DISASTER MANAGEMENT

Introduction
Etymology: From Italian disastro, disaster; originally meaning "unfavourable to one's stars", from dis-Italian, dis-, bad (compare dys-), + astro, star, celestial body, from Latin astrum, from ree! astron"#

$eaning of %isaster&
Disaster is a sudden, calamitous event bringing great damage, loss, and destruction and devastation to life and property. The damage caused by disasters is immeasurable and varies with the geographical location, climate and the type of the earth surface/degree of vulnerability. This influences the mental, socio-economic, political and cultural state of the affected area. Disaster means "any occurrence, that causes damage, ecological disruption, loss of human life, deterioration of health and health services, on a scale sufficient to warrant an extraordinary response from outside the affected community or area". Disasters can be defined in different ways. A disaster is an overwhelming ecological disruption occurring on a scale sufficient to re uire outside assistance

A disaster is an event located in time and space which produces conditions whereby the continuity of structure and process of social units becomes problematic

!t is an event or series of events which seriously disrupts normal activities.

An unforeseen event causing great loss, upset or unpleasantness of whatever "ind. The term #disaster$, meaning #bad star$ in %atin, is defined as an impact of a natural or man-made ha&ard that causes human suffering or creates human needs that the victims cannot alleviate without assistance. 'nited (ations Development )rogram me *'(D)+ in the Americas, a disaster is defined as $a social crisis situation occurring when a physical phenomenon of natural, socio-natural or anthropogenic origin negatively impacts vulnerable populations, causing intense, serious and widespread disruption of the normal functioning of the affected social unit., According to another widespread definition, disasters occur when ris" stri"e in wea"er areas

enerally, disaster 'as t'e follo(ing effects in t'e concerned areas, -. !t completely disrupts the normal day to day life .. !t negatively influences the emergency systems /. (ormal needs and processes li"e food, shelter, health, etc. are affected and deteriorate depending on
the intensity and severity of the disaster.

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%isasters throughout history have had significant impact on the numbers, health status and life style of
populations. Deaths 0evere in1uries, re uiring extensive treatments !ncreased ris" of communicable diseases Damage to the health facilities Damage to the water systems 2ood shortage )opulation movements

1ealt' problems common to all %isasters 0ocial reactions 3ommunicable diseases )opulation displacements 3limatic exposure 2ood and nutrition 4ater supply and sanitation 5ental health Damage to health infrastructure

+23), -F %I,.,+)0 6enerally, disasters are of two types 7 4atural and $anmade. 8ased on the devastation, these are further classified into ma1or/minor natural disaster and ma1or/minor manmade disasters. 0ome of the disasters are listed below, $inor natural disasters6 $a5or natural disasters6 2lood 3yclone Drought 9arth ua"e $a5or manmade disaster6 0etting of fires 9pidemic Deforestation )ollution due to prawn cultivation 3hemical pollution 4ars 9nvironmental pollution 0torm $inor manmade disaster6 ;oad / train accidents, riots 2ood poisoning !ndustrial disaster/ crisis 3old wave Thunderstorms :eat waves 5ud slides

0is!6 ;is" is a measure of the expected losses due to a ha&ardous event of a particular magnitude occurring in a given area over a specific time period. ;is" is a function of the probability of particular occurrences and the losses each would cause. The level of ris" depends on< v v v (ature of the :a&ard =ulnerability of the elements which are affected 9conomic value of those elements

7ulnerability6 !t is defined as the extent to which a community, structure, service, and/or geographic area is likely to be damaged or disrupted by the impact of particular hazard, on account of their nature, construction and proximity to hazardous terrain or a disaster prone area

1a8ards6 :a&ards are defined as Phenomena that pose a threat to people, structures, or economic assets and which may cause a disaster. hey could be either manmade or naturally occurring in our environment. The extent of damage in a disaster depends on< -+ The impact, intensity and characteristics of the phenomenon and .+ :ow people, environment and infrastructures are affected by that phenomenon

India's 4atural %isasters 3roneness

>n the basis of geographic and climatic considerations, !ndia can be divided into ? @ones according to its disaster proneness to natural disastersA -. 4ort'ern mountain region including foot 'ills A this region is prone to strong 0now 0torms leading to %andslides and strong 3old waves and also is 9arth ua"e prone belt with violent subterranean =olcanic activity. Indo-gangetic plainsA heavy rains during monsoon ma"e these plains vulnerable to 2loods. %eccan plateauA a Drought prone area. +'e (estern desertA a Drought prone area. *oastal areasA they are prone to 0ea erosion, 3yclones and Tidal waves

.. /. B. ?.

India9s %isaster 0idden 1istory About CDE of !ndia$s land mass is prone to 9arth Fua"es >ver BD million :ectares are prone to 2loods (early / la"h s . "m is at ris" of 3yclones The 9arth ua"e in 8hu1 "illed -B,DDD people 3yclone in >rissa too" away -D,DDD lives. 8etween -GGD and .DDD an average of about /BDD people lost their lives annually. About / crore people were affected by Disasters every year. About -H,DDD people perished by the Tsunami on .C Dec.DB

%ifferent %isasters t'eir %efinition and $easurement

).0+1:;.<), "An earth ua"e is a sudden motion or trembling of the ground produced by the abrupt displacement of roc" masses"" 5ost earth ua"es result from the movement of one roc" mass past another in response to tectonic forces. +'e focus is the point where the earth ua"e,s motion starts, +'e epicenter is the point on the earth,s surface that is directly above the focus. )art'=ua!e $agnitude is a measure of the strength of an earth ua"e as calculated from records of the event made on a calibrated seismograph. !n >?@A, *'arles 0ic'ter first defined local magnitude, and the ;ichter scale is commonly used today to describe an earth ua"e,s magnitude. )art'=ua!e Intensity" !n contrast, earth ua"e intensity is a measure of the effects of an earth ua"e at a particular place. !t is determined from observations of the earth ua"e,s effects on people, structures and the earth,s surface. Among the many existing scales, the 5odified 5ercalli !ntensity 0cale of -. degrees, symboli&ed as 55, is fre uently used )art'=ua!e 1a8ards 9arth ua"e ha&ards can be categori&ed as either direct ha&ards or indirect ha&ards. %irect 1a8ards 6round sha"ingA Differential ground settlementA 0oil li uefactionA !mmediate landslides or mud slides, ground lurching and avalanchesA )ermanent ground displacement along faultsA 2loods from tidal waves, 0ea 0urges I Tsunamis

Indirect 1a8ards Dam failuresA )ollution from damage to industrial plantsA Delayed landslides.

