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Coping with Environmental Disasters

This report examines recent trends in coping with environmental disasters, focusing on Japan's proactive measures and community resilience as highlighted in a study by N.P. Madawan Arachchi. Key strategies include advanced early warning systems, community engagement, and sustainable infrastructure investments. The report also discusses changes in India's industrial policy following the Bhopal gas tragedy and emphasizes the need for international collaboration in disaster preparedness and recovery.

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Umar Yousuff
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4 views

Coping with Environmental Disasters

This report examines recent trends in coping with environmental disasters, focusing on Japan's proactive measures and community resilience as highlighted in a study by N.P. Madawan Arachchi. Key strategies include advanced early warning systems, community engagement, and sustainable infrastructure investments. The report also discusses changes in India's industrial policy following the Bhopal gas tragedy and emphasizes the need for international collaboration in disaster preparedness and recovery.

Uploaded by

Umar Yousuff
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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ABSTRACT

Environmental disasters pose significant


challenges to communities worldwide,
necessitating innovative approaches for effective
coping and recovery. This report explores recent
trends in coping with environmental disasters,
drawing on a study of Disaster Preparedness for
Natural Hazards in Japan by N.P. Madawan
Arachchi , that emphasizes the importance of
proactive measures and community resilience.
Using Japan as a case study, we examine the
nation's experience with environmental disasters
and the strategies employed to mitigate their
impact. We will also analyse the changes in the
Indian industrial policy after the Bhopal gas
tragedy and concluded.
COPING WITH
RIFAH YOUSUFF
VIRONMENTAL MA213452
BA, PSYCHOLOGY SOCIOLOGY
6th semester

DISASTERS:
CENT TRENDS
SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY
Coping with Environmental Disasters: Recent Trends
Introduction
Environmental disasters are the realization of hazards to serious impacts, damages. and
losses, initiating in some or the other environmental systems or resources. These hazards are
related to various environmental processes and systems. Environmental disasters, ranging
from hurricanes and floods to wildfires, oil spill and earthquakes, continue to impact
communities globally. The increasing frequency and intensity of these events demand a
proactive and adaptive response to minimize their devastating effects. This report delves into
recent trends in coping with environmental disasters, highlighting the importance of
preparedness, community resilience, and sustainable practices.

Trends in Coping with Environmental Disasters:


In this report the trends in the coping with environmental disaster are observed from 2011 in
Japan using the study of Disaster Preparedness for Natural Hazards in Japan by N.P.
Madawan Arachchi. Coping mechanisms after an environmental disaster are essential for
individuals and communities to navigate the challenges and emotional distress that arise in
the aftermath of such events.
Early Warning Systems
Recent trends emphasize the development and implementation of advanced early warning
systems. These systems leverage technology and data analytics to provide timely alerts,
enabling communities to evacuate and prepare for impending disasters. A study conducted by
Disaster Preparedness for Natural Hazards in Japan by N.P. Madawan Arachchi, found that
communities with robust early warning systems experienced significantly lower casualty
rates.
The Earthquake Early Warning system automatically calculates the focus and magnitude of
the earthquake and estimates the seismic intensity for each location by detecting the quake
near its focus. An Earthquake Early Warning is then given a matter of seconds before the
arrival of strong tremors. Earthquake Early Warnings will be provided through various media
outlets such as TV and radio.
Community Resilience
Building community resilience is crucial for effective disaster coping. The study emphasizes
the role of community-based initiatives that focus on enhancing social cohesion, preparedness
training, and infrastructure development. Strong social networks and community engagement
have proven to be instrumental in facilitating a faster recovery process.
A series of disaster prevention education program which can be used at schools and other
educational situations. These programs were then compiled in a booklet. These guidebooks
are very useful to students as well as volunteers and civilians for disaster management
practices.
Community Emergency Drill program: with guidance of Bokumi and other organization
periodically emergency preparedness drill are practiced with general public for giving better
practical experience on prevention strategies. For the drills, local communities, women
organization, religious institutions and mutual support groups are playing major role at the
drill time.

