Textbook: Disaster Management | Science and Technology Class 10 (Maharashtra SSC Board) PDF Download

 Page 1


109
10. Disaster Management
Ø		 Disaster  Ø		 Types of disaster Ø		 Effect of disaster
Ø		 Effect/ Impact of disaster Ø		 Disaster management 
Ø		 The nature and extent of disaster Ø		 First aid and emergency action
Ø		 Mock drill 
Disaster
 Variously dangerous events occur many times in the environment. Those are called as 
disasters. Some of the main natural disasters are floods, wet and dry famine, cyclones, 
earthquakes, volcanoes, etc. These are ‘all of a sudden’ troubles to the mankind. Such 
events cause sudden changes in the environment and thereby cause the damage to it. En-
vironment is also damaged due to use of natural resources for our development. This leads 
to sudden disasters, unexpected to human. These can be called as man-made disasters.
United Nations has defined the disaster as ‘the sudden event that leads to the huge loss of 
life and property. Words like ‘huge’ and ‘sudden’ are important in the definition. As the 
disaster occurs suddenly, it cannot be predicted. Hence, precautions are not possible. Huge 
losses to the property occur in the area of disaster. There are long term effects on society 
due to incidences of life and property loss. Various areas of life like economic, social, 
cultural, political, law and administration, etc. are affected by it.  The life in the area of 
disaster disturbs totally. There is loss to life and property of the people in distress. 
Earlier, we have studied various types of disasters and the measures to be taken. None of 
the different disasters are similar. Period of each disaster is not same. Some disasters are 
short term where as some are long term. Reasons behind each disaster are also different. 
Depending upon the nature of disaster, it can be determined that which component of the 
environment will be affected more. 
1. What is disaster?
2. Which disasters have you experienced in your area?
3. What are the effects of that disaster on local and surrounding  
     conditions?
Can you tell?
 Which are two main types of disasters?
 Earlier, we have studied the effects of various types of disasters and the precautionary 
measures to be taken in case any disaster happens. We can classify the disasters in other 
ways too; like catastrophic disasters. Ex. Cyclones in Odisha, catastrophic earthquakes of 
Gujarat and Latur, frequently buzzing cyclones in coastal Andhra Pradesh, etc. which lead 
to total chaos, huge loss of life and property in respective region. However, irrespective of 
all these, life has always returned to normal within short time. Disasters making the impact 
for long duration are those whose after-effects are either severe or severity increases with 
time. Ex. Famine, various problems of crop, strikes of workers, rising levels of oceans, 
desertification, etc. 
Can you recall?
Page 2


109
10. Disaster Management
Ø		 Disaster  Ø		 Types of disaster Ø		 Effect of disaster
Ø		 Effect/ Impact of disaster Ø		 Disaster management 
Ø		 The nature and extent of disaster Ø		 First aid and emergency action
Ø		 Mock drill 
Disaster
 Variously dangerous events occur many times in the environment. Those are called as 
disasters. Some of the main natural disasters are floods, wet and dry famine, cyclones, 
earthquakes, volcanoes, etc. These are ‘all of a sudden’ troubles to the mankind. Such 
events cause sudden changes in the environment and thereby cause the damage to it. En-
vironment is also damaged due to use of natural resources for our development. This leads 
to sudden disasters, unexpected to human. These can be called as man-made disasters.
United Nations has defined the disaster as ‘the sudden event that leads to the huge loss of 
life and property. Words like ‘huge’ and ‘sudden’ are important in the definition. As the 
disaster occurs suddenly, it cannot be predicted. Hence, precautions are not possible. Huge 
losses to the property occur in the area of disaster. There are long term effects on society 
due to incidences of life and property loss. Various areas of life like economic, social, 
cultural, political, law and administration, etc. are affected by it.  The life in the area of 
disaster disturbs totally. There is loss to life and property of the people in distress. 
Earlier, we have studied various types of disasters and the measures to be taken. None of 
the different disasters are similar. Period of each disaster is not same. Some disasters are 
short term where as some are long term. Reasons behind each disaster are also different. 
