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UNIT V
MANAGEMENT OF NATURAL HAZARDS
Syllabus: Natural hazards, definition and introduction, Natural and manmade causes, hazard and disaster,
Earth quake, Prediction and mitigation measures, volcanoes, Evacuation planning, Drought, classification of
droughts, Prevention of frequency of droughts, impact of natural hazards, managing the impacts of natural
hazards, Opportunities presented by natural hazards.

Natural hazards are defined as environmental phenomena that have the potential to impact
societies and the human environment. These should not be confused with other types of hazards, such as
manmade hazards.

 Drought
 Tropical cyclones
 Air pollution
 Desert locusts
 Floods and flash floods
 Landslide or mudslide (mudflow)
 Avalanche
 Dust storms/sandstorms
 Thermal extremes
 Thunderstorms, Lightning, and Tornadoes
 Forest or Wild land Fire
 Heavy rain and snow, Strong winds

Natural disasters:
When disasters occur due to natural forces they are called natural disasters, over which man has
hardly any control. Some common natural disasters are earthquakes, landslides floods, droughts, cyclones,
etc. Tsunamis, volcanic eruptions and wildfires are also included under natural disasters. These disasters
cause enormous loss to life and property.

Man-made disasters:
When the disasters are due to carelessness of human or mishandling of dangerous equipment’s they
are called man-made disasters. Common examples of these disasters are train accidents, aero plane crashes,
collapse of buildings, bridges, mines, tunnels, etc.

Earthquakes:
An earthquake is the shaking of the earth’s surface caused by rapid movement of the earth’s crust or outer
layer. Ever since it came into existence 4.6 billion years ago, the earth has been a dynamic, evolving system.
The position of the different continents and oceans that we see today, has changed a number of times in the
earth’s history.

The earth is primarily composed of three layers:

1. The outer crust,
2. The middle mantle, and
3. The inner core
The Earth’s outer layer or crust is made up of a number of
zig-saw pieces like structures that interlock into one another. These
pieces are called tectonic plates. These plates are in continuous
motion over the mantle, which is known as tectonic movements.
These tectonic processes are also responsible for the mountain
building processes.
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The plates that are moving past over one another are slowed by friction along their boundaries. Due to
this, the rocks are under strain. When the stress on the rocks exceeds certain limits, the rocks rupture and
form a fault along which the rocks are displaced during tectonic movements. This sudden rupture of the
rocks releases energy in the form of earthquake waves

Thus earthquake is a form of energy, which is transmitted to the surface of the earth in the form of waves
called seismic waves. The study of earthquakes and the waves they create is called seismology (from the
Greek seismos, “to shake”). Scientists who study earthquakes are called seismologists. The instrument that
records the seismic waves is called seismograph.

The exact spot under the earth surface at which an earthquake originates is called the focus or
hypocenter. The point on the earth surface above the focus is called the epicenter. The Richter scale is used
to measure the intensity of earthquakes. The intensity is measured on a scale of 0 to 8 and above

Impact of Earthquake on the Environment

The destruction, an earthquake causes, depends on its magnitude and duration or the amount of
shaking that occurs. In the last 500 years, earthquakes around the world have killed several million people.
Earthquake is one of the most catastrophic natural disasters. Massive loss of life and property occurs due to
collapse of buildings. Besides, roads, bridges, canals, electric poles, etc. are severely damaged. Certain
regions of the earth are more prone to earthquakes.

These are places located in the unstable regions of the earth crust, which are subjected to tectonic
activities. Countries like Japan, parts of Southeast Asia, Turkey, Iran, Mexico, etc. are affected by severe
earthquakes. In India, the entire Himalayan region, parts of the Gangetic Plain, Kutch and Andaman and
Nicobar islands are in the earthquake hazard zone

The major impacts of earthquakes are as follows

This is the main cause of destruction in which buildings, bridges, roads, canals and other structures
are damaged.

Liquefaction:
Earthquakes make sands and silts to transform from a solid to liquid state. This also results in
building collapse.

