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CRISIS MAAGEMET DURIG DISASTERS AD ATURAL CALAMITIES CHAPTER I INTRODUCTION 1. The response to natural disasters has evolved over a period of time the world over. From the purely humanitarian urge to offer help and relief to the victims, the re- sponse to the challenges of disasters has come to address itself to preparedness to mitigate their impact and reduce their occurrence to sustain development effort. India is not an exception to this changing scenario. The philanthropy and the munificence of the rich are still evident in offering humanitarian assistance, but this is a small part of the total relief effort. The dynamics of voluntary action does contribute to the building up of resilience of disaster prone societies but these efforts are isolated and still the major part of this task rests on the governmental interventions. 2. Although the man has made tremendous technological progress in his rela- tively brief existence on earth, he is still virtually helpless against vagaries of nature. Natu- ral disasters such as flood, cyclones, earthquakes ravage man’s domain at will and cause much loss to life and property. In addition to natural disasters, man has con- trived to add to his miseries by waging wars and creating other manmade disasters. 3. Disaster relief has become a major theme of our times. The advancement in communications has brought to us much more rapidly and vividly the untold miseries

Transcript of Crisis Mgt During Disaster&Natural Calamities

Page 1: Crisis Mgt During Disaster&Natural Calamities

CRISIS MA�AGEME�T DURI�G DISASTERS

A�D �ATURAL CALAMITIES

CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION

1. The response to natural disasters has evolved over a period of time the world

over. From the purely humanitarian urge to offer help and relief to the victims, the re-

sponse to the challenges of disasters has come to address itself to preparedness to

mitigate their impact and reduce their occurrence to sustain development effort. India

is not an exception to this changing scenario. The philanthropy and the munificence of

the rich are still evident in offering humanitarian assistance, but this is a small part of

the total relief effort. The dynamics of voluntary action does contribute to the building

up of resilience of disaster prone societies but these efforts are isolated and still the

major part of this task rests on the governmental interventions.

2. Although the man has made tremendous technological progress in his rela-

tively

brief existence on earth, he is still virtually helpless against vagaries of nature. Natu-

ral disasters such as flood, cyclones, earthquakes ravage man’s domain at will and

cause much loss to life and property. In addition to natural disasters, man has con-

trived to add to his miseries by waging wars and creating other manmade disasters.

3. Disaster relief has become a major theme of our times. The advancement in

communications has brought to us much more rapidly and vividly the untold miseries

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and dissolution suffered by human beings in the wake of cataclysmic events. As per

WHO data, there has been marked increase in disaster situation over the years1. The

number of disasters between 1900 to 1960 totalled 4098 whereas in much shorter of

30 years from 1962 to 1989 the number was 3380. Rightly so, the UN has declared

1990 as the international decade of natural disaster reduction (IDNDR), to enhance

disaster management capabilities all over the world.

1 Padmanabhan B. S.- Coping with Natural Disasters. Hindu 20 May 91.

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CHAPTER II

METHODOLOGY

Hypothesis

1. India comprises an area of 32,87,263 sq. km. It extends from snow covered

Himalayas to tropical rain forest of the south. Bounded by the great Himalayas in the

north, it stretches southwards and at tropic of cancer, it tapers off into the Indian

Ocean between the Bay of Bengal on the east and Arabian sea on the west. Lying en-

tirely in the northern hemisphere, it covers 29 longitudes and 31 latitudes and has

coastline of 7500 km. India’s physical geography and climate, pattern of rainfall make

it prone to a variety of natural disasters such as floods, storms cyclones and earth-

quakes. The population and the lack of technological safeguards in its developing in-

dustry, make it vulnerable to a variety of man made disasters e.g. Bhopal gas tragedy,

Industrial and domestic fires, large number of railway mishaps, epidemics etc.

Statement of the Problem

2. This paper examines the process of Disaster Management : its structure in In-

dia and recommendations.

Justification for the Study

3. The loss of human lives and physical assets caused by natural calamities are

assuming staggering proportions. However, India’s march towards a national policy

for disaster management is surprisingly slow and direction less. The devastating cy-

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clone in Orissa has brought into focus once again issue of management of natural dis-

asters in the country. Cyclone of 1977 and 1996 in the coastal areas of Andhra

Pradesh, the very recent cyclone in Orissa in 1999, the 1993 earthquake at Latur and

1999 earthquake in Chamoli shook the conscience of entire nation, however planners

at national and state level have not learnt their lesson well.

4. India as a nation is vulnerable to natural disasters. The very fact that the coun-

try has set aside funds for calamity relief reveals India’s vulnerability. Is the country

adequately prepared with equipment and strategy to reduce disasters? There are differ-

ences of opinion on this issue. According to one opinion, there are some limitations,

but by and large, the country is well equipped. Some others, however, point out that

the country still does not have detailed hazard and vulnerability assessments, forcing it

to merely respond to calamities and organise reconstruction than create disaster reduc-

tion. It is in this context that this study assumes importance. It will analyse various

facets of disaster preparedness, evaluate existing structures for management of disas-

ters and forward its recommendations.

5. The subject matter will be discussed in sufficient details to analyse in broad

terms the assistance rendered by the International Organisations, along with disaster

management carried out at national and state level. However, study has following

limitations :-

(a) Disaster relief and management procedures and organisations differ

from state to state and cannot be covered in its entirety.

(b) Response of various organs of the government can be only analysed in

broad terms.

(c) Focus of dissertation is primarily on disasters caused by natural calami-

ties.

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Operational Definitions

6. Disaster

(a) The concise Oxford Dictionary defines disaster as “sudden or great

misfortune; calamity or complete failure”. To take a simple example, the

sudden loss of four family members in a road accident, would probably be de-

scribed by that family as a disaster, but professionals involved in a counter dis-

aster activities would probably describe this as an ‘accident’, ‘incident’, ‘occur-

rence’ or ‘emergency’.

(b) Therefore, a ‘disaster’ occurs when there is a serious disruption to

community life arising with little or no warning; which threatens to or causes

injury in that community and/or damage to property, which is beyond the day-

to-day capacity of the prescribed government or statutory authorities and

which requires the special mobilisation and organisation of resources, other

than those readily (normally) available to these authorities.

7. Crisis Management. The calm, deliberate, judicious and controlled mecha-

nisms instituted by a government to avert, if possible and if not isolate and prevent

further escalation and thereafter adopt measures to restore normalcy in available

time frame2.

8. Disaster Preparedness. It may be described as action designed to minimise

loss of life and damage, and to organise and facilitate timely and effective rescue, re-

lief and rehabilitation in cases of disaster. Preparedness is supported by the necessary

legislation and means a readiness to cope with disaster situations3.

2 Prasad Hari - Crisis Management Trishul. 3 Brown Barbara J. - Disaster Preparedness and United Nations. pp 3

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9. Disaster Prevention. It may be described as measures designed to prevent

natural phenomenon from causing or resulting in disasters or other related emergency

situations. Prevention concerns the formulation and implementation of long-range

policies and programs to prevent or eliminate the occurrence of disasters4.

Methods of Data Collection

10. Data and information has been collected from books, periodicals, newspapers

and Military Papers. The details are given in bibliography.

Organisation of the Dissertation

11. It is proposed to study the subject in the following manner:-

(a) Over view of Disaster Incidents.

(b) Types of Disasters and its Effect.

(c) Overview of the International Disaster Relief system.

(d) UN Role in Disaster Management.

(e) Disaster Management Structure in Some Other Countries.

(f) National Policy on Disaster Management.

(g) Organisation for Disaster Management in India.

(h) Role of Voluntary Organisations.

(j) Role of Armed Forces.

(k) Current Concerns and Suggestions

(l) Recommended Organisation for Disaster Management.

5 Artrac Paper.

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CHAPTER III

OVER VIEW OF DISASTER INCIDENCE

Regional Disasters

1. Not all countries of the world are disaster prone and the type of disasters, their

frequency of occurrence, extent of damages and lives lost bear a close relationship to

the prevailing level of economic development. The disadvantaged and the poorest

countries are affected most severely by disasters and their people are likely to experi-

ence the most serious consequences. The annual global loses from such disasters are

quite significant During 1970 to 1981 more than one million people died in disasters

with an estimated loss of resources worth US $ 50 billion, of which 50 percent were

incurred by South Asia.

2. Within the time span of 20 years, from 1960 to 1981, South Asia witnessed

217 Disaster events in which 705,200 people were killed (Table5). Among the killed

Bangladesh tops the list with India in the second place. Other South Asian countries

are relatively less prone to disasters.

