Disaster Risk Reduction and Management

(DRRM)
7th Sem Open Elective, Course code: 20CE O02
By
Kakara Srikanth
Assistant Professor
Civil Engineering Department

UNIT II: Disaster Management Cycle

UNIT 2
Disaster Management Cycle: Rescue, Relief, Rehabilitation, Prevention, Mitigation and
Preparedness, Disaster risk reduction {DRR) Community based DRR, institutions
concerned with safety, disaster mitigation and construction techniques as per Indian
standards, Early warning systems.
DISASTER MANAGEMENT CYCLE
➢ Disaster Risk Management includes sum total of all activities, programmes and measures which can be
taken up before, during and after a disaster with the purpose to avoid a disaster, reduce its impact or
recover from its losses.

➢ The three key stages of activities that are taken up within disaster risk management are:
Salient attributes of disaster Management

• Creating necessary organizational structure and infrastructure

dedicated to disaster management.

• Preparing disaster management plans.

• Organizing necessary resources from various agencies.

• Taking measures to prevent disasters.

• Making necessary preparations to reduce risk of disasters.

• Undertaking relief and recovery operations.

• Co-ordinating with all agencies and executing plans effectively,

efficiently and ethically.

Principles of disaster Management

• Comprehensive: Consider and take into account all hazards, phases, stakeholders,
and impacts relevant to disasters.

• Progressive: Anticipate future disasters and take preventive and preparatory

measures to build disaster resistant and resilient communities.

• Risk-driven: Use sound risk management principles (hazard identification, risk

analysis, and impact analysis) in assisting priorities and recourses.

• Integrated: Ensure unity of effort among all levels of government and all elements of
a community.
• Collaborative: Create and sustain broad and sincere relationships among
individuals and organizations to encourage trust, advocate a team atmosphere,
build consensus, and facilitate communication.

• Coordinative: Synchronies the activities of relevant stakeholders to achieve a

common purpose.

• Flexible: Use creative and innovative approaches in solving disaster challenges.

• Professional: Value a science and knowledge-based approach, based on education,

training experience, ethical practice, public stewardship and continuous
improvement.
Four Phases of disaster Management
 Mitigation
Mitigation refers to all the measures taken to reduce the risk from disasters. This
can be done through many actions that are aimed at increasing the capacity and
resilience of the individuals and community.

• Various steps involved in mitigation are:

❖Hazard Mapping

❖Vulnerability Analysis

❖Mitigation Measures

❖Development Control

❖Economic Diversification
 Hazard Mapping
A hazard map shows the hazard likely in a region

• Hazard mapping is the process of establishing geographically where

and to what extent particular phenomenon is likely to pose a threat to
people, property, infrastructure and economic activities.

• It is the process of identifying and displaying the spatial variation of

hazard events or physical conditions.

• For example, potential ground shaking, flood plains, hazardous

material sites, climate zones etc.

• The main objective is to provide the residents with the information on

the range of possible damage and the disaster prevention activities.

• It cannot stop a disaster. However, the effective use can stop the
magnitude of disaster. Flood maps, landslides map, shake maps are
specific types of hazard map.
 Mitigation Measures

• Structural Mitigation : Means ensuring that houses, offices and other commercial buildings can
withstand the likely disaster.

• Non structural mitigation: related to non-structural elements like electricity, gas, and other
elements.
Development control
• Land use control

• Agricultural crop pattern control

• Alternative incomes

• Critical infrastructure

• Water resource management.

 Preparedness
• Disaster Management Plan (DMP)

• Early Warning system

• Evacuation plans

• Shelters and Sheltering plan

• Inventory of resources

• Warehousing of Relief Materials

• Logistics

• Communication

• Education and Training of Personal

• Public Awareness Programs

 Response Recovery
• Rescue operations • Reconstruction of houses

• Providing Shelter • Water Supply

• Providing food and water • Infrastructure and Agriculture

• Medical Help • Commercial establishments

• Information to all • Rehabilitation

• Identification of the dead • Livelihood

• Preserving Bodies • Continued medical help

• Special Needs
Community Based Disaster Management (CBDM)

• Community-Based Disaster Risk Reduction (CBDRR) is an approach that

focuses on engaging local communities in the planning, implementation, and

monitoring of disaster risk reduction (DRR) activities.

• The core idea is to empower communities to take ownership of their safety by

building their capacity to manage and reduce disaster risks.

Principles of CBDRR

• Participation: Involves the active engagement of community members in all stages

of disaster risk reduction, from risk assessment to planning and implementation.

