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Q. India being a responsible regional power, should invest in regional frameworks for disaster management. Discuss the statement in light of the increasing vulnerability of the South Asia region.

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Introduction

  • South Asia is exposed to a variety of hazards due to the geo-climatic characteristics of the region.
  • From a development perspective disaster management is vital for building a more equitable and sustainable future. Making investments in prevention and preparedness is a necessary part of systematic efforts to increase resilience to disaster.
  • A regional framework can help India and other regional countries to lift the social-economic conditions of their people. It can also help India build good relations with its neighbours.

Body
Vulnerability of the South Asia region to various disasters

  • South Asia’s geo-climatic conditions as well as its high degree of socio-economic vulnerability, makes it one of the most disaster prone regions in the world.
    • South Asian countries are typically marked by large populations, high poverty, low literacy and poor indicators of human development.
    • Poverty is widespread especially in the rural areas of Indian sub-continent.
  • Climate Change: The monsoon carries more than 70% of South Asia’s annual precipitation in a brief four-month period.
    • A poorly timed monsoon, can result in human suffering and economic loss due to either flooding or drought.
    • Cyclones are the second most commonly occurring hazard in the region.
    • Climate change has a direct effect on the monsoon pattern and cyclones occurrences in the region.
  • Active Seismic Zones: The world‘s youngest mountain belt, the Himalaya and Hindu Kush, envelopes South Asia all along its northern fringe, from Afghanistan in the west to Bangladesh in the east.
    • With over 600 million people living along the fault line across the Himalayan belt, where the earthquake exposure is very high.
  • Tsunami Challenge: In the South Asia Seas region, major population centers live on key fault lines and in coastal areas that are exposed to hazards like Tsunami in 2004.
  • Lack of Coordination: Ineffective regional disaster relief mechanisms result in an uncoordinated relief effort which hampers disaster recovery process.

Way Forward

  • Utilising existing Regional Disaster Relief Mechanisms in the South Asia region.
    • Institutions such as SAARC institutions (SAARC Disaster Management Centre, South Asia Rapid Response to Natural Disasters), Bimstec Centre for Weather and Climate can be utilised effectively.
  • Risk Identification: Any effective strategy to manage disaster risk must begin with an identification of the factors that cause disasters.
    • Hazard mapping of the region will serve as the base layer of information and provides data on the probability of occurrence and intensity of a hazard event.
  • Risk Mitigation: Reducing disaster risk calls for all stakeholders to alter their perceptions and prioritize resilience in a country’s planning and development efforts.
    • In this context, SAR should devise and implement a regional disaster risk reduction mechanism based on Sendai Framework.

Conclusion

  • With climate uncertainty, humanitarian emergencies in the South Asia region are poised to grow. India must invest in regional frameworks for disaster management and take the lead in setting up a road map for greater cooperation.
  • Building capacities through training and joint exercises and coordinating comparative advantages for collective action will help India leverage goodwill among its neighbours through its disaster relief programmes.
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FAQs on GS3 PYQ (Mains Answer Writing): Disaster Management - UPSC Mains Answer Writing: Practice