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ENVIRONMENTAL DISASTERS IN SOUTH ASIA

1960 TO 1981

Country : Number of : Number of Deaths

Disaster events

Bangladesh 63 633,000

India 96 60,000

Nepal 19 2,900

Pakistan 21 7,400

Sri Lanka 18 1,900

South Asia 217 705,200

5 ARTRAC Policy Approach

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CHAPTER IV

TYPES OF DISASTERS AND EFFECTS

General

1. The term ‘disaster’ evokes extraordinary response from the outside their com-

munity or affected area. The disaster agent is a catalyst, which has a potential to create

or produce disasters. For example- earthquake, cyclone, floods are disaster agents.

Disaster is basically about vulnerability, susceptibility of a potential victim to the life

threatening impact of disaster agent. For example, a drought or an earthquake in unin-

habited land will not necessarily cause a disaster. It is only when an agent exposes the

vulnerability of people that the disaster agent can lead to a disaster.

2. This chapter deals with general feature of some of the common disaster situ-

tions, which frequently occur in India.

Types of Disasters

3. A wide variety of forces can cause disasters. These forces may be either natu-

ral or artificial or combination of both.

Man-made Disasters.

4. Within this category of disasters, there are a variety of conditions resulting in-

disaster6:-

(a) Civil Disturbances. Riots. e.g.: 1984 Riots, Bombay Riots of 1992

and Ayodhaya Riots 1992.

(b) Warfare. Conventional, NBC warfare, LICO and Terrorism.

(c) Refugees. Forced movements of large numbers of people, usually

across frontiers example: refugees of Rwanda, recently in Zaire.

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(d) Accidents. Collapse of buildings, mine disasters; example: Bhopal

Gas Tragedy of 1984 in India.

�atural Disasters

5. Within this category of disasters, a variety of forces that may result in disas

ter7:-

(a) Meteorological Disasters. Cyclones, hurricanes, cold wave, heat

wave and droughts (possibly causing famines).

(b) Topological Disasters. Earthquakes, avalanches, landslides, and

floods.

(c) Biological Disasters. Epidemics of communicable diseases; exam-

ple- Surat Plague, Malaria in Rajasthan.

6. The division between natural and man-made is to some extent an over simpli-

fication, as many disasters are actually caused by more than one or combination of

various forces. Some disasters set a chain reaction of disasters. For example: a flood,

which may eventually result in an epidemic of cholera.

7. The cumulative effects of several of these factors have caused some of the

worst disasters. For example, in November 1970, a cyclone was followed by one of

the worst tidal waves, which led to death of 50,000 people. The occurrence of this

natural disaster came at a time of civil strife, followed by Indo-Pak war of 1971 lead-

ing to liberation of Bangladesh. It forced ten million people to flee to India; creating

another relief operation. The combined natural and man-made disasters resulted in one

of the biggest relief operations since World War II. The long-term perspective will

reveal to us that disaster is an inter action of combination of political, social, eco-

6 Brown op cit. pp 5. 7 Brown op cit. pp 6.

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nomic and environment factors. There is no wonder if disasters appear more fre-

quently in developing world than developed ones.

8. It is difficult to predict precisely where and when a man-made disaster will

occur, therefore, it is more difficult to prepare for one. It is possible however, with

varying degrees of accuracy to predict the occurrence of a natural disaster.

Floods

9. A flood is defined as a body of water rising, swelling and overflowing land

areas. Most river floods result from natural causes, such as excessive rainfall, melting

snow, or ice jams. In general, floods are classified as either regular or flash floods.

Regular floods can be predicted.

10. “India has always been visited by floods.” This is a seasonal and endemic term

of disaster which causes great havoc and devastation each year. The primary cause of

all floods in India is heavy and concentrated rainfall. June to September is the rainiest

period of the year. Rainfall also occurs from October to December in East Coast of

Southern Peninsula due to North Easterly Monsoons. Since preparatory and warning

period is adequate, floods can be tackled satisfactorily.

Cyclones

11. A cyclone is a violent windstorm, usually accompanied by much rain, thunder

and lightening. Cyclones take form of very large revolving and moving low/high pres-

sures (200-300 miles per day), accompanied by lashing winds ( 80 to 100 miles per

day), high tidal waves ( 10 to 20 feet). These are also known as hurricanes or ty-

phoons. In the Bay of Bengal, these normally occur from December to March. The

coastal areas and areas up to few hundred kilometres inland are more vulnerable to

cyclone havoc particularly the coasts of Orissa, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.

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Earth Quakes

12. The three major types of earthquakes are volcanic, plutonic and tectonic, .the

attributes of these are8 :-

(a) Volcanic. It is attributable to volcanic activity usually centred

near the volcano. Damage usually is limited and local.

(b) Plutonic. These are deep focused quakes believed to be caused by

explosion as deep as 435 miles within the interior of the earth. Though felt on

the earth surface, little damage results except perhaps in a limited area directly

above the explosion.

(c) Tectonic. These earthquakes are most common and most de-

structive of all quakes. They are caused by slippage along faults in the earth’s

crust. The grating or rubbing together the sides or a fault sets up earthquakes

waves.

13. In most earthquakes the earth’s crust cracks like porcelain. They generally oc-

cur on the so called plate boundaries, where moving plates are pulled apart, slide past

or converge. The earth quakes are usually preceded by foreshocks and followed by

after shocks. Earth quakes strike without warning and there is no time for last minute

preparation and therefore speedy emergency relief is of utmost importance. Although

earthquakes may occur anywhere on the earth’s surface, including bottom of the sea,

approximately 65% occur in certain seismic areas. The Latur and Koyna (Maharash-

tra) a seismic areas have experienced earthquakes, perhaps due to rife that exist in

these area.

8 Bose BL Tragic Tremors, Statesman. 02 November. 93.

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Effects of Disaster

14. General. While each disaster has its own characteristics, it is possible to

determine a common base of disaster effect. This is necessary to evolve common dis-

aster relief operations to combat their effects9.

15. Effects.

(a) Extensive Deaths and Danger to Life.

(b) Destruction and Damage to Buildings.

(c) Lack of Water Food and Essential Requirements. Need provision

and distribution of survival requirements like water, food, fodder, blankets etc.

(d) Disruption of Communication. This complicates assessment of

damage and deployment of relief efforts.

(e) Outbreak or Danger of Epidemics. Preventive measures should in-

clude inoculation/ vaccination, water treatment and sanitation as part of disas-

ter relief.

(f) Threat to Crops, Vital Installations, Public Utilities or Fire Hazards.

Suitable damage control measures like crop spraying, reinforcements or demo-

lition’s and fire services are required.

(g) Panic and Disorder. Effective public information measures and

warden services are required.

Special Features of Disaster Relief

16. Special features of disaster relief are as follows:-10

(a) Lack of Early warning and Information. This results in delayed

response due to lack of relief intelligence.

9 DSSC Handout- Disaster Relief. pp 7. 10 Dssc op. cit. pp. 8

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(b) Inadequate Resources. Mobilisation of resources in men and material

from multiple sources is a critical planning and organisational problem.

(c) Varying Requirements. Each disaster situation requires separate

consideration, planning and expertise to deal with its specialised problems.

Stages of Disaster Management/Relief

17. Comprehensive disaster management, which involves both assessment and

response, can be seen to involve three chronological stages, although stages overlap.

These phases are seldom readily separable but need to be determined as part of disas-

ter management process11.

18. Preparatory Stage This corresponds to the pre-disaster period and will in-

clude disaster prediction, warning and alert system, preventive measures, issue con-

tingency plans. It will mainly involve government and specialised agencies.

19. Emergency/Response Stage This stage commences after the disaster strikes

and immediately before it including reaction to warnings and emergency relief activi-

ties.

20. Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Stage Covers short and long term

measures to restore essential services, communication and normal community life.

Rehabilitation phase involves the following few weeks or months, while reconstruc-

tion may take long time, often years.

11 Keith and Smith. Environmental Hazards. pp. 79.

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21. Stages in the Progressive Restoration of Normality The model given in figure

1 gives out progressive restoration of normal situation in relation to time12.

.

Normality Disaster Strike T I M E

Figure 1 Source- Environmental Hazard

12 Keith and Smith. op. cit. pp. 79.

IMPACT

RELIEF

REHABILITATION RECONSTRUCTION

PERMANENT REBUILD-

ING NEW JOBS

TEMP HOUSING

FINANCIAL AID SEARCH

RESCUE

CARE

DISRUPTION

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CHAPTER V

AN OVERVIEW OF INTERNATIONAL DISASTER

RELIEF SYSTEM

General

1. As discussed earlier, because of actual and potential consequences of disaster,

the concept of international disaster relief system is changing from mere relief to the

victims after disaster to cover entire gamut of issues involved from prevention to re-

habilitation. The major actors in the International Relief System can be grouped into

four general categories13:

(a) The Governments.

(b) International Organisation.

(c) Voluntary Agencies.

(d) Media.