5ost of the damage due to earth ua"es is the result of strong ground sha"ing. 2or large magnitude events, trembling has been felt over more than ? million s . "m.

,ite 0is!s

0ome common site ris"s are< *!) ,lope 0is!s - 0lope instability, triggered by strong sha"ing may cause landslides. ;oc"s or boulders can roll considerable distances. *ii+ 4atural %ams - %andslides in irregular topographic areas may create natural dams which may collapse when they are filled. This can lead to potentially catastrophic avalanches after strong seismic sha"ing. *iii+ 7olcanic .ctivity - 9arth ua"es may be associated with potential volcanic activity and may occasionally be considered as precursory phenomena. 9xplosive eruptions are normally followed by ash falls and/or pyroclastic flows, volcanic lava or mud flows, and volcanic gases. *2*L-4) The term "cyclone" refers to all classes of storms with low atmospheric pressure at the centre, are formed when an organi&ed system of revolving winds, cloc"wise in the 0outhern :emisphere, anti-cloc"wise in the (orthern :emisphere, develops over tropical waters.
*yclones are classified on t'e basis of t'e average speed of t'e (ind near t'e centre of t'e system as follo(s6

Bind ,peed 'p to C- "m/hr C- "m/hr - --? "m/hr 6reater than --? "m/hr

*lassification Tropical Depression Tropical 0torm :urricane

1urricane A hurricane is a low pressure, large scale weather system which derives its energy from the latent heat of condensation of water vapor over warm tropical seas. A mature hurricane may have a diameter ranging from -?D to -DDD "m with sustained wind speeds often exceeding -JD "m/hr near the centre with still higher gusts. A uni ue feature of a hurricane is the 9ye. The eye provides a convenient frame of reference for the system, and can be trac"ed with radar, aircraft or satellite. *lassification The 0affir/0impson scale is often used to categori&e hurricanes based on their wind speed and damage potential. 2ive categories of hurricanes are recogni&ed< 5inimal, 5oderate, 9xtensive, 9xtreme I 3atastrophic

+'e destructive potential of a hurricane is significant due to the 'ig' (ind speeds, accompanying torrential rains which produce flooding, and storm surges along the coastline +,;4.$I,

Tsunamis are >cean 4aves produced by 9arth Fua"es or 'nderwater landslides. +'e (ord is /apanese and means C1arbor Baves# Tsunami is actually a series of waves that can travel at speeds from BDD-CDD mph in the open ocean. As the waves approach the coast, their speed decreases, but their amplitude increases. 'nusual wave 'eig'ts of >D-ED ft 'ig' can be very destructive and cause many deaths and in1uries. 5ost deaths caused by Tsunamis are because of Drowning. .ssociated ris!s include 2looding 3ontamination of Drin"ing 4ater 2ires from ruptured gas lines and tan"s %oss of vital 3ommunity !nfrastructure Kpolice, fire, medicalL Areas of greatest ris"s are -%ess than .? feet above sea level -4ithin - mile of the shore line. 9nvironmental 3onditions left by the Tsunamis may contribute to the transmission of the following diseases From Food or Bater Diarrhea illnessesA 3holera, Acute Diarrhea, Dysentery :epatitis-A, :epatitis-9 Typhoid 2ever 2ood borne illnessesA8acterialA=iralA)arasiticA(on-infectionsA

From .nimals or $os=uitoes %eptospirosis, )lague, 5alaria, M.9, Dengue, ;abies 0espiratory %iseases; Avian flu, !nfluen&a, 5easles )FF)*+, -F 4;*L).0 1-L-*.;,+ The effects of nuclear holocaust will result into blasts, heat storms, secondary fires, fire, ioni&ing radiation and fall outs. +'ese effects fall into @ categories; >)" Immediate, E)" ,'ort term and @)" Long term effects" +'e immediate effects include blast effects, heat effects, electromagnetic pulse *95)+ effects and radiation effects. +'e s'ort term effects include problems connected with water supply, sanitation, food, dispersal of excreta, wastes and dead bodies, brea" down of vector control measures and outbrea" of infections. ;adioactive contamination of water and food are ma1or concerns. The affected area creates a lot of other problems for the survivors and the rescue teams.

5a1or problem among survivors is of bone marrow depression resulting in leucopenia, which increases their susceptibility to infections. Long term effectsA the "nowledge about the long-term effects is still incomplete. 0ome well "nown effects include radiation in1uries due to radiation fallout, suppression of body immunity, chronic infection and other associated illnesses. )ersistent radiation ha&ards will lead to prolonged contamination of water supply, increased ultraviolet radiation, climatic and ecological disturbances, psychological disturbances and genetic abnormalities. *urrent Borld *oncern !n the light of the above facts the current world concern about the use of nuclear weapons is 1ustified. The world already possess an estimated total of /D,DDD megatons of nuclear weapons with a total explosive power ?D--DD times greater than that of all the explosives used during the 0econd 4orld 4ar. 9ven if -E of the nuclear weapons now possessed are used on urban populations, they can cause more deaths in a few hours than during the entire period of the 0econd 4orld 4ar. +'e fundamental aspects of %isaster $anagement 3rogram Disaster )revention Disaster preparedness Disaster response Disaster mitigation ;ehabilitation ;econstruction

@ Fundamental .spects of %isaster $anagement >" %I,.,+)0 0),3-4,) E" @" %I,.,+)0 30)3.0)%4),, %I,.,+)0 $I+I .+I-4

These / aspects of Disaster 5anagement corresponds to the E p'ases in t'e %isaster *ycle, ie, >, 0is! 0eduction 3'ase, before a %isaster, E" 0ecovery 3'ase, after a %isaster "