Landslides:
Earthquakes of high intensity often trigger many landslides in the hilly regions.
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Fires:
It is a major hazard associated with earthquakes. The shakings of the ground and building damage
often break the gas pipes and electric lines that cause fires.

Changes in the land elevation:

The surface topography of a region and groundwater conditions are altered after an earthquake.

Tsunami:
It is a Japanese term meaning ‘harbour waves’. Tsunamis are massive sea waves that are mainly
caused due to earthquakes in the ocean floor or possibly due to an undersea landslide or volcanic eruption.
When the ocean floor is tilted or offset during an earthquake a set of waves is created similar to the
concentric waves generated by an object dropped into the water.

These waves are massive in size and gain height as they approach the seashore. Tsunamis up to the
height of 30 m are recorded

Prevention and Mitigation:

Despite the advances made by modem science, the exact time and place where an earthquake may
strike cannot be predicted. Hence, the occurrence of an earthquake cannot be prevented. However, there are
certain regions that are earthquakes prone and so the administration must work before hand to minimize the
damages due to occurrence of earthquakes in such areas. The control and mitigation measures in earthquake
prone regions include hazard reduction programmes, development of critical facilities and proper land use
planning.

Hazard reduction programmes:

i. Earthquake education and evacuation plans.
ii. Use of proper construction material that is not injurious even if the structures collapse.
iii. Construction of quake resistant buildings having proper structural design.

Development of critical facilities:

i. Establishment of earthquake regulatory agencies for fast relief.
ii. Establishment of specific health care units for treating earthquake injuries Proper land use
Planning.
iii. Mapping of faults and weak zones in earthquake prone areas.
iv. Buildings such as schools, hospitals, offices, etc. should be in areas away from active faults.

Landslides:
Landslides refer to a rapid down-slope movement of rocks or soil mass under the force of gravity. It is also
known as slope failure and mass wasting. Landslides may be typed as mudflow where there is down-slope
movement of soil and debris flow, which is the down-slope movement of coarse material and rocks.
Landslides may occur when water from rain and melting snow, seeps through the earth on a sloppy surface
and encounters a layer of loose, unstable material such as clay.

Landslides mostly occur on unstable hillsides by the action of rain or snow that seep through the soils and
rocks. This results in the sliding of earth and rock masses down the hill slopes. These are further triggered
due to deforestation and human encroachment on unstable slopes. All the hilly regions of our country are
prone to landslides.

The important factors responsible for landslide occurrence are as follows:

1. Stability of slopes
2. The type of earth and rock material
3. The type of vegetation
4. The role of ground water conditions and precipitation
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5. Presence of streams, etc.

Avalanche:
It is a type of landslide involving a large mass of snow, ice and rock debris that slides and fall rapidly down
a mountainside. Avalanches are initiated when a mass of snow and ice begins to rapidly move downhill
because of the overload caused due to a large volume of new snowfall. This result in internal changes of the
snow pack, producing zones of weakness along which fissure occurs.

Impact on the Environment:

Landslides, though local in nature, occur quite often in many parts of the world. Landslides occur in the hilly
regions; the Himalayan region in India is particularly prone to landslides. Every year landslides occur,
especially during the monsoon season and cause much damage to life and property. For example, Malpa
landslide in 1999 in the Kumaon hills, took the lives of many pilgrims who were going to Mansarovar in
Tibet.

The impact on the environment is manifested in the form of:

1. Uprooted trees and degraded soil
2. Buried building and settlements
3. Damage to crops and plantation
4. Frequent roadblocks in the hilly areas
5. Injuries and death to humans and animals
Prevention, Control and Mitigation:
Though landslides are a natural phenomenon and may occur without human interference, in certain cases
human activities like deforestation, mining, etc. can also induce landslides. Landslides can be controlled, to
some extent, by adopting initiatives, such as providing slope support and minimizing human encroachment.
Providing slope support:
i. By building retaining walls made of concrete, gabions (stone filled wire blocks) and wooden and steel
beams, etc.
ii. By providing drainage control measures so that water may not infiltrate into the slope
Minimizing human encroachment:
i. Mining activities should be monitored in the hilly, unstable regions.
ii. Plantation of trees should be undertaken on the unstable hilly slopes.
iii. By preventing human encroachment in the form of buildings, roads, agriculture, grazing, etc. on unstable
slopes.