Role of Government

2. The people of the disaster stricken country manually provide the largest

amount of relief assistance. The government inevitably bears the prime responsibility

for the administration of relief operation. Usually the responsibility for executing the

various sectors of the relief programme is transferred to the appropriate ministry.

However, the methods used by governments to administer disaster relief vary greatly

from one government to another.

13 Brown op. cit. pp. 14-32.

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Role of International Agencies

3. At international level, relief assistance may be provided in the following man-

ner:-

(a) Bilateral inter-governmental contributions. This is processed through

diplomatic channels.

(b) Voluntary Agencies such as Red Cross and contribution from charita-

ble organisation such as OXFAM.

(c) Aid through United Nations Disaster Relief Organisation (UNDRO)

and other United Nations Organisation.

The Role of the Media

4. The media plays an important role in disaster management. Often the first

news of a major natural disaster event comes from media. Large scale damage and

loss of life is always a news event and the attendant publicity moves the national and

international community to respond generously with offers of assistance to the disaster

stricken area. Media also gives out the real needs of the victims, badly administered

relief operations. It provides useful publicity to achievements made by the various

agencies during disaster relief and later during rehabilitation and reconstruction. Bene-

fits of media disaster coverage cannot be overemphasised. However there could be

negative reporting if media persons are not handled properly. There is a differing de-

mand by media on government for news and information. Good public relations with

media means more support for the relief operations. An honest exchange of informa-

tion and sincere efforts on both side’s i.e. Government as well as media will benefit

disaster victims and relief operations.

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CHAPTER VI

UN ROLE IN DISASTER MANAGEMENT

General

1. The UN General Assembly recognised the need for Global action to reduce the

occurrence of natural disasters and their impact and has declared 90’s to be the decade

as the International Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction.(IDNDR). The objectives

underlined in the UN resolution number 44/236 are as follows:-

(a) To improve the early warning and assessment damage capabilities as

also to improve capacity to mitigate effects of such disasters.

(b) Guidelines for application of scientific and technological knowledge

for this purpose.

(c) Disseminate existing and new technical information with regard to as-

sessment, prediction and mitigation of natural disasters.

2. For the above purpose a Scientific and Technical Committee (STC) was estab-

lished with the aim of implementing programmes in this sphere amongst member

countries. Some of the salient aspects of the charter of STC are:-

(a) Identification of Disaster Prone Zones. To conduct scientific study

of such areas, collate data and arrange for exchange of such data to countries

requiring them.

(b) Vulnerability and Risk Assessment. To provide vulnerability and

hazard information so as to provide estimated losses occurring from the natu-

ral calamity.

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(c) Monitoring, Prediction and Warning. To establish an observation

network to include meteorological, hydrological and seismological warning.

(d) Relief Agencies. To be under the UN and on request of the host coun-

try.

(e) Awareness at Levels of Decision-Makers. Indicate the cost / bene-

fits of predisaster interventions as compared to post disaster relief measures

for the information of Decision-Makers.

(f) Long and Short Term Preventive Measures. Provide technical ad-

vice on the planning and construction of disaster proof structures.

(g) Early Intervention Measures. The co-ordination of inter organisa-

tional effort to modify, alter, suppress or mitigate damaging effects of disas-

ters.

3. Methodology for Assistance. When the government of a disaster-stricken

country makes a request for relief assistance from UNDRO, this requirement is re-

garded as an appeal to the UN system in general. If the requirements for relief assis-

tance are made directly to UNICEF, WHO, or FAO, UNDRO is still consulted and

advised of the action taken. UNDRO also informs the agencies involved, actions taken

so far, that would modify or satisfy the request made to the agencies concerned. It co-

ordinates each agency’s response with other relief donors and informs the disaster

stricken government through UNDP field office. UNDP Resident Representative, co-

ordinates relief activities at the field level. To summarise, the UN disaster relief sys-

tem is characterised by two types of the focal points- one at headquarters and another

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is the field. Figure 2 illustrates the channels through which messages are transmitted.

This is simplified version of the procedure that is followed14.

Consultation (2)

HQS

LEVEL Response

Initial Request (1)

FIELD Response

LEVEL Confirmation (4)

Figure 2 FIELD CO-ORDI�ATIO� I� THE U� DISASTER RELIEF SYSTEM

14 Brown op. cit. pp. 27

UNDRO UNICEF

FAO/WFP

WHO UNDP

UNDP/UNDRO UNICEF

FAO/WFP

WHO UNDP

NATIONAL

GOVERNMENT

con-

fir-

ma-

tion

(3)

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CHAPTER VII

DISASTER MANAGEMENT IN SOME

OTHER COUNTRIES

General

1. This chapter has been included to give general idea about the disaster man-

agement in some countries. Programmes and organisations differ widely in terms of

emphasis, financial support, public interest and involvement. The organisations of

Australia, USA and Iran have been covered.

Australia

2. The Australian government established the Natural Disasters Organisa-

tion(NDO) in July 1974, replacing existing civil defence organisation. The philosophy

of this organisation is that within a community three basic objectives need to be

achieved before the effects of disaster can hope to be mitigated effectively. These ob-

jectives are:-

(a) An alert and informed community.

(b) An active and involved Local/State government.

(c) A local/state level counter disaster plan, supported by local organisa-

tion.

3. The headquarters of the NDO is in Canberra and functions under auspices of

the Department of Defence and Director General is two star General. The NDO

through its National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC), provides a focal point for

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the co-ordination of national effort in times of disaster and ensures that states receive

physical support from national resources. In addition, it conducts number of limited

financial support programmes and training support for states.

4. Manning and Communication. The NDO only has a small permanent

staff to run the NEOC. They can handle one-off requests and small scale operations.

Supplementary staff is produced by the Department of Defence from its panel of

trained persons in NEOC procedures and volunteers, civil officials who are similarly

trained. It has communications with emergency centres in each Australian state and

has an emergency radio system which enables it to talk to every military installation,

ship and aircraft in the country.

5. Disaster Service Liaison Officer(DSLOs). NDO by itself does not own any

resources for assisting states, but relies on other central government departments to

provide requested support. DSLOs are nominated from each department which is ca-

pable of providing assistance. These officers are NDO’s point of contact to the respec-

tive departments and all requests are processed through DSLOs.

6. Australian Counter Disaster College(ACDC). The college conducts

Counter Disaster studies, briefings, planning, management and leader courses for offi-

cials, administrators and volunteers alike.

7. State Emergency Services(SES). Responsibility for day-to-day running of

operations rest with various state authorities. Each state has a State Emergency Ser-

vice(SES), it comprises headquarters, a number of district/regional headquarters or

staffs and units of volunteers who support the efforts of statutory authorities. Such

unit is under local controller who is an appointed officer from state government. The

DG NDO, heads of SES and director of ACDC meet yearly to discuss matters of mu-

tual interest and to facilitate co-operation amongst various agencies.

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USA

8. The disaster relief system is a part of the National Organisation of Civil De-

fence. The Office of Emergency Preparedness(OEP) is the Central agency for national

operations and is part of Executive Offices of US President. It works closely with De-

fence and State Civil Preparedness Agencies. Under State Civil Preparedness Agen-

cies, there are number of Local Civil Preparedness Agencies. Through these agencies,

i.e. State and Local, Defence Civil Preparedness Agency ensures development of dis-

asters preparedness and execution. It is also responsible for giving early warning of

impending disasters through a National resources Evaluation Centre. At State levels,

State Adjutant General and his staff prepare plans for military support of civil defence

and disaster relief operations. He is also commander of the National Guard which is

State’s Integral Military Force. The force is under overall control of State Governor.

Its Organisation is similar to that of army units(infantry).

9. The National Guards, Reserves, regular military force and volunteers NGOs

like Red Cross work in conjunction with each other to create effective disaster relief

force. If magnitude of disaster requires extensive reconstruction programme the gov-

ernor and the President may declare the area “Major Disaster Area”, thereby making

citizens and cities eligible for federal interest free loans, subsidies and grants.

10. Decision Information Distributing System. It has been developed to give

early warning of predictable disaster. It combines federal, state and local systems with

Regional offices and State centre. Radio and Television networks as well as military

communications are also available to this system whenever required15.

15 Pandey Mohan.- Disaster Relief Trishul Vol. iii No 2 1992.

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Iran

11. After experiencing devastating earthquakes in 1962 and 1968 Iran has evolved

an efficient relief network which integrates the armed forces, civil government and an

Iranian version of the Red Cross known as Sher-e-Khoshed. The planning and co-

ordination of relief is done at the highest level by the Deputy Prime Minister who is

also the Deputy Chief of the Joint Staff- a serving Lt General. He thus combines the

authorities to issue orders to civil authority and the military commanders with regard

to relief work. This is his sole function.

