Question

What do you mean by disaster management ?

Answer 1

Disaster Management can be defined as the organization and management of resources and responsibilities for dealing with all humanitarian aspects of emergencies, in particular, preparedness, response and recovery in order to lessen the impact of disasters. It means that all such measures should be taken so that hazard cannot take the form of disaster. Since we cannot prevent the coming of many natural hazards but can reduce their harmful effects through proper management, so that the loss of life and property can be minimized. As we know, the present danger is not from the natural disasters, but are the human disasters. Disasters are the consequences of natural or human hazards. Therefore, through disaster management, we can prevent hazards from being turned into a disaster. Disaster management broadly encompasses the management before, during and after a disaster. It simply means planning of various steps to reduce the aftermath of a disaster, planning effective response system, planning rehabilitation and also preparing disaster resilient communities in our very own layman language.

   This management can be categorised into three steps:-

  1) Pre-disaster management

  It is related to rescue even before any possible disaster arises. Most important purpose of this is to mitigate human loss. That also includes the development of information technology system; mobilization of resource for necessary action, assessment of disaster and issuance of a warning and to the people through media, radio etc. transporting the people in a safe place in case of disaster occurrence etc.

   2) Management during Disasters:

 This is one of the important phases which depends on the level of pre-disaster management phase. The process of quick action and the help of the victims of the disaster-prone areas, transporting them in safe areas are the base of this. In this, food, clothing and health facilities are also provided to the people.

  3) Post-disaster management

   In this particular phase, redevelopment and reconstruction of affected areas are done. Also, the administration is bound to help affected people by providing them with employment or compensation.