FLOODS:
Flood is over flow of water whenever the flow of water exceeds the carrying capacity of channel
within its banks.
About 3.5% of the totals geographical area of the world is under flood plains containing 16.56% of
the total population of the world.
Floods occur by various factors.
1. They are climatologically (rain, ice melt, snowmelt, combined rain and melt).
2. Part climatologically earthquakes, landslides and failure of dams and other control works.
Floods can mitigate by structural measures such as dams, reservoirs and retarding basins and channel
management. Flood forecasting, flood warning emergency preparedness systems, flood insurance, public
information, and education and flood relief can minimize hazards of floods.
Impact on the Environment:
Though the lives lost in floods may not be as high as in case of earthquakes or cyclones, the damage
to the environment is immense. The problem is further aggravated if the floods last for a longer duration of
time.

Floods not only damage property and endanger if lives of humans and animals, but have other
effects as well, such as:
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1. Floods cause the spread of many epidemic diseases.

2. Rapid runoff causes soil erosion.
3. Wildlife habitat and forests are often destroyed.
4. Manmade structures like buildings, bridges, roads, sewer lines, power lines, etc. are damaged.
5. Floods cause widespread damage to the standing crops and degrade the agricultural land.
6. Flood affected areas are faced with acute shortage of food and drinking water.
Prevention, Control and Mitigation:
Though floods are a natural hazard, it is sometimes intensified due to undesirable human activities.
The measures that can be taken to control the extent of flood damage include land use planning, building of
physical barriers, preventing human encroachment and use of technology for relief.

Land use planning:

Proper land use planning in flood prone areas includes:
1. Demarcation of the flood-prone areas that are first inundated during floods.
2. Construction work and concentration of human population should be avoided in the floodplains.
3. Afforestation on the upper reaches of the river (catchment areas) to control soil erosion and
excessive runoff.
Building of physical barriers:
Flood can be prevented by building certain structures, such as:
1. Embankments along the banks of rivers in densely populated areas.
2. Building of reservoirs to collect excess water during floods.
3. The construction of channels that divert floodwater.
Preventing human encroachment:
Human encroachment should be avoided in the following areas:
1. Floodplains and catchment areas.
2. This would control deforestation and soil erosion which would prevent excessive runoff.
Use of technology for relief:
Advanced technology can be used in the following ways:
1. Advanced communication techniques for flood forecasting and warning.
2. Fast evacuation of people.
3. To provide relief in temporary shelters.
4. Immediate supply of medicines, drinking water, food and clothes.
5. Epidemic diseases must be controlled through spraying, vaccination, etc.

DROUGHTS: Droughts is nothing but scarcity of water, which occurs due to inadequate rainfall, late
arrival of rains and excessive withdrawal of ground water. It occurs almost everywhere although its features
vary from region to region. Defining drought is, therefore, difficult.
Whatever the definition, it is clear that drought cannot view solely as a physical phenomenon.

Types of Drought:
Meteorological Drought: Meteorological drought occurs when the actual rainfall in area is less than
the average rainfall of the area. It usually depends based on degree of dryness and the duration of the dry
period.
Agricultural Drought: Agricultural drought occurs when there is inadequate soil moisture resulting
in acute crop stress and fall in agriculture productivity.
Hydrological Drought: Hydrological drought is associated with the effects of period of precipitation
(including snowfall) shortfalls on surface or subsurface water supply (i.e. stream flow, reservoir and lake
levels, and ground water).