12. Iran is divided into three military districts, each normally having an army corps

and parallel civil administration and unit of Sher-e-Khoshed. This triangular organisa-

tion percolates right down to district and village level. Even in the remote areas the

armed forces are rep by persons of the Army Revolutionary Corps comprising of the

Literacy Corps, Health Corps and Construction Corps.

13. This vast network backed by elaborate communications, facilitates relief as-

sessment and operations. The reserve stocks of the Armed Forces are automatically

made available to meet relief requirements. Regular monthly conferences are held at

corps level to review contingency plans. Many hundreds of helicopters are on call and

kept at a high state of readiness in a potential disaster situation. In the event of disas-

ter, the resources of the civilian government, Sher-e-Khoshed, Police, Navy, Air Force

come under relevant military district commander16.

16 Pandey Mohan. op. cit.

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CHAPTER VIII

NATIONAL POLICY ON DISASTER MANAGEMENT

General

1. The National approach to management of natural disasters has evolved over a

period of time. Currently, the primary responsibility of providing relief in the wake of

natural disasters has been recognised to be that of the State governments and the Cen-

tre’s role has been restricted to one of providing resources to the States for this pur-

pose and acting in a supportive manner in relation to those economic activities and

infrastructure mobilisation, for which the constitutional responsibility rests with the

Government of India.

2. Even though the States are primarily responsible for relief activities, the Cen-

tral Government associates itself with measures aimed at ameliorating the sufferings

of the people on account of natural calamities. Towards this end, the Central Govern-

ment, with its resources, physical and financial does provide the needed help and as-

sistance to buttress relief efforts in the wake of major natural calamities. The dimen-

sions of response at the level of National Government are determined in accordance

with the existing policy of financing the relief expenditure and keeping in view the

factors like:-

(a) The gravity of natural calamity.

(b) The scale of the relief operation necessary.

(c) The requirements of Central assistance for augmenting the financial re-

sources at the disposal of the State Government.

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Ingredients of Management Strategy17

3. Disaster Management in the country has essentially rested, inter alia, on four

major pillars, viz:-

(a) Application of scientific inputs to forecasting and relief programmes.

(b) Timeliness and dynamism of management of relief delivery.

(c) People’s participation in relief delivery and monitoring.

(d) Contribution to resilience of societies and qualities of life.

4. Despite the recognition of the need to build up a society’s capabilities to meet

the challenges of disasters, the thrust of relief effort has, for a variety of reasons, con-

centrated on the alleviation and restoration aspects. On the occurrence of disasters, the

need for continued vigil, preparedness and conscious effort to reduce the occurrence

and impact of disasters is greatly articulated only to be buried subsequently in the sub-

conscious of the nation. In a country which boosts of planned developmental effort,

perspective actions still remain an ideal.

Types of Response.

4. The central response can be :-

(a) Policy response.

(b) Administrative response.

5. Policy Response. The Prime Minister, Cabinet Committees and the con-

cerned minister of the nodal ministry (Agriculture Ministry in case of Natural Disas-

ter) would provide the policy response to the natural calamity. The objectives of the

policy response would be: -

(a) To empathise with the sufferings of the people affected by the natural

calamity.

17 ARTRAC Policy Approacch

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27

(b) To sub-serve long term and short-term policy objectives of the gov-

ernment.

6. Administrative Response. The response of the Administration to a situation

arising out of a natural calamity can be on account of:-

(a) A follow up of a policy objective of the government.

(b) The need for an assessment of the situation and for a central response

(c) States requests for Central assistance.

(d) The need for information as a governance objective.

Primary Relief Functions.

7. The primary relief functions of the Central Government would relate to:-

(a) Forecasting and operation of warning systems.

(b) Maintenance of uninterrupted communication.

(c) Wide publicity to warnings of impending calamity, disaster prepared-

ness and relief measures through TV, AIR and News papers.

(d) Transport with particular reference to evacuation and movement of es-

sential commodities and petroleum products.

(e) Ensuring availability of essential commodities at reasonable prices par-

ticularly the commodities through the Public Distribution System.

(f) Ensuring availability of medicines, vaccines and drugs.

(g) Preservation and restoration of physical communication links.

(h) Investments in infrastructure.

(j) Mobilisation of financial resources.

Secondary Relief Functions.

8. The secondary functions of the Central Government which supplement the

states relief efforts, would relate to:-

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(a) Flood/inflow forecasts from the Central Water Commission.

(b) Relief, rehabilitation and restoration through military aid to civil au-

thorities.

(c) Contingency plans for crops, cattle preservation nutrition and health

care measures.

(d) Technical and technological inputs for provision of drinking water.

(e) Technical assistance in the water budgeting and water management for

various uses.

(f) Co-ordination of the activities of the State agencies and voluntary

agencies.

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CHAPTER IX

DISASTER MANAGEMENT IN INDIA

General

1. For effective implementation of the relief measures in the wake of a natural

calamity, the Cabinet has set up a Committee. On the constitution of such a committee

of the cabinet, the concerned Secretary shall provide all necessary information to and

seek directions if any , of the cabinet committee in all matters concerning relief in

wake of natural calamity and take steps for effective implementation of its directions.

In the absence of such cabinet Committee, all maters relating to relief shall be re-

ported to the Cabinet Secretary.

2. �ational Crisis Management Committee.18 A National Crisis Management

Committee (NCMC) has been constituted in the Cabunet Secretariat. The composition

of the Committee is as under:-

(a) Cabinet Secretary - Chairman.

(b) Secretary to Prime Minister - Member.

(c) Secretary (MHA) - Member.

(d) Secretary (MOD) - Member.

(e) Director (IB) - Member.

(f) Secretary (RAW) - Member.

(g) Secretary (Agri ) - Co-opted Member.

(h) An Officer of Cabinet Secretariat - Convener.

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3. When a situation is to be handled by the NCMC, it will give directions to the

Crisis Management Group (CMG), of the Ministry as deemed necessary. The Secre-

tary (A&C) will be responsible for ensuring that all developments are brought to the

notice of the NCMC.

4. Crisis Management Group19

. There is a Crisis Management Group (CMG)

for dealing with matters relating to relief innthe wake of major natural calamities,

consisting of the following :-

(a) Relief Commissioner - Chairman.

(b) OSD, Cabinet Secretary or a Representative of Cabinet Secretariat.

(b) A Representative of Prime Ministers Office.

(d) Joint Secretaries in the Ministries/Departments of Finance, Food, Civil

Supplies, Power, Urban Development, Rural Development, Health, Petroleum,

Planning Commission and Department of Women & Child Development.

(e) Director General, India Meteorological Department.

(f) Senior Officers of the Ministry of Railways and Ministry of Water Re-

sources.

(d) Senior Officer from the Ministry of Transport (If Required).

(e) Director General, Civil Defence (If Required).

(j) Senior Officer of Ministry of Communications (If Required).

(k) Joint Secretary of Ministry of Defence (If Required).

(l) Joint Secretary (SR) & Additional Relief Commissioner - Convenor.

5. The Resident Commissinar of the States affected by natural calamity may be

coopted on the CMG during the period of crisis.

18 ARTRAC Policy Approach 19 ARTRAC Policy Approach

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31

6. Calamities Relief Fund20. The Centre has earmarked two funds i.e. Calami-

ties Relief Fund (CRF) and National Fund for Calamities(NFCR). The nodal agency

for monitoring natural disasters and recommending the release of these funds is the

Crisis Management Group(CMG) in the Ministry of Agriculture headed by the Central

Relief Commissioner. The allocation to the states under the CRF and NFCR is done

by the Finance Commission for five years, based on the vulnerability of the states to

Natural disasters and their average expenditure in the last 10 years. NFCR is addi-

tional fund

besides CRF; while 75 percent of CRF is contributed by the centre, the allocation un-

der NFCR is cent percent that of centre and more or less discretionary.

7. Contingency Action Plan. The nodal agency in the Government of India for

natural calamity relief, is the Department Of Agriculture and Co-operation (DAC),

where an Additional Secretary is designated as the Central Relief Commissioner. A

National Contingency Action Plan (CAG) has been notified by DAC. It facilitates the

launching of relief operations without delay. This is updated every year. CAP identi-

fies the initiatives required to be taken various Central Ministries/ Departments in the

wake of natural calamities, sets down the procedure and determines the focal points in

the administrative machinary. In the exercise of their autonomous jurisdiction, the

States have evolved their relief machinery. A State level nodal point, viz., The Relief

Commissioner or Revenue Secretary provides the fulcrum for direction of relief effort.

In most of the states, a state level committee, chaired by the Chief Minister, acts a pol-

icy formulating forum and a monitoring body. At the District level, the District Col-

lector or the Deputy Commissioners is the kingpin of all relief effort. The existence of

a body of Non- Official personnel, comprising peoples representatives in Legislature

20 Parsai Gargi- A Trail of Destruction- The Hindu. 17 November 1996.

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32

and Panchayayts and NGOs, to advise on, as also monitor, relief operations is not uni-

form in all States but such a body functions effectively in many states during the pe-

riod immediately following the occurrence of disasters. The relief functions relating to

different aspects are discharged by the personnel of various functional departments

under the control of the Collector.