Depending upon the nature of disaster, it can be determined that which component of the 
environment will be affected more. 
1. What is disaster?
2. Which disasters have you experienced in your area?
3. What are the effects of that disaster on local and surrounding  
     conditions?
Can you tell?
 Which are two main types of disasters?
 Earlier, we have studied the effects of various types of disasters and the precautionary 
measures to be taken in case any disaster happens. We can classify the disasters in other 
ways too; like catastrophic disasters. Ex. Cyclones in Odisha, catastrophic earthquakes of 
Gujarat and Latur, frequently buzzing cyclones in coastal Andhra Pradesh, etc. which lead 
to total chaos, huge loss of life and property in respective region. However, irrespective of 
all these, life has always returned to normal within short time. Disasters making the impact 
for long duration are those whose after-effects are either severe or severity increases with 
time. Ex. Famine, various problems of crop, strikes of workers, rising levels of oceans, 
desertification, etc. 
Can you recall?
110
Let’s Discuss
 Observe the following images. Whether the places of 
disasters are known to you? Discuss the effects of these 
disasters on public life. How it could have been saved from 
these disasters? Discuss with your friends in the class-room.
Internet is my friend
 Search for the video 
clips of disasters. Discuss 
in your class about effects 
of disasters and remedies 
over it. 
10.1 Some Disasters  (Courtesy: Lokmat Library, Aurangabad )
Types of Disasters 
(Geophysical)          (Biological)                       (Man Made)
Geological
Ex. Earth 
quake, 
volcano, 
tsunami, 
land-slides, 
land-fall, 
erosion, 
alkalization, 
flooding, 
etc.
Plant
Ex. Forest fire, 
fungal dis-
ease spreading 
(Blister), weed, 
(aquatic, carrot 
grass, common 
grass)
Unknown
poisonous 
gases.
Atomic 
test.
Unplanned 
action
Accident..
International
War, fire, 
bomb blast, 
forced 
migration, 
terrorism, 
rapes, child 
labour.
Animal
Infectious 
viruses, 
bacteria 
(cholera, 
malaria, 
hepatitis, 
plague), 
insects, bite 
of poisonous 
animals,etc.
Atmospheric
Ex. Hot and 
cold waves, 
snow-storms, 
snow fall, 
cyclones, 
hail storm, 
drought, flood, 
meteorite, sun 
spots, etc.
1. Which are the destructive effects of flood?
2. Which are the effects of dry famine?
3. Which are the destructive effects of earthquake?
4. What is forest fire? What is its effect on environment?
Can you tell?
 How can disasters be 
classified depending upon 
various criteria?
Can you recall?
Page 3


109
10. Disaster Management
Ø		 Disaster  Ø		 Types of disaster Ø		 Effect of disaster
Ø		 Effect/ Impact of disaster Ø		 Disaster management 
Ø		 The nature and extent of disaster Ø		 First aid and emergency action
Ø		 Mock drill 
Disaster
 Variously dangerous events occur many times in the environment. Those are called as 
disasters. Some of the main natural disasters are floods, wet and dry famine, cyclones, 
earthquakes, volcanoes, etc. These are ‘all of a sudden’ troubles to the mankind. Such 
events cause sudden changes in the environment and thereby cause the damage to it. En-
vironment is also damaged due to use of natural resources for our development. This leads 
to sudden disasters, unexpected to human. These can be called as man-made disasters.
United Nations has defined the disaster as ‘the sudden event that leads to the huge loss of 
life and property. Words like ‘huge’ and ‘sudden’ are important in the definition. As the 
disaster occurs suddenly, it cannot be predicted. Hence, precautions are not possible. Huge 
losses to the property occur in the area of disaster. There are long term effects on society 
due to incidences of life and property loss. Various areas of life like economic, social, 
cultural, political, law and administration, etc. are affected by it.  The life in the area of 
disaster disturbs totally. There is loss to life and property of the people in distress. 
