DISASTER MANAGEMENT : The main aim of disaster Management is to reduce

the impact of disasters on people, property, and the environment.

• It is the process of planning , organizing and implementing measures to prevent ,
mitigate and respond to and recover from disasters.

DISASTER MANAGEMENT ACT -2005

●​ The DM act 2005 , is a law passed by the Indian Parliament to provide for the
effective management of disasters in india.

●​ It provides a legal and institutional framework for managing natural

disasters, man-made disasters, and emergencies, aiming to improve
preparedness, response, and coordination across the country.

●​ The act has been invoked several times in the past , including during the
COVID-19 pandemic to facilitate a coordinated and effective response to
disaster.

KEY PROVISIONS OF THE DM ACT, 2005

●​ Establishment of NDMA at national level( National Disaster Management
authority ) → Headed by PM , responsible for national level disaster planning
, policies and guidelines.

●​ SDMA( State Disaster Management Authority) → headed by CM , to

manage disasters at state level.

●​ DDMA(District Disaster Management Authorities) → Headed by district

collector for planning and implementation at the district level.

●​ National Executive Committee (NEC): Assists the NDMA in disaster

response and coordination

●​ Disaster Prevention & Mitigation: Focus on risk reduction, preparedness, and

emergency planning.

●​ Relief & Rehabilitation – Ensures timely relief, financial assistance, and

rehabilitation of affected communities.

●​ Establishment of Funds:​
Provides for creation of National(NDRF), State(SDRF), and District Disaster
Response and Mitigation Funds.
 ●​ Penalties and Responsibilities:​
Lays down penalties for obstruction or non-cooperation in disaster efforts

LEGAL INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK OF DM ACT , 2005

1. National Level

NDMA (National Disaster Management Authority)

●​ Lays down policies, plans, and guidelines for disaster management in India.
●​ Headed by → PM
●​ Includes representatives from various ministries and departments.

NEC (National Executive Committee)

●​ Implements policies and plans of the NDMA.

●​ Headed by → Home Secretary
●​ Comprises officials from multiple ministries and departments.​

MHA (Ministry of Home Affairs)

●​ Acts as the nodal ministry through its DM Cell.

NIDM (National Institute of Disaster Management)

●​ Responsible for training and capacity building in the field of DM.

NDRF (National Disaster Response Force)

●​ Conducts search & rescue, provides medical aid, and assists in relief
operations during disasters.​

2. State Level

SDMA (State Disaster Management Authority)

●​ Implements NDMA policies and guidelines at the state level.

●​ Chaired by - CM

SEC (State Executive Committee)

●​ Implements the policies and plans of the SDMA.

●​ Headed by the Chief Secretary of the state.
3. District Level

DDMA (District Disaster Management Authority)

●​ Implements NDMA guidelines at the district level.

●​ Chaired by the District Magistrate.
●​ Includes representatives from various departments.
●​ DMD (Disaster Management Department)​
Coordinates disaster management activities at the district level.​

4. Local Level

●​ District Administration, Panchayats, and Municipalities​

Participate in implementation and local-level disaster preparedness and
response.​

Disaster Response Force: The DRF is responsible for carrying out search and
rescue operations, providing medical assistance and carrying other relief
operations during disasters

This institutional structure ensures a top-down approach for planning and

policy-making, while also enabling bottom-up execution and community-level
participation in disaster management.

COVID-19 And DM Act, 2005

THe covid-19 pandemic has been classified as a disaster under the dm act , the act
has been invoked to enable the govt to take necessary measures to manage the
pandemic .

During covid-19 , the NDMAs and SDMA’S have played a crucial role in providing
guidance to the state govt and coordinating the response activities.

The act has enabled the govt to take necessary measures to manage the pandemic ,
including imposing lockdowns , travel restrictions , and other measures to prevent
the spread of the virus . So , DM ACT, 2005 played a critical role in Covid -19
pandemic.
THE ROLE OF NDMA

It is responsible for formulating policies and overseeing the overall disaster

management efforts in india under the dm act , 2005 .