Warning Systems

13. The crucial warning systems are21:-

(a) Indian Meteorological Department(IMD) for drought, rainfall, cyclone,

crop position.

(b) The Department of Space(DOS). Satellite monitoring of drought and

floods.

(c) Ministry of Water Resources. Floods in river systems.

IMD

14. The IMD monitors the rainfall situation through a network of 4000 rain gauge

stations spread over the country. It is also linked to the World Met Organisa-

tion(WMO). Before the onset of the monsoon, long range forecast is made for the

monsoon season as a whole to facilitate agro-economic planning. A weekly rainfall

analysis is available with 35 meteorological sub-divisions which cover 127 agro-

climatic regions. Rainfall monitoring also gives early monitoring of about drought.

The National Remote Sensing Agency, through satellite technology, reports on the

status of crops based on the moisture vegetative index which is used for planning for

drought management. A crop weather watch group meets once a week during mon-

soons to assess the behaviour of rainfall, crop situation and water level in reservoirs.

21 Parsai Gargi- op. cit.

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33

However, the challenge before the IMD now is to make predictions four to five days

in advance.

15. Cyclone Warning. The IMD has an observation network to detect cyclones

through 10 cyclone detection radars on the coasts. The range of these radars is 400

km. Simultaneously the INSAT-1B satellite monitors cyclonic movements. In addi-

tion, ships and commercial radars are also used for cyclonic warnings. About 260

ships of the merchant fleet have meteorological observation systems.

16. Flood Forecast. The Central Water Commission in the Ministry of water

resources has a flood forecast system with 157 flood forecasting centres covering 62

inter state river basins. In collaboration with IMD, they monitor rainfall and water lev-

els in reservoirs. India has now developed radar which gives accurate estimate of rain-

fall upto 200 km around the radar site22.

17. Seismic Observatories. There are 35 observatories to monitor seismic dis-

turbances.

22 Coping with Natural Calamities. The Hindu. 25 May 1991

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34

CHAPTER X

ROLE OF VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS

1. The role of voluntary organisations both national and international is to help

people to overcome the problems posted by natural disasters by providing welfare and

relief services according to the specific needs of the people. It also works as the eyes

and ears of the people, acting as the intermediary between the people and the govern-

ment to avoid duplication, to ensure proper distribution of scarce resources and to or-

ganise vigilance groups for prevention of misuse of resources.

2. Some of the activities under taken by such organisations are:-

(a) Making people aware of the different relief activities initiated by Gov-

ernment and Non Government Organisations (NGOs) and help them avail of

these facilities.

(b) Organising relief camps, first aid centres health camps and immunisa-

tion camps.

(c) Generation of employment opportunities in the disaster effected areas.

(d) Opening of free food distribution centres, distribution of blankets,

clothes and vitamins to prevent malnutrition.

(e) Organisation of relief teams and sending them to far-flung areas / inac-

cessible locations to provide and monitor relief programmes.

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(f) Adoption of families of disaster effected areas.

3. There is a need to co-ordinate the relief work of both Government and the

NGOs to avoid duplication of effort and wastage of scarce resources. The centre, state

and district level relief committees should be formed, headed by a responsible person

for securing and co-ordinating voluntary effort for relief. These committees should

include representatives of local international voluntary agencies to advice on relief

operations.

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CHAPTER XI

ROLE OF ARMED FORCES

General

1. The armed forces of any country are probably best organised and managed to

provide support to a full range of public services such as public works, communica-

tions, transport, health and emergency medical services, rescue and support activities.

They can react quickly and respond rapidly in a fully self contained, self sufficient and

highly mobile fashion. Military personnel are well trained in the individual skills nec-

essary to perform their professional and functional activities and are practical in col-

laboration and co-ordination action under an integrated / flexible management system.

Thus there is a enormous potential inherent in the armed forces to serve as an addi-

tional instrument for the effective delivery of emergency assistance.

2. At times of major natural disaster, when most of the country is effected by it

and it is beyond the capability of civil administration to organise the relief, armed

forces of the country may be called upon to render / organise relief measures. They

may also be called upon to render such assistance to another friendly country, in case

it has been requested for. One such recent example is that of Bangladesh23. In 1991,

Bangladesh was hit by worst cyclone in the history of the country and the armed

forces of USA, carried out relief measures in that country. In addition to this Indian

Air Force also sent six helicopters for ferrying of relief material to the effected people.

23 ARTRAC Policy Approach

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37

3. Every year Armed Forces are called upon for providing assistance to civil au-

thorities throughout the length and breadth of the country during monsoon season for

carrying out rescue and relief operations during the floods. The efforts of the armed

forces during relief, rescue operations after Uttarkashi earthquake in 1991, Latur

earthquake in Maharashtra in October 1993, Chamoli earthquake in 1999 and Floods

in Orissa are well known.

Assistance that can be Provided

4. The Armed Forces may be called upon to provide following type of assis-

tance:-

(a) Infrastucture for Command and Control. Infrastructure for setting

up of command and control organisation for providing relief is an important

task for Armed Forces. This would involve provision of communications tele-

phone, radio and specialist manpower.

(b) Medical Aid. Provision of medical care with the help of the teams in-

cluding treatment at the nearest Armed Forces hospital.

(c) Transportation of Relief Material. Provision of logistic back up

(aircraft’s / helicopters / ships / boats) vehicles for transportation of relief ma-

terial to the effected areas is an important task performed by the Amed Forces

in such situations.

(d) Establishment of Relief Camps. Setting up and running of relief

camps can be done by the Armed Forces.

(e) Construction and Repair of Roads and Bridges. Construction and

repair of roads and bridges to enable relief teams / material to reach affected

areas can be undertaken by Army Engineers. This will also include provision-

ing of technical and plant equipment such as cranes, bulldozers and boats etc.

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38

(f) Maintenance of Essential Services. Repair, maintenance and run-

ning of essential services may have to be undertaken in the initial stages of

disaster of relief.

(g) Evacuation of People to Safer Areas. Assist in evacuation of people

to safe places before and after the disaster is one of most important task that

the Armed Forces may be assigned

(h) Stagemanagement of International Relief. Stagemanagement of In-

ternational relief can be under taken by the Armed Forces on the request of the

Civil Authorities.

Csae Study: Army Assistance in Uttarkashi.24

5. Background.

(a) An earthquake rocked North Uttar Pradesh on night 19/20 October

1991. It had its epicentre in general area of Almora and measured 6.1 on the

Richter Scale.

(b) Initial reports indicated modest loss of life and property with casualties

not exceeding 500 dead / injured. The low estimates were probably due re-

moteness of the area and poor communications. Over the days, as a clear pic-

ture began to emerge it became apparent that in the three affected districts of

Uttarkashi, Chamoli and Tehri Garhwal in the Garhwal region extensive dam-

age to public and private properties had taken place. 609 villages in Uttarkashi,

605 in Tehri Garhwal and 607 in Chamoli districts were severely affected. Al-

though Pauri Garhwal and Dehradun districts were also ravaged but not se-

verely. 15000 houses in Uttarkashi, 5000 in Tehri Garhwal and 6000houses in

24 ARTRAC policy approach

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39

Chamoli were completely destroyed. A trail of over 1000 dead and 3000 in-

jured was left behind by the tremor.

(c) Help of Army was needed because villages affected by the earthquake

were situated in inaccessible hilly terrain and it was not possible for the gen-

eral administration to render help to such villages on their own. Army assis-

tance was offered to the civil administration by units located in close prox-

imity soon after the quake and continued till the situation was controlled.

6. Lessons Learnt.

(a) Provisioning of Transport. Army vehicles had to be pressed into

service for conveyance of civil population, as civil vehicle owners were not

prepared to ply due to bad road conditions. The requirement, therefore, needed

to be assessed at the outset and transport moved to the affected area immedi-

ately on ascertaining the requirements.

(b) Traffic Control. To manage the chaotic movement all around, traffic

control should be established with bigger compliments in the initial stages it-

self. The immediate formation headquarters should cater for this requirement

from within their own resources and augment the traffic control established

subsequently by bidding and obtaining resources from higher formations. Civil

Authorities should also be involved and asked to provide help to avoid mis-

management of traffic.

(c) Signal Communications. There was a need to establish a line com-

munication with higher headquarters / units providing assistance. DOT com-

munications, are fairly well developed in our country, it is, therefore, recom-

mended that communications in such situations are speedily extended by civil

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40

administration to provide DOT communications as per requirements spelt out

by Army.

(d) Police Representation. It is recommended that police representative

should form part of the disaster relief committee at formation level.

