INTRODUCTION TO DISASTER

DISASTER :

The word disaster has originated from the French word dsastre which means evil star.

Thus disaster is an evil event or an evil sign

A disaster can be perceived as a tragic event leading to a great loss E.g. Earthquakes, floods, fires, explosions etc. A disaster is a natural or manmade event which results in widespread human loss, loss of livelihood, property and life.

TYPES OF DISASTER

Natural disasters Artificial Disasters

Natural Disasters

Natural disasters are those created by natural phenomenon Some examples of natural disasters are

1. Earthquakes 2. Volcanoes 3. Landslides and Avalanches 4. Tsunami 5. Wind Storms 6. Floods and Cyclones 7. Droughts 8. Heat Waves and Cold Waves 9. Mud Slides 10. Famine

Artificial Disasters

Artificial Disasters are disasters which are generated either intentionally or by accident due to anthropogenic/ human reasons Some examples are

1. Conventional Wars 2. Nuclear/Biological Wars 3. Road, Rail, Air and Ship Accidents 4. Chemical Leaks and Environmental Pollution 5. Explosions 6. Fire Accidents 7. Building Collapse 8. Food Poisoning 9. Disease Epidemics 10. Deforestation

DISASTER RELATED TERMS

For a thorough understanding of disaster, the understanding of the following terms is necessary

Hazard or Event Vulnerability (Disaster) Risk Emergency

Any disaster would have two components namely hazard and vulnerability Hazard is a potentially damaging phenomenon that pose a threat to humans ,human society and human populations

Vulnerability is defined as the extent to which human life, property or activity is likely to be damaged or disrupted by the impact of particular hazard

Risk:

It is the word used before the event and disaster is the word used after the event Risk is the possibility of having a disaster Risk is something bad that can lead to a disaster. Emergency is another word often used with disaster. Emergency is a situation generated by the occurrence of an event that requires immediate attention

Emergency:

India and Natural Disasters

India is one of the most disaster prone countries in the world. Over 65% land area vulnerable to earthquakes; 70% of land under cultivation prone to drought; 5% of land (40 million hectares) to floods;

8% of land (8,000 km coastline) to cyclones.

A Major Disaster occurs every 2-3 years; 50 million people affected annually 1 million houses damaged annually along with human,social and other losses

GENERAL EFFECTS OF DISASTER

LOSS OF LIFE INJURY DAMAGE TO AND DESTRUCTION OF PROPERTY. DAMAGE TO AND DESTRUCTION OF PRODUCTION. DISRUPTION OF LIFESTYLE LOSS OF LIVELIHOOD. DISRUPTION TO ESSENTIAL SERVICES DAMAGE TO NATIONAL INFRASTRUCTURE DISRUPTION TO GOVERNMENTAL SYSTEMS NATIONAL ECONOMIC LOSS SOCIOLOGICAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL AFTER EFFECT.