.SOCIAL studies.

.PROJECT.
TOPIC:
DISASTER MANAGEMENT
PROJECT TITLE:
A STUDY ON WAYANAND TRAGEDY

INTRODUCTION:
1)What is Disaster??
 A disaster is a sudden event that causes great
damage or loss to property, environment,
livestock, animals, etc.
 2)Types Of Disaster
 There are two main types of disasters:
o Natural Disasters: These occur due naturally
without any human interference :
 Earthquakes
 Floods
 Hurricanes
 Tornadoes
 Wildfires
 Tsunamis
 o Human-Made Disasters: These occur due to
man-made activities:
 Industrial accidents (like chemical spills)
 Oil spills
 Terrorist attacks
 Nuclear accidents
 Environmental pollution
3) Key Components of Disaster Management
 Disaster management involves a comprehensive
approach to prepare for, respond to, recover
from, and mitigate the effects of disasters. Here
are the key components: -
o Readiness: Developing plans and training
for emergency response. This includes
community education, drills, and resource
allocation.
o Mitigation: Implementing measures to
reduce the impact of disasters, such as
building codes, land-use planning, and
infrastructure improvements.
o Response: The immediate reaction to a
disaster, including search and rescue
operations, emergency services, and shelter
provision.
o Recovery: Efforts to restore affected areas,
including rebuilding infrastructure,
 providing support to individuals and
communities, and restoring services.
o Risk Assessment: Identifying potential
hazards, vulnerabilities, and assessing risks
to prioritize actions.
o Communication: Establishing effective
communication strategies to disseminate
information before, during, and after a
disaster.
o Collaboration: Engaging with various
stakeholders, including government
agencies, NGOs, community organizations,
and the private sector.
o Training and Education: Ongoing training
for emergency responders and educating
the public on preparedness and safety
measures.
o Policy and Planning: Creating
comprehensive disaster management
policies and plans that integrate all
components and stakeholders.
o Monitoring and Evaluation: Assessing the
effectiveness of disaster management
strategies and making necessary
adjustments.
4) Significance of Disaster Management
 Disaster management is crucial for several
reasons:
 1. Risk Reduction
2. Community Resilience
3. Public Safety
4. Economic Stability
5. Coordination and Efficiency
6. Resource Management
7. Psychosocial Support
8. Sustainability
9. Policy Development
10. Global Cooperation
5) Disaster Management Act, 2005
 The Disaster Management Act, 2005, is a pivotal
legislation in India that establishes a structured
framework for disaster management. Key
features include:
Institutional Framework: Establishes the
National Disaster Management Authority
(NDMA), State Disaster Management Authorities
(SDMAs), and District Disaster Management
Authorities (DDMAs) to coordinate efforts.
Disaster Management Plans: Mandates the
creation of comprehensive plans at national,
state, and district levels for preparedness,
response, and recovery.
 Roles and Responsibilities: Clearly defines
roles for various stakeholders, including
government agencies, NGOs, and communities.
Funding: Creates disaster response and
mitigation funds for resource allocation during
emergencies.
Capacity Building: Emphasizes training and
awareness programs to enhance preparedness
and community involvement.
6) Key Aspects of Disaster Preparedness
 Disaster preparedness involves proactive
measures to ensure communities can effectively
respond to and recover from disasters. Here are
the key aspects:
o Risk Assessment
o Emergency Planning
o Training and Drills
o Resource Management
o Public Awareness and Education
o Community Involvement
o Communication Systems
o Collaboration
 o Emergency Kits
o Post-Disaster Recovery Planning
7) Agencies involved in Disaster Management in
India
 In India, disaster management involves various
agencies at the national, state, and local levels.
Key agencies include:
1. National Disaster Management Authority
(NDMA)
Formulates policies and guidelines for disaster
management at the national level.
Coordinates response efforts and capacity
building.

2. State Disaster Management Authorities

(SDMAs)
Each state has its own SDMA, responsible for
implementing disaster management policies and
plans at the state level.
Coordinates with district authorities and the
NDMA.

3. District Disaster Management Authorities

(DDMAs)
Local bodies that manage disaster response and
preparedness at the district level.
Involved in community engagement and
capacity building.

4. Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA)

 Oversees disaster management policies and
ensures coordination among various ministries
and departments.

5. Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES)

Provides meteorological and geological data to
predict and manage disasters like floods,
cyclones, and earthquakes.
There are many more agencies those are
involved in the disaster management of India.

8) Challenges in Disaster Management

Disaster management faces several challenges that
can hinder effective preparedness, response, and
recovery efforts. Key challenges include:
 1. Resource Limitations.
2. Lack of Awareness and Training
3. Coordination Issues
4. Infrastructure Vulnerability
5. Rapid Urbanization
6. Climate Change
7. Data and Information Gaps
8. Political and Bureaucratic Hurdles
9. Cultural Factors
10. Psychosocial Impact

CASE STUDY:
WAYANAND TRAGEDY-KERALA

1)Kerala on the Map of India

2) Write a brief note on the geography of Wayanad
 Wayanad is a district located in the western ghats
of Kerala, India. The region is characterized by its
hilly terrain, with elevations ranging from 700 to
2100 meters above sea level.
Wayanad is bordered by Karnataka to the north and
Tamil Nadu to the east, making it a significant
point of convergence for cultures. The area is
dotted with numerous waterfalls, caves, and
wildlife sanctuaries, such as the Wayanad Wildlife
Sanctuary, which is home to various flora and
fauna.
 The district experiences a tropical climate, with
heavy rainfall during the monsoon season,
contributing to its dense forests and agricultural
richness. Key rivers like the Kabini and the
Mananthavady flow through the region,
enhancing its natural beauty and supporting local
agriculture.

3) What is landslide? Why does it occur?

 A landslide is the sudden and fast movement of
rock, soil, and debris down a slope.
 Causes of Landslides:
o Gravity
o Water
o Geological Factors
o Human Activity
o Earthquakes
o Vegetation Removal
4)Why Did Landslide occur in Kerala
Landslides in Kerala are often triggered by a
combination of natural and human factors:
1. Heavy Rainfall
2. Geological Composition
3. Deforestation
4. Human Activities
5. Earthquakes and Geological Instabilit
6. Climate Change:

5)When and how did the disaster occur?

 The disaster in Wayanad, Kerala, occurred in
August 2023, specifically during the peak of the
monsoon season. Here's how it unfolded:
1. Heavy Rainfall: The region experienced relentless
and intense rainfall over several days, leading to
soil saturation. This heavy precipitation was
significant enough to trigger the landslides.
2. Landslide Events: On the night of August 10,
2023, two villages in Wayanad—Mundakkai and
Chooralmala—were struck by sudden landslides.
The landslides resulted in large volumes of earth
 and debris collapsing onto homes and
infrastructure, causing extensive damage and loss
of life.
3. Immediate Impact: The landslides led to the
disappearance of entire areas, with numerous
casualties reported. The destruction of homes and
essential services exacerbated the crisis for the
affected communities.
4. Rescue Operations: In the aftermath, rescue
operations were launched, involving local
authorities, the National Disaster Response Force
(NDRF), and other agencies. However, the
challenging terrain and ongoing rainfall hampered
these efforts.
6) The efforts taken by Kerala Government to help
the survivors
 The Kerala government has undertaken several
efforts to assist survivors of the landslides in
Wayanad:
1. Immediate Relief Operations
2. Financial Assistance
3. Establishment of Relief Camps
4. Infrastructure Repair and Restoration
5. Psychosocial Support
6. Long-term Recovery Plans
7. Early Warning Systems

7. Politics and Disaster

 The intersection of politics and disaster
management in the context of the Wayanad
landslides:
1. Political Accountability: Following the
landslides, there has been significant scrutiny
on local and state government responses.
Political leaders are often held accountable for
preparedness and response measures. The
effectiveness of these measures is a focal point
in discussions about governance and disaster
management.
2. Resource Allocation: The political
implications of funding and resources for
disaster relief are significant. Decisions about
financial support for survivors and
infrastructure improvements are influenced by
political priorities and party agendas, which
can lead to disparities in aid distribution.
3. Disaster as a Political Tool: Some
commentators argue that disasters can be
politicized, with political parties using them to
bolster their image or criticize opponents. This
dynamic can complicate genuine efforts for
recovery and mitigation.
4. Community Engagement: Political
engagement with local communities is crucial.
Effective disaster management requires
understanding local needs and vulnerabilities,
which can be overlooked if political interests
take precedence.
 5. Long-term Policy: The need for sustainable
disaster management policies is emphasized.
Discussions around climate change often lead
to calls for more comprehensive and proactive
policies rather than reactive measures that are
driven by immediate political concerns.