• Empowerment: Aims to empower communities with the knowledge and tools needed

to manage their own risks, thereby reducing their vulnerability to disasters.

• Sustainability: Focuses on developing long-term strategies and solutions that are

sustainable and can be maintained by the community over time.

• Inclusiveness: Ensures that all segments of the community, including marginalized

and vulnerable groups, have a voice in the decision-making process.

Key Components of CBDRR

• Risk Assessment:

• Community members identify and analyze the hazards, vulnerabilities, and capacities

within their environment. Tools like participatory mapping and vulnerability and

capacity assessments (VCA) are commonly used.

• Preparedness Planning:

• Communities develop disaster preparedness plans that outline roles, responsibilities,

and procedures for responding to various disaster scenarios. This includes

establishing early warning systems and evacuation plans.

Capacity Building:
• Training and education programs are conducted to enhance the community's knowledge
and skills in disaster risk reduction. This can involve first aid training, search and rescue
operations, and disaster management drills.
Resource Mobilization:
• Communities are encouraged to identify and mobilize local resources that can be used in
disaster risk reduction and response, such as local materials for building flood barriers or
community-based savings groups for emergency funds.
Advocacy and Networking:

• Communities engage in advocacy to influence local government policies and practices

related to disaster management. They may also form networks with other communities,
NGOs, and government agencies to share knowledge and resources.
Steps in Implementing CBDRR

• Community Mobilization: Initiating the process by raising awareness about disaster

risks and the importance of community involvement.

• Participatory Risk Assessment: Conducting participatory assessments to identify

risks, vulnerabilities, and existing capacities within the community.

• Action Planning: Developing a community-based disaster risk reduction plan that

includes specific actions to mitigate risks, prepare for potential disasters, and respond

effectively.
•Implementation: Executing the disaster risk reduction activities as planned. This often

involves community volunteers and local organizations.

•Monitoring and Evaluation: Regularly monitoring the progress of DRR activities and

evaluating their effectiveness. This step helps communities learn from their experiences and

make improvements.
Benefits of CBDRR

• Localized Solutions: CBDRR allows for solutions that are tailored to the specific needs,

cultural context, and environmental conditions of the community.

• Increased Resilience: By building local capacity and empowering communities, CBDRR

enhances their ability to cope with and recover from disasters.

• Stronger Social Cohesion: The process of working together on disaster risk reduction

activities strengthens the social fabric of the community.

• Sustainable Development: Integrating DRR into local development plans ensures that

progress in other areas (like infrastructure and health) is protected from disaster impacts.
Challenges in CBDRR
• Resource Constraints: Limited financial and technical resources can hinder the
implementation of CBDRR initiatives.
• Community Engagement: Sustaining long-term engagement and interest in DRR
activities can be challenging, especially if the community does not frequently
experience disasters.
• Policy Support: In some cases, there may be a lack of support or alignment with
broader government policies, which can limit the effectiveness of community-led
initiatives.
Institutions concerned with safety
Hyogo frame work of action (HFA)
Hyogo Framework of Action, adopted in Hyogo, Japan in 2005

Steps for Implementing DRR (Disaster Risk Reduction) Strategy

1. Ensure that DRR is a national and local priority with a strong institutional basis for
implementation.

2. Identify, assess and monitor disaster risks and improve early warning.

3. Use knowledge, innovative and education to build a culture of safety and flexibility at all
levels.

4. Reduce the fundamental risk factors.

5. Strengthen disaster preparedness for effective response at all levels.

The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) were the eight international development goals for the year 2015
that had been established
Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015 - 2030
 Organizational Structure for Disaster
Management in India
• Every country has to put in place disaster management structures to effectively implement disaster

management strategies at local level with support from international agencies.

• For this purpose, the Hyogo Framework 2005 has recommended the following:

• Ensure that disaster risk reduction is a national and a local priority with a strong institutional basis

for implementation.

• Countries that develop policy, legislative and institutional frameworks for disaster risk reduction and

that are able to develop and track progress through specific and measurable indicators have greater

capacity to manage risk and to achieve widespread consensus for, engagement in and compliance
• For this purpose, member states are required to take action to develop national institutional and legislative

frameworks. This has to be done by the following:

• Integrate risk reduction, as appropriate, into development policies planning at all levels of government, including

in poverty reduction strategies and sectors and multi sector policies and plans.

• Adopt, or modify where necessary, legislation to support disaster risk reduction, including regulations and

mechanisms that encourage compliance and that promote incentives for undertaking risk reduction and mitigation

activities.