Earlier, we have studied various types of disasters and the measures to be taken. None of 
the different disasters are similar. Period of each disaster is not same. Some disasters are 
short term where as some are long term. Reasons behind each disaster are also different. 
Depending upon the nature of disaster, it can be determined that which component of the 
environment will be affected more. 
1. What is disaster?
2. Which disasters have you experienced in your area?
3. What are the effects of that disaster on local and surrounding  
     conditions?
Can you tell?
 Which are two main types of disasters?
 Earlier, we have studied the effects of various types of disasters and the precautionary 
measures to be taken in case any disaster happens. We can classify the disasters in other 
ways too; like catastrophic disasters. Ex. Cyclones in Odisha, catastrophic earthquakes of 
Gujarat and Latur, frequently buzzing cyclones in coastal Andhra Pradesh, etc. which lead 
to total chaos, huge loss of life and property in respective region. However, irrespective of 
all these, life has always returned to normal within short time. Disasters making the impact 
for long duration are those whose after-effects are either severe or severity increases with 
time. Ex. Famine, various problems of crop, strikes of workers, rising levels of oceans, 
desertification, etc. 
Can you recall?
110
Let’s Discuss
 Observe the following images. Whether the places of 
disasters are known to you? Discuss the effects of these 
disasters on public life. How it could have been saved from 
these disasters? Discuss with your friends in the class-room.
Internet is my friend
 Search for the video 
clips of disasters. Discuss 
in your class about effects 
of disasters and remedies 
over it. 
10.1 Some Disasters  (Courtesy: Lokmat Library, Aurangabad )
Types of Disasters 
(Geophysical)          (Biological)                       (Man Made)
Geological
Ex. Earth 
quake, 
volcano, 
tsunami, 
land-slides, 
land-fall, 
erosion, 
alkalization, 
flooding, 
etc.
Plant
Ex. Forest fire, 
fungal dis-
ease spreading 
(Blister), weed, 
(aquatic, carrot 
grass, common 
grass)
Unknown
poisonous 
gases.
Atomic 
test.
Unplanned 
action
Accident..
International
War, fire, 
bomb blast, 
forced 
migration, 
terrorism, 
rapes, child 
labour.
Animal
Infectious 
viruses, 
bacteria 
(cholera, 
malaria, 
hepatitis, 
plague), 
insects, bite 
of poisonous 
animals,etc.
Atmospheric
Ex. Hot and 
cold waves, 
snow-storms, 
snow fall, 
cyclones, 
hail storm, 
drought, flood, 
meteorite, sun 
spots, etc.
1. Which are the destructive effects of flood?
2. Which are the effects of dry famine?
3. Which are the destructive effects of earthquake?
4. What is forest fire? What is its effect on environment?
Can you tell?
 How can disasters be 
classified depending upon 
various criteria?
Can you recall?
111
Effects of disaster
 We have understood the serious effects of disaster with the help of above-mentioned 
questions. Collapsing of bridges, flooding of coastal villages, shortage of food are some 
of the problems of floods. Collapsing of houses, developing cracks in land are some of the 
effects of earthquake. Disasters like forest fire and drought also adversely affect the envi-
ronment. However, what is exact nature of these disasters? Whether there are any changes 
in nature before the occurrence of disasters? For how long the effects occur after the oc-
currence of disaster? How? It needs to be think over all these aspects. This helps us to 
understand the nature and gravity of the disaster. 
 Disasters definitely affect the economy of the nation. That effect is always relative to 
disaster and economy i.e. if any port is destroyed, there are long lasting effects on econo-
my due to huge expenses on its reconstruction. An effect of disaster on social leadership is 
that if local leadership is not strong enough, citizen become confused. It affects their par-
ticipation in rescue and rehabilitation activities. Administrative problems arise during the 
disaster. If local governing bodies are affected by disasters, related departments cannot 
answer the problems of disaster efficiently. All the concerned departments are affected by 
disaster and thereby entire system collapses. 
