of soil type during earthquake and essential requirement in a Masonry building.

 

 

 

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Tsunami:

 

The term Tsunami has been derived from a Japanese term Tsu meaning 'harbor'

and nami meaning 'waves’.

Tsunamis are popularly called tidal waves but they actually have nothing to do

with the tides. These waves which often affect distant shores, originate by rapid

displacement of water from the lake or the sea either by seismic activity,

landslides, volcanic eruptions etc.

The cause may be sea water is displaced with a violent motion and swells up,

ultimately surging over land with great destructive power. The effects of a

tsunami can be unnoticeable or even destructive.

 

 

Causes of Tsunami: 

 

The geological movements that cause tsunamis are produced in three major

ways

➢ The most common of these are fault movements on the sea floor,

accompanied by an earth-quake. They release huge amount of energy and

have the capacity to cross oceans. The degree of movement depends on

how fast the earthquake occurs and how much water is displaced. 

 

 

Fig. 1. Plate movement under the sea.

 

➢ The second most common cause of the tsunami is a landslide either

occurring underwater or originating above the sea and then plunging

into the water. 

 

 

Fig. 2. Underwater landslide. 

 

➢ The third major cause of tsunami is volcanic activity. In 1883, the violent

explosion of the famous volcano, Krakatoa in Indonesia, produced

tsunami measuring 40 meters which crushed upon Java and Sumatra.

Over 36,000 people lost their lives in this incident. 

 

 

Fig. 3. Volcanic eruption.

 

General characteristics of Tsunami: 

 

Tsunami differs from ordinary ocean waves, which are produced by wind

blowing over water. The tsunamis travel much faster than ordinary waves.

Compared to normal wave speed of 100 kilometers per hour, tsunami in the

deep water of the ocean may travel the speed of a jet airplane - 800 kilometers

per hour! Contrary to the popular belief, the tsunami is not a single giant wave.

It is possible for a tsunami to consist of ten or more waves which is then termed

as 'tsunami wave train’. The waves follow each other 5 to 90 minutes apart.

Tsunami normally causes flooding as a huge amount of water enters the main

land. 

 

 

Fig. 4. Tsunami wave train.

 

Predictability of Tsunami: 

 

Since scientists cannot exactly predict earthquakes, they also cannot exactly

predict when a tsunami will be generated. There are two distinct types of

tsunami warning system:

a) International tsunami warning systems

b) Regional warning systems. 

 

➢ International Tsunami Warning Systems: Shortly after the Hilo Tsunami

(1946), the Pacific Tsunami Warning System (PTWS) was developed with

its operational center at the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC) near

Honolulu, Hawaii (established in 1949). The PTWC is able to alert

countries several hours before the tsunami strikes. The warning includes

predicted arrival time at selected coastal communities where the tsunami

could travel in few hours.

➢ Regional Warning Systems: usually use seismic data about near by

earthquakes to determine if there is a possible local threat of a tsunami.

Such systems are capable enough to provide warnings to the general

public.

 

 

Adverse effect of Tsunami: 

 

➢ The flooding affect of the tsunami that causes major destruction to the

human settlements, roads and infrastructure thereby disrupting the

normal functioning of the society.

➢ Withdrawal of the tsunami causes major damage. As the waves withdraw

towards the ocean they sweep out the foundations of the buildings, the

beaches get destroyed and the houses carried out to sea.

➢ Damage to ports and airports may prevent importation of needed food

and medical supplies. Apart from the physical damage, there is a huge

impact on the public health system.

➢ Sewage pipes may be damaged causing major sewage disposal problems.

Open wells and other ground water may be contaminated by salt water

and debris and sewage. Flooding in the locality may lead to crop loss, loss

of livelihood like boats and nets, environmental degradation etc.

 

 

List of significant Tsunami in India:

 

Management and mitigation methods: 

 

While it is of course not possible to prevent a tsunami, in certain tsunami prone

countries some measures have been taken to reduce the damage caused on

shore. Some other systematic measures to protect coastlines against tsunamis

include. 

 

➢ Site Planning and Land Management: Within the broader framework of

a comprehensive plan, site planning determines the location,

configuration, and density of development on particular sites and is,

therefore, an important tool in reducing tsunami risk. 

 

➢ Engineering structures: Most of the habitation of the fishing community

is seen in the coastal areas. The houses constructed by them are mainly

of light weight materials without any engineering inputs. Therefore there

is an urgent need to educate the community about the good construction

practices that they should adopt such as:

➢ Site selection – Avoid building or living in buildings within several hundred

feet of the coastline as these areas are more likely to experience damage

from tsunamis.

➢ Construct the structure on a higher ground level with respect to mean sea

level.

➢ Construction of water breakers to reduce the velocity of waves.

➢ Use of water and corrosion resistant materials for construction.

➢ Construction of community halls at higher locations, which can act as

shelters at the time of a disaster 

 

➢ Flood management: Flooding will result from a tsunami. Tsunami waves

will flood the coastal areas. Flood mitigation measures could be

incorporated. 

 

Fig. 5. Engineer structure of building to protect Tsunami.

 

 

Flood: 

 

Definition: Flood is a state of high water level along a river channel or on the

coast that leads to inundation of land.

➢ Floods may happen gradually and also may take hours or even happen

suddenly without any warning due to breach in the embankment, spill

over, heavy rains etc.

There are different types of floods namely:

➢ Flash flood,

➢ Riverine flood,

➢ Urban flood

 

Flash Flood: Flash floods can be defined as floods which occur within six hours

of the beginning of heavy rainfall, and are usually associated with cloud bursts,

storms and cyclones. It require rapid localized warnings and immediate

response to reduce damage. Wireless network and telephone connections are

used to monitor flood conditions. In case of flash floods, warnings for timely

evacuation may not always be possible.

 

 

Causes of Flood:

The occurrence of floods can be due to both natural and human causes.

 

➢ Natural causes of floods:

1. Excessive rainfall: Floods occur when rainwater is unable to seep into the

ground quickly enough or rivers overflow their banks because river channels

cannot contain excess water. It is common in tropical areas.

2. Storm Surges: It occurs when strong winds raise the waves in the ocean

to exceptionally high levels, causing them to crash into the coast and flood

the land. It is common in coastal areas.

3. Melting Snow: Melting of snow in spring releases large amount of water

into the rivers, causing them to overflow their banks. It is common in places

with cool temperature climate.

4. Earthquakes: Earthquakes can bring about landslides or trigger tsunamis.

When landslides occur, loosened soil, rocks, mud debris etc. may be

deposited in rivers causing overflowing of these rivers.

 

➢ Human causes:

1. Clearing of forests: Lack of vegetation cover to hold the soil together on

slopes causes erosion and deposition in river beds making them

shallow, flooding occurs when these rivers overflow.

2. Urban development: The clearing of land for development of

residential, commercial and industrial complexes have rapidly increased

built-up areas. These concrete pavements and roads prevent infiltration

of rainwater into the ground.

3. Improper farming and other land use practices: The combination of

absence of forest cover on one hand, and inappropriate farming and land

use practices on the other have aggravated the flood devastation. There

are hardly any forests left in the catchment area of the rivers. It is well

known fact that the forest areas are characterized by high infiltration

capacity.

4. Enhanced Green house effect: Various human activities resulting in

increased green house effect and causing global warming are leading to

various climate changes such as higher rainfall in short duration, melting

of more ice etc.

 

Adverse effect of Flood:

➢ Loss of life: Floods mostly strike people unprepared, leading to loss of lives

in drowning. Along with livestock and other life forms. Impact is higher in

flood plain areas which are densely populated,

➢ Damage to infrastructure and property: Flood cause huge losses to

homes, roads, power supply and other infrastructure.

➢ Spread of Diseases: After flood water recedes, shallow stagnant water

may cover areas over a considerable period of times. This may result

in outbreak of water borne diseases. Moreover homeless flood victims

are housed in temporary shelters which are mostly overcrowded and with

poor sanitation conditions which may turn situation worse.

➢ Loss of natural habitat: Trees, vegetation and other natural habitats may

get destroyed leading to loss of biodiversity.

 

Mitigation of flood:

Floods can be mitigated by structural, water control and non-structural

measures such as:

➢ Structural methods: include building dams, reservoirs, and retarding

basins, channel management and embankments.

➢ Water control methods: include increasing forest and vegetation cover,

watershed management, flood proofing and catchment modifications.

Schemes of drainage and flood protection.

➢ Non-structural methods: flood forecasting, flood warning and emergency

preparedness systems, flood insurance, public information and

education, and flood relief.

 

Flood management in India:

In India, systematic planning for flood management commenced with the Five

Year Plans, particularly with the launching of National Programme of Flood

Management in 1954. During the last 48 years, different methods of flood

protection structural as well as nonstructural have been adopted in different

states depending upon the nature of the problem and local conditions.

Structural measures include storage reservoirs, flood embankments, drainage

channels, anti-erosion works, channel improvement works, detention basins

etc. and non-structural measures include flood forecasting, flood plain zoning,

flood proofing, disaster preparedness etc. The flood management measures

undertaken so far have provided reasonable degree of protection to an area of

15.81 million hectares through out the country.

 

Distributional Pattern of floods in India:

Floods occur in almost all the river basins of the country. The Vulnerability Atlas

of India shows pictorially the areas liable to floods. Around 12 per cent (40

million hectare) of land in India is prone to floods.

Most of the flood affected areas lie in the

➢ Ganga basin,

➢ Brahmaputra basin (comprising of Barak, Tista, Torsa, Subansiri, Sankosh,

Dihang and Luhit),

➢ The northwestern river basin (comprising Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Sutlej,

Beas and the Ghagra),

➢ Peninsular river basin (Tapti, Narmada, Mahanadi, Baitarani, Godavari,

krishna and the Kaveri),

➢ The coastal regions of Andhra Pradesh, Tamilnadu, orissa and Kerela. 

 

Our country receives an annual rainfall of 1200 mm, 85% of which is

concentrated in 3-4 months i.e June to September. Due to the intense and

periodic rain, most of the rivers of the country are fed with huge quantity of

water, much beyond their carrying capacity. 

 

 

Fig. 6. Flood zones in india.

 

Flood warning:

Flood forecasting and warning has been highly developed in the past two

decades. With the advancement of technology such as satellite and remote

sensing equipments flood waves can be tracked as the water level rises. Except

for flash floods there is usually a reasonable warning period. Heavy precipitation

will give sufficient warning of the coming river flood. High tides with high winds

may indicate flooding in the coastal areas. Evacuation is possible with suitable

monitoring and warning. Warning is issued by the Central Water Commission

(CWC), Irrigation & Flood Control Department, and Water Resources

Department.

 

Terrorist Incident:

Definition: The unlawful use of force or violence against persons or property to

intimidate or coerce a government, the civilian population, or any segment

thereof, in furtherance of political or social objectives.

➢ The term terroriste, meaning "terrorist", is first used in 1794 by the French

philosopher Francois-Noel Babeuf.

 

Causes of Terrorism:

The causes of terrorism appear to be varied. There does not appear to be one

lone factor that leads people to engage in acts of terror. It has been classified

into three perspective;

➢ Psychological Perspective: Those who engage in terrorism may do so for

purely personal reasons, based on their own psychological state of mind.

Their motivation may be nothing more than hate or the desire for power.

➢ Ideological Perspective: Ideology is defined as the beliefs, values, and/or

principles by which a group identifies its particular aims and goals.

Ideology may encompass religion or political philosophies and programs.

Examples of terrorist groups motivated by ideology include the Irish

Republican Army (IRA), in Sri Lanka the Liberation Tigers of Tamal Eelam

(LTTE).

➢ Strategic Perspective: Terrorism is sometimes seen as a logical extension

of the failure of politics. When people seek redress of their grievances

through government, but fail to win government’s attention to their

plight, they may resort to violence. From this viewpoint, terrorism is the

result of a logical analysis of the goals and objectives of a group, and their

estimate of the likelihood of gaining victory.

 

Types of Terrorism:

The types of terrorism are:

➢ Civil disorder: A form of collective violence interfering with the peace,

security, and normal functioning of the community.

➢ Political terrorism: Is used by one political faction to intimidate another.

Although government leaders are the ones who are intended to receive

the ultimate message, it is the citizens who are targeted with violent

attacks.

➢ Non political terrorism: Terrorism that is not aimed at political purposes

but which exhibits "conscious design to create and maintain a high degree

of fear for coercive purposes, but the end is individual or collective gain

rather than the achievement of a political objective".

➢ State terrorism: Defines any violent action initiated by an existing

government to achieve a particular goal. Most often this goal involves a

conflict with another country.

 

Prevent Terrorism:

➢ Targeted laws, criminal procedures and enhanced police powers.

➢ Reactive military action.

➢ Increased intelligence and surveillance activities.

➢ More permissive interrogation and detention policies.

 

Terrorism safety tips:

Before:

➢ Create an emergency communications plan.

➢ Assemble an emergency preparedness kit.

➢ Check on the school emergency plan of school.

During:

➢ Remain calm and be patient.

➢ Follow the advice of local emergency officials.

➢ Listen to your radio or television for news and instructions.

➢ Check on your neighbors, especially those who are elderly or disabled.

After:

➢ Heavy law enforcement involvement at local, state and national levels

follows a terrorist attack due to the event's criminal nature.

