Disasters are serious disruptions to the functioning

of a community that exceed its capacity to cope

using its own resources. Disasters can be caused
by natural, man-made and technological hazards,
as well as various factors that influence the
exposure and vulnerability of a community.
There are 2 types of disasters, namely:
Natural and human-caused disasters affect
thousands of people each year. Major adverse
events such as these have the potential to cause
catastrophic loss of life and physical destruction.
They are often unexpected and can leave whole
communities in shock.

People who live through a disaster can experience

emotional distress. Feelings of anxiety, constant
worrying, trouble sleeping, and other depression-
like symptoms are common responses to disasters
before, during, and after the event. Many people
are able to “bounce back” from disasters with help
from family and the community, but others may
need additional support to cope and move forward
on the path of recovery. Anyone can be at risk,
including survivors living in the impacted areas and
first responders and recovery workers.
Natural Disasters

(i) Tornadoes are outgrowths of powerful

thunderstorms that appear as rotating, funnel-
shaped clouds. They extend from a thunderstorm
to the ground with violent winds that average 30
miles per hour. Also, they can vary in speed
dramatically from being stationary to 70 miles per
hour. With a loud roar that sounds similar to a
freight train, tornadoes in the United States
typically are 500 feet across and travel on the
ground for five miles. Every state is at some risk
from tornadoes and the severe storms that
produce them. These same destructive storms also
cause strong gusts of wind, lightning strikes,
and flash floods.
Tornadoes can strike quickly with little or no
warning, giving those in impacted areas barely
enough time to take shelter. Because of the
unpredictable nature of tornadoes and severe
storms, it’s normal for people to experience
emotional distress. Feelings such as overwhelming
anxiety, trouble sleeping, and other depression-like
symptoms are common responses to these types
of disasters.
(iii) Floods are one of the most common hazards in
the United States. They occur when land that is
normally dry experiences an overflow of water.
Several events cause floods, including hurricanes
and tropical storms, failed dams or levees, and
flash floods that occur within a few minutes or
hours of excessive rainfall.

Although coastal areas are more vulnerable to

floods, particularly during hurricane season, they
can occur anywhere and can vary in size and
duration. Even very small streams, gullies, and
creeks that may appear harmless in dry weather
can flood.

The physical destruction of a flood can vary, with

some carrying away everything in its path,
including houses, bridges, cars, and even people
who may be trapped or wading in water. Further,
the economic loss from hazardous flood conditions
can be significant.
Severe storms and floods are the most common
types of natural disasters reported in the United
States. These meteorological events are
occasionally preceded by presidential “emergency
declarations” requiring state and local planning
prior to the event, such as evacuations and
protection of public assets. Disaster Distress
Helpline staff are available to speak to those who
call or text before, during, and after a natural
disaster.

Man=Made
(I)To intimidate, coerce, or demand ransom,
terrorists employ force or violence against people
or property in violation of criminal laws.

o In order to convince individuals that their

government is helpless to combat terrorism,
terrorists often use threats to generate fear
among the population.
o From terrorist threats to assassinations to
kidnappings and hijackings, bomb scares and
bombings, and cyber warfare to the use of
chemical, biological and nuclear weapons,
terrorism may take many forms.
o The 9/11 terrorist attacks that took place on
the Twin Towers (New York) in USA was the
turning point in counter terrorism policy. The
 United States took a lead in suppressing the
growth of terrorist networks in Iraq and
Afghanistan.
o In November 2008, Mumbai, Maharashtra,
India, was the scene of numerous terrorist
operations. Lashkar-e-Taiba, a Pakistani
terrorist group, carried out the assaults in
Mumbai. A number of landmarks in Mumbai’s
south were attacked by terrorists, including the
Chhatrapati Shivaji train station and Leopold
Café, two hospitals, and a theatre.

Wars are fully fledged armed attacks between

states that wreak immense havoc to life. It
leads to huge economic losses, deaths and
psychological distress.
o The two World Wars of the 20th century saw
millions lose their life and loved ones.
o Wars are usually the culminations of long
standing rifts between countries that spiral out
due to trigger events.
o Nuclear bombing of Hiroshima and
Nagasaki on 6th and 9th August of
1945 wreaked unforeseen damage on the
cities.
o The form and platform for wars have shifted
from being geographical-physical conflicts to
cyberspace. Governments and extra state
actors have the ability to disrupt normal
functioning of lives by attacking important
facilities like power plants, refineries etc.
o The Kargil War of 1999 was fought between
India and Pakistan along the Line of Control.
Hundreds of soldiers from both sides
succumbed to death.
(iii)People, animals, land and the marine
ecosystem are all affected by an oil and chemical
spill, making it one of the most destructive
environmental man-made hazards that may occur.
o Such accidental spills harm and pollute vital
resources in the food supply system, among
other things.
o Explosives, flammable and combustible
materials, poisons, and radioactive materials
are examples of hazardous materials.
Accidents during transportation and chemical
leakages at industrial units or refineries are the
most common sources of these releases.
o Most industrial accidents may be prevented by
implementing and following adequate safety
standards and processes. Accidents generate
harmful gases and poisonous chemicals that
damage living forms in neighbouring regions.
o According to estimates, Iraqi forces fled from
Kuwait in 1991 and broke valves of oil wells
and pipelines, causing the Gulf War oil
leak releasing 8 million barrels of oil into the
Persian gulf. A five-inch-thick oil slick covered
101 miles by 42 miles at its peak.
o The Bhopal Gas Tragedy of 1984 was the
world’s worst chemical (industrial) catastrophe
in 1984. Methyl isocyanate, a poisonous
chemical, was accidentally released, resulting
in the death of nearly 2500 individuals.