Disaster management

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DISASTER MANAGEMENT

INTRODUCTION:

Disaster is any occurrence that causes ecological disruption, loss of human life, and

deterioration of health services on a scale sufficient to warrant an extraordinary response from

outside that affected to community or area. Disaster occurs suddenly and unexpectedly,

disrupting normal life and infrastructure of social services including health care system. For this

reason a country’s health system and public health infrastructure must be organized and kept

ready to act in any emergency situations as well as under normal conditions.

To meet the challenges of emergency and disaster situation, the government of India has

identified the nodel Ministries to earmark responsibilities to the various concerned

departments/and sectors and to coordinate the entire activities relating to specific types of

disaster and also support Ministry to develop sectoral contingency planning for implementation,

monitoring and evaluation.

DEFINATION OF HAZARD-

A hazard is a rare or extreme event in the natural or human-made environment that adversely

affects human life, property or activity to the extent of causing a disaster.

DEFINATION OF DISASTER-

A disaster is a serious disruption of the functioning of a society, causing widespread human,

material, or environmental losses which exceed the ability of affected society to copy using only

its own resources. Disaster are often classified according to their speed of onset (sudden or

slow), or according to their cause (natural or man made)

CAUSAL FACTORS OF DISASTER-

The magnitude of each disaster, measured in deaths, damage, or costs for a given

developing country increases with the increased marginalization of the population. This is caused

by a high birthrate, problems of land tenure and economic opportunity, and the lack or

misallocation of recourse to meet the basic human needs of an expanding population.

Poverty

The most important single influence on the impact of a disaster. All other factors could

be lessened if the affected population were not also limited by poverty. Virtually all disaster

studies show that the wealthiest of the population either survive the disaster unaffected or

are able to recover quickly. Across the broad spectrum of disaster, poverty generally makes

people vulnerable to the impact of hazards. Poverty explains why people in urban areas are


forced to live on hills that are prone to landslides, or why people settle near volcanoes or

rivers that invariably flood their banks. Poverty explains why droughts claim poor peasant

farmers as victims an rarely the wealthy, and why famines more other than not are the result

of a lack of purchasing power to buy food rather than an absence of food.

Population Growth

There is an obvious connection between the increase in losses from a disaster and the

increase in population. If there are more people and structures where a disaster strikes, then

it is likely there will be more of an impact. The growth of population has been so

spectacular that it is inevitable that more people will be affected by disaster because more

will be forced to live and work in unsafe areas. Increasing numbers of people will be

competing for a limited amount of resources (such as, employment opportunities, and land)

which can lead to conflict.

Rapid Urbanization

Rapid population growth and migration are related to the major phenomenon of rapid

urbanization. This process is also accelerated in developing countries. It is chatagarised by the

rural poor or civilians in an area of conflict moving to metropolitan areas in search of economic

opportunities and security. These massive numbers of urban poor increasingly find fewer options

for availability of safe and desirable places to build their houses. Here again, competition for scare

resources, an inevitable consequence, can lead to human made disaster.

Transitions in cultural practices

Many of the inevitable changes that occur in all societies lead to an increase in the

societies, vulnerability to disaster.Obviously,all societies are constantly changing and in a

continual state of transition. These transitions are often extremely disruptive and uneven,

leaving gaps in social coping mechanisms and technology. These transitions include

nomadic populations that become sedentary rural people who move to urban areas, and both

rural and urban people who move from one economic level to another. More broadly, these

examples are typical of a shift from non-industrialized to industrializing societies.

Environmental degradation

Many disasters are either caused or exacerbated by environmental degradation.

Deforestation leads to rapid rain run off, which contributes to flooding. The destruction of

mangrove swamps decreases a coast line’s ability to resist tropical winds and storm surges.

Lack of awareness and information

Disaster can also happen because people vulnerable to them simply didn’t know how to

get out of harm’s way or to take protective measures. This ignorance may not necessarily be

a function of poverty, but a lack of awareness of what measures can be taken to build safe

structures on safe locations. Perhaps some people did not know about safe evacuation routes

and procedures. Other population may not know where to turn for assistance in times for


acute distress.Nevertheless; this point should not be taken as a justification for ignoring the

coping mechanisms of the majority of people affected by disaster. In most disaster prone

societies, there is wealth of understanding about disaster threats and responses. This

understanding should be incorporated into any efforts to provide external assistance.

War and civil strife

In this text war and civil strife are regarded as hazards that are extreme events that

produce disaster. War and civil strife often results in displaced people, a target population of

this training programme.The causal factors of war and civil strife include competition for

scarce resources, religious or ethnic intolerance, and ideological differences. Many of these

are also byproducts of the preceding six causal factors of disaster.