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-F/)*+I7), Appropriate application of current technology can prevent much of the death, in1ury, and economic disruption resulting from disasters 5orbidity and mortality resulting from disasters differ according to the type and location of the event. !n any disaster, prevention should be directed towards reducing *-+ %osses due to the disaster event itself *.+ %osses resulting from the 5ismanagement of disaster relief. +'erefore, t'e public 'ealt' ob5ectives of disaster management can be stated as follo(s < -. )revent unnecessary morbidity, mortality, and economic loss resulting directly from the disaster. .. 9liminate morbidity, mortality, and economic loss directly attributable to 5ismanagement of disaster relief efforts. 4ature and )Gtent of t'e 3roblem 5orbidity and mortality, which result from a disaster situation, can be classified into four types< -. !n1uries, .. 9motional stress, /. 9pidemics of diseases, B. !ncrease in indigenous diseases. +'e relative numbers of deat's and in5uries differ on t'e type of disaster" In5uries usually exceed deaths in explosions, typhoons, hurricanes, fires, famines, tornadoes, and epidemics. %eat's fre uently exceed in1uries in landslides, avalanches, volcanic eruptions, tidal waves, floods, and earth ua"es. %isaster victims often exhibit emotional stress or the " disaster s'oc!" syndrome. The syndrome consists of successive stages of shoc", suggestibility, euphoria and frustration. 9ach of these stages may vary in extent and duration depending on other factors. )pidemics are included in the definition of disasterA however, they can also be the result of other disaster situations. %iseases, which may be associated with disasters, include 0pecific food and/or water bone illnesses *e"g", typhoid, gastroenteritis and cholera+, =ector bone illnesses *e"g", plague and malaria+, Diseases spread by person-to-person contact *e"g", hepatitis A and shigellosis+ Diseases spread by the respiratory route *e"g., measles and influen&a+. The current status of environmental sanitation, disease surveillance, and preventive medicine has led to a significant reduction in the threat of epidemics following disaster. !mmuni&ation programs are rarely indicated as a specific post disaster measure.

A disaster is often followed by an increase in the prevalence of diseases indigenous to the area due to the disruption of medical and other health facilities and programs. $orbidity and $ortality from $ismanagement of 0elief !deally, attempts to mitigate the results of a disaster would not add to the negative conse uencesA :owever, there have been many instances in which inappropriate and/or incomplete management actions ta"en after a disaster contributed to unnecessary morbidity, mortality, and a waste of resources. 5any of the 3ausalities and much more of the Destruction occurring to natural disaster are due to ignorance and neglect on the part of the individuals and public authorities. There is a plethora of literature describing the inappropriate actions ta"en to manage past disasters. 5any of the same mismanagement problems tend to recur. )hysicians and nurses have been sent into disaster areas in numbers far in excess of actual need.

5edical and paramedical personnel have often been hampered by the lac" of the specific supplies they need to apply their s"ills to the disaster situation. !n some disasters, available supplies have not been inventoried until well after the disaster, resulting in the importation of material which is used or needed. !n a study of past disaster mismanagement problems and their causes, these problems were categori&ed as follows< -. !nade uate appraisal of damages .. /. B. ?. C. !nade uate problem ran"ing !nade uate identification of resources !nade uate location of resources !nade uate transportation of resources !nade uate utili&ation of resources

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An effective plan for public health and other personnel during a disaster would outline activities designed to minimi&e the effects of the catastrophe. These efforts can be summari&ed as closely situation analysis and response; the two types of activities are interrelated. Although many relief wor"ers may be needed to obtain surveillance information, analy&e the data, provide relief services, evaluate results, and provide information to the public, it is essential that a single person with managerial experience be placed in absolute charge of the entire disaster relief operation. 2ollowing a disaster, the desire to provide immediate relief may lead to hasty decisions which are not based on the actual needs of the affected population. The disaster relief managers can determine the actual needs of the population and ma"e responsible relief decisions. ;eliable information must be obtained on problems occurring in the disaster stric"en area, relief resources available and relief activities already in progress. 2or This, a 0urveillance systems must be set up immediately. The ob1ective of 0urveillance in a disaster situation is to obtain information re uired for ma"ing relief decisions. The specific information re uired would vary from disaster to disaster, but a basic, three -step processes includes< (>) *ollect data, (E) .naly8e data, (@) 0espond to data" The analysis involves collating and interpreting the data and can include as"ing uestions as the following< 4hat problems are occurringN 4hy are they occurringN 4here are problems occurringN 4ho is affectedN 4hat problems are causing the greatest morbidity and mortalityN 4hat problems are increasing or decreasingN 4hat problems will subside on their ownN 4hat problems will increase if unattendedN 4hat relief resources are availableN 4here are relief resources availableN :ow can relief resources be used most efficientlyN

4hat relief activities are in progressN Are relief activities meeting relief needsN 4hat additional information is needed for decision ma"ingN

After answering such uestions one can carry out the third part, i.e., planning an appropriate ;esponse to the situation described in the surveillance data. !n developing this plan one will decide what types of relief responses are appropriate and what the relative priorities are among the relief activities. This /-step process of Data 3ollection, Analysis and ;esponse can be described as a closed feedbac" system involving re-evaluation of relief needs and their effects. ,urveillance follo(ing a disaster evolves in p'ases6 >" Immediate .ssessment E" ,'ort term assessment @" -ngoing ,urveillance Immediate .ssessment The ob1ect of this phase of surveillance is to obtain as much general information as possible and as uic"ly as possible. The most basic information needed at this point is the following< *-+ *.+ */+ The geographical extent of the disaster-stric"en area, The ma1or problems occurring in the area, The number of people affected.

This information can be obtained by whatever means seems most efficient. %istening carefully and as"ing uestions is the best way to begin. .n .rial survey may be useful in defining the geographical extent of the disaster-stric"en area and in observing ma1or damage and destruction. *ensus data can be examined to determine how many people previously lived in the disaster-stric"en area and thus were at ris". 1ospitals, clinics, and morgues, which were in operation, may be able to obtain numbers of "nown deaths and in1uries. !t is useful to determine the most fre uent causes of deaths and types of in1uries in order to predict whether demands for medical care will be increasing or decreasing. 0ome problems li"ely to occur after a disaster can be predicted according to past experience with that particular type of disaster. For eGample, experience has shown that disruption of water supplies has often been a problem following earth ua"es. (ew types of disasters, such as chemical emergencies and nuclear accidents, still present many un"nown problems.