• Recognise the importance and specificity of local risk patterns and trends, decentralize responsibilities and

resources for disaster risk reduction to relevant subnational or local authorities, as appropriate.

• The establishment of national platforms for disaster reduction.

Identifying Agencies and Responsibilities
It has been recognized that disaster management must begin at the community and individual level. The
organizational needs are identified on the basis of this fundamental presumption and on the need to
prevent, mitigate disaster risks and to undertake the massive effort for response and recovery:

1. Hazard, risk and frequency assessment from past experience, scientific studies and research.

2. Extent of geographic area, vulnerability of population, multi-hazard risks.

3. Community and individual level bottom-up approach

4. Requirements of capacity building

5. Other resources available like military and paramilitary forces, private resources and NGOs.

6. Availability and requirements of scientists, engineers, sociologists etc.

7. Disaster management plans for specific areas and the country.

Vision of National Policy on Disaster Management
The vision of the national policy for disaster management is “to build a safe and disaster resilient India by developing a
holistic, proactive, multi-disaster oriented and technology driven strategy through a culture of prevention, mitigation,
preparedness and response”
• The organizational structure should include the setting up of special agencies to deal with disasters at central level and
local level, an organization to train personnel and special relief forces, documenting disaster related information &
relief work, assessment of the effectiveness of response and setting up infrastructure for using modern technological
tools.

➢ The national policy on disaster management Act, 2005 was passed by parliament, to give a legal and institutional
framework to the national policy.

➢ The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has been set up as the top body for Disaster Management in
India, with the Prime Minister as its Chairman.
➢ NDMA is mandated to lay down the policies, plans and guidelines for Disaster Management.
➢ The Indian government attempts to promote a national resolve to mitigate the damage and destruction caused by
natural and man-made disasters, through sustained and collective efforts of all Government agencies, Non-
Governmental Organizations and People’s participation.

• NDMA has 5 major divisions viz. Policy & Plans, Mitigation, Operations & Communications, Information & Technology,
Administration and Finance.
➢ National Executive Committee chaired by the home secretary in which secretaries from relevant
ministries will be members.
➢ National Institute of Disaster Management will be established for training at various levels in
disaster management activities.
➢ National Disaster Response Force will be formed to take care of the post disaster operations in the
case of disasters.

The National Executive Committee (NEC)

National Executive Committee chaired by the home secretary in which secretaries from relevant ministries
and department of, Agriculture, Atomic energy, defense, Water supply, Environmental & Forest, Finance,
Urban Development, Health, Power, Rural Development, Science & Technology, Space, Telecommunications,
Water Resource Development etc..

Responsibilities of NEC
➢ To assist the NDMA in the release of its functions.
➢ To ensure compliance of instructions issued by the central government
➢ To coordinate the response to any disaster
➢ To prepare a national plan for disaster management as per the national policy on disaster management
➢ To monitor the implementation of the guidelines issued by the NDMA
Disaster Management Schemes, Policy, Plans & Guidelines

•National Policy on Disaster Management, 2009

•National Action Plan on Climate Change-Issued by MOEF

•Drought Manual –Prepared jointly by MOA/ NIDM and issued by MOA.

•Guidelines-26 guidelines issued by NDMA.

•National Disaster Management Plan

•State and District Disaster Management Plans

 Disaster Mitigation and Construction Techniques as per Indian Standards

➢Infrastructure refers to the systems needed for the functioning of a community.

➢Infrastructure comprises an enormous portion of the built environment. (water –

water supply; sanitary sewer; Energy – Electric power, Natural gas, Petroleum fuels;
Transportation – Highway, Railways, Air and water transportation; Emergency
services – police, fire, health care).

➢A modern community, particularly a large urban region, cant survive long given the
wholesale failure of any of these system.

➢For this reason, in relation to disaster reduction, public infrastructure is also often
termed lifelines structures (pipe lines, tanks, treatment plants, roads and bridges, etc.)
Impact of Disasters on Lifeline Structures
Earthquake, Tropical Cyclones, Tsunami Floods and Volcanoes can all have disastrous impact
on lifelines.