Let's Think
What will be the effect on yourself and surrounding, if any 
accident-like disaster occurs during the sports on playground or 
in school?
Complete the chart
 Different problems occurs with disasters. in the con-
cept map different effects are mentioned. Read it and fill 
the blank places.
Partial or complete collapsing of buildings, 
drying out of water sources, contamination of 
water, Stinky pollution of environment due to 
decomposing corpses of humans and other 
animals.
Injuries, emotional / 
mental stress, increase 
in epidemics, death of 
victims.
Environmental 
Medical Economic
Administrative 
Professional
Disaster
 Stress on workers, collapsing 
of transport system, shortage of 
facilities, etc.
Sudden increase in fund 
expenditure, shortage of 
funds for development of 
other sectors, decrease in 
productivity.
.................................
.................................
.................................
................................
Social
Political
.................................
.................................
.................................
................................
Depending upon above information, explain the various 
effects of the disaster of railway accident.
Use your brain power
Page 4


109
10. Disaster Management
Ø		 Disaster  Ø		 Types of disaster Ø		 Effect of disaster
Ø		 Effect/ Impact of disaster Ø		 Disaster management 
Ø		 The nature and extent of disaster Ø		 First aid and emergency action
Ø		 Mock drill 
Disaster
 Variously dangerous events occur many times in the environment. Those are called as 
disasters. Some of the main natural disasters are floods, wet and dry famine, cyclones, 
earthquakes, volcanoes, etc. These are ‘all of a sudden’ troubles to the mankind. Such 
events cause sudden changes in the environment and thereby cause the damage to it. En-
vironment is also damaged due to use of natural resources for our development. This leads 
to sudden disasters, unexpected to human. These can be called as man-made disasters.
United Nations has defined the disaster as ‘the sudden event that leads to the huge loss of 
life and property. Words like ‘huge’ and ‘sudden’ are important in the definition. As the 
disaster occurs suddenly, it cannot be predicted. Hence, precautions are not possible. Huge 
losses to the property occur in the area of disaster. There are long term effects on society 
due to incidences of life and property loss. Various areas of life like economic, social, 
cultural, political, law and administration, etc. are affected by it.  The life in the area of 
disaster disturbs totally. There is loss to life and property of the people in distress. 
Earlier, we have studied various types of disasters and the measures to be taken. None of 
the different disasters are similar. Period of each disaster is not same. Some disasters are 
short term where as some are long term. Reasons behind each disaster are also different. 
Depending upon the nature of disaster, it can be determined that which component of the 
environment will be affected more. 
1. What is disaster?
2. Which disasters have you experienced in your area?
3. What are the effects of that disaster on local and surrounding  
     conditions?
Can you tell?
 Which are two main types of disasters?
 Earlier, we have studied the effects of various types of disasters and the precautionary 
measures to be taken in case any disaster happens. We can classify the disasters in other 
ways too; like catastrophic disasters. Ex. Cyclones in Odisha, catastrophic earthquakes of 
Gujarat and Latur, frequently buzzing cyclones in coastal Andhra Pradesh, etc. which lead 
to total chaos, huge loss of life and property in respective region. However, irrespective of 
all these, life has always returned to normal within short time. Disasters making the impact 
for long duration are those whose after-effects are either severe or severity increases with 
time. Ex. Famine, various problems of crop, strikes of workers, rising levels of oceans, 
desertification, etc. 
Can you recall?
110
Let’s Discuss
 Observe the following images. Whether the places of 
disasters are known to you? Discuss the effects of these 
disasters on public life. How it could have been saved from 
these disasters? Discuss with your friends in the class-room.
Internet is my friend
 Search for the video 
clips of disasters. Discuss 
in your class about effects 
of disasters and remedies 
over it. 
10.1 Some Disasters  (Courtesy: Lokmat Library, Aurangabad )
Types of Disasters 
(Geophysical)          (Biological)                       (Man Made)
Geological
Ex. Earth 
quake, 
volcano, 
tsunami, 
land-slides, 
land-fall, 
erosion, 
alkalization, 
flooding, 
etc.