,'ort-term .ssessment The short-term assessment involves more systematic methods of collecting data and is li"ely to result in more detailed reliable information on problems, relief resources, and relief information on problems, relief resources and relief activities in progress. >ne way to organi&e data collection during this phase of assessment is to divide the disaster-stric"en area into smaller areas or "bloc"s" to be surveyed simultaneously by different wor"ers or teams of wor"ers. 0imple reporting forms can be developed and wor"ers sent out to survey the different areas and report at a specified time. +'e follo(ing is a list of Information, ('ic' may be needed in order to ma!e relief decisions The geographical extent of the affected area as defined by streets and other clear boundaries. The number of persons "nown to be dead, possibly according to age groups and sex. The estimated number of persons severely in1ured and / re uiring medical care, possibly according to age group, sex, and type of in1ury or medical problem. 9stimated number of homes destroyed, homes uninhabitable, and homes, which are still habitable. 3ondition of schools, churches, temples and other public buildings etc. 3ondition and extent of water supply. 3ondition and extent of food supply. 3ondition of roads, bridges, communication facilities and public utilities. %ocation and condition of health facilities 9stimates of medical personnel, e uipment,s and supplies available Description of relief activities already in progress *)"g. search and rescue, first aid, food relief etc+. -ngoing ,urveillance Depending on the factors above, short-term assessment may ta"e as little as ?-C hours or up to /-B days. As early as possible, relief priorities should be determined, resources ordered and full scale relief activities initiated. >nce the short-term assessment is complete and appropriate relief is in progress, surveillance becomes an ongoing system. 4hen information obtained by the ongoing surveillance is analy&ed, new problems may become apparent, re uiring investigation. The surveillance report is one way of coordinating different agencies and preventing duplication of relief efforts. . relief plan developed during any of t'e surveillance cycle may include some or all of t'e follo(ing activities< ;escue of victims )rovision of emergency medical care 9limination of physical dangers *fire, gas lea" etc+ 9vacuation of the population * nuclear and chemical emergencies+ )rovision of preventive and routine medical care )rovision of water )rovision of food )rovision of clothing )rovision of shelter

Disposal of human waste 3ontrol of vector born diseases Disposal of human bodies Disposal of solid waste

$.,, *.,;.L+2 $.4. )$)4+ 5anagement of mass casualties is divided into three main areas -" E" 3re-1ospital )mergency *are 0earch and ;escue 2irst Aid 2ield 3are 0tabili&ation of the victims Triage Tagging 1ospital 0eception and +reatment

>rgani&ational structure in the hospital with a disaster management team consists of senior officers in the medical, nursing and administrative fields 0tandardi&ed simple therapeutic procedures followed

@" 0e-distribution of 3atients bet(een 1ospitals

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)rocess of ensuring that an organi&ation has complied with the preventive measures, is in a state of readiness to contain the effects of a forecasted disastrous event to minimi&e loss of life, in1ury, and damage to property, can provide rescue, relief, rehabilitation, and other services in the aftermath of the disaster, and has the capability and resources to continue to sustain its essential functions without being overwhelmed by the demand placed on them. )reparedness for the first and immediate response is called emergency preparedness.

The ob1ectives of the disaster preparedness is to ensure that appropriate systems, procedures and resources are in place to provide prompt, effective assistance to disaster victims, thus facilitating relief measures and rehabilitation services. %isaster preparedness is an ongoing, multi-sectoral activity to carry out t'e follo(ing activities; 9valuate the ris" of the country or particular region to disasters. Adopt standards and regulations >rgani&e communication, information and warning systems 9nsure coordination and response mechanisms Adopt measures to ensure that financial and other resources are available for increased readiness and can be mobili&ed in disaster situations. Develop public education programs 3oordinate information sessions with news media >rgani&e disaster simulation exercises that test response mechanisms

2or t'e 1ealt' ,ectors %isaster 3reparedness plan to be successful, clear mechanisms for coordinating with other sectors and internationally must be in place. +'e 1ealt' %isaster *oordinator is in charge of preparedness activities and coordinating plans with 6ovt. Agencies 2oreign ;elations- '(,'(!392.4:> I other international agencies (6>$s- ;ed 3ross etc Those responsible for power, communication, :ousing, water services etc 3ivil )rotection agencies-)olice, armed forces )$)0 )4*2 30)3.0)%4),, >" 4atural %isasters 9arth ua"es, 2loods, 3yclones, Typhoons, Tsunamis, 4inter E" Fio-+errorism .gents Anthrax, )lague, 0mallpox @" *'emical )mergencies ;icin, )hosgene, 8romine, 0arin H" 0adioactive )mergencies A" $ass +rauma 9xplosions, 8lasts, 8urns, !n1uries I" 0ecent -utbrea!s and Incidents 8ird flu, 0A;0, 4est (ile =irus, 5ad 3ow Disease

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!t is virtually impossible to prevent occurrence of most (atural Disasters, but it is possible to minimi&e or mitigate their damage effects. 5itigation measures aim to reduce the =ulnerability of the 0ystem Keg. 8y improving I enforcing building codes etcL %isaster prevention implies complete elimination of damages from a ha&ard, but it is not realistic in most ha&ards. Keg. ;elocating a population from a flood plain or from beach frontL $edical *asualty could be drastically reduced by improving the 0tructural Fuality of :ouses, 0chools, )ublic or )rivate buildings. Also ensuring the 0afety of :ealth facilities, )ublic :ealth 0ervices, 4ater 0upply, 0ewerage 0ystem etc. 5itigation complements the Disaster )reparedness and Disaster ;esponse activities. A 0peciali&ed 'nit within the (ational :ealth Disaster 5anagement )rogram should coordinate the wor"s of experts in the field of :ealth, )ublic )olicy I )ublic :ealth :ospital Administration 4ater 0ystems 9ngineering I Architecture )lanning, 9ducation etc

