Disaster is a natural calamity which may be in the form of
Drought
Flood
Cyclone
Forest fire
Landslide
Earthquake
Volcanic eruption etc.
India is one of the most vulnerable developing countries because of the following reasons:
Unstable land form
High density of population
Poverty
Illiteracy and
Lack of adequate infrastructure.
In India about 60 per cent land mass is prone to earthquake. Over 40 million hectare is prone to floods. 8 per cent is prone to cyclone and 68 per cent is susceptible to drought. From 19902000 on an average every year 4344 people lost their lives and 30 million people were affected by disaster. Hence there is need to adopt a multidimensional approach involving diverse scientific, engineering, financial and social processes. Apart from devastating impact on human life it costs on economy and environment.
In this chapter disaster prevention strategy, early warning system, disaster mitigation and protection, disaster rescue and relief, disaster resettlement, rehabilitation, reconstruction and disaster management techniques have been presented.
21.1 Disaster Prevention Strategy
21.2 Early Warning System
21.3 Disaster Preparedness
21.4 Disaster Mitigation
21.5 Disaster Rescue and Relief Measures
21.6 Disaster Resettlement, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction