The Role of Government in a Disaster Management

Disaster is a sudden accident or a natural catastrophe that causes great damage or loss of life.

“A disaster can be defined as any occurrence that cause damage, ecological disruption, loss of human life, deterioration of health and health services on a scale, sufficient to warrant an extraordinary response from outside the affected community or area”.

(W.H.O.)

What is Disaster?

There are mainly two types of disaster:1.   Natural2.   Man-Made

“Disaster management” is the creation of plans through which communities reduce  the impact of disasters.

What is disaster management ?

Components of Disaster Management:

1. Preparedness2. Response3. Recovery4. Mitigation / Reduction

Minimize casualties Prevent further casualties Rescue the victims First aid Evacuate Medical care Reconstruction

Principles of Disaster Management:

Role of Government: The Government of India enacted the

Disaster Management Act, which envisaged the creation of “National Disaster Management Authority”(NDMA), “NATIONAL DISASTER RESPONSE FORCE” (NDRF).

“Symbolic of National will to provide a multidisciplinary, multi-skilled, high-tech Specialist Response Force for all types of disaster capable of insertion by Air, Sea & Land.”

1. Capable in CSSR(Collapsed Structure Search & Rescue) operations.

2. Men are trained in MFR (Medical First Responder)3. Men are trained in Flood and mountain rescue operations.4. Each unit has deep divers.5. 36 Dogs would be present with capability of search & rescue

operations.6. Presence of specialized manpower viz. 36 Engineers, 19 Doctors,

36 Nurses, 18 Technicians, 18 Electricians etc. make it a highly specialized professional Force.

7. Authorization and presence of highly specialized equipments.8. High mobility.

CAPABILITIES & STRENGTH OF NDRF:

ROLE OF NDRF:

PRE-DISASTER

Will impart Disaster Management training to the local police, District Authorities, PRIs and other Stake holders.

Will organise community awareness and preparedness programme during familarisation & recee of vulnerable areas in the A.O.R.

Will impart training to the teachers and school children in the management of Natural Disasters.

DURING - DISASTER

Pro-active deployment at level – III disaster. Provide hi-tech-specialist response during search and

rescue of victims. Provide immediate relief with available men and

material in the effected areas. POST – DISASTER

To assist States in recovery- maintenance of normalcy at the areas of disaster.

ROLE OF NDRF:

Drought Ministry of Agriculture

Epidemics & Biological Disasters

Chemical Disasters

Nuclear Disasters

Air Accidents

Railway Accidents

Ministry of Health and Family Welfare

Ministry of Environment & Forests

Ministry of Atomic Energy

Ministry of Civil Aviation

Ministry of Railways

For a few specific types of disasters the concerned Ministries have the nodal responsibilities for management of the disasters, as under:

Thank You