+'e $itigation 3rogram (ill direct t'e follo(ing activities

-. !dentify areas exposed to (atural :a&ards and determine the vulnerability of "ey health facilities and water systems .. 3oordinate the wor" of 5ulti Disciplinary teams in designing and developing building codes and protect the water distribution from damages /. :ospitals must remain operational to attend to disaster victims B. !nclude Disaster 5itigation 5easures in the planning and development of (ew facilities ?. !dentify priority hospitals and critical health facilities that complies with current building codes and standards C. 9nsure that mitigation measures are ta"en into account in a facility$s maintenance plans H. !nform, sensiti&e and train those personnel$s who are involved in planning, administration, operation, maintenance and use of facilities about disaster mitigation J. )romote the inclusion of Disaster 5itigation in the curricula of )rofessional training institutes +)*14I*.L 1).L+1 30- 0.$, Treatment of casualties !dentification and disposal of bodies 9pidemiological surveillance and disease control 8asic sanitation and sanitary engineering :ealth management in shelters or temporary settlements Training health personnel and the public %ogistical resources and support 0imulation exercises / 5oc" 9xercises -.Des"top simulation exercisesK war games L ..2ield exercises /.Drills designed to impart s"ills )3I%)$I-L- I* ,;07)ILL.4*) .4% %I,).,) *-4+0-L

(atural disasters may increase the ris" of preventable diseases due to adverse changes in the following areas )opulation density )opulation displacement Disruption and contamination of water supply and sanitation services Disruption of public health programs 9cological changes that favor breeding of vectors Displacement of domestic and wild animals )rovision of emergency food, water and shelter in disaster situation

+'e principles of preventing and controlling communicable diseases after a disaster are too; !mplement as soon as possible all public health measures to reduce the ris" of disease transmission >rgani&e a reliable disease reporting system to identify outbrea"s and to promptly initiate control measures !nvestigate all reports of disease outbrea"s rapidly. 9arly clarification of the situation may prevent unnecessary dispersion of scarce resources and disruption of normal progress

)47I0-4$)4+.L 1).L+1 $.4. )$)4+ )ost disaster environmental health measures can be divided into two priorities -. 9nsuring that there are ade uate amounts of safe drin"ing water, basic sanitation facilities, disposal of excreta, waste water and solid wastes and ade uate shelter .. )roviding food protection measures, establishing or continuing vector control measures, and promoting personal hygiene 4ater 0upply Alternate water sources 5ass distribution of Disinfectants 2ood 0afety 8asic 0anitation and )ersonal :ygiene 0olid 4aste 5anagement =ector 3ontrol 8urial of the Dead )ublic information and the 5edia

)7.L;.+I-4 !n the case of disaster management, the 9valuator will be loo"ing at the Oactual " verses t'e "desired" on two levels, i.e. the overall outcome of disaster management efforts and the impact of each discrete category of relief efforts . *)rovision of food, shelter, management of communications etc+ A critical step in the management of any disaster relief is the setting of ob1ectives, which specify the intended outcome of the relief. +'e general ob5ectives of t'e disaster management will be the elimination of unnecessary morbidity, mortality and economic loss directly and indirectly attributable to mismanagement of disaster relief. The comparison of the "actual" with "desired" is the first critical step of evaluation. !f the ob1ectives were met, those who have participated in the relief have demonstrated that they have accomplished what they set out to do. >n the other hand, if the ob1ectives were not met, it is desirable for those conducting the evaluation to continue with the evaluation process, identify the reasons for the discrepancy and suggest corrective action. ,imulated %isaster 3reparedness -perations should be underta"en to test the various components before actual need arise. )valuation of t'e 'ealt' disaster management program 9valuation of the preparedness program 9valuation of the mitigation measures 9valuation of the training

30)7)4+I-4 -F %I,.,+)0,
9xisting "nowledge that might reduce the undesirable effects of disasters is often not applied. :urricane/Tornado/ 3yclone warning systems %egislation preventing building in the flood prone areas ;e uirement of protective cellars/shelters in disaster prone areas A 0eismic housing code for earth ua"e-prone area 0trict procedural code followed to prevent (uclear, Toxicological and 3hemical disasters 9arly warning systems and Disaster preparedness which will help to minimi&e morbidity, mortality and economic loss

0is! Identification J 0is! ,'aring !. "isk #dentification and $nalysis Any effective strategy to manage disaster ris" must begin with an identification and analysis of the nature and extent of ris" that characteri&es a particular location. This includes information on the fre uency, magnitude and severity of past ha&ards, data on the degree of exposure of a population and its build environment to such ha&ards and identification of local capacities and resources to withstand shoc" and stress. The process also includes analysis of the underlying causes of why these elements are at ris". ;is" identification and analysis informs decision ma"ers on where to prioriti&e ris" management efforts and how to design pro1ects that will effectively reduce the impacts of potential disaster events. A more comprehensive analysis of disaster data and understanding of the economic, financial and social impacts of disasters on a country or community can help to demonstrate the importance of including ris" reduction in development plans and programs. Assessing ris" is also a "ey component of the process of measuring the potential and actual benefits of disaster reduction. ;is" monitoring is critical in ensuring that ris" reduction programmers effectively reduce ris". 2. Risk Reduction ;is" reduction involves measures to avoid *prevention+, limit *mitigation+ or ta"e precautions against *preparedness+ the destructive and disruptive effects of ha&ards and thus lessen the potential impact. The implicit focus of ris" reduction is vulnerability reduction, which includes a wide range of social, economic, environmental and technical issues. ;is" reduction includes a range of structural measures, such as flood defenses or safe building design, and non-structural measures, such as the development of early warning systems, the regulation of land use or the sensiti&ation of populations at ris". !n order to be truly effective ris" reduction cannot be limited to the realm of disaster ris" management but has to be fully integrated in development policies and planning, climate change adaptation efforts and the post-disaster recovery process. 3. Risk Sharing/Trans er 2inancial and economic impacts of disasters can be reduced through ris" transfer. 4hile these ris"s can never be completely eliminated, they can be shared. !ndividuals and groups can transfer the financial ris" which they are unable or unwilling to absorb to a larger collective with greater economic means, for instance from an individual household to a community or company, or from a national government or

company to the global mar"ets. The most obvious ris" transfer tool is insurance, which for low-income households in developing countries is often called micro-insurance. 2urther arrangements such as informal community pools, social protection funds and innovative schemes based on weather indices are similarly useful for transferring and thus managing the financial impacts of disasters. ;is" transfer must also be used to promote ris" reduction activities.