1.​ Policy Formulation:

●​ Lays down national policies, plans, and guidelines.
●​ Ensures implementation by central and state governments.
2.​ Planning:
●​ Prepares the National Disaster Management Plan (NDMP).
●​ Guides state and district-level planning.
●​ Coordinates preparedness, mitigation, and response.
3.​ Capacity Building : Promotes training, education, and awareness via
NIDM.
4.​ Monitoring and Response:
●​ Oversees disaster preparedness.
●​ Supports early warning systems and timely response.
5.​ Mitigation & Risk Reduction:
●​ Develops risk reduction strategies.
●​ Promotes resilient infrastructure and integrates mitigation into
development.
6.​ Regulation & Standards:Issues safety standards, building codes, and
land-use guidelines.
7.​ Monitoring & Evaluation:
●​ Tracks implementation of DM plans.Evaluates effectiveness and
conducts mock drills.
8.​ Coordination:Coordinates efforts across ministries, states, and
agencies.Works with NEC for policy implementation.

Key Issues with DM Act, 2005

1.Ambiguous/ unclear definition of disaster : The Act lacks a clear

definition of what qualifies as a disaster, leading to confusion in response and
resource allocation.

2.Unclear Roles and Responsibilities: It does not clearly define the roles of
central, state, and local authorities, causing delays in decision-making.

3.Inadequate Funding:Does not guarantee adequate financial resources for

disaster management.
4.Reactive Approach: Focuses more on relief than on prevention and
mitigation.

5.Limited Community Involvement: Neglects active participation of local

communities.

6.Lack of Accountability: Inadequate checks for transparency and misuse of

resources.​

SEARCH AND RESCUE(SAR)

●​ Search and Rescue (SAR) operations are critical emergency response

activities aimed at locating, assisting, and saving individuals who
are trapped, injured, or missing during disasters.(man - made or
natural)

Search Phase involves → Scanning Areas to locate missing , trapped or

injured individuals . Uses drones , helicopters, sonars , sniffing dogs . Such
operations are guided by INFORMATION such as last known location
,weather conditions.

Rescue phase → Safely extracting those individuals and providing immediate

medical care and assistance.

PHASES OF SAR:

1.Immediate Stage : Searching and Rescuing people with injuries who are
easily accessible in the affected area.(we see at first sight.)

2.Rescue people who are able to contact but unable to reach ie Reachable
but Inaccessible : Rescue people who are located but not easily reachable
(e.g., trapped under rubble, on trees, buildings, or in basements).

3.Search for Likely Survivors: Systematic search in areas where survivors

are likely to be found (likely survival points).

4.Debris Clearance Phase: Removing collapsed material, rubble, or remains

of damaged structures (like buildings or bridges),​
To access any remaining survivors who may still be trapped underneath,​
Or to confirm that no one is left behind in the affected area.

SAR Kit : Kit should be ideally kept in central locations in areas of vulnerable
buildings .
Helmet,gloves,dust mask

FIRST AID : bandages,painkillers, cpr mask,

Rescue tools: Hammer , Screw Driver , Torch ,

Water and Food Supplies :Bottled water, energy bars, glucose.

Compass, GPS device. Stretchers, blankets

Marking & Identification Items : Spray paint, caution tape, chalk, tags for
marking searched areas.

TWO TYPES OF RESCUE METHOD :

1.Single - Person Rescue Method:

2.Two - Person Rescue Method :

Q what is rescue operation? explain it using suitable examples.

A rescue operation is an emergency response activity aimed at saving people

from danger , especially during disasters like earthquakes, floods , fire ,
accidents or building collapse .

It involves locating, reaching, and safely evacuating individuals who are

injured, trapped, or in life-threatening situations.

Examples : 1.Earthquake rescue : rescue teams uses tools to pull out

trapped survivors trapped under collapsed buildings using STRECHERS AND
LIFTING EQUIPMENTS.

2.Flood Rescue : Boats and helicopters are used to evacuate people

stranded on rooftops or in waterlogged areas.

3.Fire Rescue: Firefighters enters smoke - filled buildings using breathing

apparatus to rescue people trapped inside.
a) Demonstration of Earthquake Evacuation Drill

Purpose: To prepare individuals on how to respond safely during and after an

earthquake.

It simulates earthquake conditions to train people on how to respond

effectively, minimize panic, and ensure safety during a real seismic event.

1.Objective of the Drill :

●​ To educate people on how to stay safe during an earthquake.

●​ To practice the “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” technique.
●​ To test how well evacuation and emergency plans work.

2.Steps in the Drill :

Alarm or Signal: A siren or announcement alerts everyone to start the drill.

Response Action: People immediately "Drop, Cover, and Hold On" under
sturdy furniture.

Evacuation: Once the shaking stops, participants exit the building calmly
using safe routes.

Assembly Point: Everyone gathers at a safe open area decided in advance.​

Headcount: Teachers/leaders take attendance to check if everyone is safe.

