Question

What is the role of disaster management?

Answer 1

• Natural calamities of different types & intensities (Earthquakes, Hailstorms, Cyclones,
  Hurricanes, Flood, Avalanches, Landslides, Tsunami, etc.) affect Nations all over the
  World. Not all natural calamities can be predicted and prevented, but a state of
  preparedness and ability to respond quickly to the natural calamity can considerably
  mitigate loss of life & property and restore normalcy at the earliest is referred as
  Disaster Management.
• There are no standardized rules defining the different phases of the disaster
  management cycle. Different agencies use different cycles depending upon their
  objectives. However, while approaches vary, it is agreed that disaster management
  activities should be carried out in a cycle.

1. Mitigation: any activity that reduces either the chance of a hazard taking place or a
hazard turning into disaster.

2. Risk reduction: anticipatory measures and actions that seek to avoid future risks as a
result of a disaster.

3. Prevention: avoiding a disaster even at the eleventh hour.

4. Preparedness: plans or preparations made to save lives or property, and help the
response and rescue service operations. This phase covers
implementation/operation, early warning systems and capacity building so the
population will react appropriately when an early warning is issued.

5. Response: includes actions taken to save lives and prevent property damage, and to
preserve the environment during emergencies or disasters. The response phase is the
implementation of action plans.

6. Recovery: includes actions that assist a community to return to a sense of normalcy
after a disaster.