Plant
Ex. Forest fire, 
fungal dis-
ease spreading 
(Blister), weed, 
(aquatic, carrot 
grass, common 
grass)
Unknown
poisonous 
gases.
Atomic 
test.
Unplanned 
action
Accident..
International
War, fire, 
bomb blast, 
forced 
migration, 
terrorism, 
rapes, child 
labour.
Animal
Infectious 
viruses, 
bacteria 
(cholera, 
malaria, 
hepatitis, 
plague), 
insects, bite 
of poisonous 
animals,etc.
Atmospheric
Ex. Hot and 
cold waves, 
snow-storms, 
snow fall, 
cyclones, 
hail storm, 
drought, flood, 
meteorite, sun 
spots, etc.
1. Which are the destructive effects of flood?
2. Which are the effects of dry famine?
3. Which are the destructive effects of earthquake?
4. What is forest fire? What is its effect on environment?
Can you tell?
 How can disasters be 
classified depending upon 
various criteria?
Can you recall?
111
Effects of disaster
 We have understood the serious effects of disaster with the help of above-mentioned 
questions. Collapsing of bridges, flooding of coastal villages, shortage of food are some 
of the problems of floods. Collapsing of houses, developing cracks in land are some of the 
effects of earthquake. Disasters like forest fire and drought also adversely affect the envi-
ronment. However, what is exact nature of these disasters? Whether there are any changes 
in nature before the occurrence of disasters? For how long the effects occur after the oc-
currence of disaster? How? It needs to be think over all these aspects. This helps us to 
understand the nature and gravity of the disaster. 
 Disasters definitely affect the economy of the nation. That effect is always relative to 
disaster and economy i.e. if any port is destroyed, there are long lasting effects on econo-
my due to huge expenses on its reconstruction. An effect of disaster on social leadership is 
that if local leadership is not strong enough, citizen become confused. It affects their par-
ticipation in rescue and rehabilitation activities. Administrative problems arise during the 
disaster. If local governing bodies are affected by disasters, related departments cannot 
answer the problems of disaster efficiently. All the concerned departments are affected by 
disaster and thereby entire system collapses. 
Let's Think
What will be the effect on yourself and surrounding, if any 
accident-like disaster occurs during the sports on playground or 
in school?
Complete the chart
 Different problems occurs with disasters. in the con-
cept map different effects are mentioned. Read it and fill 
the blank places.
Partial or complete collapsing of buildings, 
drying out of water sources, contamination of 
water, Stinky pollution of environment due to 
decomposing corpses of humans and other 
animals.
Injuries, emotional / 
mental stress, increase 
in epidemics, death of 
victims.
Environmental 
Medical Economic
Administrative 
Professional
Disaster
 Stress on workers, collapsing 
of transport system, shortage of 
facilities, etc.
Sudden increase in fund 
expenditure, shortage of 
funds for development of 
other sectors, decrease in 
productivity.
.................................
.................................
.................................
................................
Social
Political
.................................
.................................
.................................
................................
Depending upon above information, explain the various 
effects of the disaster of railway accident.
Use your brain power
112
Lets Think
Explain the nature and scope of 
the disaster of flood with the help of 
six points given beside.
1. Pre-disaster phase
2. Warning phase
3. Emergency phase
4. Rehabilitation phase
5. Recovery phase
6. Reconstruction phase
Taking into consideration the nature and scope of disaster, only three aspects of 
disaster are important for common citizens.
1. Phase of emergency: Important character of this phase is that maximum lives can be
saved by quick actions during this phase only. Various actions like search and rescue op-
erations, medical assistance, first aid, restoring communication services, removing the
people from affected area are expected in this phase. Gravity of disaster can be estimated
in this phase only.
2. Transitional Phase: Rehabilitation work is started in this phase, after the subsidence of
any type of disaster. It includes clearing of debris, restoring water supply, repairing roads,
etc. so that it will help to bring normalcy in public life. Rehabilitation of the victims is
important aspect of this phase. Generally, different institutes offer the monetary and other
type of help to such people. It helps to soothe the mental stress at the earliest if these vic-
tims are offered with the permanent mean of earning livelihood and this is true rehabilita-
tion.
