Concept of Disaster Management

Definition

• Disaster Management refers to the systematic process of planning, organizing, coordinating, and implementing measures to prevent, prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters—both natural and man-made.
• It aims to minimize loss of life, property, and environment and ensure quick recovery.

Objectives of Disaster Management 

• Reduce disaster risks and vulnerabilities by minimizing potential damage.
• Protect life, property, environment, and livelihoods during emergencies.
• Ensure effective preparedness through planning, training, and early warnings.
• Provide timely rescue, relief, and rehabilitation to affected communities.
• Strengthen community resilience so people can respond and recover quickly.

Key Components of Disaster Management  Disaster management operates through a continuous cycle, which includes:

1. Prevention / Mitigation

• Actions taken to reduce the impact of disasters.
• Structural Measures: Construction of dams, embankments, cyclone shelters, floodwalls, and safe buildings.

Non-Structural Measures

• Laws, land-use planning, building codes, environmental regulations.
• Insurance and financial risk-sharing mechanisms.

2. Preparedness

• Activities that ensure readiness before a disaster occurs.
• Early warning systems for cyclones, floods, earthquakes, etc.
• Mock drills and training for communities, officials, and response teams.
• Stockpiling essential items like food, medicines, and rescue equipment.

3. Response

• Immediate actions carried out during and right after a disaster.
• Search and rescue operations to save lives.
• Evacuation, first aid, medical care.
• Relief distribution (food, water, shelter, clothing).

4. Recovery / Rehabilitation

• Long-term activities to restore normal life.
• Reconstruction of infrastructure like roads, bridges, houses, and utilities.
• Restoration of livelihoods (farms, businesses, employment).
• Following the “Build Back Better” principle for safer reconstruction.

2. National Disaster Management Framework (India)

• The National Disaster Management Framework provides a structured approach for disaster risk reduction, response, and recovery in India.
• It is guided by the Disaster Management Act, 2005 and the National Policy on Disaster Management (NPDM).

Institutional Framework – India follows a multi-level institutional structure for disaster management, as defined under the Disaster Management Act, 2005.

1. National Level

• NDMA (National Disaster Management Authority)

• Apex body chaired by the Prime Minister.
• Formulates national policies, guidelines, and plans for disaster management.
• Ensures coordination among ministries and agencies.

• MHA (Ministry of Home Affairs)

• Acts as the nodal ministry for disaster management.
• Coordinates response, relief, and support during national disasters.

• NDRF (National Disaster Response Force)

• A specialized force trained for search, rescue, and relief operations.
• Equipped to handle disasters such as earthquakes, floods, cyclones, chemical and biological emergencies.

• NIDM (National Institute of Disaster Management)

• National institution for training, research, and capacity building.
• Conducts courses, workshops, and awareness programs for officials and communities.

2. State Level

• SDMA (State Disaster Management Authority)

• Chaired by the Chief Minister.
• Prepares and implements the State Disaster Management Plan (SDMP).
• Guides and coordinates disaster management activities at the state level.

• State Executive Committee (SEC)

• Ensures inter-departmental coordination for disaster preparedness and response.
• Headed by the Chief Secretary of the state.

3. District Level

• DDMA (District Disaster Management Authority)

• Chaired by the District Collector or District Magistrate.
• Responsible for district-level planning, coordination, and response.
• Implements awareness programs, manages resources, and leads relief operations in affected areas.

Core Components of the National Framework

i) Prevention & Mitigation

• Risk assessment and vulnerability mapping: Identifies hazard-prone areas and populations at risk.
• Ensures safe infrastructure such as earthquake-resistant buildings, strong dams, and safe roads.
• Focus on environmental protection and climate adaptation to reduce long-term disaster impacts.

ii) Preparedness

• Early warning systems from IMD (cyclones/weather), CWC (floods), and INCOIS (tsunamis).
• Conducting mock drills, training officials and communities for emergency response.
• Disaster education in schools and colleges to build awareness and readiness.

iii) Response

• Incident Response System (IRS) activated for coordinated action during disasters.
• Immediate search, rescue, relief, and evacuation operations.
• Management of shelters, food, water, and medical care for affected people.

iv) Recovery & Rehabilitation

• Rebuilding infrastructure such as houses, roads, schools, and hospitals.
• Restoring livelihoods and economic activities.
• Providing psychological support and community rehabilitation.
• Applying the “Build Back Better” principle to ensure stronger and safer reconstruction.

Supporting Tools 

• GIS & remote sensing: Used for hazard mapping, real-time monitoring, and damage assessment.
• National Disaster Management Plan (NDMP): Provides guidelines for preparedness, mitigation, response, and recovery at all levels.
• Public–private partnerships (PPPs): Engage private sector in equipment supply, technology, and disaster relief support.
• Insurance and financial risk-sharing: Tools like crop insurance, health insurance, and disaster funds help reduce economic losses.