Introduction to Disaster

Management
 DISASTER?
 Disaster originated from Greek Word, DUS= Bad & ASTR= Star….The root of disaster
comes from an Astrological sense of a calamity blamed on the position of a planet.
Health Sector Emergency Managers are concerned with Public safety and public
Health. Clients are threatened/injured and damaged during Disaster. The Disaster
Management Act was established in 2005.
 Definition of Disaster- “Any occurrence that causes damage, ecological
disruption, loss of human life , deterioration of health and health services ,
sufficient to warrant an extraordinary response from outside the affected
community/area.” (WHO)
OR
 “A disaster can defined as an occurrence either Nature or Man made that causes
Human suffering and creates human needs that victim can not alleviate without
assistance.” (American Red Cross)
OR
 Disaster is an emergency in which local authorities cannot cope the goal of
emergency management is to protect public health.” ALL DISASTERS ARE
EMERGENCIES BUT NOT ALL EMERGENCIES ARE DISASTERS
 HAZARD?

 Any phenomenon that has the potential to cause Damage to people and their
Environment.

 CLASSIFICATION OF HAZARD
• Natural Hazard
• Technological Hazard
• Biological Hazard
• Societal Hazard
 For example an Earthquake hazard of the same magnitude in a sparsely
populated village of Rajasthan and in the densely populated city of Delhi will
cause different levels of damage to humans lives, property & Economic
Activities.

 There is a two type of emergencies

 (i) Non-disaster Emergencies
 (ii) Disaster Emergencies
 Disaster has been defined by the UN as a serious disruption of the functioning of
a community or a society involving widespread human, material, economic or
environmental losses and impacts, which exceeds the ability of the affected
community or society to cope using its own resources.
 Hazard: It is a dangerous phenomenon or a physical condition that has the
potential to cause fatalities, injuries, property damage, loss of livelihoods and
services, social and economic disruption, or environmental damage.
 Risk: Likelihood × Consequences (Therefore by decreasing either likelihood or
consequences incurred we may reduce the probable risk)
 Vulnerability: The extent to which a community, structure, service, and/or
geographical area is likely to be damaged or disrupted by the impact of
particular hazard, depending on their nature, construction and proximity to a
disaster-prone area.
CLASSIFICATION OF DISASTERS

 1. Biological Disaster: Insect Infestation, Epidemics & Animal Attacks.

 2. Geographical Disaster: Earthquake & Tsunamis, Volcanic Eruptions etc.

 3. Climatological Disaster: Droughts(Associated with Food insecurities),

Extreme Temperature & Wild Fires

 4. Hydrological Disaster: Flood including Waves and Surges.

 5. Meteorological Disaster: Storms

 Disaster Agent

 Primary agents
Falling buildings, heat, wind, rising water and smoke.

 Secondary agents
Bacteria and Viruses that produce contamination or infection after the primary agent
has caused injury or destruction
HOST

 Human kind
 Age, sex, immunization status, pre-existing
health, degree of mobility,
Environment

 Physical Factors
 Chemical Factors
 Biological Factors
 Social Factors
 Psychological Factors
DISASTER Alphabetically means

 D- Detection
 I- Incident and Command
 S- Safety and Security
 A-Asses
 S- Support
 T- Triage and Treatment
 E- Evaluation
 R-Recovery
What is Resilience?