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41

CHAPTER XII

CURRENT CONCERNS AND SUGGESTIONS

General

1. Having seen the existing organisation and process of disaster management;

this chapter dwells on some of shortfalls and suggestions which can make our re-

sponse to disasters swift, balanced and co-ordinated. Despite having disaster contin-

gency plans for so many years, India does not yet give an excellent account of our dis-

aster management during emergencies.

Drawbacks of the Present System

2. We do have vast resources of technological base, the know-how for preven-

tion/mitigation of disasters, yet our response has been tardy and uncoordinated. The

drawbacks are briefly enumerated in succeeding paragraphs.

3. National Policy. The national policy on this issue does not cover entire

gamut of problems involved. As eighth plan document puts it:- “The main emphasis

so far has been to provide relief to the affected population on an adhoc basis with very

little effort is being made for preparedness against natural disasters. Large sums of

money are being spent only on provision of relief”25.

4. Implementation. The policies and preventive measures, which have been

evolved so far, have not been implemented due to influence of pressure groups.

5. Disaster Plans. No concrete and political counter disaster plan are prepared

at state/national level. The plans, procedures, organisation and even damage assess-

ment differs widely from state to state.

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42

6. National Co-ordination. CMG and Cabinet Secretary’s Committee is work-

ing fairly well; however it is devoid of an organisation to co-ordinate various activities

of disaster management including those with UNDRO representatives.

Current Concerns26

7. The provision of relief in the wake of natural calamities has largely been left to

the initiatives and policies of the State Governments. Development programmes,

which go to meet the capabilities of areas and population to meet natural disasters,

have been left to the general exercise of planning. Therefore, measures to reduce the

impact of natural disasters have not received the focus; they deserve particularly in

view of the fact that 85 percent of the country is prone to one form of disaster or the

other. It is, necessary that some of the issues relating to natural disaster management

would have to receive specific attention at the national and sub-national levels.

Broadly in the context of IDNDR, it will be appropriate to highlight these concerns in

natural disaster management with the view to creating an opportunity for translating

them into specific action points. The current concerns broadly relate to: -

(a) Disaster Relief Execution Capability. Documentation of impact and

relief activities in the country would have to be considerably improved to pro-

vide the insight into the hazard, vulnerability and requirement of the relief ma-

chinary. An inventory of experience would go a long way in ensuring in times

of crises the adoption of disasters. The system of placing senior officers in

charge of relief operations in the wake of natural calamities, presently in vogue

in many states, is a significant effort in this direction. However, for the smooth

execution of the relief programmes, knowledge and skills should be available

25 The Hindu- Prevention is better than Cure. 10 October 1996. 26 ARTRAC policy approach

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43

at varying levels of implementation. In the long term, specific human resource

development programmes would have to be continuously implemented to en-

sure appropriate initiatives at different levels of the relief machinary, the avail-

ability of experienced personnel would speed up the relief effort at any point

of time. Presently, the State Government machinary depends on current per-

sonnel for most of the relief effort, whether they have necessary skills or not. It

would, therefore, be necessary to introduce the system of maintenance of re-

serves of experienced personnel in different spheres such as logistics, health,

rescue and relief. The building up of such database encompassing hazard, vul-

nerability and resource endowment is the crying need of the hour. Such data-

base would have to be updated continuously at the local and state level.

(b) Preparedness Aspects. The Government of India has asked States to

formulate contingency plans at the district levels for dealing with different

types of disasters. Such contingency action plans could clearly delineate the re-

sponsibilities of different organisations and agencies and also identify the trig-

gering mechanism for various agencies. The continuous updating of the con-

tingency plan in the context of earlier experience would have to be ensured

through annual exercise. Reassessment of the contingency plan for an area

could be made more effective by the association of personnel who dealt earlier

disasters in that area. As brought out earlier scientific and technological inputs

in disaster management are largely in the realm of early warning and forecast-

ing and contingency measures. Scientific and technological input in the pre-

paredness exercise would go a long way in ensuring that appropriate relief ef-

fort is addressed. The medical community is associated, in the wake of sudden

disasters, with the relief and emergency medical aid operations. The promotion

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44

of public awareness about the precautionary measures and preparedness would

go a long way in helping the community in the face of isolation. The building

up of appropriate capabilities within the community would have to be a task,

which could be entrusted to non-governmental organisations and scientific and

technological community in the area.

(c) Sustainability Aspect. Public awareness and non-government par-

ticipation in disaster mitigation effort is crucial for disaster preparedness to

meet natural disasters. Apart form the association of medical personnel in the

relief effort, there are other groups of people, whose help could also be mobi-

lised in a planned manner for dealing with emergency operations in times of

disasters. For example, the Amateur Radio Operators Association rendered

signal service in providing effective communication on a real time basis in the

recent cyclone and earthquakes witnessed by the country. One of the major dif-

ficulties encountered in ensuring effectiveness of non-governmental action is

the problem of co-ordination and direction. In the case of sudden disasters dur-

ing the initial phases, intervention by non-governmental bodies has always

tended to duplicate effort or result in misappropriation of resources. It is there-

fore, necessary to establish a proper system of assignment of areas and co-

ordination and make this widely known to non-governmental bodies and the

public at large, with the view to ensuring that intervention by NGOs reinforces

each other’s effort and the State effort. This would help in ensuring that reha-

bilitation efforts are much faster and proceed without wastage.

(d) Development Thurts. Substantial resources are currently spent in al-

leviating the impact of natural disasters and in the process of alleviation,

community assets and infrastructure get reinforced. The disaster mitigation ef-

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45

fort could improve capabilities of disaster prone area to avail of development

opportunities. Many of the development programmes improve the resilience of

areas and population to vagaries of nature. Nevertheless, long term disaster

mitigation can be brought about only by identifying, at the macro level, critical

factors contributing to disaster occurrence and affecting community’s ability to

pull through a crisis and devising specific programmes to remove such factors,

For achieving this, vulnerability analysis and a micro level plan to remove

such vulnerability would have to become a conscious attempt. The allocation

of resources, in this context becomes a major instrument for ensuring the

adoption of a proper strategy. The basic parameters for regulating resource al-

location would, therefore, have to be carefully evolved and should meet with

acceptance at political and community levels.

(e) Multi Disciplinary Cell. At the state and national levels, disaster

management comes to the centre stage in times of crisis and as the recedes,

there is no machinary to take care of the need of Perspective Planning and

formulation of initiatives for long term disaster reduction. The disaster man-

agement concerns do not figure high in the priority list in the planning bodies

of the nation. There is a need for multi disciplinary cell in the State level to

appraise the occurrence of disasters and the relief effort as also continuously

work on programmes to be under taken from time to time.

(f) Other Concerns.

(i) Unity of Control of Operations. Presently relief is managed by

adhoc organisations and agencies with little or no training in their re-

spective fields. At present the system lends itself to little or no ac-

countability on the part of such organisations. Relief/ Disaster man-

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46

agement is a specialised job and should be organised accordingly.

Command and Control of entire relief operation should be vested with

one authority.

(ii) Theatre Reserves of Resources. Time lag between occurrence

of disaster and relief provided is unacceptably long. Amongst the vari-

ous causes for this are lack of manpower, equipment and essential sup-

plies. While manpower and equipment could be made available from a

dedicated organisation, the minimum essential quantity of perishable

supplies of food and medicines must be held centrally as reserves on

the lines of “War Wastage Reserves “ of the Army for a particular pe-

riod, which can be turned over periodically to ensure serviceability.

(iii) Publicity. Lack of Publicity of the disaster results in lack of

sympathy and assistance from neighbouring states. States must over-

come the inhibition of such exposures so as to involve the entire na-

tion/ country to mitigate such disasters.

(iv) Communications. Inadequate communications have always

posed a hindrance in timely intimation of such impending disasters as

also in the rendering of timely assistance to these areas. Spraed out and

intensive network of secure Satellite/ Microwave communication cen-

tres and helipads/ landing strips are imperative to provide timely assis-

tance.

(v) Long Term Planning. Long term development efforts should

be of such nature that these build the capacity to successfully cope with

the disaster. The development programmes should be organised on the

area basis. Proper planning should be done based on socio-economic

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47

and technical survey of the areas. Training of the voluntary workers

should be an integral part of the implementation of the action pro-

gramme. All efforts should be made to organise the beneficiaries into

groups to monitor implementation of the programmes. There should be

no duplication of efforts between Government and Voluntary agencies.

(vi) Emphasis on Creation of Assets to Benefit Maximum Popula-

tion. The benefit of programme (relief and development) should reach

the poor. Efforts should be made to ensure that the creation of assets

should, as far as possible, help the maximum number of the needy pub-

lic. Committees with representatives of disaster affected people should

set up wherever relief and development programmes are initiated. The

responsibility of monitoring of such programmes should be assigned to

these committees.

