Disasters are occurrences that are sudden and cause huge destruction to humans, animals and environment. There are heavy losses that could be human, material, economic or environmental. Disasters are classified as natural and man-made.
Objectives of this lesson:
- Define disaster and the need for disaster management
- Appreciate the role of Indian Armed Forces in managing disasters
- Explain the composition and function of NDMA
- Practice do’s and don’ts before and after cyclones
All hazards that occur in nature and result in loss of human life as well as destruction of property:
- Earthquakes
- Floods; Urban floods
- Cyclones
- Landslides
- Tsunamis
- Heat wave
Occur due to human action or inaction:
- Nuclear, Biological and Chemical
- Oil Spills in oceans
- Pollution
- (Also industrial accidents, transport accidents, fire or stampedes)
Since natural phenomena cannot be averted, the effects alone can be managed. The loss of lives can be reduced and normal life can be restored. This is the process of disaster management.
Natural disasters result in loss of homes, cattle, human lives and destruction of property. The first task is to arrange for relief supplies like food, clothing and medicines to reach the affected people. Search and rescue of missing persons or animals is also part of managing disasters. Since natural disasters also severely damage infrastructure like roads, bridges, railway lines and power supply, restoration of these is a principal task of disaster management teams.
In India the Armed Forces are the first responder when disaster occurs. They have equipment, training and a professional response to any situation. The lack of a civil defence system is also a reason for the dependence on the armed forces in times of calamity. Some specific disasters like oil spills and nuclear accidents require special equipment and training.
The armed forces possess capabilities like airlift (ability to carry large numbers of men and material to any place across the country). Their expertise in search and rescue is unmatched. They can also bring in equipment for repairing damaged roads or building makeshift bridges.
Though Armed Forces are principally involved in the security of the Nation against external threats, they are now being involved more and more in managing disasters within the country and even in other countries in the neighbourhood. Their capability and capacity to respond quickly and efficiently make them the ideal choice as the first line of response.
Indian armed forces carried out one of the biggest peacetime relief operations. They helped victims not only within India but also in Maldives, Sri Lanka and Indonesia. Using Naval ships, helicopters and aircraft, the Indian Navy supplied food, safe drinking water, medical facilities, sanitation and shelter. They quickly restored water and power supply. Medical teams helped prevent epidemics and diseases.
Indian Navy moved supplies by ships to Chennai. Air dropping of food packets to the affected and airlifting of stranded and injured people was also undertaken.
The neighbouring country of Nepal was severely affected by earthquake in April 2015. The Indian Army was among the first to dispatch relief material and men. Operation Maitri was launched by the Indian Army where large transport aircrafts and Mi-17 helicopters evacuated Indian and foreign citizens. Indian Air Force airlifted medical personnel, engineering teams, water, food, blankets and tents.
Ravaged the coast of Kanyakumari as well as Kerala and Lakshadweep. The Indian Navy transported four tonnes of food, water, blankets, raincoats and mosquito nets to the island of Lakshadweep. This included searching for missing fishermen and transporting relief supplies to the affected.
Even in the case of man-made disasters the armed forces have performed vital assistance. Accidental oil spills caused by tanker ships can be tackled by Armed Forces as they are trained and possess specialised equipment.
India has an organisation called the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) for managing disasters. They have response teams in every state as well as in the Centre.
- National Disaster Relief Force (NDRF) — response teams at the Centre
- State Disaster Relief Force (SDRF) — response teams at the state level
The response teams are trained by the armed forces.
Disasters are sudden occurrences that cause huge destruction to humans, animals and environment, resulting in heavy human, material, economic or environmental losses. They are classified as Natural and Man-made.
In India the Armed Forces are the first responder when disaster occurs. They have equipment, training and professional response. Lack of a civil defence system increases dependence on them. Their airlift capability and unmatched search-and-rescue expertise make them ideal.
(1) Relief supplies (food, clothing, medicines), (2) Search and rescue of missing persons/animals, (3) Restoration of damaged infrastructure (roads, bridges, power, water), (4) Medical aid and epidemic prevention.
Tsunami 2004 (biggest peacetime relief — India + neighbours), Cyclone Wardha (Chennai), Nepal Earthquake 2015 — Operation Maitri, Cyclone Ockhi 2017 (Lakshadweep relief & search for fishermen).
National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) manages disasters. Central response teams = NDRF; State response teams = SDRF. Both are trained by the Armed Forces.
Armed Forces can handle specialised disasters such as oil spills and nuclear accidents because they possess the required equipment and training. They can also rapidly deploy across the country and even to neighbouring countries.