 

Major terrorist incidents in India: 

 

Sl.No.          Date                Incident                         Location                     Peoplekilled

1         14/02/2019     2019 Pulwama attack         Jammu & Kashmir         46

2         18/10/2016     2016 Uri attack                 Uri, Jammu & Kashmir     23

3    4-9 June 2015     2015 Manipur ambush         Manipur                         178

4         23/12/2014     Dec 2014 Assam violence     Assam                                 85

5         01/05/2014    May 2014 Assam violence     Assam                                     33

6         23/05/2013    2013 Naxal attack in Darbha valley     Chhattisgarh     32

7        28/05/2010     Jnaneswari Express train  derailment     West Bengal     148

8        06/04/2010     April 2010 Maoist attack in     Dantewada     Chhattisgarh     84

9        26/11/2008     2008 Mumbai attacks         Mumbai     171

10      11/07/2006     2006 Mumbai train bombings     Mumbai     209

11      12/03/1993     1993 Bombay bombings     Mumbai    257

 

 

Mock Drill: 

 

Definition: A mock drill is a practice or training which helps to understand how

to save our life in any real dangerous situation.

 

Why mock drill is important:

➢ To check the reactions and activities of people.

➢ To check how will they act after a disaster.

 

Benefits of mock drill:

➢ It helps to act people in a active way during any occurance.

➢ It helps to increase moral and confidence to the people.

 

Steps of mock drill: 

 

Step 1: Arrange a meeting: Discuss on what activity or task team is going

to perform.

Step 2: Back to work: All workers are engaged in their work. The victim

who has selected to act and trapped in accident will do some unsafe work.

Step 3: Accident will happen: Suddenly a worker will trap in an accident

and will act like an injure person.

Step 4: Inform to supervisor: After the accident happen now anyone will

inform to supervisor or any senior person.

Step 5: Site representative will come: Try to understand the situation and

victim’s condition.

Step 6: Contact to emergency agency: Call to emergency agency and tell

them about the accident.

Step 7: Rescue team will come: Rescue team will come and check the

situation.

Step 8: Shifting of victim: Shifting of victim to near by hospital for treatment.

Step 9: Mock drill finished

Fig. 7. Fire extinguisher operation procedure. 

 

Bomb Threat:

Definition: A bomb threat or bomb scare is a threat, usually verbal or written to

detonate an explosive to cause property damage, death, injuries and fear,

whether or not such a device actually exists.

 

Reasons:

1. Political and/or social unrest.

2. Labour unrest 

 

Target points:

1. Schools and Universities

2. Government and public infrastructure

3. Private Institutions/Businesses 

 

Actions to be performed if bomb threats received:

➢ Remain calm

➢ Clear all persons from the suspected place

➢ Call the Emergency Response Coordinator

➢ Wait for further direction from the Emergency Response Coordinator

➢ Do not spread rumors. 

 

Physical characteristics of suspicious packages:

➢ Foreign Mail, Air mail and Special Delivery

➢ Incorrect title or name

➢ Misspellings of common words

➢ Oily stains

➢ Excessive weight

➢ Excessive security material such as masking tape, string, etc.

➢ Ticking sound marked. 

 

School shooting or Campus shooting: 

 

Definition: A school shooting is an attack at an educational institute, such as a

primary school, secondary school, or university, involving the use of firearms.

The phenomenon is most widespread in the United State, which has the highest

number of school related shooting. 

 

Causes:

➢ Family dysfunction

➢ Lack of family supervision

➢ Ready access to firearms

➢ Mental illness. 

 

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                             DISASTER

Source: https://image.slidesharecdn.com/disaster-130717090714-phpapp02/95/disasters-and-its-management-1-

638.jpg?cb=1374052141

 

 Disaster comes from an Italian word “disastro”. 

 

 Disastro is formed by combining the negative prefix “dis” meaning “ill or bad” and the

noun astro meaning “star”. 

 

 Traditionally, disaster meant “an unfavorable position of a star or planet”. However, with

the progress in time, it came to be applied to the kind of terrible misfortune which such a

position was thought to cause. 

 

 The dictionary meaning of disaster says that it is a sudden accident or a natural

catastrophe that causes great damage or loss of life. 

 

 A disaster is a sudden calamitous event bringing great damage, loss, or destruction. 

 

 Disaster may also be defined as a disruption of the functioning of a community or a

society involving widespread human, material, economic and environmental losses. 

 

 Disasters are often caused by nature, but it can have human origin also.

 

 A disaster is therefore, a natural or man-made event that negatively affects life, property,

livelihood, etc.

 

Also read: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Disaster

 

(Feel free to add more relevant details from books, journals, online sources, and other sources)  

 

Source: http://slideplayer.com/slide/3152917/11/images/4/Types+of+disasters+Natural+Man

made+Tornados+Hurricanes+Earthquakes.jpg

 

 

 

TYPES OF DISASTER

 Disasters are classified into two types:

i.     Natural and

ii.    Man-made.

 

    NATURAL DISATERS:

i.     A natural disaster is a natural process that may cause loss of life, loss of livelihood, and/or loss of other resources. It also causes social, economic or environmental damage or injury.

ii.    Example- Earthquake, flood, landslides, tsunami, volcanic eruption, etc.

 

Also read: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natural_disaster

(Feel free to add more relevant details from books, journals, online sources, and other sources)

 

 MAN-MADE DISASTERS:

i.    A disastrous event caused directly and principally by one or more identifiable or

negligent activities of humans either done intentionally or unintentionally.

ii. Example- Nuclear disaster, fire accidents, etc.

iii. Examples of major man-made disaster in the world are the following:

Table I: Major man-made disaster in the world 

 

  

Serial No. 01 

Name of the Disaster: The Three Mile Island Nuclear Explosion or The Three Mile Island accident

Year and Place: March 28, 1979 and U.S.A.

Details : Three Miles Island nuclear reactors experienced a partial core meltdown. It was the most significant accident in U.S. commercial nuclear plant history. 

 

Serial No. 02 

Name of the Disaster: The Bhopal Gas Tragedy

Year and Place: December 02, 1984 and Bhopal, India

Details : The Union Carbide India Limited pesticide plant in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India began

to leak methyl isocyanate gas and other poisonous toxins into the atmosphere. It is considered to be the world’s worst industrial disaster. 

 

(Feel free to add more relevant details from books, journals, online sources, and other sources)

Source: http://www.nbsenagaland.com/images/Disaster%20Management/Disaster_types.jpg

 

 

 OUTLINES OF INDIVIDUAL DISASTER

 

Separately there are various types of disasters. Some of them are the following:

 

(Feel free to add more relevant details and information while answering questions or preparing self written notes.

Feel free to add and mention names and details of other types of disasters also.) Source: https://worldeventsandthebible.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Earthquake-San-Francisco-1906.jpeg

 

 

EARTHQUAKE:

 Tremors or shaking of the crust of the Earth is called earthquake.

 Earthquake may also be defined as the sudden shaking of the earth’s crust.

 According to the theory of plate tectonics, the earthquakes occur around the margins of

the mobile lithospheric plates.

 The impact of the earthquake is sudden and there is hardly any warning, making it

impossible to predict. In this context, we can say that if we can educate people on causes

and characteristics of an earthquake and make people aware about the preparedness

measures then it will help to a certain extent in mitigating this type of natural disaster.

 Seismology is the study of earthquakes and seismic waves that move through and around

the earth.

 Measurement of intensity of earthquakes is mainly done using Richter scale.

 Before the adoption of Richter scale, Mercalli Scale and the Rossi Forril Scale were used

for measuring earthquakes.

 Now, Modified Mercalli scale is also used which expresses the intensity of earthquake’s

effect on people, structure and the earth’s surface on scale from I to XII.

 Earthquake’s magnitude or amount of energy released is determined by the use of a

seismograph, which is an instrument that continuously records ground vibrations.

 An earthquake of magnitude 3.0 on Richter scale may be said to be the smallest one that

is normally felt by humans.

 Earthquakes of lesser magnitude may be caused or induced by human actions such as

blasting of rocks, etc.

 Construction of large dams is also considered to make an area prone to earthquakes.

 There are many impacts of earthquakes. Some of the impacts are: damage to buildings,

infrastructure, highways, bridges; fires; tsunami, etc.

 To reduce earthquake risk, in many earthquake prone areas, strict building rules and

regulations are made and these rules are strictly maintained. Besides, before construction

of buildings, highways, bridges, etc. construction plans are thoroughly checked and passed by the required authority. Furthermore, all are done as per the rules laid down by law to reduce risk.

 Examples of Earthquakes- One of the worst earthquake recorded in the history had

occurred in the year 1556 in Shaanxi, China. It killed around 830,000 people who lived in

the caves excavated in poorly consolidated loess.

 Another example narrates that, on January 12, 2010, an earthquake with a magnitude of

7.0 had occurred in Haiti. It recorded a large number of deaths.

 Aftershocks are a secondary effect of an earthquake. These are dangerous because they

cause further collapse of structures which were already damaged by the main shock of an

earthquake. In this context, we can say that, buildings need to be designed and

constructed as per laws to withstand ground shaking.

 Fire is also a secondary effect of an earthquake. In the year 1906 an earthquake occurred

in San Francisco. As per the reports, more than 90% of the damage to the buildings was

caused by fire.

 In mountainous regions, landslides are also secondary effect of an earthquake.

 Earthquakes that occur beneath the sea level and along the coastal region can generate

Tsunami.

 Tsunami is also a secondary effect of an earthquake.

 

Also Read: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earthquake

(Feel free to add more relevant details from books, journals, online sources, and other sources)

 

 

TSUNAMI: 

 

 The term “Tsunami” is derived from a Japanese term “Tsu” meaning harbor and the word

“name” which means waves.

 A tsunami is a series of ocean waves with very long wavelengths caused by large scale

disturbances of the ocean.

 The disturbance can either be from below (as for example, underwater earthquake) or

from above (as for example, meteorite impact).

 Tsunamis can result in massive destruction when they arrive onshore and it can cause

severe coastal erosion.

 Tsunamis occur due to sudden events, therefore there may be little time only to warn

coastal residents of its arrival.

 In March of 2011 Japan was stuck by a large tsunami that was triggered by a 9.0

magnitude earthquake.

 Tsunami causes massive damage. As for example, the Tsunami that originated in the

Indian Ocean caused massive damage in India and Indonesia.

 Tsunamis can have wavelengths ranging from 10 to 500 km and wave periods of up to an

hour.  

 

 

 

Source: https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/hypothetical-tsunamis/images/d/d4/Tsunami-Cause

Graph.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20160227103028

Also read: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tsunami

(Feel free to add more relevant details from books, journals, online sources, and other sources) 

 

 

CYCLONE:

 Cyclone is a region of low atmospheric pressure surrounded by high atmospheric pressure, resulting in swirling atmospheric disturbances, accompanied by powerful winds blowing in anticlockwise direction in the northern hemisphere and in the clockwise direction in the southern hemisphere.

 Cyclones occur mainly in the tropical and temperate regions of the world.

 Cyclones are called by different names, such as typhoons and hurricanes ( Caribbean and

Gulf of Mexico), tropical cyclones ( India), Willie (Australia), and tornadoes (South America).

 Cyclones cause major damage to infrastructure and housing.

 Cyclones are generally followed by heavy rains and floods. There can be loss of life due

to flooding. 

 

Also read: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyclone

(Feel free to add more relevant details from books, journals, online sources, and other sources) 

 

 

FLOOD:

 Flood is a state of high water level along a river channel or on the coast that leads to

inundation of land, which is not usually submerged.

 A flash flood is a kind of rapid inland flood that is caused due to heavy rainfall.

 A flash flood is a sudden flooding within a short period of time.  

 Flash floods are also associated with thunderstorms.

 Construction of dams and reservoirs, landslides blocking the flow of the stream, etc. are

some of the causes of flash flood.

 In June 2013 thousands of people died in Uttarakhand due to heavy rainfall, flash floods,

and landslides.

 Flood is a kind of disaster and therefore it is required to manage flooding to save life,

property and other resources.

 Flood risk includes both the chance of an event taking place and its potential impact.

 A flood risk management therefore, aims to prevent the loss of properties, assets and life

caused by floods.

 Structural and non- structural flood protection measures are implemented from time to

time.

 Flood risk management process also includes the learning process through educating

public and spreading awareness in the society.

 Flood risk management can also be studied as a course to understand the task of

implementation of the country’s flood risk management directives, to understand

hydrological flood modeling, to assess appropriate rural and urban flood protection

measures, etc.

 Flood risk management also helps to learn how dams can reduce downstream flood level

by temporarily storing and releasing floodwaters.

 Flood controls have been practiced from time immemorial. However, with the progress in

time, new methods and techniques are implemented as part and parcel of flood risk

management. 

 

Also read: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flood

(Feel free to add more relevant details from books, journals, online sources, and other sources) 

 

 

LANDSLIDES:

 Landslides includes all varieties of mass movement of hill slopes and can be defined as

the downward and outward movement of slope- forming materials composed of rocks,

soils, artificial fills or a combination of all these materials along the surfaces of

separation by falling, sliding and flowing, either slowly or quickly from one place to

another.

 Landslides are mostly associated with mountainous terrains. However, these can also

occur in areas where activities, such as surface excavation for highways, buildings, and

open-pit mines take place.

 Landslides take place in conjunction with earthquakes, floods, and volcanic eruption.

 Landslides are also aggravated by human activities such as deforestation, cultivation and

construction; vibration from machinery or traffic; blasting and mining, etc. 

 Example of landslides: The Aberfan disaster was the catastrophic collapse of a colliery

spoil tip in the morning on October 21, 1966. Around 144 deaths were recorded due to

the said disaster.

 

Also read: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Landslide

(Feel free to add more relevant details from books, journals, online sources, and other sources)

 

 

WILDFIRE:

 Wildfires are outdoor fires that occur in the wilderness or other vast spaces.

 A wildfire can be defined as any uncontrolled fire in combustible vegetation that occurs

in the countryside or a wilderness area.

 A wildfire can be a devastating and terrible natural disaster.