I4+)04.+I-4.L ,+0.+) 2 F-0 %I,.,+)0 0)%;*+I-4 1istory As an increasing number of people are being affected by natural ha&ards, there is growing recognition by governments and organi&ations that building resilient communities and reducing disaster ris" is a core initiative. The 'nited (ations !nternational 0trategy for Disaster ;eduction *'(!0D;+ was established to support and coordinate this movement. ;4I,%0 2early .rc'ives '(!0D; has been advocating for and promoting disaster ris" reduction for over -D years. >ur activities since .DDD are archived here. $ilestones in t'e 1istory of %isaster 0is! 0eduction >ver the decades, disaster ris" reduction has moved from a narrowly perceived technical discipline, to a broad-based global movement focused on sustainable development. The below timeline highlights ma1or disasters and achievements in disaster ris" reduction by the '( 6eneral Assembly of the last ?D years.

During the -GCDs -GHD--GJC< Assistance in cases of natural disaster -GGD--GGG< The !nternational Decade for (atural Disaster ;eduction .DDD-.DDH< Disasters, =ulnerability, and the !0D;

%uring t'e >?IDs, t'e ;4K . adopted measures regarding severe disasters >?IE "es. !%&' >?I@ "es. !(() "es. !((( The earth ua"e at 0"opl1e, Pugoslavia, caused the death of more than -,.DD persons An hurricane struc" the territories of 3uba, the Dominican ;epublic, :aiti, Mamaica and Trinidad and Tobago resulting in the loss of thousands of lives and causing considerable material damage The 6A re uests 5ember 0tates, in its resolution .D/B Assistance in cases of natural disasters to inform the 0ecretary-6eneral of the type of emergency assistance they are in a position to offer The 8uyin-@ara earth ua"e struc" !ran and "illed more that -.,DDD people

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>?IL "es. )'%( A severe earth ua"e struc" again !ran "illing some -D,DDD people. The 6A re uests the 0ecretary-6eneral and heads of speciali&ed agencies, in the light of funds available, to bear in mind the needs of the 6overnment of !ran in connexion with its plans for the reconstruction of the devastated areas when deciding on the services to be provided to 5ember 0tates

>?MD->?LI6 .ssistance in cases of natural disaster >?MD "es. )%!% .ssistance in cases of natural disaster, invites the 0ecretary-6eneral to submit recommendations in particular on ... *b+ )re-disaster planning at the national and international levels, including the definition of machinery and contingency arrangements capable of coping immediately with disaster situationsA ... *d+ The application of technology to, and scientific research for, the prevention and control of natural disasters, or a mitigation of the effects of such disasters, including arrangements to disseminate effectively to all countries the fruits of research from satellites and other sophisticated technology with a view to strengthening international co-operation to determine the causes and early manifestation of impending disasters and the development and improvement of early warning systems *reation of t'e ;nited 4ations %isaster 0elief -ffice (;4%0-) "The 6A calls upon the 0ecretary-6eneral to appoint a Disaster ;elief 3o-ordinator, who will be authori&ed, on his behalf< ... *f+ To promote the study, prevention, control and prediction of natural disasters, ... *g+ To assist in providing advice to 6overnments on pre-disaster planning,.!t endorses the 0ecretary-6eneral,s proposals for an ade uate permanent office in the 'nited (ations which shall be the focal point in the 'nited (ations system for disaster relief mattersA ... !t !nvites 6overnments ... *f+ to improve national disaster warning systems" The 6A adopted separately a number of resolutions on drought in Afghanistan *;es. .H?H, >ct.-GH-+A in drought-stric"en areas of 9thiopia and other countries in Africa *;es.///.-, (ov.-GHJ, BD/..J, -GJ?, BD/-H?, -GJ?+ "es. )-&The 6A reaffirms "the vital importance, in order to lessen the impact of disasters, of assistance to disaster-prone countries in preventive measures, disaster contingency planning and preparedness" The 6A decides to convene the 'nited (ations 3onference on Desertification ,trengt'ening of t'e ;nited 4ations %isaster 0elief -ffice "3onvinced that disaster prevention and pre-disaster planning form an integral part of the international development policy of governments and international organi&ations... the 6A re uests the 0ecretary-6eneral to continue to investigate the feasibility of measures to strengthen the '( machinery with

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regard to disaster prevention and pre-disaster planning". >?ML "es. ''/)) -ffice of t'e ;nited 4ations %isaster 0elief *oordinator The 6A re uests the 6overning 3ouncil of the 'nited (ations Development )rogramme at its next session to give consideration to the inclusion of technical co-operation activities for disaster preparedness and prevention in its regional and interregional programmes. -ffice of t'e ;nited 4ations %isaster 0elief *o-ordinator The 6A "4elcomes the decision ta"en by the 6overning 3ouncil of the '(D)... to give consideration to the inclusion of technical co-operation activities for disaster preparedness and prevention in national and regional programmesA ... ";e uests the )reparatory 3ommittee for the (ew !nternational Development 0trategy to ta"e into account, matters concerning disaster relief, preparedness and preventionA" ,trengt'ening t'e capacity of t'e ;nited 4ations system to respond to natural disasters and ot'er disaster situations The 6A ... "0tresses the need to ta"e full advantage of information provided by existing early-warning monitoring systems that have been developed to strengthen the capacity of the '( systems in responding to natural disasters... and to coordinate... all relevant early-warning systems."