TYPES OF DISASTER

Natural hazards


The discussion about disasters and emergencies resulting from natural and human

made hazards has been developed in general terms.However,each hazard has its own

charactristics.To understand the significance and implications of a particular type of disaster

we must have a basic understanding about the nature,casuses and efforts of each hazard

type. The list of hazard types is very long. Many occur infrequently or impact a very small

population. Other hazards, such as severe snowstorms, often occur in areas that are prepared

to deal with them and seldom become disaster.However, from the perspective of a disaster

victim it is not particularly useful to distinguish between minor and major disasters. Some

disasters are now of limited interest to the international community. These include

avalanches, fog, frost, hail, lightning, snowstorms and tornadoes. There are several hazard

types for which there is widespread concern. They can be categorized as follows:

Sudden onset hazards-(geological and climatic hazards) Earthquakes, Tsunamis, Floods,

Tropical storms, Volcanic eruptions, Landslides.

Slow onset hazards-(environmental hazards) Drought, Famine, Environmental degradation,

desertification, Deforestation, Pest infestation.

Industrial/Technological-System failures/accidents, Spillages, Explosions, Fires.

War and civil strife-Armed aggression, Insurgency, Terrorism and other actions leading to

displaced persons and refugees.

Epidemic-Water and/or food-borne diseases, persons-to-persons diseases (conduct and

respiratory spread), vector-borne diseases and complications from wounds.

Earthquakes

Causal phenomena: Slippage of crusted rock along a fault or area of strain and rebound to

new alignment.

General characteristics and effect:

Shaking of earth caused by waves on and below the earth’s surface causing:

Surface faulting

Aftershocks

Tsunamis

Tremors, vibrations

Liquefaction

Landslides

Predictability: Probability of occurrence can be determined but not exact timing. Forecasting is

based on monitoring of seismic activity, historical incidance, and observations.

Factors contributing to vulnerability:

Location of settlements in seismic areas.

Structures which are not resistant to ground motion.

Dense collections of buildings with high occupancy.

Lack of access to information about earthquake risks.


Typical adverse effects:

Physical damage-Damage or loss of structures or infrastructure. Fires, dam failures,

landslides, flooding may occur.

Casualties-Often high, particularly near epicenter or in highly populated areas or where buildings

not resistant.

Public health-Fracture injuries most widespread problem. Secondary threats due to flooding,

contaminated water supply, or breakdown in sanitary conditions.

Water supply-Severe problems likely due to damage of water systems, pollution of open wells

and changes in water table.

Possible risk reduction measures: Hazard mapping public awareness programs and training

assessing and reducing structural vulnerability land use control or zoning, building codes

insurance.

Specific preparedness measures: Earthquake warning and preparedness programs.

EARTHQUAKE FACT SHEET

Learn about an earthquake’s causes and effects. Speak about them in a

calm and composed manner, not spreading anxiety about the phenomenon.

Keep a torch and a portable transistor radio handy.

Keep the corridors in the house clear of furniture and toys, making

movement easier.

Attach shelves, gas cylinders, vases and flowerpots to the walls of

your home.

Place heavy or bulky objects on the floor or on the lowest shelves.

Teach all members of your family how to turn off the electricity, water and

gas supply.

During an earthquake

Keep calm and help others do that.

If you are at home or inside a building

Do not rush to the doors or exits; never use the lifts; keep well away from

windows, mirrors, chimneys and furniture.

Protect yourself by staying under the lintel of an inner door, in the corner


of a room, under a table or even under a bed.

If you are in the street

Walk towards an open place in a calm and composed manner. Do not run

and do not wander round the streets.

Keep away from buildings, especially old, tall or detached buildings,

electricity wires, slopes and walls, which are liable to collapse.

If you are driving

Stop the vehicle away from buildings, walls, slopes, electricity wires and

cables, and stay in the vehicle.

After an earthquake

Keep calm, switch on the radio/TV and obey any instructions you hear on it.

Keep away from beaches and low banks of rivers. Huge waves may sweep in.

Expect aftershocks. Be prepared.

Turn off the water, gas and electricity.

Do not smoke and do not light matches or use a cigarette lighter. Do not turn on

switches. There may be gas leaks or short-circuits.

Use a torch.

If there is a fire, try to put it out. If you cannot, call the fire brigade.

If people are seriously injured, do not move them unless they are in danger.

Immediately clean up any inflammable products that may have spilled (alcohol,

paint, etc).

If you know that people have been buried, tell the rescue teams. Do not rush and

do not worsen the situation of injured persons or your own situation.