 A wildfire is very extensive and can spread out at a great speed from its original source.

 It has potential to change directions unexpectedly.

 It has ability to jump gaps, such as, roads, rivers and fire breaks.

 Millions of acres of land are destroyed due to wildfires.

 Examples: 2017, 2018 California wildfires, 2018 Attica wildfires, 2019 Amazon wildfires.

 Wildfires can cause serious damage to the environment. 

 

Also read: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wildfire

(Feel free to add more relevant details from books, journals, online sources, and other sources)

 

 

BOMB THREAT:

 A bomb threat or bomb scare is a threat, usually verbal or written, to detonate an

explosive or incendiary device to cause property damage, death, injuries, and/or incite

fear, whether or not such a device actually exists.

 As for example, in 2016, a total of 1536 bomb threat incidents took place in the US, and

254 of which were made against businesses and 186 of which were made to residences.

 If anyone receive a bomb threat by phone, he/she must remain calm and write down the

caller’s exact words, and note the time of the call. He/she must also note down all

relevant details and after the call is complete, immediately call the police. Besides, he/she

must take no further action until he/she is advised to do so by police. 

 

(Feel free to add more relevant details from books, journals, online sources, and other sources. Feel free to add and

mention names and details of other types of disasters also.)

 

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THE DISASTER MANAGEMENT ACT, 2005

                ____________

ARRAGEMENT OF SECTIONS

                ____________

CHAPTER I

PRELIMINARY

SECTIONS

1. Short title, extent and commencement.

2. Definitions. 

 

 

CHAPTER II = THE NATIONAL DISASTER MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY

3. Establishment of National Disaster Management Authority.

4. Meetings of National Authority.

5. Appointment of officers and other employees of the National Authority.

6. Powers and functions of National Authority.

7. Constitution of advisory committee by National Authority.

8. Constitution of National Executive Committee.

9. Constitution of sub-committees.

10. Powers and functions of National Executive Committee.

11. National plan.

12. Guidelines for minimum standards of relief.

13. Relief in loan repayment, etc. 

 

 

CHAPTER III = STATE DISASTER MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY

14. Establishment of State Disaster Management Authority.

15. Meetings of the State Authority.

16. Appointment of officers and other employees of State Authority.

17. Constitution of advisory committee by the State Authority.

18. Powers and functions of State Authority.

19. Guidelines for minimum standard of relief by State Authority.

20. Constitution of State Executive Committee.

21. Constitution of sub-committees by State Executive Committee.

22. Functions of the State Executive Committee.

23. State Plan.

24. Powers and functions of State Executive Committee in the event of threatening disaster situation. 

 

 

CHAPTER IV = DISTRICT DISASTER MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY

25. Constitution of District Disaster Management Authority.

26. Powers of Chairperson of District Authority.

 

SECTIONS

27. Meetings.

28. Constitution of advisory committees and other committees.

29. Appointment of officers and other employees of District Authority.

30. Powers and functions of District Authority.

31. District Plan.

32. Plans by different authorities at district level and their implementation.

33. Requisition by the District Authority.

34. Powers and functions of District Authority in the event of any threatening disaster situation or

disaster.

 

 

CHAPTER V = MEASURES BY THE GOVERNMENT FOR DISASTER MANAGEMENT

35. Central Government to take measures.

36. Responsibilities of Ministries or Departments of Government of India.

37. Disaster management plans of Ministries or Departments of Government of India.

38. State Government to take measures.

39. Responsibilities of departments of the State Government.

40. Disaster management plan of departments of State. 

 

 

CHAPTER VI     = LOCAL AUTHORITIES

41. Functions of the local authority. 

 

 

CHAPTER VII = NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF DISASTER MANAGEMENT

42. National Institute of Disaster Management.

43. Officers and other employees of the National Institute. 

 

CHAPTER VIII = NATIONAL DISASTER RESPONSE FORCE

44. National Disaster Response Force.

45. Control, direction, etc. 

 

CHAPTER IX = FINANCE, ACCOUNTS AND AUDIT

46. National Disaster Response Fund.

47. National Disaster Mitigation Fund.

48. Establishment of funds by State Government.

49. Allocation of funds by Ministries and Departments.

50. Emergency procurement and accounting.

 

CHAPTER X = OFFENCES AND PENALTIES

SECTIONS

51. Punishment for obstruction, etc.

52. Punishment for false claim.

53. Punishment for misappropriation of money or materials, etc.

54. Punishment for false warning.

55. Offences by Departments of the Government.

56. Failure of officer in duty or his connivance at the contravention of the provisions of this Act.

57. Penalty for contravention of any order regarding requisitioning.

58. Offence by companies.

59. Previous sanction for prosecution.

60. Cognizance of offences. 

 

CHAPTER XI  = MISCELLANEOUS 

61. Prohibition against discrimination.

62. Power to issue direction by Central Government.

63. Powers to be made available for rescue operations.

64. Making or amending rules, etc., in certain circumstances.

65. Power of requisition of resources, provisions, vehicles, etc., for rescue operations, etc.

66. Payment of compensation.

67. Direction to media for communication of warnings, etc.

68. Authentication of orders of decisions.

69. Delegation of powers.

70. Annual report.

71. Bar of jurisdiction of court.

72. Act to have overriding effect.

73. Action taken in good faith.

74. Immunity from legal process.

75. Power of Central Government to make rules.

76. Power to make regulations.

77. Rules and regulations to be laid before Parliament.

78. Power of State Government to make rules.

79. Power to remove difficulties. 

 

 

 

THE DISASTER MANAGEMENT ACT, 2005

ACT NO. 53 OF 2005             [23rd December, 2005.] 

 

An Act to provide for the effective management of disasters and for matters connected therewith

or incidental thereto.

BE it enacted by Parliament in the Fifty-sixth Year of the Republic of India as follows:—

CHAPTER I        PRELIMINARY 

 

1. Short title, extent and commencement.— (1) This Act may be called the Disaster Management

Act, 2005.

(2) It extends to the whole of India.

(3) It shall come into force on such date1 as the Central Government may, by notification in the

Official Gazette appoint; and different dates* may be appointed for different provisions of this Act and

for different States, and any reference to commencement in any provision of this Act in relation to any

State shall be construed as a reference to the commencement of that provision in that State. 

 

2. Definitions.—In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires,—

(a) “affected area” means an area or part of the country affected by a disaster;

(b) “capacity-building” includes—

(i) identification of existing resources and resources to be acquired or created;

(ii) acquiring or creating resources identified under sub-clause (i);

(iii) organisation and training of personnel and coordination of such training for effective

management of disasters;

(c) “Central Government” means the Ministry or Department of the Government of India having

administrative control of disaster management;

(d) “disaster” means a catastrophe, mishap, calamity or grave occurrence in any area, arising from

natural or man made causes, or by accident or negligence which results in substantial loss of life or

human suffering or damage to, and destruction of, property, or damage to, or degradation of,

environment, and is of such a nature or magnitude as to be beyond the coping capacity of the

community of the affected area;

(e) “disaster management” means a continuous and integrated process of planning, organising,

coordinating and implementing measures which are necessary or expedient for—

(i) prevention of danger or threat of any disaster;

(ii) mitigation or reduction of risk of any disaster or its severity or consequences;

(iii) capacity-building;

(iv) preparedness to deal with any disaster;

(v) prompt response to any threatening disaster situation or disaster;

(vi) assessing the severity or magnitude of effects of any disaster;

(vii) evacuation, rescue and relief;

(viii) rehabilitation and reconstruction;

(f) “District Authority” means the District Disaster Management Authority constituted under sub

section (1) of section 25;

(g) “District Plan” means the plan for disaster management for the district prepared under section

31;

(h) “local authority” includes panchayati raj institutions, municipalities, a district board,

cantonment board, town planning authority or Zila Parishad or any other body or authority, by

whatever name called, for the time being invested by law, for rendering essential services or, with the

control and management of civic services, within a specified local area;

(i) “mitigation” means measures aimed at reducing the risk, impact or effects of a disaster or

threatening disaster situation;

(j) “National Authority” means the National Disaster Management Authority established under

sub-section (1) of section 3;

(k) “National Executive Committee” means the Executive Committee of the National Authority

constituted under sub-section (1) of section 8;

(l) “National Plan” means the plan for disaster management for the whole of the country prepared

under section 11;

(m) “preparedness” means the state of readiness to deal with a threatening disaster situation or

disaster and the effects thereof;

(n) “prescribed” means prescribed by rules made under this Act;

(o) “reconstruction” means construction or restoration of any property after a disaster;

(p) “resources” includes manpower, services, materials and provisions;

(q) “State Authority” means the State Disaster Management Authority established under sub

section (1) of section 14 and includes the Disaster Management Authority for the Union territory

constituted under that section;

(r) “State Executive Committee” means the Executive Committee of a State Authority constituted

under sub-section (1) of section 20;

(s) “State Government” means the Department of Government of the State having administrative

control of disaster management and includes Administrator of the Union territory appointed by the

President under article 239 of the Constitution;

(t) “State Plan” means the plan for disaster management for the whole of the State prepared under

section 23. 

 

 

CHAPTER II = THE NATIONAL DISASTER MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY 

 

3. Establishment of National Disaster Management Authority.—(1) With effect from such date as

the Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette appoint in this behalf, there shall be

established for the purposes of this Act, an authority to be known as the National Disaster Management

Authority.

(2) The National Authority shall consist of the Chairperson and such number of other members, not

exceeding nine, as may be prescribed by the Central Government and, unless the rules otherwise provide,

the National Authority shall consist of the following:—

(a) the Prime Minister of India, who shall be the Chairperson of the National Authority, ex officio;

(b) other members, not exceeding nine, to be nominated by the Chairperson of the National Authority.

(3) The Chairperson of the National Authority may designate one of the members nominated under

clause (b) of sub-section (2) to be the Vice-Chairperson of the National Authority.

(4) The term of office and conditions of service of members of the National Authority shall be such as

may be prescribed. 

 

4. Meetings of National Authority.—(1) The National Authority shall meet as and when necessary

and at such time and place as the Chairperson of the National Authority may think fit.

(2) The Chairperson of the National Authority shall preside over the meetings of the National

Authority.

(3) If for any reason the Chairperson of the National Authority is unable to attend any meeting of the

National Authority, the Vice-Chairperson of the National Authority shall preside over the meeting. 

 

5. Appointment of officers and other employees of the National Authority.—The Central

Government shall provide the National Authority with such officers, consultants and employees, as it

considers necessary for carrying out the functions of the National Authority. 

 

6. Powers and functions of National Authority.—(1) Subject to the provisions of this Act, the

National Authority shall have the responsibility for laying down the policies, plans and guidelines for

disaster management for ensuring timely and effective response to disaster.

(2) Without prejudice to generality of the provisions contained in sub-section (1), the National

Authority may —

(a) lay down policies on disaster management;

(b) approve the National Plan;

(c) approve plans prepared by the Ministries or Departments of the Government of India in

accordance with the National Plan;

(d) lay down guidelines to be followed by the State Authorities in drawing up the State Plan;

(e) lay down guidelines to be followed by the different Ministries or Departments of the

Government of India for the purpose of integrating the measures for prevention of disaster or the

mitigation of its effects in their development plans and projects;

(f) coordinate the enforcement and implementation of the policy and plan for disaster

management;

(g) recommend provision of funds for the purpose of mitigation;

(h) provide such support to other countries affected by major disasters as may be determined by

the Central Government;

(i) take such other measures for the prevention of disaster, or the mitigation, or preparedness and

capacity building for dealing with the threatening disaster situation or disaster as it may consider

necessary;

(j) lay down broad policies and guidelines for the functioning of the National Institute of Disaster

Management.

(3) The Chairperson of the National Authority shall, in the case of emergency, have power to exercise

all or any of the powers of the National Authority but exercise of such powers shall be subject to ex post

facto ratification by the National Authority. 

 

7. Constitution of advisory committee by National Authority.—(1) The National Authority may

constitute an advisory committee consisting of experts in the field of disaster management and having

practical experience of disaster management at the national, State or district level to make

recommendations on different aspects of disaster management.

6(2) The members of the advisory committee shall be paid such allowances as may be prescribed by

the Central Government in consultation with the National Authority. 

 

8. Constitution of National Executive Committee.—(1) The Central Government shall,

immediately after issue of notification under sub-section (1) of section 3, constitute a National Executive

Committee to assist the National Authority in the performance of its functions under this Act.

(2) The National Executive Committee shall consist of the following members, namely:—

(a) the Secretary to the Government of India in charge of the Ministry or Department of the

Central Government having administrative control of the disaster management, who shall be

Chairperson, ex officio;

(b) the Secretaries to the Government of India in the Ministries or Departments having

administrative control of the agriculture, atomic energy, defence, drinking water supply, environment

and forests, finance (expenditure), health, power, rural development, science and technology, space,

telecommunication, urban development, water resources and the Chief of the Integrated Defence Staff

of the Chiefs of Staff Committee, ex officio.

(3) The Chairperson of the National Executive Committee may invite any other officer of the Central

Government or a State Government for taking part in any meeting of the National Executive Committee

and shall exercise such powers and perform such functions as may be prescribed by the Central

Government in consultation with the National Authority.

(4) The procedure to be followed by the National Executive Committee in exercise of its powers and

discharge of its functions shall be such as may be prescribed by the Central Government. 

 

9. Constitution of sub-committees.—(1) The National Executive Committee may, as and when it

considers necessary, constitute one or more sub-committees, for the efficient discharge of its functions.

(2) The National Executive Committee shall, from amongst its members, appoint the Chairperson of

the sub-committee referred to in sub-section (1).

(3) Any person associated as an expert with any sub-committee may be paid such allowances as may

be prescribed by the Central Government. 