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48

CHAPTER XIII

RECOMMENDED DISASTER MANAGEMENT ORGANISATION

�ational Policy

11. An integrated, broad spectrum is called for, with a shift in emphasis from post

relief action to pre-disaster planning and preparedness. The objectives should in-

clude:-

(a) Swift response to disasters.

(b) Minimisation of losses through disasters preventive and preparedness

measures.

(c) Reduced vulnerability through concerted action and transfer of tech-

nology especially to designs and housing sectors.

(d) Building of community capability.

(e) Provide insurance cover.

�ational Disaster Organisation

12. The recommended organisation is given at Appendix A. It is suggested that

NDO should be established under Cabinet Secretariat for better co-ordination lies on

an effective management. Essentially, it should have the capability to intervene rap-

idly and effectively in any form of disaster, large or small.

13. Responsibilities. As enumerated below:-

(a) To enhance disaster management capability.

(b) Develop disaster management plan.

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49

(c) Co-ordinate aid from various agencies from national to international

organisation.

(d) Establish and operate National Emergency Operations Centre.

(e) Training of personnels.

(f) Workout and implement damage assessment procedure.

14. Design of Organisation. The NDO should be located at Delhi, director be

appointed as its head. Presently CMG along with cabinet secretary co-ordinates re-

sources required during emergency. However, need for specialist agency to oversee

and muster all resources during disaster relief, subsequently to monitor rehabilitation

and reconstruction cannot be over emphasised. The director of NDO could be ap-

pointed from Defence, Home or Agriculture Department or any person having exper-

tise in this field.

15. Structure. The NDO will be suitably manned with trained staff, however

only small nucleus staff will be maintained. The departments which are likely to be

involved will post and maintain liaison officers with their staff for co-ordination and

application of resources during emergency. These officers will be point of contact be-

tween NDO and their department. They will assist in preparation of disaster plans and

its implementation.

Basic Components

16. Command, Control and Co-ordination.

(a) Command relates to organisation and operates vertically within it.

While control relates to situation and functions horizontally across organisa-

tion.

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50

(b) Co-ordination relates primarily to resources. It is concerned with the

systematic acquisition and application of resources. Co-ordination is also be-

tween states, voluntary organisation and international agencies.

(c) NDO will be suitably empowered through legislative approval to carry

out above roles.

17. Facilities. Facilities must be able to house the command and control struc-

ture and may include operations room, communication centres, equipment stores, etc.

18. Communication. Duplicate communication network serving all levels of

control must be available. It should have facility to hook on Army/Air Force/Naval

communication network.

19. Equipment. A full range of equipment must support each operational activ-

ity. These either be held in a decentralised manner by states or by different depart-

ments. It may include vehicles, trailers, communication equipment, specialist equip-

ment for particular disaster situations, stores and supplies.

20. Trained Man Power. Adequately trained man power within each state

should be available to perform all required functions as dictated by disaster situation.

Functional Component

21. Warning System. It must be built in the system.

22. Information Gathering/Processing System. Information is the lifeblood of

any operation, the NDO should have assured capability for acquiring information;

which must flow along certain functional channels. Essentially, it must be linked to

cyclone forecasting station, Remote Sensing Satellites, Flood/Rain monitoring radars

and seismic laboratories. Data Network must be established at all levels of control.

23. Liaison. As explained earlier, to improve co-ordination liaison is necessary

and must be maintained by the NDO.

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51

�ational Institute of Disaster Management(�IDM).

24. The setting up of such institute has been approved since sixth five year plan;

however, it has not been implemented. It will be a functional part of NDO. The insti-

tute will conduct counter disaster studies, courses for various categories of personnels

from top bureaucrats, leaders and personnel actually involved in relief/rehabilitation

operations27.

State Level Organisation

25. At state level, a director/assistance director of disaster management must be

appointed. He will be responsible for:-

(a) Prepare disaster contingency plans for the state.

(b) Training of community and volunteers to tackle disaster situation.

(c) Maintain and control disaster management unit as required by the state.

(d) Co-ordinate with armed forces.

(e) Co-ordinate disaster relief operations.

26. State Disaster Management Unit. It will be worthwhile to maintain mini-

mum of battalion to company size force depending upon the size of the state and

threat from disasters. A vast manpower of ex-servicemen could be enlisted in this

force. Rajasthan is actively contemplating this concept so as to make their counter

disaster operations effective. Such task force could be used for different tasks such as

guarding of forest resources or development of wasteland/social forestry. Ecological

TA battalion located at Dehra Dun and Bikaner have been performing exceedingly

well in a forestation and conservation of forest.

27 The Hindu- op. cit. 10 October.

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52

27. District Level. A class one gazetted officer of the rank of Deputy Collector

under Deputy Commissioner of the district recommended to be appointed for disaster

management and who will carry out following functions:-

(a) Prepare district contingency plan.

(b) Recruitment of Volunteers.

(c) Training of personnel at Panchayat level.

(d) Liaison with other Government departments including armed forces.

(e) Maintenance of equipment, if required.

(f) Open a control centre during disaster.

28. Panchayat/Muncipality Level. It is at this level that implementation of pre-

ventive and preparedness measures such as land use planning, design and construc-

tion, self-help by community and even alerting and creating well organised volunteer

force will be effective. Therefore, responsibility of such actions should be entrusted to

chief executive officer of Muncipal towns or village development officer with equal

accountability to elected members of panchayat. The personnels at this level should be

trained, equipped and motivated for such eventualities.

Conclusion

31. Disasters, manmade or natural are on increase. There is also increased aware-

ness of this problem and of the need for a co-ordinated approach to the disaster man-

agement at national/international level. India, a nation aspiring to play major role in

international arena cannot afford to put up poor performance in handling of disasters.

Notwithstanding this, for welfare of its own people, India needs to give priority for

disaster management in its planning and policies. The points that merit attention can

be summarised as under:-

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53

(a) Need for a single co-ordinator / Director at each level with adequate re-

sources and authorities to control all relief agencies. Thus the need to create

organisation for this purpose as recommended.

(b) Integration and co-ordination of functions of various organisa-

tion/Government departments involved in this process.

(c) Warning systems must be integrated and updated. Need for creating

data network in future.

(d) Continuous studies, evaluation, review of disaster management process

by NDO.

(e) Need to educate community to play its part in disaster management.

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54

Appendix A.

(Refers to Para 12 of

Chapter XIII)

�ATIO�AL

STATE

DISTRICT

CCPA

CMG Cabinet Secre-tary

NDO

Director

Operation Liaison Officers of NIDM

room Various Departments

Communications Warning System

State Com-mittee

Chief Secre-tary

Director/Assist- ant Director

Task Force

District

Committee Deputy Com-

missioner District

Officer

DISAST-

ER SITE

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55

District Resources Resources Allotted Voluntary Groups Emergency Task

BLOCK by NDO Force

Government Private Community/

Services Business Panchayat

Figure 3-DISASTER MA�AGEME�T STRUCTURE

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56

CO�CLUSIO�

1. India has a fairly elaborate system to combat the disasters, which occur in the

country. The basic theme of our strategy to combat disasters rests on the number of

basic ingredients, namely, Advance planning, Adequate Financial Support, Decen-

tralisation and Quick response. Effective forecasting and development programmes

for prevention are the issues on which the emphasis is being laid presently.

2. The Armed Forces have an important role to play in combating disasters. The

guide lines for requisitioning the Armed Forces have been evolved and constant inter-

action and joint planning has ensured that in the event of disaster minimum damage is

caused to men and material.

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57

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Books Author

1. Disaster Theory and Research E. L. Quarantelli

2. Disaster Control Bureau Of Naval Personnel

3. Disaster Preparedness and the UN Barbara J. Brown

4. Disaster assistance, Appraisal Lynn H. Stephens

Reform and New Approaches.

5. Disaster and Development. Cunny Fredrick

6. Environmental Hazards. Keith and Smith

7. Handout DSSC on Disaster Relief

8. ARTRAC Policy Approach and Role of Various Organisation for Disaster Man-

agement in India.

Periodicals/Newspapers

1. Asian Survey January 96 and February 92

2. Trishul Disaster Relief. Vol. III No.2 1992

3. The Hindu. Coping with 25 May 1991

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58

Natural Calamities.

4. The Hindu. Trail of Destruction. 17 November 1996.

5. The Hindu. Prevention is 10 October 1996.

better than cure.

6. Indian Express. Editorial. 09 November 1996.

Stormy Indifference.

7. Statesman. Ordeal by Floods. 30 September 1989

B. L. Bose.

8. Statesman. Tragic Tremors. 03 November 1993.

B. L. Bose.

9. Asian Recorder. 22-28 October 1993.

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59

CRISIS MA�AGEME�T DURI�G DISASTERS

A�D �ATURAL CALAMITIES

SYNOPSIS

1. The response to natural disasters has evolved over a period of time the world

over. From the purely humanitarian urge to offer help and relief to the victims, the re-

sponse to the challenges of disasters has come to address itself to preparedness to

mitigate their impact and reduce their occurrence to sustain development effort. India

is not an exception to this changing scenario. The philanthropy and the munificence of

the rich are still evident in offering humanitarian assistance, but this is a small part of

the total relief effort. The dynamics of voluntary action does contribute to the building

up of resilience of disaster prone societies but these efforts are isolated and still the

major part of this task rests on the governmental interventions.

2. Although the man has made tremendous technological progress in his rela-

tively

brief existence on earth, he is still virtually helpless against vagaries of nature. Natu-

ral disasters such as flood, cyclones, earthquakes ravage man’s domain at will and

cause much loss to life and property. In addition to natural disasters, man has con-

trived to add to his miseries by waging wars and creating other manmade disasters.

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60

3. Disaster relief has become a major theme of our times. The advancement in

communications has brought to us much more rapidly and vividly the untold miseries

and dissolution suffered by human beings in the wake of cataclysmic events. As per

WHO data, there has been marked increase in disaster situation over the years28. The

number of disasters between 1900 to 1960 totalled 4098 whereas in much shorter of

30 years from 1962 to 1989 the number was 3380. Rightly so, the UN has declared

1990 as the international decade of natural disaster reduction (IDNDR), to enhance

disaster management capabilities all over the world.

Statement of the Problem

4. This paper examines the process of Disaster Management : its structure in In-

dia and recommendations.

Organisation of the Dissertation

5. It is proposed to study the subject in the following manner:-

(a) Over view of Disaster Incidents.

(b) Types of Disasters and its Effect.

(c) Overview of the International Disaster Relief system.

(d) UN Role in Disaster Management.

(e) Disaster Management Structure in Some Other Countries.

(f) National Policy on Disaster Management.

(g) Organisation for Disaster Management in India.

(h) Role of Voluntary Organisations.

(j) Role of Armed Forces.

(k) Current Concerns and Suggestions

28 Padmanabhan B. S.- Coping with Natural Disasters. Hindu 20 May 91.

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61

(l) Recommended Organisation for Disaster Management.

Over view of Disaster Incidents.

6. Within the time span of 20 years from 1960 – 1981 South Asian people wit-

nessed 217 disaster events in which 705,200 people were killed.

Types of Disasters and its Effect.

7. These can be classified as :-

(a) Natural.

(i) Floods.

(ii) Earthquakes.

(iii) Cyclones.

(b) Manmade.

(i) Accidents.

(ii) Riots / Civil Disturbance.

(iii) War.

Overview of the International Disaster Relief system.

8. These can studied under :-

(a) The Governments : major contributor.

(b) International Organisation : based on relations.

(c) Media : attracts public attention.

UN Role in Disaster Management.

9. The UN General Assembly recognised the need for Global action to reduce the

occurrence of natural disasters and and their impact. It has declared the decade of 90s

as the International Decade of Natural Disaster Reduction (IDNDR).

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62

Disaster Management Structure in Some Other Countries.

10. The disaster management in some of the under mentioned countries has been

covered :-

(a) Australia. The government has established the Natural Disaster Or-

ganisation in Jul 1974, replacing Civil Defence Organisation. Philosphy of the

organisation is that within a community three basic objectives need to be

achieved to mitigate its effects, these are :-

(i) An alert and informed community.

(ii) An active and informed local / state government.

(iii) A local/ state level counter disaster plan supported by local

organisation.

(b) USA. The disaster relief system is the part of National Organisation

of Civil Defence. The Office of Emergency Preparedness is the Central

agency for national operations and is the part of The Executive Offices of the

US President.

(c) Iran. Iran has evolved an efficient relief network which integrates

the armed forces, civil government and the Sher-e-Khoshed (Red Cross ver-

sion).Planning and coordination done at the highest level by the Dy Prime

Minister.

National Policy on Disaster Management.

11. The dimensions of the response at the level of National Government are de-

termined in accordance with the existing policy of financing the relief expenditure and

keeping in view factors like

(a) Gravity of calamity.

(b) Necessity of relief operations and intensity.

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63

(c) Need to augment state resources.

Organisation for Disaster Management in India.

12. For effective implimentation of relief measures in the wake of natural calam-

ity, the Cabinet has set up a committee. The various organisations are :-

(a) National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC).

(b) Crisis Management Group (CMG).

(c) Financial arrangements.

Role of Voluntary Organisations.

13. The role of Voluntary Organisations is to help people to over come the prob-

lems and provide relief in disaster hit areas.

Role of Armed Forces.

14. The Armed Forces of any nation are probably the best organised and managed

to provide support to a full range of public services. They can react quickly and re-

spond rapidly.

Current Concerns and Suggestions.

15. These are :-

(a) Relief execution capability.

(b) Disaster preparedness.

(c) Sustainability of disaster mitigation efforts.

(d) Development thrusts.

Recommended Organisation for Disaster Management.

16. NDO ( National Disaster Organisation). The responsibilities are as enumerated

below:-

(a) To enhance disaster management capability.

(b) Develop disaster management plan.

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64

(c) Co-ordinate aid from various agencies from national to international

organisation.

(d) Establish and operate National Emergency Operations Centre.

(e) Training of personnels.

(f) Workout and implement damage assessment procedure.

17. National Institute of Disaster Management(NIDM). The setting up of such in-

stitute has been approved since sixth five year plan; however, it has not been imple-

mented. It will be a functional part of NDO. The institute will conduct counter disaster

studies, courses for various categories of personnel’s from top bureaucrats, leaders

and personnel actually involved in relief/rehabilitation operations.

18. State Level Organisation. At state level, a director/assistance director of

disaster management must be appointed. He will be responsible for:-

(a) Prepare disaster contingency plans for the state.

(b) Training of community and volunteers to tackle disaster situation.

(c) Maintain and control disaster management unit as required by the state.

(d) Co-ordinate with armed forces.

(e) Co-ordinate disaster relief operations.

19. District Level. A class one gazetted officer of the rank of Deputy Collector

under Deputy Commissioner of the district recommended to be appointed for disaster

management and who will carry out following functions:-

(a) Prepare district contingency plan.

(b) Recruitment of Volunteers.

(c) Training of personnel at Panchayat level.

(d) Liaison with other Government departments including armed forces.

(e) Maintenance of equipment, if required.

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65

(f) Open a control centre during disaster.

20. Panchayat/Muncipality Level. It is at this level that implementation of pre-

ventive and preparedness measures such as land use planning, design and construc-

tion, self-help by community and even alerting and creating well organised volunteer

force will be effective. Therefore, responsibility of such actions should be entrusted to

chief executive officer of Muncipal towns or village development officer with equal

accountability to elected members of panchayat. The personnels at this level should be

trained, equipped and motivated for such eventualities.

Conclusion

21. India has a fairly elaborate system to combat the disasters, which occur in the

country. The basic theme of our strategy to combat disasters rests on the number of

basic ingredients, namely, Advance planning, Adequate Financial Support, Decen-

tralisation and Quick response. Effective forecasting and development programmes

for prevention are the issues on which the emphasis is being laid presently.

22. The Armed Forces have an important role to play in combating disasters. The

guide lines for requisitioning the Armed Forces have been evolved and constant inter-

action and joint planning has ensured that in the event of disaster minimum damage is

caused to men and material.

Page 66: Crisis Mgt During Disaster&Natural Calamities

66

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Books Author

1. Disaster Theory and Research E. L. Quarantelli

2. Disaster Control Bureau Of Naval Personnel

3. Disaster Preparedness and the UN Barbara J. Brown

4. Disaster assistance, Appraisal Lynn H. Stephens

Reform and New Approaches.

5. Disaster and Development. Cunny Fredrick

6. Environmental Hazards. Keith and Smith

7. Handout DSSC on Disaster Relief

8. ARTRAC Policy Approach and Role of Various Organisation for Disaster Man-

agement in India.

Periodicals/Newspapers

1. Asian Survey January 96 and February 92

2. Trishul Disaster Relief. Vol. III No.2 1992

3. The Hindu. Coping with 25 May 1991

Natural Calamities.

4. The Hindu. Trail of Destruction. 17 November 1996.

5. The Hindu. Prevention is 10 October 1996.

better than cure.

6. Indian Express. Editorial. 09 November 1996.

Page 67: Crisis Mgt During Disaster&Natural Calamities

67

Stormy Indifference.

7. Statesman. Ordeal by Floods. 30 September 1989

B. L. Bose.

8. Statesman. Tragic Tremors. 03 November 1993.

B. L. Bose.

9. Asian Recorder. 22-28 October 1993.

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68