Avoid places where there are loose electric wires and do not touch any metal

object in contact with them.

Do not drink water from open containers without having examined it and filtered

it through a sieve, a filter or an ordinary clean cloth.

Eat something. You will feel better and more capable of helping others.

If your home is badly damaged, you will have to leave it. Collect water

containers, food, and ordinary and special medicines (for persons with heart

complaints, diabetes, etc.)

Do not re-enter badly damaged buildings and do not go near damaged


structures.

Do not walk around the streets to see what has happened. Keep clear of the

streets to enable rescue vehicles to pass.

TSUNAMIS

Causal phenomenon: Fault movement on sea floor, accompained by an

earthquake. A landslide occurring underwater or above the sea, and then

plunging into the water. Volcanic activity either underwater or near the shore.

General characteristics:

Tsunami waves are barely perceptible in deep water and may measure

160km between wave crests.

May consist of ten or more wave crests.

Move up to 800km per hour in deep water of ocean, diminishing in speed as

the wave approaches shore.

May strike shore in crashing waves or may inundate the land.

Flooding effect depends on shape of shorelines and tides.

Predictability: Tsunami warning system in pacific monitors seismic activity and

declares watches and warnings. Waves generated by local earthquakes may

strike nearby shores within minutes and warnings to public may not be possible.

Factors contributing to vulnerability:

Location of settlements in low lying coastal regions.

Lack of tsunami resistant buildings.

Lack of timely warning systems and evacuation plans.

Unawareness of public to destructive forces of tsunami.


Physical damage-The force of water can raze everything in its path but the

majority of damage to structure and infrastructure results from flooding.

Withdrawal of the wave from shore scours out sediment and can collapse

ports and buildings and batter boats.

Causalities and public health: Deaths occur principally by drowning and

injuries from battering by debris.

Water supply: Contamination by salt water and debris or sewage may make

clean drinking water unavailable.


Crops and food supplies: Harvests, food stocks, livestock farm implements

and fishing boats may be lost. Land may be rendered infertile due to salt water

incursion.

Possible risk reduction measures: Protection of buildings along coast,

houses on stilts, buildings barriers such as breakwaters.

Specific preparedness measures: Hazard mapping, planning evacuation routes, establish

warning systems, community education.

VOLCANOES

Causal phenomenon: Magma pushed upward through volcanic vent pressure and

effervescence of dissolved gases.

General Charactristics: Types of volcanoes are cinder cones, shield volcanoes, composite

volcanoes and lava domes. Magma flowing out onto surface is lava and all solid particles

ejected are tephra.Damage results from type of material ejected such as ash,pyroclastic

flows(blasts of gas containing ash and fragments),mud,debris,and lava flows.

Predictability: Study of the geological history of volcanoes mainly located in a clearly

defined volcanic belt, along with seismic activity and other observations may indicate an

impending volcano. No reliable indicator has been discovered and precursory signs do not

always occur.

Factors contributing to vulnerability: Settlements on the flanks of volcanoes, settlements in

the historical paths of mud or lava lows, structure with roof designs not resistant to ash

accumulation, presence of combustible materials, lack of evacuation plan or warning

systems.


Causalities and public health: Death from pyroclastic flows, mud flows and possibly

lava flows and toxic gases. Injuries from falling rock, burns, respiratory difficulties

from gas and ash.

Settlements, infrastructure and agriculture: Complete destruction of everything in the

path of pyroclastic, mud or lava flows, collapse of structure under weight of wet ash,

flooding, blockage of roads or communication systems.

Crops and food supplies: Destruction of crops in path of flows, ash may break tree

branches, livestock may inhale toxic gas or ash, grazing lands may be contaminated.

Possible risk reduction measures: Land use planning for settlements around volcanoes,

protective struct Ural measures, National volcanic emergency plans.


Specific preparedness measures: Volcano monitoring and warning system, training for

government officials and community participation in search and rescue, fire fighting.

LANDSLIDES

Causal phenomenon: Down slope transport of soil and rock resulting from naturally

occurring vibrations, changes in direct water content, removal of lateral support, loading

with weight and weathering or human manipulation of water courses and slope

composition.

General Charactristics: Landslides vary in types of movement (falls, slide, topples,

lateral spread, flows) and may be secondary effects of heavy storms, earthquake and

volcanic eruptions. Landslides are more widespread than any other geological event.

Predictability: Frequency of occurance, extent and consequences of landslides may

be estimated and areas of high risk determined by use of information on area

geology, geomorphology, hydrology and climatology and vegetation.

