Expanded Key Points from "Types of Disaster and Vulnerability
Analysis"
1. Types of Disasters
Natural Disasters
Definition: Catastrophic events caused by natural processes.
Examples:
Earthquakes: Sudden shaking due to tectonic plate movements.
Floods: Overflow of water onto dry land (flash floods, river floods, coastal
floods).
Cyclones: Rotating storms over warm ocean waters (hurricanes, typhoons).
Heatwaves: Prolonged periods of extreme heat, worsened by climate change.
Lightning: Electrical discharge during thunderstorms, causing fires and fatalities.
Man-made Disasters
Definition: Disasters caused by human negligence, errors, or intentional actions.
Examples:
Industrial Accidents: Chemical spills, nuclear leaks (e.g., Bhopal Gas Tragedy).
War & Terrorism: Bombings, nuclear explosions.
Environmental Degradation: Deforestation leading to landslides, pollution.
2. Vulnerability and Risk Analysis
Vulnerability Components
1. Exposure: People, infrastructure, or assets in hazard-prone areas.
Example: Coastal cities exposed to cyclones.
1. Susceptibility: Likelihood of being harmed due to weak infrastructure or lack of
preparedness.
Example: Poorly constructed buildings collapsing in earthquakes.
1. Resilience: Ability to recover quickly.
Example: Japan’s earthquake-resistant buildings.
Risk Equation
Risk=Hazard×VulnerabilityRisk=Hazard×Vulnerability
Hazard: Natural or man-made event (e.g., earthquake, flood).
Vulnerability: Factors increasing damage potential (e.g., poverty, weak
governance).
3. Detailed Analysis of Major Disasters
Floods
Causes:
Heavy rainfall, storm surges, dam failures, rapid snowmelt.
Climate change increases intensity (e.g., 2021 European floods).
Impacts:
Human: Deaths, displacement, disease outbreaks (cholera).
Economic: Crop destruction, infrastructure damage (roads, bridges).
Social: Long-term migration, urban overcrowding.
Management:
Prevention: Sponge cities (China), river embankments.
Response: Early warning systems, evacuation plans.
Cyclones
Formation Conditions:
Warm ocean waters (>26°C), low pressure, Coriolis effect.
Effects:
Storm surges (sea waves up to 20 ft), flooding, landslides.
Example: 1999 Odisha Cyclone (10,000+ deaths).
Mitigation:
Cyclone shelters, mangrove restoration (natural barriers).
Earthquakes
Measurement:
Richter Scale: Measures energy released.
Modified Mercalli Scale: Measures felt intensity.
High-Risk Zones in India:
Zone 5: Kashmir, North-East (most active).
Zone 4: Delhi, Mumbai (moderate risk).
Preparedness:
Retrofitting old buildings, public drills (e.g., Japan’s disaster drills).
Heatwaves
Health Impacts:
Heatstroke, dehydration, cardiovascular stress.
2003 European heatwave: 70,000+ deaths.
Vulnerable Groups:
Elderly, children, outdoor laborers, homeless.
Adaptation:
Cooling centers, green roofs, urban tree planting.
Lightning
High-Risk Areas:
Odisha, Maharashtra (most deaths in India).
Safety Measures:
Lightning arresters, avoiding open fields during storms.
4. Institutional Framework in India
Disaster Management Act (2005)
NDMA (National Level): Policy-making, coordination.
SDMA (State Level): Implementation of state disaster plans.
DDMA (District Level): On-ground execution (relief camps, evacuation).
NDRF/ODRAF: Specialized disaster response teams.
Community Participation
Role of NGOs: Awareness programs, rescue operations.
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): Funding disaster-resilient projects.
5. Climate Change and Disaster Risk
Increased Frequency: More intense cyclones, erratic monsoons, rising
heatwaves.
Solutions:
Mitigation: Reducing carbon emissions, renewable energy.
Adaptation: Flood-resistant crops, early warning systems.
6. Case Studies
2013 Uttarakhand Floods: Cloudburst + glacial melt → 5,000+ deaths.
2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami: 2,30,000+ deaths, poor early warnings.
Silent Valley Movement (Kerala): Successful protest against hydroelectric dam
(biodiversity protection).
7. Exam-Oriented Facts
Q: Difference between Richter and Mercalli scale?
A: Richter measures magnitude (energy), Mercalli measures felt intensity.
Q: Which Indian state is most vulnerable to lightning?
A: Odisha (213 deaths in 2021).
Q: Name two man-made disasters.
A: Bhopal Gas Tragedy, Chernobyl nuclear disaster.
Final Takeaways
Disaster Management = Preparedness + Response + Recovery.
Climate change is worsening disasters → Need for global cooperation.
Vulnerability reduction through better infrastructure, policies, and awareness.
This expanded version ensures deeper understanding for exams and practical
applications. Let me know if you need further refinements!