 

10. Powers and functions of National Executive Committee.—(1) The National Executive

Committee shall assist the National Authority in the discharge of its functions and have the responsibility

for implementing the policies and plans of the National Authority and ensure the compliance of directions

issued by the Central Government for the purpose of disaster management in the country.

(2) Without prejudice to the generality of the provisions contained in sub-section (1), the National

Executive Committee may—

(a) act as the coordinating and monitoring body for disaster management;

(b) prepare the National Plan to be approved by the National Authority;

(c) coordinate and monitor the implementation of the National Policy;

(d) lay down guidelines for preparing disaster management plans by different Ministries or

Departments of the Government of India and the State Authorities;

(e) provide necessary technical assistance to the State Governments and the State Authorities for

preparing their disaster management plans in accordance with the guidelines laid down by the

National Authority;

(f) monitor the implementation of the National Plan and the plans prepared by the Ministries or

Departments of the Government of India;

(g) monitor the implementation of the guidelines laid down by the National Authority for

integrating of measures for prevention of disasters and mitigation by the Ministries or Departments in

their development plans and projects;

7(h) monitor, coordinate and give directions regarding the mitigation and preparedness measures to

be taken by different Ministries or Departments and agencies of the Government;

(i) evaluate the preparedness at all governmental levels for the purpose of responding to any

threatening disaster situation or disaster and give directions, where necessary, for enhancing such

preparedness;

(j) plan and coordinate specialised training programme for disaster management for different

levels of officers, employees and voluntary rescue workers;

(k) coordinate response in the event of any threatening disaster situation or disaster;

(l) lay down guidelines for, or give directions to, the concerned Ministries or Departments of the

Government of India, the State Governments and the State Authorities regarding measures to be taken

by them in response to any threatening disaster situation or disaster;

(m) require any department or agency of the Government to make available to the National

Authority or State Authorities such men or material resources as are available with it for the purposes

of emergency response, rescue and relief;

(n) advise, assist and coordinate the activities of the Ministries or Departments of the Government

of India, State Authorities, statutory bodies, other governmental or non-governmental organisations

and others engaged in disaster management;

(o) provide necessary technical assistance or give advice to the State Authorities and District

Authorities for carrying out their functions under this Act;

(p) promote general education and awareness in relation to disaster management; and

(q) perform such other functions as the National Authority may require it to perform. 

 

11. National Plan.—(1) There shall be drawn up a plan for disaster management for the whole of the

country to be called the National Plan.

(2) The National Plan shall be prepared by the National Executive Committee having regard to the

National Policy and in consultation with the State Governments and expert bodies or organisations in the

field of disaster management to be approved by the National Authority.

(3) The National Plan shall include—

(a) measures to be taken for the prevention of disasters, or the mitigation of their effects;

(b) measures to be taken for the integration of mitigation measures in the development plans;

(c) measures to be taken for preparedness and capacity building to effectively respond to any

threatening disaster situations or disaster;

(d) roles and responsibilities of different Ministries or Departments of the Government of India in

respect of measures specified in clauses (a), (b) and (c).

(4) The National Plan shall be reviewed and updated annually.

(5) Appropriate provisions shall be made by the Central Government for financing the measures to be

carried out under the National Plan.

(6) Copies of the National Plan referred to in sub-sections (2) and (4) shall be made available to the

Ministries or Departments of the Government of India and such Ministries or Departments shall draw up

their own plans in accordance with the National Plan. 

 

12. Guidelines for minimum standards of relief.—The National Authority shall recommend

guidelines for the minimum standards of relief to be provided to persons affected by disaster, which shall

include,—

(i) the minimum requirements to be provided in the relief camps in relation to shelter, food,

drinking water, medical cover and sanitation;

(ii) the special provisions to be made for widows and orphans;

8(iii) ex gratia assistance on account of loss of life as also assistance on account of damage to

houses and for restoration of means of livelihood;

(iv) such other relief as may be necessary. 

 

13. Relief in loan repayment, etc.—The National Authority may, in cases of disasters of severe

magnitude, recommend relief in repayment of loans or for grant of fresh loans to the persons affected by

disaster on such concessional terms as may be appropriate. 

 

CHAPTER III

STATE DISASTER MANAGEMENT AUTHORITIES 

 

14. Establishment of State Disaster Management Authority.—(1) Every State Government shall,

as soon as may be after the issue of the notification under sub-section (1) of section 3, by notification in

the Official Gazette, establish a State Disaster Management Authority for the State with such name as

may be specified in the notification of the State Government.

(2) A State Authority shall consist of the Chairperson and such number of other members, not

exceeding nine, as may be prescribed by the State Government and, unless the rules otherwise provide,

the State Authority shall consist of the following members, namely:—

(a) the Chief Minister of the State, who shall be Chairperson, ex officio;

(b) other members, not exceeding eight, to be nominated by the Chairperson of the State

Authority;

(c) the Chairperson of the State Executive Committee, ex officio.

(3) The Chairperson of the State Authority may designate one of the members nominated under

clause (b) of sub-section (2) to be the Vice-Chairperson of the State Authority.

(4) The Chairperson of the State Executive Committee shall be the Chief Executive Officer of the

State Authority, ex officio:

Provided that in the case of a Union territory having Legislative Assembly, except the Union territory

of Delhi, the Chief Minister shall be the Chairperson of the Authority established under this section and in

case of other Union territories, the Lieutenant Governor or the Administrator shall be the Chairperson of

that Authority:

Provided further that the Lieutenant Governor of the Union territory of Delhi shall be the Chairperson

and the Chief Minister thereof shall be the Vice-Chairperson of the State Authority.

(5) The term of office and conditions of service of members of the State Authority shall be such as

may be prescribed. 

 

15. Meetings of the State Authority.—(1) The State Authority shall meet as and when necessary

and at such time and place as the Chairperson of the State Authority may think fit.

(2) The Chairperson of the State Authority shall preside over the meetings of the State Authority.

(3) If for any reason, the Chairperson of the State Authority is unable to attend the meeting of the

State Authority, the Vice-Chairperson of the State Authority shall preside at the meeting. 

 

16. Appointment of officers and other employees of State Authority.—The State Government

shall provide the State Authority with such officers, consultants and employees, as it considers necessary,

for carrying out the functions of the State Authority. 

 

17. Constitution of advisory committee by the State Authority.—(1) A State Authority may, as

and when it considers necessary, constitute an advisory committee, consisting of experts in the field of

disaster management and having practical experience of disaster management to make recommendations

on different aspects of disaster management.

(2) The members of the advisory committee shall be paid such allowances as may be prescribed by

the State Government. 

 

18. Powers and functions of State Authority.—(1) Subject to the provisions of this Act, a State

Authority shall have the responsibility for laying down policies and plans for disaster management in the

State.

(2) Without prejudice to the generality of provisions contained in sub-section (1), the State Authority

may—

(a) lay down the State disaster management policy;

(b) approve the State Plan in accordance with the guidelines laid down by the National Authority;

(c) approve the disaster management plans prepared by the departments of the Government of the

State;

(d) lay down guidelines to be followed by the departments of the Government of the State for the

purposes of integration of measures for prevention of disasters and mitigation in their development

plans and projects and provide necessary technical assistance therefor;

(e) coordinate the implementation of the State Plan;

(f) recommend provision of funds for mitigation and preparedness measures;

(g) review the development plans of the different departments of the State and ensure that

prevention and mitigation measures are integrated therein;

(h) review the measures being taken for mitigation, capacity building and preparedness by the

departments of the Government of the State and issue such guidelines as may be necessary.

(3) The Chairperson of the State Authority shall, in the case of emergency, have power to exercise all

or any of the powers of the State Authority but the exercise of such powers shall be subject to

ex post facto ratification of the State Authority. 

 

19. Guidelines for minimum standard of relief by State Authority.—The State Authority shall lay

down detailed guidelines for providing standards of relief to persons affected by disaster in the State:

Provided that such standards shall in no case be less than the minimum standards in the guidelines

laid down by the National Authority in this regard. 

 

20. Constitution of State Executive Committee.—(1) The State Government shall, immediately

after issue of notification under sub-section (1) of section 14, constitute a State Executive Committee to

assist the State Authority in the performance of its functions and to coordinate action in accordance with

the guidelines laid down by the State Authority and ensure the compliance of directions issued by the

State Government under this Act.

(2) The State Executive Committee shall consist of the following members, namely:—

(a) the Chief Secretary to the State Government, who shall be Chairperson, ex officio;

(b) four Secretaries to the Government of the State of such departments as the State Government

may think fit, ex officio.

(3) The Chairperson of the State Executive Committee shall exercise such powers and perform such

functions as may be prescribed by the State Government and such other powers and functions as may be

delegated to him by the State Authority.

(4) The procedure to be followed by the State Executive Committee in exercise of its powers and

discharge of its functions shall be such as may be prescribed by the State Government. 

 

21. Constitution of sub-committees by State Executive Committee.—(1) The State Executive

Committee may, as and when it considers necessary, constitute one or more sub-committees, for efficient

discharge of its functions.

(2) The State Executive Committee shall, from amongst its members, appoint the Chairperson of the

sub-committee referred to in sub-section (1).

10(3) Any person associated as an expert with any sub-committee may be paid such allowances as may

be prescribed by the State Government. 

 

22. Functions of the State Executive Committee.—(1) The State Executive Committee shall have

the responsibility for implementing the National Plan and State Plan and act as the coordinating and

monitoring body for management of disaster in the State.

(2) Without prejudice to the generality of the provisions of sub-section (1), the State Executive

Committee may—

(a) coordinate and monitor the implementation of the National Policy, the National Plan and the

State Plan;

(b) examine the vulnerability of different parts of the State to different forms of disasters and

specify measures to be taken for their prevention or mitigation;

(c) lay down guidelines for preparation of disaster management plans by the departments of the

Government of the State and the District Authorities;

(d) monitor the implementation of disaster management plans prepared by the departments of the

Government of the State and District Authorities;

(e) monitor the implementation of the guidelines laid down by the State Authority for integrating

of measures for prevention of disasters and mitigation by the departments in their development plans

and projects;

(f) evaluate preparedness at all governmental or non-governmental levels to respond to any

threatening disaster situation or disaster and give directions, where necessary, for enhancing such

preparedness;

(g) coordinate response in the event of any threatening disaster situation or disaster;

(h) give directions to any Department of the Government of the State or any other authority or

body in the State regarding actions to be taken in response to any threatening disaster situation or

disaster;

(i) promote general education, awareness and community training in regard to the forms of

disasters to which different parts of the State are vulnerable and the measures that may be taken by

such community to prevent the disaster, mitigate and respond to such disaster;

(j) advise, assist and coordinate the activities of the Departments of the Government of the State,

District Authorities, statutory bodies and other governmental and non-governmental organisations

engaged in disaster management;

(k) provide necessary technical assistance or give advice to District Authorities and local

authorities for carrying out their functions effectively;

(l) advise the State Government regarding all financial matters in relation to disaster

management;

(m) examine the construction, in any local area in the State and, if it is of the opinion that the

standards laid for such construction for the prevention of disaster is not being or has not been

followed, may direct the District Authority or the local authority, as the case may be, to take such

action as may be necessary to secure compliance of such standards;

(n) provide information to the National Authority relating to different aspects of disaster

management;

(o) lay down, review and update State level response plans and guidelines and ensure that the

district level plans are prepared, reviewed and updated;

(p) ensure that communication systems are in order and the disaster management drills are carried

out periodically;

(q) perform such other functions as may be assigned to it by the State Authority or as it may

consider necessary. 

 

23. State Plan.—(1) There shall be a plan for disaster management for every State to be called the

State Disaster Management Plan.

(2) The State Plan shall be prepared by the State Executive Committee having regard to the guidelines

laid down by the National Authority and after such consultation with local authorities, district authorities

and the people's representatives as the State Executive Committee may deem fit.

(3) The State Plan prepared by the State Executive Committee under sub-section (2) shall be

approved by the State Authority.

(4) The State Plan shall include,—

(a) the vulnerability of different parts of the State to different forms of disasters;

(b) the measures to be adopted for prevention and mitigation of disasters;

(c) the manner in which the mitigation measures shall be integrated with the development plans

and projects;

(d) the capacity-building and preparedness measures to be taken;

(e) the roles and responsibilities of each Department of the Government of the State in relation to

the measures specified in clauses (b), (c) and (d) above;

(f) the roles and responsibilities of different Departments of the Government of the State in

responding to any threatening disaster situation or disaster.

(5) The State Plan shall be reviewed and updated annually.

(6) Appropriate provisions shall be made by the State Government for financing for the measures to

be carried out under the State Plan.

(7) Copies of the State Plan referred to in sub-sections (2) and (5) shall be made available to the

Departments of the Government of the State and such Departments shall draw up their own plans in

accordance with the State Plan. 

 

24. Powers and functions of State Executive Committee in the event of threatening disaster

situation.—For the purpose of, assisting and protecting the community affected by disaster or providing

relief to such community or, preventing or combating disruption or dealing with the effects of any

threatening disaster situation, the State Executive Committee may—

(a) control and restrict, vehicular traffic to, from or within, the vulnerable or affected area;

(b) control and restrict the entry of any person into, his movement within and departure from, a

vulnerable or affected area;

(c) remove debris, conduct search and carry out rescue operations;

(d) provide shelter, food, drinking water, essential provisions, healthcare and services in

accordance with the standards laid down by the National Authority and State Authority;

(e) give direction to the concerned Department of the Government of the State, any District

Authority or other authority, within the local limits of the State to take such measure or steps for

rescue, evacuation or providing immediate relief saving lives or property, as may be necessary in its

opinion;

(f) require any department of the Government of the State or any other body or authority or

person in charge of any relevant resources to make available the resources for the purposes of

emergency response, rescue and relief;

(g) require experts and consultants in the field of disasters to provide advice and assistance for

rescue and relief;

(h) procure exclusive or preferential use of amenities from any authority or person as and when

required;

12(i) construct temporary bridges or other necessary structures and demolish unsafe structures

which may be hazardous to public;

(j) ensure that non-governmental organisations carry out their activities in an equitable and non

discriminatory manner;

(k) disseminate information to public to deal with any threatening disaster situation or disaster;

(l) take such steps as the Central Government or the State Government may direct in this regard

or take such other steps as are required or warranted by the form of any threatening disaster situation

or disaster. 