 Theability to prepare and plan for, absorb,

recover from, or more successfully adapt to
actual or potential adverse events
Finding: Managing and Reducing
Disaster Risks
 Risk assessment, risk perception, and behavioral responses to uncertainty are critical to
managing risk.
 Risk management involves a range of interacting parties: federal, state, local government; home-
and business owners; emergency managers; construction industry; insurers; markets; and others.
 A variety of tools and approaches exist to manage disaster risk. These tools are complementary
and can be used in conjunction.
 Structural (construction-related): e.g., levees, dams, floodways, disaster-resistant construction,
“smart” building, and well-enforced building codes Reducing risk requires a disciplined
 Nonstructural (non-construction-related): e.g., natural process of identifying risk, developing
defenses, risk mapping, zoning ordinances, economic and implementing a strategy to deal
incentives, hazard forecasting/warning, insurance, and with that risk, and keeping that strategy
catastrophe bonds up to date
 CAUSES OF DISASTER?
 Disasters can be caused by a variety of natural and human-made factors. Here
are the primary causes:
 Natural Causes
 Geological Events:
 Earthquakes: Sudden shaking of the ground caused by movements of tectonic plates.
 Volcanic Eruptions: The release of magma, ash, and gases from a volcano, which can
cause widespread damage and ash clouds.
 Landslides: The movement of rock, earth, or debris down a slope, often triggered by
heavy rainfall, earthquakes, or volcanic activity.
 Hydrological Events:
 Floods: Overflow of water onto normally dry land, which can be caused by heavy
rainfall, river overflow, or storm surges.
 Tsunamis: Large ocean waves generated by underwater earthquakes or volcanic
eruptions, which can inundate coastal areas.
 Meteorological Events:
 Hurricanes/Cyclones/Typhoons: Intense tropical storms with high winds and heavy
rain, causing coastal and inland flooding, storm surges, and wind damage.
 Tornadoes: Rapidly rotating columns of air that extend from a thunderstorm to the
ground, causing localized destruction.
 Droughts: Extended periods of deficient rainfall leading to water shortages and crop
failure.
 Heatwaves: Prolonged periods of excessively hot weather, which can cause heat-
related illnesses and exacerbate drought conditions.

 Climatological Events:
 Wildfires: Uncontrolled fires that spread through vegetation, often exacerbated by
dry conditions, heat, and wind.
 Extreme Weather Events: Severe weather conditions such as blizzards, hailstorms,
and extreme cold spells.
 Human-Made Causes
 Technological and Industrial Accidents:
 Chemical Spills: Release of hazardous chemicals into the environment due to
accidents or negligence, leading to contamination and health risks.
 Nuclear Accidents: Release of radioactive materials from nuclear power plants due to
accidents or failures, posing significant health and environmental hazards.
 Industrial Explosions: Explosions in factories, plants, or storage facilities causing
damage and potential loss of life.
 Environmental Degradation:
 Deforestation: Large-scale removal of forests, leading to loss of biodiversity, soil
erosion, and increased vulnerability to floods and landslides.
 Desertification: Degradation of land in arid regions due to overgrazing, deforestation,
and poor agricultural practices.
 Pollution: Contamination of air, water, and soil from industrial, agricultural, and
urban activities, leading to health issues and ecosystem damage.
 Urbanization and Infrastructure Failures:
 Poor Urban Planning: Inadequate infrastructure and planning in urban areas, leading to
vulnerability to floods, earthquakes, and other disasters.
 Building Collapses: Structural failures of buildings due to poor construction practices, lack
of maintenance, or natural events.
 Conflict and War:
 Armed Conflicts: Wars and conflicts can lead to displacement, destruction of
infrastructure, and humanitarian crises.
 Terrorism: Deliberate acts of violence targeting civilians, infrastructure, or governments,
causing loss of life and widespread fear.
 Compound Causes
 Climate Change: A significant driver that can exacerbate the frequency and
intensity of natural disasters such as hurricanes, floods, droughts, and wildfires.
 Human Activities: Activities such as mining, dam construction, and improper land
use can trigger or worsen natural disasters.
IMPACTS OF DISASTER