Debriefing: Organizers review how the drill went and discuss what can be
improved.

Who Participates?

●​ Schools, offices, hospitals, residential buildings, and government offices

Benefits of the Drill​

○​ Helps reduce fear and panic during real earthquakes.​

○​ Teaches people about safe exits and shelter points.​

○​ Tests how well emergency teams and communication systems

work.
Earthquake Evacuation Drill – Step-by-Step (For School)

✅ Step 1: Start of the Drill – Earthquake Signal

●​ A bell, siren, or whistle is sounded to begin the drill.​

●​ A loud voice or announcement says: “Earthquake! Drop, Cover, and

Hold On!”​

✅ Step 2: Drop, Cover, and Hold On

●​ All students and staff:​

○​ Drop to the floor.​

○​ Cover under desks or tables, protecting heads.​

○​ Hold On to table legs to stay steady.​

●​ Stay in this position for about 60 seconds to simulate shaking.​

✅ Step 3: Shaking Stops – Get Ready to Evacuate

●​ A second bell/signal is given to show the shaking has stopped.​

●​ Students and staff stand up calmly, check their surroundings, and get
ready to leave.​

●​ Do not run or shout. Only take essential items if safe and nearby.​

✅ Step 4: Evacuation
●​ Exit the building in a single file under teacher supervision.​

●​ Use marked evacuation routes and avoid elevators and glass.​

●​ Walk quietly, use handrails on stairs, and do not push or overtake

others.​

✅ Step 5: Assembly at Safe Zone

 ●​ Go to the designated safe area (like the school ground).​

●​ Stand class-wise in lines, according to roll numbers.​

●​ Teachers take attendance and check for missing students.​

●​ Report attendance to the safety in-charge.​

✅ Step 6: Debriefing Session

●​ The principal or drill coordinator explains how the drill went.​

●​ Discuss what went well and what can be improved.​

●​ Remind students about:​

○​ Emergency contact numbers.​

○​ Location of emergency kits and exits.​

○​ Importance of staying calm and helping others.

Fire Evacuation Drill – Step-by-Step (For School)

✅ Step 1: Start of the Drill – Fire Alarm Rings

●​ A fire alarm or bell rings continuously to signal the start of the fire
drill.​

●​ Teachers immediately instruct students: "Stand up, leave everything,

and line up quietly."​

✅ Step 2: Evacuation Begins

●​ Students evacuate in a single file under teacher supervision.​

●​ No running, shouting, or pushing.​

●​ Use stairs, not elevators.​

 ●​ Two files allowed on wide staircases, otherwise single file only.​

●​ Students must follow the pre-decided evacuation route to exit the

building.​

✅ Step 3: Special Safety Actions

●​ If someone’s clothes catch fire, they must:​

○​ Stop, Drop, and Roll on the ground to put out the fire.​

●​ Students with disabilities must be assisted by assigned staff/helpers.​

✅ Step 4: Assembly at Safe Zone

●​ All students and staff gather at the pre-marked assembly area (e.g.,
school playground).​

●​ Students must stand class-wise and according to roll number.​

✅ Step 5: Roll Call / Attendance

●​ Class teachers take immediate attendance to ensure all students are
safe.​

●​ Report if anyone is missing to the fire drill coordinator or principal.​

✅ Step 6: No Re-entry Until Cleared

●​ No one is allowed to re-enter the school building until it is officially
declared safe by authorities.​

✅ Step 7: Debriefing
●​ The principal or safety officer gives a brief talk on the drill.​

●​ Feedback is shared: What went well and what needs to improve.​

 ●​ Students are reminded of:​

○​ Fire safety rules.​

○​ Emergency exits and routes.​

○​ Not to panic in real situations.​

A fire drill is a practice exercise that prepares students, teachers, and staff
to respond quickly and safely in case of a fire emergency. During the
demonstration, a fire alarm is sounded, and everyone is instructed to leave
the building calmly in a single file, without running or panicking.

Teachers guide students along pre-decided evacuation routes to a safe

assembly area, usually the school ground. A roll call is done to ensure all
students are present. Special care is taken to assist students with disabilities,
and actions like “Stop, Drop, and Roll” are practiced in case someone's
clothes catch fire.

The purpose of the fire drill is to build awareness, reduce panic, and ensure
everyone knows what to do during a real fire emergency. No one is allowed
to re-enter the building until it is declared safe by authorities.
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