 

CHAPTER IV

DISTRICT DISASTER MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY

 

25. Constitution of District Disaster Management Authority.—(1) Every State Government shall,

as soon as may be after issue of notification under sub-section (1) of section 14, by notification in the

Official Gazette, establish a District Disaster Management Authority for every district in the State with

such name as may be specified in that notification.

(2) The District Authority shall consist of the Chairperson and such number of other members, not

exceeding seven, as may be prescribed by the State Government, and unless the rules otherwise provide,

it shall consist of the following, namely:—

(a) the Collector or District Magistrate or Deputy Commissioner, as the case may be, of the

district who shall be Chairperson, ex officio;

(b) the elected representative of the local authority who shall be the co-Chairperson, ex officio:

Provided that in the Tribal Areas, as referred to in the Sixth Schedule to the Constitution, the

Chief Executive Member of the district council of autonomous district, shall be the co-Chairperson,

ex officio;

(c) the Chief Executive Officer of the District Authority, ex officio;

(d) the Superintendent of Police, ex officio;

(e) the Chief Medical Officer of the district, ex officio;

(f) not exceeding two other district level officers, to be appointed by the State Government.

(3) In any district where zila parishad exists, the Chairperson thereof shall be the co-Chairperson of

the District Authority.

(4) The State Government shall appoint an officer not below the rank of Additional Collector or

Additional District Magistrate or Additional Deputy Commissioner, as the case may be, of the district to

be the Chief Executive Officer of the District Authority to exercise such powers and perform such

functions as may be prescribed by the State Government and such other powers and functions as may be

delegated to him by the District Authority. 

 

26. Powers of Chairperson of District Authority.—(1) The Chairperson of the District Authority

shall, in addition to presiding over the meetings of the District Authority, exercise and discharge such

powers and functions of the District Authority as the District Authority may delegate to him.

(2) The Chairperson of the District Authority shall, in the case of an emergency, have power to

exercise all or any of the powers of the District Authority but the exercise of such powers shall be subject

to ex post facto ratification of the District Authority.

(3) The District Authority or the Chairperson of the District Authority may, by general or special

order, in writing, delegate such of its or his powers and functions, under sub-section (1) or (2), as the case

may be, to the Chief Executive Officer of the District Authority, subject to such conditions and

limitations, if any, as it or he deems fit. 

 

27. Meetings.—The District Authority shall meet as and when necessary and at such time and place

as the Chairperson may think fit. 

 

28. Constitution of advisory committees and other committees.—(1) The District Authority may,

as and when it considers necessary, constitute one or more advisory committees and other committees for

the efficient discharge of its functions.

(2) The District Authority shall, from amongst its members, appoint the Chairperson of the

Committee referred to in sub-section (1).

(3) Any person associated as an expert with any committee or sub-committee constituted under

sub-section (1) may be paid such allowances as may be prescribed by the State Government. 

 

29. Appointment of officers and other employees of District Authority.—The State Government

shall provide the District Authority with such officers, consultants and other employees as it considers

necessary for carrying out the functions of District Authority. 

 

30. Powers and functions of District Authority.—(1) The District Authority shall act as the district

planning, coordinating and implementing body for disaster management and take all measures for the

purposes of disaster management in the district in accordance with the guidelines laid down by the

National Authority and the State Authority.

(2) Without prejudice to the generality of the provisions of sub-section (1), the District Authority

may—

(i) prepare a disaster management plan including district response plan for the district;

(ii) coordinate and monitor the implementation of the National Policy, State Policy, National

Plan, State Plan and District Plan;

(iii) ensure that the areas in the district vulnerable to disasters are identified and measures for the

prevention of disasters and the mitigation of its effects are undertaken by the departments of the

Government at the district level as well as by the local authorities;

(iv) ensure that the guidelines for prevention of disasters, mitigation of its effects, preparedness

and response measures as laid down by the National Authority and the State Authority are followed

by all departments of the Government at the district level and the local authorities in the district;

(v) give directions to different authorities at the district level and local authorities to take such

other measures for the prevention or mitigation of disasters as may be necessary;

(vi) lay down guidelines for prevention of disaster management plans by the department of the

Government at the districts level and local authorities in the district;

(vii) monitor the implementation of disaster management plans prepared by the Departments of

the Government at the district level;

(viii) lay down guidelines to be followed by the Departments of the Government at the district

level for purposes of integration of measures for prevention of disasters and mitigation in their

development plans and projects and provide necessary technical assistance therefor;

(ix) monitor the implementation of measures referred to in clause (viii);

(x) review the state of capabilities for responding to any disaster or threatening disaster situation

in the district and give directions to the relevant departments or authorities at the district level for

their up gradation as may be necessary;

(xi) review the preparedness measures and give directions to the concerned departments at the

district level or other concerned authorities where necessary for bringing the preparedness measures

to the levels required for responding effectively to any disaster or threatening disaster situation;

(xii) organise and coordinate specialised training programmes for different levels of officers,

employees and voluntary rescue workers in the district;

(xiii) facilitate community training and awareness programmes for prevention of disaster or

mitigation with the support of local authorities, governmental and non-governmental organisations;

14(xiv) set up, maintain, review and upgrade the mechanism for early warnings and dissemination of

proper information to public;

(xv) prepare, review and update district level response plan and guidelines;

(xvi) coordinate response to any threatening disaster situation or disaster;

(xvii) ensure that the Departments of the Government at the district level and the local authorities

prepare their response plans in accordance with the district response plan;

(xviii) lay down guidelines for, or give direction to, the concerned Department of the Government

at the district level or any other authorities within the local limits of the district to take measures to

respond effectively to any threatening disaster situation or disaster;

(xix) advise, assist and coordinate the activities of the Departments of the Government at the

district level, statutory bodies and other governmental and non-governmental organisations in the

district engaged in the disaster management;

(xx) coordinate with, and give guidelines to, local authorities in the district to ensure that

measures for the prevention or mitigation of threatening disaster situation or disaster in the district are

carried out promptly and effectively;

(xxi) provide necessary technical assistance or give advise to the local authorities in the district

for carrying out their functions;

(xxii) review development plans prepared by the Departments of the Government at the district

level, statutory authorities or local authorities with a view to make necessary provisions therein for

prevention of disaster or mitigation;

(xxiii) examine the construction in any area in the district and, if it is of the opinion that the

standards for the prevention of disaster or mitigation laid down for such construction is not being or

has not been followed, may direct the concerned authority to take such action as may be necessary to

secure compliance of such standards;

(xxiv) identify buildings and places which could, in the event of any threatening disaster situation

or disaster, be used as relief centers or camps and make arrangements for water supply and sanitation

in such buildings or places;

(xxv) establish stockpiles of relief and rescue materials or ensure preparedness to make such

materials available at a short notice;

(xxvi) provide information to the State Authority relating to different aspects of disaster

management;

(xxvii) encourage the involvement of non-governmental organisations and voluntary social

welfare institutions working at the grassroots level in the district for disaster management;

(xxviii) ensure communication systems are in order, and disaster management drills are carried

out periodically;

(xxix) perform such other functions as the State Government or State Authority may assign to it or

as it deems necessary for disaster management in the District. 

 

31. District Plan.—(1) There shall be a plan for disaster management for every district of the State.

(2) The District Plan shall be prepared by the District Authority, after consultation with the local

authorities and having regard to the National Plan and the State Plan, to be approved by the State

Authority.

(3) The District Plan shall include—

(a) the areas in the district vulnerable to different forms of disasters;

(b) the measures to be taken, for prevention and mitigation of disaster, by the Departments of the

Government at the district level and local authorities in the district;

15(c) the capacity-building and preparedness measures required to be taken by the Departments of

the Government at the district level and the local authorities in the district to respond to any

threatening disaster situation or disaster;

(d) the response plans and procedures, in the event of a disaster, providing for—

(i) allocation of responsibilities to the Departments of the Government at the district level and

the local authorities in the district;

(ii) prompt response to disaster and relief thereof;

(iii) procurement of essential resources;

(iv) establishment of communication links; and

(v) the dissemination of information to the public;

(e) such other matters as may be required by the State Authority.

(4) The District Plan shall be reviewed and updated annually.

(5) The copies of the District Plan referred to in sub-sections (2) and (4) shall be made available to the

Departments of the Government in the district.

(6) The District Authority shall send a copy of the District Plan to the State Authority which shall

forward it to the State Government.

(7) The District Authority shall, review from time to time, the implementation of the Plan and issue

such instructions to different departments of the Government in the district as it may deem necessary for

the implementation thereof. 

 

32. Plans by different authorities at district level and their implementation.—Every office of the

Government of India and of the State Government at the district level and the local authorities shall,

subject to the supervision of the District Authority,—

(a) prepare a disaster management plan setting out the following, namely:—

(i) provisions for prevention and mitigation measures as provided for in the District Plan and

as is assigned to the department or agency concerned;

(ii) provisions for taking measures relating to capacity-building and preparedness as laid

down in the District Plan;

(iii) the response plans and procedures, in the event of, any threatening disaster situation or

disaster;

(b) coordinate the preparation and the implementation of its plan with those of the other

organisations at the district level including local authority, communities and other stakeholders;

(c) regularly review and update the plan; and

(d) submit a copy of its disaster management plan, and of any amendment thereto, to the District

Authority. 

 

33. Requisition by the District Authority.—The District Authority may by order require any officer

or any Department at the district level or any local authority to take such measures for the prevention or

mitigation of disaster, or to effectively respond to it, as may be necessary, and such officer or department

shall be bound to carry out such order. 

 

34. Powers and functions of District Authority in the event of any threatening disaster situation

or disaster.—For the purpose of assisting, protecting or providing relief to the community, in response to

any threatening disaster situation or disaster, the District Authority may—

(a) give directions for the release and use of resources available with any Department of the

Government and the local authority in the district;

(b) control and restrict vehicular traffic to, from and within, the vulnerable or affected area;

16(c) control and restrict the entry of any person into, his movement within and departure from, a

vulnerable or affected area;

(d) remove debris, conduct search and carry out rescue operations;

(e) provide shelter, food, drinking water and essential provisions, healthcare and services;

(f) establish emergency communication systems in the affected area;

(g) make arrangements for the disposal of the unclaimed dead bodies;

(h) recommend to any Department of the Government of the State or any authority or body under

that Government at the district level to take such measures as are necessary in its opinion;

(i) require experts and consultants in the relevant fields to advise and assist as it may deem

necessary;

(j) procure exclusive or preferential use of amenities from any authority or person;

(k) construct temporary bridges or other necessary structures and demolish structures which may

be hazardous to public or aggravate the effects of the disaster;

(l) ensure that the non-governmental organisations carry out their activities in an equitable and

non-discriminatory manner;

(m) take such other steps as may be required or warranted to be taken in such a situation. 

 

CHAPTER V

MEASURES BY THE GOVERNMENT FOR DISASTER MANAGEMENT

 

35. Central Government to take measures.—(1) Subject to the provisions of this Act, the Central

Government shall take all such measures as it deems necessary or expedient for the purpose of disaster

management.

(2) In particular and without prejudice to the generality of the provisions of sub-section (1), the

measures which the Central Government may take under that sub-section include measures with respect

to all or any of the following matters, namely:—

(a) coordination of actions of the Ministries or Departments of the Government of India, State

Governments, National Authority, State Authorities, governmental and non-governmental

organisations in relation to disaster management;

(b) ensure the integration of measures for prevention of disasters and mitigation by Ministries or

Departments of the Government of India into their development plans and projects;

(c) ensure appropriate allocation of funds for prevention of disaster, mitigation, capacity-building

and preparedness by the Ministries or Departments of the Government of India;

(d) ensure that the Ministries or Departments of the Government of India take necessary measures

for preparedness to promptly and effectively respond to any threatening disaster situation or disaster;

(e) cooperation and assistance to State Governments, as requested by them or otherwise deemed

appropriate by it;

(f) deployment of naval, military and air forces, other armed forces of the Union or any other

civilian personnel as may be required for the purposes of this Act;

(g) coordination with the United Nations agencies, international organisations and governments

of foreign countries for the purposes of this Act;

(h) establish institutions for research, training, and developmental programmes in the field of

disaster management;

(i) such other matters as it deems necessary or expedient for the purpose of securing effective

implementation of the provisions of this Act.

17(3) The Central Government may extend such support to other countries affected by major disaster as

it may deem appropriate. 