3. Reconstruction Phase: This is highly complicated phase. This phase begins in transi-
tional phase. People reconstruct their buildings and facilities like roads and water supply
are restored. Farming practices are restarted. However, it takes long time for reconstruc-
tion.
Planet Earth has experienced many natural disasters. Listening to the description of those 
disasters brings numbness to the mind. Most of the disasters and related unprecedented 
situations have been occurred in the Asian continent and region of Pacific Ocean. Huge 
loss to the life and the planet Earth has been occurred due to such disasters. Generally, 
such conditions of natural imbalance have been arisen due to greed of economic progress 
of human being.
In reality, old problems of several years have become fierce. Ex. Increasing population, its 
increasing needs emerging problems out of it are now at the extreme end. Such disasters 
have been increased after the world war-II. Condition of instability arises in the country 
due to various reasons like economic inequality, racial and religious differences, etc. Inci-
dences like terrorism, abduction, social differences have been a routine now.
Production and use of harmful chemicals is under ban in developed countries. How-
ever, production of either same or those chemicals which can wipe out the human race is 
common in developing and poor countries.
Nature and scope of disaster
Taking   into   consideration  the  scope  of   disaster,  some  of  the   important  facts  must  be 
thought  over,  as  follows
Page 5


109
10. Disaster Management
Ø		 Disaster  Ø		 Types of disaster Ø		 Effect of disaster
Ø		 Effect/ Impact of disaster Ø		 Disaster management 
Ø		 The nature and extent of disaster Ø		 First aid and emergency action
Ø		 Mock drill 
Disaster
 Variously dangerous events occur many times in the environment. Those are called as 
disasters. Some of the main natural disasters are floods, wet and dry famine, cyclones, 
earthquakes, volcanoes, etc. These are ‘all of a sudden’ troubles to the mankind. Such 
events cause sudden changes in the environment and thereby cause the damage to it. En-
vironment is also damaged due to use of natural resources for our development. This leads 
to sudden disasters, unexpected to human. These can be called as man-made disasters.
United Nations has defined the disaster as ‘the sudden event that leads to the huge loss of 
life and property. Words like ‘huge’ and ‘sudden’ are important in the definition. As the 
disaster occurs suddenly, it cannot be predicted. Hence, precautions are not possible. Huge 
losses to the property occur in the area of disaster. There are long term effects on society 
due to incidences of life and property loss. Various areas of life like economic, social, 
cultural, political, law and administration, etc. are affected by it.  The life in the area of 
disaster disturbs totally. There is loss to life and property of the people in distress. 
Earlier, we have studied various types of disasters and the measures to be taken. None of 
the different disasters are similar. Period of each disaster is not same. Some disasters are 
short term where as some are long term. Reasons behind each disaster are also different. 
Depending upon the nature of disaster, it can be determined that which component of the 
environment will be affected more. 
1. What is disaster?
2. Which disasters have you experienced in your area?
3. What are the effects of that disaster on local and surrounding  
     conditions?
Can you tell?
 Which are two main types of disasters?
 Earlier, we have studied the effects of various types of disasters and the precautionary 
measures to be taken in case any disaster happens. We can classify the disasters in other 
ways too; like catastrophic disasters. Ex. Cyclones in Odisha, catastrophic earthquakes of 
Gujarat and Latur, frequently buzzing cyclones in coastal Andhra Pradesh, etc. which lead 
to total chaos, huge loss of life and property in respective region. However, irrespective of 
all these, life has always returned to normal within short time. Disasters making the impact 
for long duration are those whose after-effects are either severe or severity increases with 
time. Ex. Famine, various problems of crop, strikes of workers, rising levels of oceans, 
desertification, etc. 
Can you recall?