1. What is disaster management?
Ans. Disaster management refers to the process of planning, organizing, coordinating, and implementing measures to prevent, mitigate, prepare for, respond to, and recover from the impacts of natural or man-made disasters. It involves various activities such as risk assessment, early warning systems, emergency response, evacuation, relief operations, rehabilitation, and recovery.
2. What are the key principles of disaster management?
Ans. The key principles of disaster management include: 1. Prevention and mitigation: Efforts to reduce the risk and impact of disasters through measures such as land-use planning, building codes, and environmental protection. 2. Preparedness: Activities to enhance the readiness of individuals, communities, and organizations to respond effectively to disasters. This includes developing emergency plans, conducting drills, and training. 3. Response: Immediate actions taken to save lives, protect property, and meet basic needs in the aftermath of a disaster. This involves search and rescue operations, medical assistance, and distribution of relief supplies. 4. Recovery: Measures undertaken to restore and rebuild affected areas after a disaster. This includes infrastructure repair, economic recovery, and psychosocial support to affected individuals and communities. 5. Collaboration and coordination: Working together with multiple stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, and communities, to ensure effective coordination, information sharing, and resource mobilization during all phases of disaster management.
3. What are the key components of an effective disaster management plan?
Ans. An effective disaster management plan should include the following key components: 1. Risk assessment: Identifying and analyzing the potential hazards and vulnerabilities in a given area to understand the level of risk. 2. Early warning systems: Establishing mechanisms to detect and communicate warnings about impending disasters to the at-risk population. 3. Emergency response plan: Developing a detailed plan that outlines roles, responsibilities, and procedures to be followed during a disaster, including evacuation routes, communication channels, and resource allocation. 4. Coordination mechanisms: Establishing effective coordination mechanisms among various stakeholders involved in disaster management, such as government agencies, NGOs, and community-based organizations. 5. Training and capacity building: Providing regular training and capacity building programs to enhance the skills and knowledge of individuals and organizations involved in disaster management. 6. Public awareness and education: Conducting awareness campaigns and educational programs to inform and educate the public about disaster risks, preparedness measures, and response actions. 7. Monitoring and evaluation: Establishing mechanisms to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of disaster management activities, identify gaps, and improve future response efforts.
4. What are some of the challenges faced in disaster management?
Ans. Some of the challenges faced in disaster management include: 1. Lack of preparedness: Many communities and organizations are not adequately prepared to respond to disasters due to limited resources, inadequate training, and insufficient awareness. 2. Limited funding: Adequate funding is crucial for effective disaster management, but often there is a lack of financial resources allocated for prevention, preparedness, and response activities. 3. Coordination issues: Effective coordination among various stakeholders is essential for a successful disaster response, but coordination challenges often arise due to differences in mandates, communication gaps, and a lack of standardized protocols. 4. Climate change: The increasing frequency and intensity of natural disasters due to climate change pose additional challenges for disaster management, requiring adaptation measures and long-term planning. 5. Population growth and urbanization: Rapid population growth and urbanization increase the vulnerability of communities to disasters, as infrastructure development may not be able to keep up with the growing population and its needs. 6. Technological complexities: Advancements in technology bring both opportunities and challenges in disaster management. While technology can enhance early warning systems and communication, it also requires specialized knowledge and resources for effective utilization. 7. Psychosocial impacts: Disasters can have significant psychosocial impacts on individuals and communities, including trauma, grief, and loss, which need to be addressed as part of the overall disaster management approach.
5. How can individuals contribute to disaster management?
Ans. Individuals can contribute to disaster management in the following ways: 1. Preparedness: Individuals should educate themselves about the potential hazards in their area and take proactive measures to prepare, such as creating emergency kits, developing family emergency plans, and staying informed about local emergency protocols. 2. Volunteerism: Individuals can volunteer their time and skills to support local disaster management efforts, such as joining community emergency response teams, assisting in relief operations, or participating in training programs. 3. Awareness and education: Individuals can help raise awareness about disaster risks and preparedness measures among their friends, families, and communities. They can also participate in educational programs and workshops organized by local authorities or NGOs. 4. Responsible behavior: Individuals should follow instructions from authorities during emergencies, avoid spreading rumors or panic, and act responsibly to ensure their own safety and the safety of others. 5. Support for vulnerable groups: Individuals can offer support and assistance to vulnerable groups such as the elderly, children, and people with disabilities during and after disasters, ensuring their specific needs are met. 6. Donations: Individuals can contribute financially or donate essential items to reputable organizations involved in disaster response and recovery efforts. 7. Advocacy: Individuals can engage in advocacy efforts to promote policies and practices that prioritize disaster risk reduction, climate change adaptation, and the protection of vulnerable communities. By taking these individual actions, individuals can play a significant role in building a resilient society and reducing the impact of disasters.
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