Lifeline Structures

➢Pipelines
➢Tanks
➢Treatment Plants
➢Cranes
➢Road and Bridges
Engineered and non-engineered structures
• Engineered structures involve architects and engineers during the planning,
designing and construction of structures, including buildings, dams, embankments,
roads, bridges etc.
• Many countries have rules and laws providing codes for engineered construction.
These codes provide guidelines for appropriate design and construction techniques
in disaster prone areas for specific disasters such as earthquakes and cyclones.
Engineered and non-engineered structures
• Such structures can be constructed after collecting data for hazard vulnerability
and related meteorological parameters (wind velocity, direction, rainfall, its
duration etc.).
• Structural measures include construction of cyclone shelters, coastal embankments
that help protect coastal land from inundation by tidal waves and storm surges,
water harvesting facilities etc.
Engineered and non-engineered structures
• Non - engineered structures are generally constructed by people with the
help of local artisans like masons, carpenters etc., using locally available
raw material.
• These structures can be made safer, if people are trained and given
improved designs. These structures are normally of low - cost but have less
strength /resistance for a disaster.
Different Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) codes
• IS 1893:1984 Criteria for Earthquake Resistant Design of Structures
• IS 4326:1993 Earthquake Resistant Design and Construction of Buildings-Code of Practice
• IS 13828:1993 Improving Earthquake Resistance of Low Strength Masonry Buildings –
Guidelines
• IS 13920:1993 Ductile Detailing of Reinforced Concrete Structures Subjected to Seismic
Forces – Code of Practice
• IS 15498:2004 ‘Guidelines for improving the cyclonic resistance of low rise houses and other
buildings/structures’
• IS 13739:1993 ‘Guidelines for estimation of flood damages’.
• IS 14496 (Part 2):1998 Guidelines for preparation of landslide – Hazard zonation maps in
mountainous terrain : Part 2 Macro Zonation
Flood mitigation measures
• Floods cause inundation of land and property which is destructive and
catastrophic . The following mitigation measures can help in reducing the losses
caused by floods:
• Land-use planning and control .
• Construction of dams, dykes, embankments, dykes, reservoirs
• Diversion of flood water through a bypass or canals to water deficit or less vulnerable
areas.
• Prevention of construction in riverbeds and other waterways
Flood mitigation measures
• Maintenance of drains and canals to ensure free flow of water.
• Interlinking of rivers program: such that surplus water rivers can be linked with
water deficient rivers.
• Flood Plain Zoning: It is regulatory measures that control land use in flood-prone
areas based on vulnerability and promotes conservation of natural flood buffers
like wetlands and forests.
• Flood Forecasting and Early Warning: Systems that provide early estimates of
approaching floods using meteorological and hydrological data.
Flood mitigation measures
• Flood mitigation measures have been in place since 1950s, in the form of
embankments, dams and barrages etc.
• In order to respond effectively to floods, the Ministry of Home Affairs has
initiated measures such as drawing up mitigation plans at the state, district,
block, village levels, training of elected representatives and officials in flood
management . etc.
Drought mitigation measures
• Drought severely affects the livelihoods of people, as it has impact on land,
livestock and
• physical infrastructure. In extreme cases, it leads to migration of people to other
areas.
• The drought mitigation strategies as such include: -
• • Water preservation
• • Watershed management
• • Alternate cropping and farming patterns
• • Reducing deforestation and fire wood cutting
Drought mitigation measures
• Tackling soil erosion through check dams, leveling, planting, etc.
• Promoting alternative livelihood practices
• Repair and upkeep of existing water storage facilities
• Cultivation, storage and distribution of fodder
• Promoting rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge.
Cyclone impact mitigation
Cyclones, which generally affect the coastal areas have an effect on weak
houses, light weight structures, telecommunication infrastructure, etc. The
• mitigation strategies include:
• Construction of suitable engineered structures for public infrastructure, considering
cyclone forces such as wind.
• Incorporating building codes for cyclones
• Retrofitting of non-engineered structures such that are stable during cyclones. Eg.
Anchoring strong posts with solid footings on the ground.
• Construction of Cyclone shelters considering factors like the area, population and the
cyclone history.
• Implementing appropriate early warning systems
Cyclone impact mitigation
• Planting trees in rows, coastal shelterbelt plantations, mangrove shelterbelt plantations,
etc can help break the wind force and mitigate the severe losses.
• Land use planning – With the effective implementation of land use planning, the key
activities and settlements can be avoided in the most vulnerable areas.
• Hazard Mapping – It suggests that using hazard mapping, one can predict the vulnerable
areas affected by the storms. It maps the pattern of old cyclones using their wind speed,
areas affected, flooding frequency etc.
Earthquake impact mitigation
• Earthquakes cause extensive damage to human lives, livestock and property. Its