Impacts of drought:
The impacts of prolonged droughts include ecological, economic, demographic and political aspects.
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i.Ecological impacts: Prolonged drought conditions in a region change the biotic components of natural
ecosystem because
a) Some species of plants and animals die as they cannot withstand in drought conditions.
b) Some animals migrate to other places. Hence, there is a decline in the population of certain animal
species.
c) Some animals die of hunger and starvation and
d) There is stiff competition for food due to scarcity created by drought among the animals.
All these result in the elimination of the weaker animals.

ii. Economic Impacts: The economic impacts of droughts include economic losses due to decrease in
agricultural productivity, livestock yield and even industrial productions because of short supply of
water.
iii. Demographic impacts: political impacts of extreme drought conditions include the change of political
power due to acute shortage of food grains caused by crop failure due to droughts.
Unlike floods, prediction is generally not possible in case of droughts. The usual practice prevalent in
most of the countries to face droughts is to provide relief measures drought to affected people.
Some of the long-term measures to combat drought conditions are:
i. Afforestation, which increases the moisture content in the air, amount of precipitation, increase of
infiltration of rainwater and hence replenishment of groundwater and rise of water table.
ii. Introduction of dry farming techniques to reduce the dependence of farming on rain water.
iii. Checking desertification.
iv. Introduction of water conservation schemes.
v. Digging of wells.

Impact on the Environment:

The severity of the drought is gauged by the degree of moisture deficiency, its duration, and the size of
the area affected. If the drought is brief, it is known as a dry spell or partial drought.

Drought causes serious environmental imbalances, which are summarized below:

1. Water-supply reservoirs become empty, wells dry up and there is acute water shortage.
2. Groundwater level is also depleted because of less recharge.
3. Soil degradation and erosion occurs. Soil cracks because of shrinkage during desiccation.
4. There is extensive crop damage.
5. People become impoverished and there are diseases due to malnutrition.
6. Widespread damage to flora and fauna air including domestic animals.

Prevention, control and mitigation:

Rains are caused by a number of natural factors like air currents, wind direction, etc. Thus, droughts
are a natural phenomenon, beyond human control and prevention. Though, global warming may have
changed the pattern of rainfall in the recent times. In modem times, by the use of satellites, we can predict
the weather pattern over a particular area. Drought-like conditions can be overcome by better water
harvesting techniques. Certain precautions can be taken in drought prone areas, which relate to management
of water resources, proper agricultural techniques and relief by different agencies.

Management of water resources:

1. Conservation of water through rainwater harvesting, building check dams, bunds, etc.
2. Construction of reservoirs to hold emergency water supplies.
Proper agricultural techniques:
1. Increased use of drought resistant crops.
2. Proper irrigation techniques, such as drip and trickle irrigation that minimize the use of water.
3. Over-cropping and overgrazing should be avoided.
Relief measures:
Immediate relief to the drought-affected people should be provided in the form of:
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1. Employment generation programmes, like ‘food for work’ in the drought affected areas.
2. To provide fodder for domestic animals.

CYCLONES:
Cyclone is an area of low atmospheric pressure surrounded by a wind system blowing in anti-
clockwise direction, formed in the northern hemisphere. In common terms, cyclone can be described as a
giant circular storm system. In a cyclone, the wind speed must be more than 119 km/hr. Cyclones generate
in the seas and oceans and move with a very high speed towards the land.
Cyclones form when moisture evaporates from the warm oceans during the hot season. The air rises,
condenses and gathers momentum as it moves over the ocean. Due to the extreme low pressure in the centre,
more and more air rushes inwards and it grows to a considerable size and intensity.
It strikes the land with a devastating force and gradually withers off on land when they are cut from
their source of ocean moisture. Cyclones are named variously depending on their source of origin. They are
called hurricanes in the Atlantic, typhoons in the Pacific, cyclones in the Indian Ocean and willy-willies
aroimd Australia.

Impact on the Environment:

Cyclones are quite common in the Bay of Bengal and often cause much damage in Bangladesh and
coastal areas of West Bengal, Orissa, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. Bangladesh has been devastated by
cyclones a number of times. In November 1970, a severe cyclone caused a 6 m rise in sea-level and the
consequent flooding killed approximately three lakh people.
Another cyclone in 1971 killed more than one lakh people. The cyclone that hit Orissa in 1999, is the
worst recorded natural disaster in India. Even an advanced country like America recorded more than 10,000
deaths and huge financial losses when New Orleans was hit by a hurricane named Katrina, during August
2005. Cyclones cause devastation when they hit the landmass in the form of very strong winds, heavy rains
and storm tides.