110
Let’s Discuss
 Observe the following images. Whether the places of 
disasters are known to you? Discuss the effects of these 
disasters on public life. How it could have been saved from 
these disasters? Discuss with your friends in the class-room.
Internet is my friend
 Search for the video 
clips of disasters. Discuss 
in your class about effects 
of disasters and remedies 
over it. 
10.1 Some Disasters  (Courtesy: Lokmat Library, Aurangabad )
Types of Disasters 
(Geophysical)          (Biological)                       (Man Made)
Geological
Ex. Earth 
quake, 
volcano, 
tsunami, 
land-slides, 
land-fall, 
erosion, 
alkalization, 
flooding, 
etc.
Plant
Ex. Forest fire, 
fungal dis-
ease spreading 
(Blister), weed, 
(aquatic, carrot 
grass, common 
grass)
Unknown
poisonous 
gases.
Atomic 
test.
Unplanned 
action
Accident..
International
War, fire, 
bomb blast, 
forced 
migration, 
terrorism, 
rapes, child 
labour.
Animal
Infectious 
viruses, 
bacteria 
(cholera, 
malaria, 
hepatitis, 
plague), 
insects, bite 
of poisonous 
animals,etc.
Atmospheric
Ex. Hot and 
cold waves, 
snow-storms, 
snow fall, 
cyclones, 
hail storm, 
drought, flood, 
meteorite, sun 
spots, etc.
1. Which are the destructive effects of flood?
2. Which are the effects of dry famine?
3. Which are the destructive effects of earthquake?
4. What is forest fire? What is its effect on environment?
Can you tell?
 How can disasters be 
classified depending upon 
various criteria?
Can you recall?
111
Effects of disaster
 We have understood the serious effects of disaster with the help of above-mentioned 
questions. Collapsing of bridges, flooding of coastal villages, shortage of food are some 
of the problems of floods. Collapsing of houses, developing cracks in land are some of the 
effects of earthquake. Disasters like forest fire and drought also adversely affect the envi-
ronment. However, what is exact nature of these disasters? Whether there are any changes 
in nature before the occurrence of disasters? For how long the effects occur after the oc-
currence of disaster? How? It needs to be think over all these aspects. This helps us to 
understand the nature and gravity of the disaster. 
 Disasters definitely affect the economy of the nation. That effect is always relative to 
disaster and economy i.e. if any port is destroyed, there are long lasting effects on econo-
my due to huge expenses on its reconstruction. An effect of disaster on social leadership is 
that if local leadership is not strong enough, citizen become confused. It affects their par-
ticipation in rescue and rehabilitation activities. Administrative problems arise during the 
disaster. If local governing bodies are affected by disasters, related departments cannot 
answer the problems of disaster efficiently. All the concerned departments are affected by 
disaster and thereby entire system collapses. 
Let's Think
What will be the effect on yourself and surrounding, if any 
accident-like disaster occurs during the sports on playground or 
in school?
Complete the chart
 Different problems occurs with disasters. in the con-
cept map different effects are mentioned. Read it and fill 
the blank places.
Partial or complete collapsing of buildings, 
drying out of water sources, contamination of 
water, Stinky pollution of environment due to 
decomposing corpses of humans and other 
animals.
Injuries, emotional / 
mental stress, increase 
in epidemics, death of 
victims.
Environmental 
Medical Economic
Administrative 
Professional
Disaster
 Stress on workers, collapsing 
of transport system, shortage of 
facilities, etc.
Sudden increase in fund 
expenditure, shortage of 
funds for development of 
other sectors, decrease in 
productivity.
.................................
.................................
.................................
................................
Social
Political
.................................
.................................
.................................
................................
Depending upon above information, explain the various 
effects of the disaster of railway accident.
Use your brain power
112
Lets Think
Explain the nature and scope of 
the disaster of flood with the help of 
six points given beside.
1. Pre-disaster phase
2. Warning phase
3. Emergency phase
4. Rehabilitation phase
5. Recovery phase
6. Reconstruction phase
Taking into consideration the nature and scope of disaster, only three aspects of 
disaster are important for common citizens.