 

36. Responsibilities of Ministries or Departments of Government of India.—It shall be the

responsibility of every Ministry or Department of the Government of India to—

(a) take measures necessary for prevention of disasters, mitigation, preparedness and capacity

building in accordance with the guidelines laid down by the National Authority;

(b) integrate into its development plans and projects, the measures for prevention or mitigation of

disasters in accordance with the guidelines laid down by the National Authority;

(c) respond effectively and promptly to any threatening disaster situation or disaster in

accordance with the guidelines of the National Authority or the directions of the National Executive

Committee in this behalf;

(d) review the enactments administered by it, its policies, rules and regulations, with a view to

incorporate therein the provisions necessary for prevention of disasters, mitigation or preparedness;

(e) allocate funds for measures for prevention of disaster, mitigation, capacity-building and

preparedness;

(f) provide assistance to the National Authority and State Governments for—

(i) drawing up mitigation, preparedness and response plans, capacity-building, data collection

and identification and training of personnel in relation to disaster management;

(ii) carrying out rescue and relief operations in the affected area;

(iii) assessing the damage from any disaster;

(iv) carrying out rehabilitation and reconstruction;

(g) make available its resources to the National Executive Committee or a State Executive

Committee for the purposes of responding promptly and effectively to any threatening disaster

situation or disaster, including measures for—

(i) providing emergency communication in a vulnerable or affected area;

(ii) transporting personnel and relief goods to and from the affected area;

(iii) providing evacuation, rescue, temporary shelter or other immediate relief;

(iv) setting up temporary bridges, jetties and landing places;

(v) providing, drinking water, essential provisions, healthcare, and services in an affected

area;

(h) take such other actions as it may consider necessary for disaster management. 

 

37. Disaster management plans of Ministries or Departments of Government of India.—(1)

Every Ministry or Department of the Government of India shall—

(a) prepare a disaster management plan specifying the following particulars, namely:—

(i) the measures to be taken by it for prevention and mitigation of disasters in accordance

with the National Plan;

(ii) the specifications regarding integration of mitigation measures in its development plans in

accordance with the guidelines of the National Authority and the National Executive Committee;

(iii) its roles and responsibilities in relation to preparedness and capacity-building to deal with

any threatening disaster situation or disaster;

(iv) its roles and responsibilities in regard to promptly and effectively responding to any

threatening disaster situation or disaster;

18(v) the present status of its preparedness to perform the roles and responsibilities specified in

sub-clauses (iii) and (iv);

(vi) the measures required to be taken in order to enable it to perform its responsibilities

specified in sub-clauses (iii) and (iv);

(b) review and update annually the plan referred to in clause (a);

(c) forward a copy of the plan referred to in clause (a) or clause (b), as the case may be, to the

Central Government which Government shall forward a copy thereof to the National Authority for its

approval.

(2) Every Ministry or Department of the Government of India shall—

(a) make, while preparing disaster management plan under clause (a) of sub-section (1),

provisions for financing the activities specified therein;

(b) furnish a status report regarding the implementation of the plan referred to in clause (a) of

sub-section (1) to the National Authority, as and when required by it. 

 

38. State Government to take measures.—(1) Subject to the provisions of this Act, each State

Government shall take all measures specified in the guidelines laid down by the National Authority and

such further measures as it deems necessary or expedient, for the purpose of disaster management.

(2) The measures which the State Government may take under sub-section (1) include measures with

respect to all or any of the following matters, namely:—

(a) coordination of actions of different departments of the Government of the State, the State

Authority, District Authorities, local authority and other non-governmental organisations;

(b) cooperation and assistance in the disaster management to the National Authority and National

Executive Committee, the State Authority and the State Executive Committee, and the District

Authorities;

(c) cooperation with, and assistance to, the Ministries or Departments of the Government of India

in disaster management, as requested by them or otherwise deemed appropriate by it;

(d) allocation of funds for measures for prevention of disaster, mitigation, capacity-building and

preparedness by the departments of the Government of the State in accordance with the provisions of

the State Plan and the District Plans;

(e) ensure that the integration of measures for prevention of disaster or mitigation by the

departments of the Government of the State in their development plans and projects;

(f) integrate in the State development plan, measures to reduce or mitigate the vulnerability of

different parts of the State to different disasters;

(g) ensure the preparation of disaster management plans by different departments of the State in

accordance with the guidelines laid down by the National Authority and the State Authority;

(h) establishment of adequate warning systems up to the level of vulnerable communities;

(i) ensure that different departments of the Government of the State and the District Authorities

take appropriate preparedness measures;

(j) ensure that in a threatening disaster situation or disaster, the resources of different departments

of the Government of the State are made available to the National Executive Committee or the State

Executive Committee or the District Authorities, as the case may be, for the purposes of effective

response, rescue and relief in any threatening disaster situation or disaster;

(k) provide rehabilitation and reconstruction assistance to the victims of any disaster; and

(l) such other matters as it deems necessary or expedient for the purpose of securing effective

implementation of provisions of this Act. 

 

39. Responsibilities of departments of the State Government.—It shall be the responsibility of

every department of the Government of a State to—

(a) take measures necessary for prevention of disasters, mitigation, preparedness and capacity

building in accordance with the guidelines laid down by the National Authority and the State

Authority;

(b) integrate into its development plans and projects, the measures for prevention of disaster and

mitigation;

(c) allocate funds for prevention of disaster, mitigation, capacity-building and preparedness;

(d) respond effectively and promptly to any threatening disaster situation or disaster in

accordance with the State Plan, and in accordance with the guidelines or directions of the National

Executive Committee and the State Executive Committee;

(e) review the enactments administered by it, its policies, rules and regulations with a view to

incorporate therein the provisions necessary for prevention of disasters, mitigation or preparedness;

(f) provide assistance, as required, by the National Executive Committee, the State Executive

Committee and District Authorities, for—

(i) drawing up mitigation, preparedness and response plans, capacity-building, data collection

and identification and training of personnel in relation to disaster management;

(ii) assessing the damage from any disaster;

(iii) carrying out rehabilitation and reconstruction;

(g) make provision for resources in consultation with the State Authority for the implementation

of the District Plan by its authorities at the district level;

(h) make available its resources to the National Executive Committee or the State Executive

Committee or the District Authorities for the purposes of responding promptly and effectively to any

disaster in the State, including measures for—

(i) providing emergency communication with a vulnerable or affected area;

(ii) transporting personnel and relief goods to and from the affected area;

(iii) providing evacuation, rescue, temporary shelter or other immediate relief;

(iv) carrying out evacuation of persons or live-stock from an area of any threatening disaster

situation or disaster;

(v) setting up temporary bridges, jetties and landing places;

(vi)providing drinking water, essential provisions, healthcare and services in an affected area;

(i) such other actions as may be necessary for disaster management. 

 

40. Disaster management plan of departments of State.—(1) Every department of the State

Government, in conformity with the guidelines laid down by the State Authority, shall—

(a) prepare a disaster management plan which shall lay down the following :—

(i) the types of disasters to which different parts of the State are vulnerable;

(ii) integration of strategies for the prevention of disaster or the mitigation of its effects or

both with the development plans and programmes by the department;

(iii) the roles and responsibilities of the department of the State in the event of any

threatening disaster situation or disaster and emergency support function it is required to perform;

(iv) present status of its preparedness to perform such roles or responsibilities or emergency

support function under sub-clause (iii);

20(v) the capacity-building and preparedness measures proposed to be put into effect in order to

enable the Ministries or Departments of the Government of India to discharge their

responsibilities under section 37;

(b) annually review and update the plan referred to in clause (a); and

(c) furnish a copy of the plan referred to in clause (a) or clause (b), as the case may be, to the

State Authority.

(2) Every department of the State Government, while preparing the plan under sub-section (1), shall

make provisions for financing the activities specified therein.

(3) Every department of the State Government shall furnish an implementation status report to the

State Executive Committee regarding the implementation of the disaster management plan referred to in

sub-section (1). 

 

CHAPTER VI

LOCAL AUTHORITIES 

 

41. Functions of the local authority.—(1) Subject to the directions of the District Authority, a local

authority shall—

(a) ensure that its officers and employees are trained for disaster management;

(b) ensure that resources relating to disaster management are so maintained as to be readily

available for use in the event of any threatening disaster situation or disaster;

(c) ensure all construction projects under it or within its jurisdiction conform to the standards and

specifications laid down for prevention of disasters and mitigation by the National Authority, State

Authority and the District Authority;

(d) carry out relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction activities in the affected area in accordance

with the State Plan and the District Plan.

(2) The local authority may take such other measures as may be necessary for the disaster

management. 

 

CHAPTER VII

NATIONAL INSTITUTEOF DISASTER MANAGEMENT 

 

42. National Institute of Disaster Management.—(1) With effect from such date as the Central

Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette appoint in this behalf, there shall be constituted

an institute to be called the National Institute of Disaster Management.

(2) The National Institute of Disaster Management shall consist of such number of members as may

be prescribed by the Central Government.

(3) The term of office of, and vacancies among, members of the National Institute of Disaster

Management and manner of filling such vacancies shall be such as may be prescribed.

(4) There shall be a governing body of the National Institute of Disaster Management which shall be

constituted by the Central Government from amongst the members of the National Institute of Disaster

Management in such manner as may be prescribed.

(5) The governing body of the National Institute of Disaster Management shall exercise such powers

and discharge such functions as may be prescribed by regulations.

(6) The procedure to be followed in exercise of its powers and discharge of its functions by the

governing body, and the term of office of, and the manner of filling vacancies among the members of the

governing body, shall be such as may be prescribed by regulations.

(7) Until the regulations are made under this section, the Central Government may make such

regulations; and any regulation so made may be altered or rescinded by the National Institute of Disaster

Management in exercise of its powers.

21(8) Subject to the provisions of this Act, the National Institute of Disaster Management shall function

within the broad policies and guidelines laid down by the National Authority and be responsible for

planning and promoting training and research in the area of disaster management, documentation and

development of national level information base relating to disaster management policies, prevention

mechanisms and mitigation measures.

(9) Without prejudice to the generality of the provisions contained in sub-section (8), the National

Institute, for the discharge of its functions, may—

(a) develop training modules, undertake research and documentation in disaster management and

organise training programmes;

(b) formulate and implement a comprehensive human resource development plan covering all

aspects of disaster management;

(c) provide assistance in national level policy formulation;

(d) provide required assistance to the training and research institutes for development of training

and research programmes for stakeholders including Government functionaries and undertake

training of faculty members of the State level training institutes;

(e) provide assistance to the State Governments and State training institutes in the formulation of

State level policies, strategies, disaster management framework and any other assistance as may be

required by the State Governments or State training institutes for capacity-building of stakeholders,

Government including its functionaries, civil society members, corporate sector and people's elected

representatives;

(f) develop educational materials for disaster management including academic and professional

courses;

(g) promote awareness among stakeholders including college or school teachers and students,

technical personnel and others associated with multi-hazard mitigation, preparedness and response

measures;

(h) undertake, Organise and facilitate study courses, conferences, lectures, seminars within and

outside the country to promote the aforesaid objects;

(i) undertake and provide for publication of journals, research papers and books and establish and

maintain libraries in furtherance of the aforesaid objects;

(j) do all such other lawful things as are conducive or incidental to the attainment of the above

objects; and

(k) undertake any other function as may be assigned to it by the Central Government. 

 

43. Officers and other employees of the National Institute.—The Central Government shall

provide the National Institute of Disaster Management with such officers, consultants and other

employees, as it considers necessary, for carrying out its functions. 

 

CHAPTER VIII

NATIONAL DISASTER RESPONSE FORCE 

 

44. National Disaster Response Force.—(1) There shall be constituted a National Disaster

Response Force for the purpose of specialist response to a threatening disaster situation or disaster.

(2) Subject to the provisions of this Act, the Force shall be constituted in such manner and, the

conditions of service of the members of the Force, including disciplinary provisions therefore, be such as

may be prescribed. 

 

45. Control, direction, etc.—The general superintendence, direction and control of the Force shall

be vested and exercised by the National Authority and the command and supervision of the Force shall

vest in an officer to be appointed by the Central Government as the Director General of the National

Disaster Response Force. 

 

CHAPTER IX

FINANCE, ACCOUNTS AND AUDIT

 

46. National Disaster Response Fund.—(1) The Central Government may, by notification in the

Official Gazette, constitute a fund to be called the National Disaster Response Fund for meeting any

threatening disaster situation or disaster and there shall be credited thereto—

(a) an amount which the Central Government may, after due appropriation made by Parliament

by law in this behalf provide;

(b) any grants that may be made by any person or institution for the purpose of disaster

management.

(2) The National Disaster Response Fund shall be made available to the National Executive

Committee to be applied towards meeting the expenses for emergency response, relief and rehabilitation

in accordance with the guidelines laid down by the Central Government in consultation with the National

Authority. 

 

47. National Disaster Mitigation Fund.—(1) The Central Government may, by notification in the

Official Gazette, constitute a Fund to be called the National Disaster Mitigation Fund for projects

exclusively for the purpose of mitigation and there shall be credited thereto such amount which the

Central Government may, after due appropriation made by Parliament by law in this behalf, provide.

(2) The National Disaster Mitigation Fund shall be applied by the National Authority. 

 

48. Establishment of funds by State Government.—(1) The State Government shall, immediately

after notifications issued for constituting the State Authority and the District Authorities, establish for the

purposes of this Act the following funds, namely:—

(a) the fund to be called the State Disaster Response Fund;

(b) the fund to be called the District Disaster Response Fund;

(c) the fund to be called the State Disaster Mitigation Fund;

(d) the fund to be called the District Disaster Mitigation Fund.

(2) The State Government shall ensure that the funds established—

(i) under clause (a) of sub-section (1) is available to the State Executive Committee;

(ii) under sub-clause (c) of sub-section (1) is available to the State Authority;

(iii) under clauses (b) and (d) of sub-section (1) are available to the District Authority. 

 

49. Allocation of funds by Ministries and Departments.—(1) Every Ministry or Department of the

Government of India shall make provisions, in its annual budget, for funds for the purposes of carrying

out the activities and programmes set out in its disaster management plan.

(2) The provisions of sub-section (1) shall, mutatis mutandis, apply to departments of the Government

of the State. 