Sustainable Infrastructure
Investing in sustainable infrastructure is gaining prominence as a strategy for coping with
environmental disasters. Green infrastructure, such as permeable pavements and natural water
retention areas, helps mitigate the impact of floods and other climate-related events. Japan's
commitment to incorporating sustainable practices in its urban planning provides a valuable
example for other nations.
Introduction of building codes as preparedness measures to protect civilians home for
earthquake. Introduction of Phoenix Mutual Aid Funds for Housing Reconstruction The
hyogo prefecture government has introduced this system for assisting the people who
damaged their houses by disasters. Firstly dwellers should join this program in advance for
getting the benefit from this fund. Up to 6 million yes can be obtained for reconstruction or
repair the houses damaged by disasters with some conditions. This is better practices for the
benevolence of victims as lesson learn practices
Disaster management system
A study of Disaster Preparedness for Natural Hazards in Japan by N.P. Madawan Arachchi,
states all the advanced technological used in aiding the country in a disaster situation.
 Establishment and Operation of 24-hour Monitoring and Quick-Response System is
maintained by rotation system giving smooth working environment for the officials.
 Satellite Communication: In the event of a disaster, emergency contacts, meteorological
information, disaster information, and other information is collected and transmitted by
means of a disaster administration wireless system that connects the prefectural office,
district administration offices, municipalities, fire headquarters, and other points using
satellite communications, which are less vulnerable to disasters.
 Video Phone System: In the event of a disaster, information is exchanged between the
prefectural and municipal disaster management headquarters by video telephone.
 Helicopter video transmission system: Through this system Hyogo prefectural DMC take
the real-time pictures in addition to Police Department photographic information. This
has given the advantage to minimize the gap to government officials to be easy their task.
This system has been implementing since 2007.
 Continues Practice of drills: Hyogo prefecture is conducting the drills combining with
Bokumi to various groups such as school students, communities at municipality level and
prefectural level, emergency management drills.
 Standby accommodation: for the officer who are involving in emergency management
activities are provided accommodation.
 Developing the websites for Hyogo prefecture DM institutions
Coping mechanisms after an environmental disaster are essential for individuals and
communities to navigate the challenges and emotional distress that arise in the aftermath of
such events. Several reasons highlight the importance of having effective coping
mechanisms.

Statistics
The bar graph below shows the effectiveness of the recent trends in the coping
with environmental disasters. A significant decrease in the mortality rate after an
environmental disaster .

Number of persons injured or killed by earthquakes


in Japan from 2011 to 2022
35000
29033
30000
25000
20000
15000
10000
5000 3141
29 59 97 27 6 1302 57 18 260 268 126 232
0
2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
Trend seen in India to cope with an environmental disaster.
Case study : On December 3, 1984, more than 40 tons of methyl isocyanate gas leaked from a
pesticide plant in Bhopal, India, immediately killing at least 3,800 people and causing
significant morbidity and premature death for many thousands more. The company involved
in what became the worst industrial accident in history immediately tried to dissociate itself
from legal responsibility.
Since the disaster, India has experienced rapid industrialization. While some positive changes
in government policy and behaviour of a few industries have taken place, major threats to the
environment from rapid and poorly regulated industrial growth remain. Widespread
environmental degradation with significant adverse human health consequences continues to
occur throughout India.
Environment Protection Act, 1986 is an Act of the Parliament of India. In the wake of the
Bhopal Tragedy, the Government of India enacted the Environment Protection Act of 1986
under Article 253 of the Constitution. Passed in March 1986. The purpose of the Act is to
implement the decisions of the United Nations Conference on the Human Environments they
relate to the protection and improvement of the human environment and the prevention of
hazards to human beings, other living creatures, plants and property. The Act is an “umbrella”
legislation designed to provide a framework for central government coordination of the
activities of various central and state authorities established under previous laws, such as the
Water Act and the Air Act.

Conclusion
Recent trends in coping with environmental disasters emphasize the importance of proactive
measures, community resilience, sustainable infrastructure, and international collaboration.
The case study of Japan serves as a valuable example, showcasing effective strategies for
disaster preparedness, response, and recovery. As the global community faces an increasing
frequency of environmental disasters, adopting these trends and learning from successful
models is essential for building a more resilient and sustainable future.
Reference
Study-
https://www.adrc.asia/aboutus/vrdata/finalreport/2014A_LKA_fr.pdf
Reference links-
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1142333/#:~:text=The%20Environment%20
Protection%20Act%20was,enforcing%20environmental%20laws%20and%20policies.
https://nidm.gov.in/easindia2014/err/pdf/themes_issue/env/types.pdf
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_earthquakes_in_Japan
https://www.statista.com/statistics/1178556/japan-number-persons-killed-injured-by-
earthquakes/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024_Noto_earthquake#:~:text=Ishikawa%20reported%20232
%20fatalities%20and,since%20the%202016%20Kumamoto%20earthquakes.
https://www.toppr.com/ask/question/which-of-the-following-is-the-first-major-legislation-
that-came-post-bhopal-gas-tragedy/

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