8. Solutions to landslide in Kerala

1. Early Warning Systems

2. Community-Based Disaster Management
3. Regulatory Measures: Enforcing stricter building
codes and land-use regulations in vulnerable areas
can prevent construction on steep slopes and
protect ecosystems that naturally mitigate landslide
risks.
4. Infrastructure Development
5. Reforestation and Soil Conservation
6. Scientific Research and Monitoring: Increasing
investment in geological studies and continuous
monitoring of vulnerable areas can provide
valuable data for predicting and mitigating
landslides.
7. Emergency Response Framework: Developing a
clear emergency response plan that includes
evacuation routes and shelters ensures preparedness
for affected communities.
8. Financial Assistance for Affected Families
9. Policy Integration: Integrating climate change
adaptation strategies into all planning processes
ensures that disaster risk reduction is prioritized
across various sectors.
9. Assuming yourself as a politician who is going
to contest election from Kerala , prepare an
election manifesto keeping the present conditions
of Wayanad in mind.
Election Manifesto for Wayanad, Kerala
Vision Statement
Our vision is to build a resilient, sustainable, and
prosperous Wayanad that thrives in harmony with its
natural environment while ensuring the safety and
well-being of its communities.

Key Commitments
1. Disaster Preparedness and Response
o Establish state-of-the-art Early Warning

Systems
o Develop a comprehensive Disaster

Management Plan
2. Infrastructure Development
o Upgrade and maintain drainage systems and

roads
o Invest in eco-friendly infrastructure

3. Sustainable Land Use

 o Enforce stricter regulations on construction in
vulnerable areas
o Promote sustainable agriculture

4. Environmental Restoration
o Launch a mass reforestation initiative

o Implement soil conservation programs

5. Community Empowerment
o Foster community engagement through regular

workshops on disaster preparedness and

sustainable practices.
o Establish local disaster response teams.

6. Economic Support and Development

o Provide financial assistance and insurance

o Promote eco-tourism and sustainable

business initiatives
7. Research and Innovation
o Collaborate with academic institutions for

research on climate change

o Invest in technology to monitor environmental

changes, enabling proactive responses to

potential disasters.
8. Health and Well-being
o Enhance healthcare infrastructure

o Implement mental health support programs.

9. Transparency and Accountability

o Ensure transparency in government actions

o Regularly update the community on progress

and ask feedback to foster trust and

collaboration.
Conclusion
Together, we can transform Wayanad into a model of
resilience and sustainability. Let’s unite for a safer,
greener, and more prosperous Wayanad!
Vote for a sustainable future. Vote for progress.
10. Mention 2/3 statistical data found in the given
links
Statistical data points related to the landslides in
Wayanad:
1. Landslide Incidence: The landslides in Wayanad
resulted in the loss of lives and homes, with reports
indicating that two villages were nearly wiped out
overnight due to the heavy rainfall and subsequent
landslides.
2. Vulnerability Assessment: Wayanad has been
identified as a highly vulnerable district to
disasters, with a significant percentage of its area
classified as prone to landslides, highlighting the
urgent need for effective disaster management
strategies.
3. Economic Impact: The economic implications of
the recent disasters are substantial, with estimates
suggesting significant financial losses for families
and the local economy, necessitating targeted
support and recovery efforts from the government.
11. Prepare at least TEN slogans to make people
aware about landslides
  "Together We Stand, Together We Plan:
Prevent Landslides!"
 "Don’t Let Your Guard Down: Landslides Can
Hit Town!"
 "Act Now, Save Lives: Prepare for the
Unexpected!"
 "Community Strength is Key: Together
Against Landslides!"
 "Landslides are Real, So Is Our
Responsibility!"
 "Educate, Prepare, Prevent: Fight Landslides!"
 "Slope Stability Starts with You: Be
Informed!"
 "Nature is Powerful: Respect It, Protect
Yourself!"
 "Prepare Today, Survive Tomorrow: Landslide
Awareness!"
 "Don’t Wait for a Warning: Be Ready for
Landslides!"
 "Safety Starts with Knowledge: Learn About
Landslides!"

BY- Alena Jain

Class-1X-C