 

50. Emergency procurement and accounting.—Where by reason of any threatening disaster

situation or disaster, the National Authority or the State Authority or the District Authority is satisfied that

immediate procurement of provisions or materials or the immediate application of resources are necessary

for rescue or relief,—

(a) it may authorise the concerned department or authority to make the emergency procurement

and in such case, the standard procedure requiring inviting of tenders shall be deemed to be waived;

(b) a certificate about utilisation of provisions or materials by the controlling officer authorised by

the National Authority, State Authority or District Authority, as the case may be, shall be deemed to

be a valid document or voucher for the purpose of accounting of emergency, procurement of such

provisions or materials. 

 

CHAPTER X

OFFENCES AND PENALTIES

51. Punishment for obstruction, etc.—Whoever, without reasonable cause—

(a) obstructs any officer or employee of the Central Government or the State Government, or a

person authorised by the National Authority or State Authority or District Authority in the discharge

of his functions under this Act; or

(b) refuses to comply with any direction given by or on behalf of the Central Government or the

State Government or the National Executive Committee or the State Executive Committee or the

District Authority under this Act,

shall on conviction be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to one year or with

fine, or with both, and if such obstruction or refusal to comply with directions results in loss of lives or

imminent danger thereof, shall on conviction be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may

extend to two years. 

 

52. Punishment for false claim.—Whoever knowingly makes a claim which he knows or has reason

to believe to be false for obtaining any relief, assistance, repair, reconstruction or other benefits

consequent to disaster from any officer of the Central Government, the State Government, the National

Authority, the State Authority or the District Authority, shall, on conviction be punishable with

imprisonment for a term which may extend to two years, and also with fine. 

 

53. Punishment for misappropriation of money or materials, etc.—Whoever, being entrusted with

any money or materials, or otherwise being, in custody of, or dominion over, any money or goods, meant

for providing relief in any threatening disaster situation or disaster, misappropriates or appropriates for his

own use or disposes of such money or materials or any part thereof or wilfully compels any other person

so to do, shall on conviction be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to two years,

and also with fine. 

 

54. Punishment for false warning.—Whoever makes or circulates a false alarm or warning as to

disaster or its severity or magnitude, leading to panic, shall on conviction, be punishable with

imprisonment which may extend to one year or with fine. 

 

55. Offences by Departments of the Government.—(1) Where an offence under this Act has been

committed by any Department of the Government, the head of the Department shall be deemed to be

guilty of the offence and shall be liable to be proceeded against and punished accordingly unless he

proves that the offence was committed without his knowledge or that he exercised all due diligence to

prevent the commission of such offence.

(2) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section (1), where an offence under this Act has been

committed by a Department of the Government and it is proved that the offence has been committed with

the consent or connivance of, or is attributable to any neglect on the part of, any officer, other than the

head of the Department, such officer shall be deemed to be guilty of that offence and shall be liable to be

proceeded against and punished accordingly. 

 

56. Failure of officer in duty or his connivance at the contravention of the provisions of this

Act.—Any officer, on whom any duty has been imposed by or under this Act and who ceases or refuses

to perform or withdraws himself from the duties of his office shall, unless he has obtained the express

written permission of his official superior or has other lawful excuse for so doing, be punishable with

imprisonment for a term which may extend to one year or with fine. 

 

57. Penalty for contravention of any order regarding requisitioning.—If any person contravenes

any order made under section 65, he shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend

to one year or with fine or with both. 

 

58. Offence by companies.—(1) Where an offence under this Act has been committed by a company

or body corporate, every person who at the time the offence was committed, was in charge of, and was

responsible to, the company, for the conduct of the business of the company, as well as the company,

24shall be deemed to be guilty of the contravention and shall be liable to be proceeded against and punished

accordingly:

Provided that nothing in this sub-section shall render any such person liable to any punishment

provided in this Act, if he proves that the offence was committed without his knowledge or that he

exercised due diligence to prevent the commission of such offence.

(2) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section (1), where an offence under this Act has been

committed by a company, and it is proved that the offence was committed with the consent or connivance

of or is attributable to any neglect on the part of any director, manager, secretary or other officer of the

company, such director, manager, secretary or other officer shall also, be deemed to be guilty of that

offence and shall be liable to be proceeded against and punished accordingly.

Explanation.—For the purpose of this section—

(a) “company” means any body corporate and includes a firm or other association of individuals;

and

(b) “director”, in relation to a firm, means a partner in the firm. 

 

59. Previous sanction for prosecution.—No prosecution for offences punishable under sections 55

and 56 shall be instituted except with the previous sanction of the Central Government or the State

Government, as the case may be, or of any officer authorised in this behalf, by general or special order, by

such Government. 

 

60. Cognizance of offences.—No court shall take cognizance of an offence under this Act except on

a complaint made by—

(a) the National Authority, the State Authority, the Central Government, the State Government,

the District Authority or any other authority or officer authorised in this behalf by that Authority or

Government, as the case may be; or

(b) any person who has given notice of not less than thirty days in the manner prescribed, of the

alleged offence and his intention to make a complaint to the National Authority, the State Authority,

the Central Government, the State Government, the District Authority or any other authority or

officer authorised as aforesaid. 

 

CHAPTER XI

MISCELLANEOUS 

 

61. Prohibition against discrimination.—While providing compensation and relief to the victims of

disaster, there shall be no discrimination on the ground of sex, caste, community, descent or religion

.

62. Power to issue direction by Central Government.—Notwithstanding anything contained in any

other law for the time being in force, it shall be lawful for the Central Government to issue direction in

writing to the Ministries or Departments of the Government of India, or the National Executive

Committee or the State Government, State Authority, State Executive Committee, statutory bodies or any

of its officers or employees, as the case may be, to facilitate or assist in the disaster management and such

Ministry or Department or Government or Authority, Executive Committee, statutory body, officer or

employee shall be bound to comply with such direction. 

 

63. Powers to be made available for rescue operations.—Any officer or authority of the Union or a

State, when requested by the National Executive Committee, any State Executive Committee or District

Authority or any person authorised by such Committee or Authority in this behalf, shall make available to

that Committee or authority or person, such officers and employees as requested for, to perform any of

the functions in connection with the prevention of disaster or mitigation or rescue or relief work. 

 

64. Making or amending rules, etc., in certain circumstances.—Subject to the provisions of this

Act, if it appears to the National Executive Committee, State Executive Committee or the District

Authority, as the case may be, that provisions of any rule, regulation, notification, guideline, instruction,

order, scheme or bye-laws, as the case may be, are required to be made or amended for the purposes of

prevention of disasters or the mitigation thereof, it may require the amendment of such rules, regulation,

25notification, guidelines, instruction, order, scheme or bye-laws, as the case may be, for that purpose, and

the appropriate department or authority shall take necessary action to comply with the requirements. 

 

65. Power of requisition of resources, provisions, vehicles, etc., for rescue operations, etc.—(1) If

it appears to the National Executive Committee, State Executive Committee or District Authority or any

officer as may be authorised by it in this behalf that—

(a) any resources with any authority or person are needed for the purpose of prompt response;

(b) any premises are needed or likely to be needed for the purpose of rescue operations; or

(c) any vehicle is needed or is likely to be needed for the purposes of transport of' resources from

disaster affected areas or transport of resources to the affected area or transport in connection with

rescue, rehabilitation or reconstruction,

such authority may, by order in writing, requisition such resources or premises or such vehicle, as the case

may be, and may make such further orders as may appear to it to be necessary or expedient in connection

with the requisitioning.

(2) Whenever any resource, premises or vehicle is requisitioned under sub-section (1), the period of

such requisition shall not extend beyond the period for which such resource, premises or vehicle is

required for any of the purposes mentioned in that sub-section.

(3) In this section,—

(a) “resources” includes men and material resources;

(b) “services” includes facilities;

(c) “premises” means any land, building or part of a building and includes a hut, shed or other

structure or any part thereof;

(d) “vehicle” means any vehicle used or capable of being used for the purpose of transport,

whether propelled by mechanical power or otherwise. 

 

66. Payment of compensation.— (1) Whenever any Committee, Authority or officer referred to in

sub-section (1) of section 65, in pursuance of that section requisitions any premises, there shall be paid to

the persons interested compensation the amount of which shall be determined by taking into consideration

the following, namely:—

(i) the rent payable in respect of the premises, or if no rent is so payable, the rent payable for

similar premises in the locality;

(ii) if as consequence of the requisition of the premises the person interested is compelled to

change his residence or place of business, the reasonable expenses (if any) incidental to such change:

Provided that where any person interested being aggrieved by the amount of compensation so

determined makes an application within the thirty days to the Central Government or the State

Government, as the case may be, for referring the matter to an arbitrator, the amount of compensation to

be paid shall be such as the arbitrator appointed in this behalf by the Central Government or the State

Government, as the case may be, may determine:

Provided further that where there is any dispute as to the title to receive the compensation or as to the

apportionment of the amount of compensation, it shall be referred by the Central Government or the State

Government, as the case may be, to an arbitrator appointed in this behalf by the Central Government or

the State Government, as the case may be, for determination, and shall be determined in accordance with

the decision of such arbitrator.

Explanation.—In this sub-section, the expression “person interested” means the person who was in

actual possession of the premises requisitioned under section 65 immediately before the requisition, or

where no person was in such actual possession, the owner of such premises.

(2) Whenever any Committee, Authority or officer, referred to in sub-section (1) of section 65 in

pursuance of that section requisitions any vehicle, there shall be paid to the owner thereof compensation

the mount of which shall be determined by the Central Government or the State Government, as the case

may be, on the basis of the fares or rates prevailing in the locality for the hire of such vehicle:

26Provided that where the owner of such vehicle being aggrieved by the amount of compensation so

determined makes an application within the prescribed time to the Central Government or the State

Government, as the case may be, for referring the matter to an arbitrator, the amount of compensation to

be paid shall be such as the arbitrator appointed in this behalf by the Central Government or the State

Government, as the case may be, may determine:

Provided further that where immediately before the requisitioning the vehicle or vessel was by virtue

of a hire purchase agreement in the possession of a person other than the owner, the amount determined

under this sub-section as the total compensation payable in respect of the requisition shall be apportioned

between that person and the owner in such manner as they may agree upon, and in default of agreement,

in such manner as an arbitrator appointed by the Central Government or the State Government, as the case

may be, in this behalf may decide. 

 

67. Direction to media for communication of warnings, etc.—The National Authority, the State

Authority, or a District Authority may recommend to the Government to give direction to any authority or

person in control of any audio or audio-visual media or such other means of communication as may be

available to carry any warning or advisories regarding any threatening disaster situation or disaster, and

the said means of communication and media as designated shall comply with such direction. 

 

68. Authentication of orders or decisions.—Every order or decision of the National Authority or

the National Executive Committee, the State Authority, or the State Executive Committee or the District

Authority, shall be authenticated by such officers of the National Authority or the National Executive

Committee or, the State Executive Committee, or the District Authority, as may be authorised by it in this

behalf. 

 

69. Delegation of powers.—The National Executive Committee, State Executive Committee, as the

case may be, by general or special order in writing, may delegate to the Chairperson or any other member

or to any officer, subject to such conditions and limitations, if any, as may be specified in the order, such

of its powers and functions under this Act as it may deem necessary. 

 

70. Annual report.—(1) The National Authority shall prepare once every year, in such form and at

such time as may be prescribed, an annual report giving a true and full account of its activities during the

previous year and copies thereof shall be forwarded to the Central Government and that Government shall

cause the same to be laid before both Houses of Parliament within one month of its receipt.

(2) The State Authority shall prepare once in every year, in such form and at such time as may be

prescribed, an annual report giving a true and full account of its activities during the previous year and

copies thereof shall be forwarded to the State Government and that Government shall cause the same to

be laid before each House of the State Legislature where it consists of two Houses, or where such

Legislature consists of one House, before that House. 

 

71. Bar of jurisdiction of court.—No court (except the Supreme Court or a High Court) shall have

jurisdiction to entertain any suit or proceeding in respect of anything done, action taken, orders made,

direction, instruction or guidelines issued by the Central Government, National Authority, State

Government, State Authority or District Authority in pursuance of any power conferred by, or in relation

to its functions, by this Act. 

 

72. Act to have overriding effect.—The provisions of this Act, shall have effect, notwithstanding

anything inconsistent therewith contained in any other law for the time being in force or in any instrument

having effect by virtue of any law other than this Act. 

 

73. Action taken in good faith.—No suit or prosecution or other proceeding shall lie in any court

against the Central Government or the National Authority or the State Government or the State Authority

or the District Authority or local authority or any officer or employee of the Central Government or the

National Authority or the State Government or the State Authority or the District Authority or local

authority or any person working for on behalf of such Government or authority in respect of any work

done or purported to have been done or intended to be done in good faith by such authority or

Government or such officer or employee or such person under the provisions of this Act or the rules or

regulations made thereunder. 

 

74. Immunity from legal process.—Officers and employees of the Central Government, National

Authority, National Executive Committee, State Government, State Authority, State Executive

Committee or District Authority shall be immune from legal process in regard to any warning in respect

of any impending disaster communicated or disseminated by them in their official capacity or any action

taken or direction issued by them in pursuance of such communication or dissemination. 

 

75. Power of Central Government to make rules.—(1) The Central Government may, by

notification in the Official Gazette, make rules for carrying out the purposes of this Act.