1. Phase of emergency: Important character of this phase is that maximum lives can be
saved by quick actions during this phase only. Various actions like search and rescue op-
erations, medical assistance, first aid, restoring communication services, removing the
people from affected area are expected in this phase. Gravity of disaster can be estimated
in this phase only.
2. Transitional Phase: Rehabilitation work is started in this phase, after the subsidence of
any type of disaster. It includes clearing of debris, restoring water supply, repairing roads,
etc. so that it will help to bring normalcy in public life. Rehabilitation of the victims is
important aspect of this phase. Generally, different institutes offer the monetary and other
type of help to such people. It helps to soothe the mental stress at the earliest if these vic-
tims are offered with the permanent mean of earning livelihood and this is true rehabilita-
tion.
3. Reconstruction Phase: This is highly complicated phase. This phase begins in transi-
tional phase. People reconstruct their buildings and facilities like roads and water supply
are restored. Farming practices are restarted. However, it takes long time for reconstruc-
tion.
Planet Earth has experienced many natural disasters. Listening to the description of those 
disasters brings numbness to the mind. Most of the disasters and related unprecedented 
situations have been occurred in the Asian continent and region of Pacific Ocean. Huge 
loss to the life and the planet Earth has been occurred due to such disasters. Generally, 
such conditions of natural imbalance have been arisen due to greed of economic progress 
of human being.
In reality, old problems of several years have become fierce. Ex. Increasing population, its 
increasing needs emerging problems out of it are now at the extreme end. Such disasters 
have been increased after the world war-II. Condition of instability arises in the country 
due to various reasons like economic inequality, racial and religious differences, etc. Inci-
dences like terrorism, abduction, social differences have been a routine now.
Production and use of harmful chemicals is under ban in developed countries. How-
ever, production of either same or those chemicals which can wipe out the human race is 
common in developing and poor countries.
Nature and scope of disaster
Taking   into   consideration  the  scope  of   disaster,  some  of  the   important  facts  must  be 
thought  over,  as  follows
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Do you know?
 In 2014, there had been a huge landslide in the village Malin, Tal. Ambegaon, 
Dist. Pune. Following is the image of the school reconstructed after the disaster.
Disaster management
Disaster may be minor or major, short-
-time or long-time, it should be overcome 
and effective disaster management is 
necessary for it. There is close relationship 
between disaster management and public 
participation. Disaster management is either 
prevention of disasters or making 
arrangements to face it or at least achieve 
the abilities to face it. 
 Disaster is a very fast process, in fact it 
is accident. What shall we do in such 
situation? How can we protect ourselves, 
our belongings and animals?
 In case of disaster management, there 
should be an attempt to minimize the losses. 
Disasters are never planned but losses due it 
can be prevented in a planned manner.
Objectives of Disaster Management
1. Saving of human life during the 
calamity and release of the people.
2. Supply of essential commodities 
of the people to reduce the effect 
of disaster.
3. To restore the human life in the   
region by creating reconciliation 
in disaster.
4. Rehabilitate disaster victims.
5. Considering protective measures 
in disaster, such disaster will not 
reach in future and take care to   
reduce their intensity.
Another such threat to human being is from the atomic energy plants. Ex. Radiation 
leakage occurred after a blast in atomic energy plant at Chernobyl, Ukraine. Its ill-effects 
are still experienced in the region. This atomic energy plant was only used for electricity 
generation. Now a day, many countries are equipped with atomic energy. Out of this, 
risk of radiation leakage is increasing due to carelessness. Hence, importance of disaster 
management has become the foremost need of almost all the nations. In fact, it is most 
necessary for citizens of all countries, because they are the main sufferers in any type of 
disaster. Hence, direct participation of citizens in disaster management is highly necessary. 
Similarly, disaster management schemes should be changed with respect to location, time 
and nature of the disaster. It should not be restricted for a particular period. Overall, there 
may be any type of disaster, it should be overcome. Concept of disaster management has 
been arisen out of this only.