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>??D->???6 +'e International %ecade for 4atural %isaster 0eduction >?LM "es. +)/!,International %ecade for 4atural %isaster 0eduction ... "The 6A recogni&es the importance of reducing the impact of natural disasters for all people, and in particular for developing countriesA. !t decides to designate the -GGDs as a decade in which the international community, under the auspices of the 'nited (ations, will pay special attention to fostering international co-operation in the field of natural disaster reduction, ..." International %ecade for 4atural %isaster 0eduction ;ecalling that in -GJJ many disasters, such as floods in the 0udan and 8angladesh, typhoons in the )hilippines, hurricanes in %atin America and the 3aribbean, locust infestations in Africa, the 6A recogni&es the need for reducing the impact of natural disasters and welcomes the progress report of the 0ecretary-6eneral on the preparation for the !nternational Decade for (atural Disaster ;eduction and re uests to develop a framewor" of action International %ecade for 4atural %isaster 0eduction The 6A ... "proclaims the !nternational Decade for (atural Disaster ;eduction, beginning on - Manuary -GGDA Decides to designate the second 4ednesday of >ctober !nternational Day for (atural Disaster ;eduction, to

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be observed annually during the Decade by the international communityA adopts the !nternational 2ramewor" of Action for the !nternational Decade for (atural Disaster ;eductionA" >??D "es. +&/!(& International %ecade for 4atural %isaster 0eduction The 6A urges the international community to implement fully the !nternational 2ramewor" of Action of the !D(D; *annex of res. BB/./C+, to establish national committees and reaffirms the need for the secretariat of the Decade to wor" in close co-operation with '(D;> International %ecade for 4atural %isaster 0eduction The 6A endorses the (ew Por" declaration and the recommendations contained in the first annual report of the 0cientific and Technical 3ommittee *0T3+ on the Decade as well as the proposal of the 0T3 to convene in -GGB a world conference of representatives of national committees for the Decade International %ecade for 4atural %isaster 0eduction The 6A decides to convene in -GGB the 4orld 3onference on (atural Disaster ;eduction Borld *onference on %isaster 0eduction, 2o!o'ama, /apan The 4orld 3onference was held at Po"ohama, Mapan from ./ to .H 5ay -GGB. ;es. BG/.. A endorses the Po"ohama 0trategy and its )lan of Action adopted at the 4orld 3onference )arly Barning 2irst steps for early warning systems "es. &*/!!% $ The 6A decides to convene a closing event of the Decade in order to facilitate the full integration of disaster reduction into the substantive efforts for sustainable development and environmental protection by the year .DDD >??I "es. &!/!(& The 6A calls upon the secretariat of the Decade to continue to facilitate a concerted international approach to improvements in early warning capacities for natural disasters and similar disasters with adverse impact on the environment within the process leading towards the closing event of the Decade +'e )l 4iNo p'enomenon Ta"ing into account that the 9l (iQo 0outhern >scillation )henomenon, commonly "nown as "9l (iQo", has had an acute impact in several regions of the world, with particular severity and fre uency in the coastal countries of the )acific >cean, the 6A in its resolutions ?./.DD, ?//-J?, ?B/..D, ??/-GH, invites the 0tates involved in the Decade to participate in its activities

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including those related to international cooperation to reduce the impact of the 9l (iQo phenomenon. !t also calls upon the organi&ations and bodies of the 'nited (ations system, especially the !ntergovernmental >ceanographic 3ommission of '(903>, 45>, 4:>, 2A>, '(9) and '(D) and the 4orld 3limate ;esearch )rogramme, as well as the !nternational 3ouncil of 0cientific 'nions, within the Decade, to contribute further to a comprehensive approach and study of 9l (iQo and to intensify their cooperation with the regions affected by the phenomenon, especially with developing countries, small island developing 0tates and landloc"ed countries. The 6A re uests also to facilitate the process for the prompt establishment of the !nternational centre for the study of the 9l (iQo and re uests the 0ecretary-6eneral to continue the full implementation of these resolutions for the period -GGH-.DDD >??? +'e I%4%0 3rogramme Forum >??? As the !nternational Decade for (atural Disaster ;eduction *!D(D;+ concludes, the international community is increasingly aware that natural disasters are a ma1or threat to social and economic stability and that disaster prevention is the main long-term solution to this threat. The biggest challenge of the Decade lies, therefore, in the creation of a global culture of prevention. !t is in this context that the I%4%0 ,ecretariat in t'e ;nited 4ations has organi&ed the !D(D; )rogramme 2orum -GGG within the closing event of the Decade. Thematic and regional events with respect to natural disaster prevention have been held as part of the -GGJ - -GGG Action plan for the concluding phase of the !D(D;, culminating in the !D(D; )rogramme 2orum -GGG provided a platform for global multi-sectoral and interdisciplinary dialogue between all concerned partners within !D(D;. ;esults of the )rogramme 2orum will constitute a ma1or input to the '( 9conomic and 0ocial 3ouncil *93>0>3+ deliberations on !D(D;. The !D(D; )rogramme 2orum -GGG offered more than BD thematic sessions in support of natural disaster prevention, including / trac"s of concurrent sessions as well as a 0ub-2orum on 0cience and Technology organi&ed by 45> and '(903>. !n addition, panels, poster sessions, exhibits and an open public forum were organi&ed, thus providing a comprehensive overview on the broad spectrum of !D(D; achievements at all levels. EDDD-EDDM6 %isasters, 7ulnerability, and t'e I,%0 EDDD "es. &+/)!International ,trategy for %isaster 0eduction Ta"ing note of 9conomic and 0ocial 3ouncil resolution -GGG/C/ of /D Muly -GGG on the successor arrangements for the !nternational Decade for (atural Disaster reduction, the 6A endorses the proposal of the 0ecretary-6eneral to establish an inter-agency tas" force and inter-agency-secretariat for disaster reduction, under the direct authority of the 'nder-0ecretary-6eneral for :umanitarian AffairsA decides to maintain the observance of the !nternational Day for Disaster ;eduction on the second 4ednesday of >ctober. International ,trategy for %isaster 0eduction The 6A re uests the relevant organi&ations of the 'nited (ations system to