(2) In particular, and without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing power, such rules may

provide for all or any of the following matters, namely:—

(a) the composition and number of the members of the National Authority under sub-section (2),

and the term of office and conditions of service of members of the National Authority under

sub-section (4), of section 3;

(b) the allowances to be paid to the members of the advisory committee under sub-section (2) of

section 7;

(c) the powers and functions of the Chairperson of the National Executive Committee under

sub-section (3) of section 8 and the procedure to be followed by the National Executive Committee in

exercise of its powers and discharge of its functions under sub-section (4) of section 8;

(d) allowances to be paid to the persons associated with the sub-committee constituted by the

National Executive Committee under sub-section (3) of section 9;

(e) the number of members of the National Institute of Disaster Management under sub-section

(2), the term of the office and vacancies among members and the manner of filling such vacancies

under sub-section (3) and the manner of constituting the Governing Body of the National Institute of

Disaster Management under sub-section (4) of section 42;

(f) the manner of constitution of the Force, the conditions of service of the members of the Force,

including disciplinary provisions under sub-section (2) of section 44;

(g) the manner in which notice of the offence and of the intention to make a complaint to the

National Authority, the State Authority, the Central Government, the State Government or the other

authority or officer under clause (b) of section 60;

(h) the form in which and the time within which annual report is to be prepared under section 70;

(i) any other matter which is to be, or may be, prescribed, or in respect of which provision is to be

made by rules. 

 

76. Power to make regulations.—(1) The National Institute of Disaster Management, with the

previous approval of the Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, make

regulations consistent with this Act and the rules made thereunder to carry out the purposes of this Act.

(2) In particular, and without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing power, such regulations may

provide for all or any of the following matters, namely:—

(a) powers and functions to be exercised and discharged by the governing body;

(b) procedure to be followed by the governing body in exercise of the powers and discharge of its

functions;

(c) any other matter for which under this Act provision may be made by the regulations. 

 

77. Rules and regulations to be laid before Parliament.—Every rule made by the Central

Government and every regulation made by the National Institute of Disaster Management under this Act

shall be laid, as soon as may be after it is made, before each House of Parliament, while it is in session,

for a total period of thirty days which may be comprised of one session or in two or more successive

sessions, and if, before the expiry of the session immediately following the session or the successive

sessions aforesaid, both Houses agree in making any modification in the rule or regulation or both Houses

agree that the rule or regulation should not be made, the rule or regulation shall thereafter have effect only

28in such modified form or be of no effect, as the case may be; so, however, that any such modification or

annulment shall be without prejudice to the validity of anything previously done under that rule or

regulation. 

 

78. Power of State Government to make rules.—(1) The State Government may, by notification in

the Official Gazette, make rules to carry out the provisions of this Act.

(2) In particular, and without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing power, such rules may

provide for all or any of the following matters, namely:—

(a) the composition and number of the members of the State Authority under sub-section (2), and

the term of office and conditions of service of the members of the State Authority under sub-section

(5), of section 14;

(b) the allowances to be paid to the members of the advisory committee under sub-section (2) of

section 17;

(c) the powers and functions of the Chairperson of the State Executive Committee under

sub-section (3), and the procedure to be followed by the State Executive Committee in exercise of its

powers and discharge of its functions under sub-section (4) of section 20;

(d) allowances to be paid to the persons associated with the sub-committee constituted by the

State Executive Committee under sub-section (3) of section 21;

(e) the composition and the number of members of the District Authority under sub-section (2),

and the powers and functions to be exercised and discharged by the Chief Executive Officer of the

District Authority under sub-section (3) of section 25;

(f) allowances payable to the persons associated with any committee constituted by the District

Authority as experts under sub-section (3) of section 28;

(g) any other matter which is to be, or may be, prescribed, or in respect of which provision is to

be made by rules.

(3) Every rule made by the State Government under this Act shall be laid, as soon as may be after it is

made, before each House of the State Legislature where it consists of two Houses, or where such

Legislature consists of one House before that House. 

 

79. Power to remove difficulties.—(1) If any difficulty arises in giving effect to the provisions of

this Act, the Central Government or the State Government, as the case may be, by notification in the

Official Gazette, make order not inconsistent with the provisions of this Act as may appear to it to be

necessary or expedient for the removal of the difficulty:

Provided that no such order shall be made after the expiration of two years from the commencement

of this Act.

(2) Every order made under this section shall be laid, as soon as may be after it is made, before each

House of Parliament or the Legislature, as the case may be.

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Disasters are a complex global problem; it is an inevitable truth of our life. Every year

individuals and communities are being affected by disasters, which disrupts their

mental health and well-being. Economic and social development throughout the world

is frequently interrupted by natural disasters. 

 

Developing countries are more prone to disasters or hazards due to the various

challenges like poverty, lack of resources, lack of educational opportunities, poor

infrastructure, and lack of trained manpower, lack of awareness and knowledge of

disaster mental health. Mental health issues, in general, have been considered as a

neglected subject especially in India as it is considered as a stigmatised problem.

Mental health issues caused by disasters are even more neglected area. Thus, in order

to fulfil this gap, there is a need to understand this study. 

 

India is vulnerable to natural disasters and other types of disasters which leads to a

significant loss in the affected population. The aftermath of disasters has a significant

impact on the socio-economic and mental state of the victims. Apart from the

government interventions, which focuses on the socio-economic condition, the

psychosocial interventions are also being emphasized. It comprises of acceptance as a

coping skill, which helps the victims to maintain social relationships positively and

also protect and enhance their well-being. The interventions also include the

awareness programme which helps the victims to practically visualize the situation

and adopt effective measures to inculcate patience and resiliency in them. Thus, it

helps the victims to adapt to the changes they experience post-disaster. These

interventions assist the victims in normalising their mental health despite their loss.

The victims who might develop psychotic symptoms are guided with the help of

psycho-education and are encouraged to lead a better and positive life. 

 

Both physical and psychological effects can be evident for several years, after the

disaster itself. Unresolved financial concerns that are directly or indirectly related to

the incident may form a lingering source of (post-traumatic) stress. 

 

Disaster, not only disrupts the quality of life but also creates a significant burden of

mental health conditions on an individual and the community. Effective interventions

should be given pre, peri and post-disaster period to improve the adverse mental

health effects of the disaster. The psycho-social education and clinical interventions

are expected to provide better outcomes because of the integration of various effective

measures. Rehabilitations plans should be made by keeping in mind the cultural

context of the community and the needs of the affected population. So that

community is empowered in a holistic way to cope with future disasters.

 

References:

 https://jech.bmj.com/content/58/12/982

 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6857396/

 

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Disasters 

 

According to the Oxford dictionary a disaster is “a sudden accident or a natural

catastrophe that causes great damage or loss of life”.

A Disaster is an event or series of events, which gives rise to casualties and damage or

loss of properties, infrastructure, environment, essential services or means of

livelihood on such a scale which is beyond the normal capacity of the affected

community to cope with. Disaster is also sometimes described as a “catastrophic

situation in which the normal pattern of life or ecosystem has been disrupted and

extra-ordinary emergency interventions are required to save and preserve lives and or

the environment”.

The United Nations defines disaster as “the occurrence of sudden or major misfortune

which disrupts the basic fabric and normal functioning of the society or community”.

A disaster is an event of nature or man-made that leads to sudden disruption of normal

life of a society, causing damage to life and property to such an extent that normal

social and economic values available are inadequate to restore normalcy after a

disaster. Disaster may be defined as a “catastrophic situation in which the normal

patterns of life have been disrupted and extraordinary emergency interventions are

required to save and preserve human lives and the environment”. A disaster is a

sudden, calamitous event that seriously disrupts the functioning of a community or

society and causes human, material, and economic or environmental losses that

exceed the community‟s or society‟s ability to cope using its own resources. Though

often caused by nature, disasters can have human origins (UNISDR

As per the Disaster Management Act 2005, a disaster is defined as “a casastrophe,

mishap, calamity or grave occurrence in any area, arising from natural or man-made

cause, or by accident or negligence which results in substantial loss of life or human

suffering or damage to, and destruction of property, or damage to, or degradation of,

environment, and is of such a nature or magnitude as to be beyond the coping capacity

of the communicy of the affected area”

Disasters produce a range of impacts; these include direct, secondary and indirect

effects. Direct effects include deaths, injuries and physical damage. However,

secondary disaster impacts such as releasing fire or hazardous material that is

triggered by disasters. Finally, impacts include the ripple effect resulting from the

flow of goods, services, unemployment etc. 

 

Disaster Management:

As per Disaster Management Act, 2005, “disaster management” means a continuous

and integrated process of planning, organising, coordinating and implementing

measures which are necessary or expedient for:

(i) Prevention of danger or threat of any disaster;

(ii) Mitigation or reduction of risk of any disaster or its severity or consequences;

(iii) Capacity-building;

(iv) Preparedness to deal with any disaster;

(v) Prompt response to any threatening disaster situation or disaster;

(vi) Assessing the severity or magnitude of effects of any disaster; evacuation, rescue

and relief;

(vii) Rehabilitation and reconstruction;Disaster Management can be defined as the organization and management of

resources and responsibilities for dealing with all humanitarian aspects of

emergencies, in particular preparedness,response and recovery in order to lessen the

impact of disasters.

Disaster management includes administrative decisions and operational activities that

involve 





Prevention





Mitigation





Preparedness 





Response





Recovery





Rehabilitation 

 

Disaster management involves all levels of government. Nongovernmental and

communitybased organizations play a vital role in the process. Modern disaster

management goes beyond post-disaster assistance. It now includes pre-disaster

planning and preparedness activities, organizational planning, training, information

management, public relations and many other fields. Crisis management is important,

but is only a part of the responsibility of a disaster manager. The newer paradigm is

the Total Risk Management (TRM) which takes a holistic approach to risk reduction. 

 

Disaster Management Cycle

The traditional approach to disaster management has been to regard it as a number of

phased sequences of action or a continuum. These can be represented as a disaster

management cycle. The basic disaster management cycle consex of six main activities 

 

Phases of Disaster Management

There are three key phases of activity within disaster management:

1. Pre – Disaster: Before a disaster to reduce the potential for human, material or

environmental losses caused by hazards and to ensure that these losses are minimized

when the disaster actually strikes.

2. During Disaster: It is to ensure that the needs and provisions of victims are met to

alleviate and minimize suffering.

3. Post Disaster: After a disaster to achieve rapid and durable recovery which does

not reproduce the original vulnerable conditions

Traditionally people think of disaster management only in term of the emergency

relief period and post disaster rehabilitation. Instead of allocated funds before an

event to ensure prevention and preparedness. A successful disaster management

planning must encompass the situation that occurs before, during and after disasters. 

 

Pre – Disaster Phase

Prevention and Mitigation 

 

Reducing the risk of disasters involves activities, which either reduce or modify the

scale and intensity of the threat faced or by improving the conditions of elements atrisk. Although the term „prevention‟ is often used to embrace the wide diversity of

measures to protect persons and property its use is not recommended since it is

misleading in its implicit suggestion that natural disasters are preventable. The use of

the term reduction to describe protective or preventive actions that lessen the scale of

impact is therefore preferred.

Mitigation embraces all measures taken to reduce both the effects of the hazard itself

and the vulnerable conditions to it in order to reduce the scale of a future disaster. In

addition to these physical measures, mitigation should also be aimed at reducing the

physical, economic and social vulnerability to threats and the underlying causes for

this vulnerability. Therefore, mitigation may incorporate addressing issues such as

land ownership, tenancy rights, wealth distribution, implementation of earthquake

resistant building codes, etc. 

 

Preparedness

This brings us to the all-important issue of disaster preparedness. The process

embraces measures that enables governments, communities and individuals to

respond rapidly to disaster situations to cope with them effectively. Preparedness

includes for example, the formulation of viable emergency plans, the development of

warning systems, the maintenance of inventories, public awareness and education and

the training of personnel. It may also embrace search and rescue measures as well as

evacuation plans for areas that may be „at risk‟ from a recurring disaster. All

preparedness planning needs to be supported by appropriate rules and regulations with

clear allocation of responsibilities and budgetary provision. 

 

Early Warning

This is the process of monitoring the situation in communities or areas known to be

vulnerable to slow onset hazards, and passing the knowledge of the pending hazard to

people in harm‟s way. To be effective, warnings must be related to mass education

and training of the population who know what actions they must take when warned. 

 

The Disaster impact

This refers to the “real-time event of a hazard occurring and affecting elements at risk.

The duration of the event will depend on the type of threat; ground shaking may only

occur in a matter of seconds during an earthquake while flooding may take place over

a longer sustained period. 

 

During disaster Phase

Response

This refers to the first stage response to any calamity, which include for examples

such as setting up control rooms, putting the contingency plan in action, issue warning,

action for evacuation, taking people to safer areas, rendering medical aid to the needy

etc., simultaneously rendering relief to the homeless, food, drinking water, clothing

etc. to the needy, restoration of communication, disbursement of assistance in cash or

kind. The emergency relief activities undertaken during and immediately following a

disaster, which includes immediate relief, rescue, and the damage needs assessment

and debris clearance. 

 

The Post- disaster Phase

Recovery:Recovery is used to describe the activities that encompass the three overlapping

phases of emergency relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction. 

 

Rehabilitation:

Rehabilitation includes the provision of temporary public utilities and housing as

interim measures to assist long-term recovery. 

 

Reconstruction:

Reconstruction attempts to return communities to improved pre-disaster functioning.

It includes such as the replacement of buildings; infrastructure and lifeline facilities so

that long-term development prospects are enhanced rather than reproducing the same

conditions, which made an area or population vulnerable in the first place. 

 

Development:

In an evolving economy, the development process is an ongoing activity. Longterm

prevention/disaster reduction measures for examples like construction of

embankments against flooding, irrigation facilities as drought proofing measures,

increasing plant cover to reduce the occurrences of landslides, land use planning,

construction of houses capable of withstanding the onslaught of heavy rain/wind

speed and shocks of earthquakes are some of the activities that can be taken up as part

of the development plan.