The impact on the environment is severe, some of which are as under

1. The coastal low lying areas are most affected.
2. The affected areas are inundated both with rainfall and the surge of seawater.
3. Devastation is also increased due to the accompanying high velocity winds.
4. Widespread damage in the form of uprooted trees, blown-off roof tops, standing crops, injuries and death
to humans and animals.
5. Many shipwrecks occur during cyclonic storms.
6. The affected areas are impoverished and are followed by spread of epidemic and diseases.
Prevention, Control and Mitigation:
The occurrence of cyclones is a natural phenomenon, over which humans have no control, hence it
cannot be prevented. However, some scientists have speculated that rise in global warming may cause an
increased occurrences of cyclones. The devastating effects of cyclones can only be controlled and mitigated
through some effective policies such as use of advanced technology, hazard reduction initiatives and relief
measures.

Use of Advanced Technology:

1. Satellites can easily forecast the origin of cyclones in advance.
2. Satellite images can track the movement and intensity of cyclones.
3. Installation of early warning systems in the coastal areas.
Hazard reduction initiatives:
1. Increasing public awareness regarding cyclones.
2. Increasing the public response to cyclone warnings through training.
3. Development of underground shelter belts in the cyclone prone areas.
Relief measures:
1. Rushing relief to the affected areas in the form of medicines, food, clothes, etc.
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2. Checking the spread of epidemic water borne diseases as cyclones are generally accompanied by
flooding.

OPPORTUNITIES PRESENTED BY NATURAL HAZARDS

Disasters open up opportunities to rebuild and improve outcomes ('blessings in disguise'),
including mitigating future disasters. They provide valuable learning experience how to cope with
extreme stress.
Career in Disaster Management: Scope of Work
After pursuing a course in disaster management the applicant searches for the scope of work in
this domain. Find below the scope of a disaster manager job in India.

1. Disaster Prevention: It is one of the most important duties of disaster managers. It is focused on
events and measures undertaken to avoid the occurrence of tragedies, natural disasters, and human
threats.
2. Disaster Relief: It is a harmonized response to decrease the impact of disasters and their long-
term results. Relief activities include food and shelter, providing emergency healthcare,
replacement, rescue, providing water, taking steps to prevent sickness and incapacity, etc.
3. Disaster Recovery: This includes originating events to help the disaster zones recover after an
emergency. These activities include renovating infrastructure, managing health care and
restoration, evolving policies, and practices to avoid similar conditions in the future.
4. Disaster Alertness: It is one of the crucial phases of disaster management, and is concerned with
the reduction of the effect and injury caused by disasters. It can include events such as eliminating
people and possessions from a high-alert position to enable effective and appropriate rescue
processes.

Career opportunities in Disaster Management

 Disaster Management Officer.
 Emergency Management Specialist.
 Emergency Medical Technician.
 Fire Inspectors.
 Fire Investigators.
 Forest Fire Fighter.
 Security Guards.
 Fire Fighters.

Career in Disaster Management: Designation

Find below the list of job designations offered after completing the disaster management course in
India.

1. Security Administration
2. Operations Analyst
3. Administrator
4. Database analyst
5. Network administrator
Career in Disaster Management: Agencies Involved
Here is the list of some agencies involved in the management of disasters in India.
1. National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) an apex body for disaster manageme nt,
headed by the Prime Minister of India.
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2. Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) is governed by the Chief Minister of the respective
state.
3. District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) is headed by the Deputy Commissioner,
District Magistrate, or District Collector.
4. National Executive Committee (NEC) is responsible for preparing plans for Disaster
Management as per the National Policy on Disaster Management.
5. National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) is also supervised by the NDMA.
6. State-Local Authorities as Municipalities, District and Cantonment, and Panchayati Raj
Institutions (PRI).
Career in Disaster Management: Route
There are two routes to start a career in disaster management.
Academic Routes to make a career in Disaster Management
Career in Disaster Management: Duties and Responsibilities
Find below the duties and responsibilities after making a career in disaster management.
1. The disaster managers are responsible to analyze and prepare for potential risks, such as
outbreaks of infections or diseases, technical failure of electrical networks, major gas leakages, and
severe weather conditions.
2. These managers have to work with various agencies to ensure that in the event of emergency
normal support for local communities is provided.
3. They help in the revival of local communities to their pre-incident state.
4. They respond to incidents, such as natural disasters, and evaluate the situation as per the level
of effort required.
5. They create awareness about public safety issues by organizing events, developing information,
and bringing special projects.
6. They provide safety training to staff of the local authorities or business organizations.
7. They are also responsible for making the risk valuations for a diverse variety of sites, such as
nuclear factories, city centers, chemical factories, and major sporting venues.