 The impact and effect of disasters can be extensive and multifaceted,

affecting individuals, communities, and nations. Here are some key aspects:
1. Human Impact
 Loss of Life and Injury: Disasters often result in significant fatalities and
injuries. The immediate aftermath can strain medical and emergency
services.
 Psychological Effects: Survivors may experience trauma, anxiety, depression,
and PTSD. Long-term mental health support may be necessary.
 Displacement: Many people may be forced to leave their homes, leading to
temporary or permanent displacement and the challenges of finding shelter
and basic necessities.
2. Economic Impact
 Direct Costs: These include the destruction of infrastructure, homes, and
businesses. The cost of rebuilding and repairing can be substantial.
 Indirect Costs: There can be long-term economic disruptions, including loss of
jobs, decreased productivity, and interruption of trade and commerce.
 Insurance: The financial burden on insurance companies can be enormous,
affecting premiums and coverage availability.
3.Environmental Impact
 Destruction of Ecosystems: Natural habitats can be destroyed, affecting
biodiversity and ecosystem services.
 Pollution: Disasters can cause spills of hazardous materials, contaminating air,
water, and soil.
 Climate Change: Some disasters, such as wildfires and floods, can be
exacerbated by climate change, creating a feedback loop that increases the
frequency and severity of such events.
4. Social Impact
 Community Disruption: Social networks and community structures can be
severely disrupted, affecting social cohesion and support systems.
 Education: Schools may be destroyed or repurposed as shelters, disrupting
education for children.
 Health: Besides immediate injuries, there can be long-term health impacts
from displacement, stress, and exposure to harmful conditions.
5. Infrastructure Impact
 Transportation: Roads, bridges, and public transport systems may be
damaged, hindering mobility and the delivery of aid.
 Utilities: Disasters can disrupt water, electricity, and communication systems,
complicating recovery efforts.
 Housing: Large numbers of homes may be destroyed or damaged, requiring
significant rebuilding efforts.
6. Political Impact
 Governance: Disasters can challenge government capacities to respond
effectively, potentially leading to political instability.
 Policy Changes: They can prompt changes in policies related to disaster
preparedness, response, and climate change.
7.Cultural Impact
 Heritage Sites: Historical and cultural landmarks may be damaged or
destroyed, leading to a loss of cultural heritage.
 Community Identity: The destruction of physical spaces can affect the sense
of identity and continuity for affected communities.
8. Psychological Impact
 Acute Stress Reactions:
 Shock and Denial: Initial reactions often include shock, disbelief, and denial of the
disaster's severity.
 Fear and Anxiety: Fear for personal safety, loved ones, and future uncertainties can
cause significant anxiety.
 Sadness and Grief: Loss of life, property, and community can lead to profound
sadness and grief.
 Long-term Mental Health Issues:
 Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Exposure to traumatic events can lead to
PTSD, characterized by flashbacks, nightmares, and severe anxiety.
 Depression: Prolonged periods of sadness, hopelessness, and disinterest in daily
activities can occur.
 Anxiety Disorders: Chronic anxiety, panic attacks, and obsessive-compulsive
behaviors may develop.
 Substance Abuse: Increased use of alcohol or drugs as a coping mechanism.
 Impact on Vulnerable Groups:
 Children: Children are particularly vulnerable, experiencing fear, confusion, and
disrupted routines, which can impact their development and mental health.
 Elderly and Disabled: These groups may face additional challenges in mobility,
access to care, and emotional support.
9. Emotional Impact
 Sense of Loss:
 Loss of Loved Ones: The death of family and friends can cause profound emotional
pain and mourning.
 Loss of Home and Possessions: Losing one's home and personal belongings can
create a sense of instability and insecurity.
 Loss of Identity and Purpose:
 Career and Livelihood: Loss of jobs or businesses can affect individuals' sense of
identity and purpose.
 Community Identity: The destruction of familiar community landmarks and spaces
can affect the collective identity of a community.
 Mitigation and Preparedness
 Risk Assessment: Understanding the risks and vulnerabilities of different areas
to various types of disasters is crucial.
 Early Warning Systems: Implementing effective early warning systems can save
lives and reduce damage.
 Emergency Planning: Developing and regularly updating emergency response
plans can enhance preparedness.
 Building Resilience: Investing in resilient infrastructure and communities can
help mitigate the effects of future disasters.