intensity can be reduced through making provision for:
• Seismic building codes
• Retrofitting of existing buildings Seismic zonation
• Appropriate location planning and land-use regulations
Earthquake impact mitigation
• Various steps can be taken to mitigate the impact of earthquakes. These include:
• Building Codes and Standards: India has established building codes and
standards for earthquake-resistant construction.
• It is important to strictly enforce these codes and standards to ensure that new
buildings are built to withstand earthquakes.
• Retrofitting and reinforcement: Many of the older buildings can be reinforced or
retrofitted to improve their earthquake performance.
• Emergency Response Planning: This includes developing evacuation plans,
establishing emergency shelters, and training personnel on how to respond to
earthquakes.
Earthquake impact mitigation
• Research and Monitoring: Investing in research and monitoring can help improve
our understanding of earthquakes and their causes, and can also help to
develop better methods for predicting and mitigating their impact.
• Land-Use Planning: It is important to consider the potential impacts of
earthquakes when planning and developing land-use policies. This includes
limiting development in areas that are prone to earthquakes and ensuring that
new development is designed and constructed in a way that minimises the risk of
damage.
Landslide impact mitigation
• Landslides are a geological phenomenon that involves the sudden and rapid movement
of a mass of rock, soil, or debris down a slope under the influence of gravity.
• Landslides can be due to natural causes like heavy rainfall and earthquakes. They can also
occur due to man-made causes like excavation and blasting. They have a huge impact on
human and animal life, villages, crops and infrastructure.
Landslide impact mitigation
• Suggested mitigation measures for landslide hazards are:
➢ Promotion of terrace farming can help reduce landslide risks.
➢ Afforestation and construction of bunds to reduce the flow of falling materials.
➢ Retaining walls can be built on mountain slopes to stop the falling materials coming
down.
➢ Implementing better hazard mapping and weather prediction systems
➢ Education and training can help ensure the preparedness of the disaster management
authorities as well as the local community.
Early warning systems in Disaster Management
• An Early warning system (EWS) is a technology and process designed to detect a
potential disaster early enough to provide sufficient time to react and mitigate the
impact on people and infrastructure.
• By providing advanced notice of potential hazards, early warning systems enable
individuals, communities, and organizations to take appropriate measures to minimize
the potential impact of disasters.
• Different types of early warning systems are:
• Natural disaster warning systems
• Industrial and technological waring systems
• Public health warning systems
Early warning systems in Disaster Management
• Components of early warning systems:
1. Detection and Monitoring: Continuous monitoring using sensors and other data-
collecting technologies to gather real-time information about potential hazards.
2. Data Analysis and Forecasting: Analyzing the collected data to forecast potential
impacts, using models and other predictive tools to assess when and where the
disaster might strike.
3. Dissemination and Communication: Efficient systems to communicate the warning to
all stakeholders, including the government, emergency services, and the public. This
may involve multiple channels like SMS, radio, TV, and internet.
4. Response Capability: Preparedness and emergency response plans that are well-
practised and can be activated swiftly once a warning is issued. This includes training
for emergency responders and public awareness campaigns.
Early warning systems in Disaster Management
• What are the 4 pillars of early warning system?
• Pillar 1: Disaster risk knowledge.
• Pillar 2: Detection, observation, monitoring, analysis and forecasting
of hazards.
• Pillar 3: Warning dissemination and communication.
• Pillar 4: Preparedness and response capabilities
Early warning systems in Disaster Management
• India's First Earthquake Early Warning Mobile App
• India's first early warning mobile application which can alert users before an
earthquake was launched in Uttarakhand in 2021.
• The application is called 'Uttarakhand Bhookamp Alert' and has been developed
by IIT Roorkee.
• The project was sponsored by the Uttarakhand State Disaster Management
Authority.
• The application uses an Earthquake Early Warning (EEW), a real-time earthquake
information system that can detect the onset of the earthquake.
• It can issue warnings before significant tremors take hold of an area.
Early warning systems in Disaster Management
• It disseminates information regarding the occurrence of an earthquake, as well as the
expected time of arrival and intensity at the tremor location to prevent any loss of life.
• According to IIT-Roorkee experts, the physical basis for an earthquake early warning
system is the speed of the seismic waves, which propagate after the release of stress
from the ground.

• The Central Water Commission launched an app, called 'Floodwatch', which can forecast
the chances of floods a day in advance.
• It also provides a seven-day advisory on the chances of floods at various stations in the
country where the CWC maintains its measurement gauges.