Role of IT in disaster management

There are many applications that help in the provision of aid in times of calamities. All these
technological benefits have had a significant impact on the management and eradication of disasters.
Today, I would like to share a topic that is close to my heart. A topic that is often neglected. The Role
of Technology in Disaster Management.
So, without further ado, let’s delve straight into it!

Technology is an integral part of our daily lives. We hardly live without tapping into its benefits. This
gave birth to the field of technological advancement, which has seen steady progress over a long
period of time and is continuously developing to keep pace with the ever-evolving needs of the people.
The digital era has witnessed immense technological developments and rapid growth in terms of
applications and platforms that streamline our day-to-day schedules in many aspects of life.

The Future of Disaster Management and What Role can Technology Play?
Disaster Management is a major concern for every country. In the past, there were no proper
methods to manage disasters. However, with the advent of technology, we have been able to develop better
techniques to manage disasters.
The role of technology in disaster management is a very important one. Technology can help us
identify threats before they happen so that we can take measures to prevent them from becoming a reality.
Technology also helps us communicate with each other easily during a crisis situation so that we can work
together towards finding solutions for issues related to natural calamities such as earthquakes, hurricanes
and floods etc.
The first thing to consider when looking at technology’s role in disaster management is whether or
not it should be used at all. Some people believe that the use of technology will only make things worse
because it creates more opportunities for failure or mistakes that could result in further harm to victims or
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even death. However, as with many things in life, there are also benefits associated with using technology
during these events as well as potential pitfalls that need to be considered before implementation takes place.
Some examples include:
 Using drone technology to assess damage after an earthquake has occurred;
 Using GPS tracking systems on emergency vehicles to ensure that they do not become disoriented while
responding to calls.
 The use of social media platforms like Twitter or Facebook where citizens can post pictures from their
phones about what happened (e.g., where they’re located), how bad it is outside right now (“shelter-in-
place” orders), etc.;
 Making sure everyone knows where shelters are located so people don’t have to wander around aimlessly
Technology can Detect Earthquakes and Deliver Quick Updates
Technology can help monitor earthquakes and provide rapid updates about changing conditions.
Earthquakes can have a huge impact on structures, so it’s important to be ready with the right tools and
equipment.
A hurricane has the potential to have a devastating impact on any community. Commercial buildings
should be designed to withstand hurricanes, and you are encouraged to review material safety data sheets
before covering your business with tarps.

Technology is Helpful in Disaster Management

A disaster can happen at any time. It could be a small fire, or it could be a huge earthquake. It can be
destroys your home and everything you love. You never know when disaster is going to strike, but there are
things you can do to help minimize the damage and make sure your family is safe.
Technology is an important part of disaster management. We’ve put together this guide to show you
how technology can help monitor earthquakes and provide rapid updates about changing conditions. When
an earthquake strikes, technology helps to provide information about where the epicenter was. So, this
information can help emergency responders plan their response and get people out of harm’s way quickly.
Earthquakes have the potential to have a devastating impact on any community if they are severe enough.
Technology can also help monitor for hurricanes and provide rapid updates about changing conditions in
those areas as well—helping residents prepare for what may come their way during an emergency situation
like this one!

Assignment questions
1. What is the role of IT in Health, Disaster Management and Environmental Management?
2. Differentiate between hazard and disaster
3. What are the Prediction and mitigation measures for earth quake
4. Opportunities presented by natural hazards.
5. How to Prevent frequency of droughts