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support the implementation of the goals of the 0trategy, and endorses the proposal of the 0ecretary-6eneral to review the implementation of the Po"ohama 0trategy for a 0afer 4orld EDDE "es. &%/)&, International ,trategy for %isaster 0eduction The 6A re uests the 0ecretary-6eneral, with the assistance of the interagency secretariat for the 0trategy, to plan and coordinate, in consultation with 6overnments and relevant organi&ations of the 'nited (ations system, including international financial institutions, the .DDB review of the Po"ohama 0trategy +'e /o'annesburg 3lan of .ction The 4orld 0ummit on 0ustainable Development *400D+, in Mohannesburg, 0outh Africa, in August-0eptember .DD. provided the !0D; with a concrete set of ob1ectives within the sustainable development agenda to which both the !nter-Agency Tas" 2orce on Disaster ;eduction and the '(/!0D; secretariat, along with partners, will increasingly turn their attention and capacities to integrating and mainstreaming ris" reduction into development policies and processes $/&%/!-* !n his report on the !0D; *A/?H/-GD+ the '( 0ecretary-6eneral specifies that< "This review process will help identify gaps and means of implementation in a way that will chart the course of action for the forthcoming decade, while ta"ing into account the outcome of the 4orld 0ummit on 0ustainable Development" International ,trategy for %isaster 0eduction The 6A decides to convene a 4orld 3onference on Disaster ;eduction in .DD?, to conclude the review of the Po"ohama 0trategy and its )lan of ActionA to identify specific activities aimed at ensuring the implementation of relevant provisions of the )lan of !mplementation of the 4orld 0ummit on sustainable development on vulnerability, ris" assessment and disaster managementA to share best practices and lessons learned to further disaster reduction within the context of attaining sustainable development and identify gaps and challengesA to increase awareness of the importance of disaster reduction policiesA and to increase the reliability and availability of appropriate disaster-related information to the public and disaster management agencies in all regions, as set out in the relevant provisions of the Mohannesburg )lan of !mplementationA . The ten-year review ta"es into account several relevant processes, such as the Mohannesburg )lan of !mplementation of the 4orld 0ummit on 0ustainable Development, and will culminate in the 0econd 4orld 3onference on Disaster reduction to be held in Robe, Mapan, in Manuary .DD?. ;ecalling its decision ?H/?BH *Dec. .DD.+ the 6A urges the international community to continue to address ways and means, including through cooperation and technical assistance, to reduce the adverse effects of natural disasters, including those caused by extreme weather events, in particular in vulnerable developing countries, through the implementation of the !nternational 0trategy for Disaster ;eduction

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EDDH "es. &-/)'! International ,trategy for %isaster 0eduction The 6A welcomes the wor" of the ongoing preparatory process for the 4orld 3onference on Disaster ;eduction, to be held in Robe, Mapan, from -J to .. Manuary .DD? and notes with appreciation the pledge made by the 6overnment of Mapan to cover costs of the 4orld 3onference. The 6A underscores the importance of maintaining the 9l (iQo/0outhern >scillation observation system, continuing research into extreme weather events, improving forecasting s"ills and developing appropriate policies for reducing the impact of the 9l (iQo phenomenon and other extreme weather events and emphasi&es the need to further develop and strengthen these institutional capacities in all countries, in particular in developing countriesA . International ,trategy for %isaster 0eduction !t endorses the :yogo Declaration and the :yogo 2ramewor" for Action .DD?-.D-?< building the resilience of (ations and communities to disasters adopted by the 4orld 3onference on Disaster ;eduction, held at Robe, :yogo, Mapan, from -J to .. Manuary .DD?, and recalls the common statement of the special session on the !ndian >cean disasters< ris" reduction for a safer future. The 6A urges the international community to continue to address ways and means, including through cooperation and technical assistance, to reduce the adverse effects of natural disasters, including those caused by extreme weather events, in particular in vulnerable developing countries, including least developed countries and in Africa, through the implementation of the !nternational 0trategy for Disaster ;eduction, including the :yogo 2ramewor" for Action, and encourages the !nter-Agency Tas" 2orce for Disaster ;eduction to continue its wor" in this regard International ,trategy for %isaster 0eduction +'e lobal 3latform on %isaster 0eduction The 6A notes the proposed establishment of a 6lobal )latform for Disaster ;is" ;eduction as the successor mechanism of the !nter-Agency Tas" 2orce for Disaster ;eduction, and, ta"ing into account the implementation of the :yogo 2ramewor" for Action, decides that the 6lobal )latform shall have the same mandate as the !nter-Agency Tas" 2orce for Disaster ;eduction, and re uests the 0ecretary-6eneral to include information on the 6lobal )latform, for consideration by the 6eneral Assembly, in his next reportA Decides that the proposed establishment of the 6lobal )latform should continue to be carried out in an inclusive and transparent manner and be open to all 5ember 0tates. The 6A recogni&es the ongoing efforts made by the 6overnment of 9cuador, the 4orld 5eteorological >rgani&ation and the inter-agency secretariat for the !nternational 0trategy for Disaster ;eduction which have led to the establishment of the !nternational 3entre for the 0tudy of the 9l (iQo )henomenon at 6uaya uil, 9cuador, and encourages them to continue their

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support for the advancement of the 3entre. "es. ,!/)** The 6A urges the international community to continue to address ways and means, including through cooperation and technical assistance, to reduce the adverse effects of natural disasters, including those caused by extreme weather events, in particular in vulnerable developing countries, including least developed countries and in Africa, through the implementation of the !nternational 0trategy for Disaster ;eduction, including the :yogo 2ramewor" for Action .DD?-.D-?< 8uilding the ;esilience of (ations and 3ommunities to Disasters, and encourages the institutional arrangement for the !nternational 0trategy to continue its wor" in this regard. International ,trategy for %isaster 0eduction First session of t'e lobal 3latform on %isaster 0eduction The 6A ta"es note with great interest and appreciation of the holding at 6eneva, from ? to H Mune .DDH, of the first session of the 6lobal )latform for Disaster ;is" ;eduction, the successor mechanism of the !nter-Agency Tas" 2orce for Disaster ;eduction, as a useful forum for 5ember 0tates and other sta"eholders to assess progress made in the implementation of the :yogo 2ramewor" for Action, enhance awareness of disaster ris" reduction, share experiences and learn from good practice, identify remaining gaps and identify actions to accelerate national and local implementation.

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