Factors contributing to vulnerability: Settlements built on steep slopes, softer soils.

Cliff tops, settlements built at the base of steep slopes, on mouths of streams from

mountain valleys, roads, communication lines in mountain areas, buildings with

weak foundations, buried pipelines, brittle pipes, lack of understanding of landslide

hazard.


Physical damage-Anything on top of or in path of landslide will suffer damage.

Rubble may block roads, lines of communication or waterwayes.Indirect effects may

include loss of productivity of agricultural or forest lands, flodding, reduced property

values.

Causalities-Fatalities have occurred due to slope failure. Catastrophic debris slides or

mudflows have killed many thousands.

Possible risk reduction measures: Hazard mapping, legislation and land use

regulation, insurance.

Specific preparedness measures: Community education, monitoring, warning and

evacuation systems.

TROPICAL CYCLONES

Causal phenomenon: Mixture of heat and moisture forms a low pressure centre over

oceans in tropical latitudes where water temperatures are over 26degrees c.Wind

currents spin and organize around deepening low pressure over accelerating toward

the center and moving along track pushed by trade winds. Depression becomes a

tropical cyclone when winds reach gale force or 117km per hour.


General Charactristics: When the cyclone strikes land, high winds, exceptional

rainfall and storm surges cause damage with secondary flooding and landslides.

Predictability: Tropical cyclones can be tracked from their development but accurate

landfall forecasts are usually possible only a few hours before as unpredictable

changes in course can occur.

Factors contributing to vulnerability: Settlements located in low lying coastal

areas(direct impact),settlements in adjacent areas(heavy rains and floods),poor

communication or warning systems, lightweight structures, older construction, poor

quality masonary,infrastructural elements, fishing boats.


Physical damage-Structure lost and damaged by wing force, flooding, storm surge

and landslide.

Causalities and public health: May be caused by flying debris or flooding,

contamination of water supplies may lead to viral outbreaks and malaria.

Water supplies-Ground water may be contaminated by floods water.

Crops and food supplies: High winds and rains can rain standing crops, tree

plantations and food stocks.

Possible risk reduction measures: Risk assessment and hazard mapping. Land use

control and flood plain management, reduction of structural vulnerability

improvement of vegetation cover.

Specific preparedness measures: Public warning systems, evacuation plans training

and community participation.

Dos and Don’ts

Listen to the radio for advance information and advice. Allow

considerable margin for safety. A cyclone may change direction, speed

or intensity within a few hours, so stay tuned to the radio for updated

information.

If storm-force winds or severe gales are forecast for your area, then…

Store or secure loose boards, corrugated iron, rubbish tins or anything

else that could become dangerous.

Tape up large windows to prevent them from shattering.

Move to the nearest shelter or vacate the area if this is ordered by the


appropriate government agency.

When the storm hits…

Stay indoors and take shelter in the strongest part of your house.

Listen to the radio and follow instructions.

Open windows on the sheltered side of the house, if the roof begins to

lift.

Find shelter if you are caught out in the open.

Do not go outside or into a beach during a lull in the storm.

FLOODS-

Causal phenomenon: Naturally occurring flash, river and coastal flooding from

intense rainfall or inundation associated with seasonal weather patterns, Human

manipulation of watersheds, drainage basins and floodplains.

General characteristics:

Flash floods: Accelerated runoff, dam failure, breaks up of ice jam.

River floods: Slow buildup, usually seasonal in river system.

Coastal floods: Associated with tropical cyclones, tsunami waves, storm surges

factors affecting degree of danger: Depth of water, duration, velocity, rate of rise,

frequency of occurance, seasonality.

Predictability: Flood forecasting depends on seasonal patterns, capacity of

drainage basin, flood plain mapping, surveys of air and land. Warning possible

well in advance for seasonal floods, but only minutes before in case of storm

surge, flash flood or tsunami.

Factors contributing to vulnerability: Location of settlements on floodplains, lack

of awareness of flooding hazards, reduction of absorptive capacity of land, on

resistant buildings and foundations, high risk infrastructural elements, unprotected

food stocks and standing crops, livestock.


Physical damage-Structure damaged by washing a way, becoming

inundated,collapsing,impact of floating debris, landslide from saturated soils,

damage greater in valleys than open areas.


Causalities and public health: Deaths from drowning but few serious injuries,

possible outbreaks of malaria, diarrhea and viral infection.

Water supplies: Contamination of wells and groundwater possible. Clean water may

be unavailable.

Possible risk reduction measures: Flood control (channels, dikes, dams, flood,

proofing, erosion control)

Specific preparedness measures: Flood detection and warning systems, community

participation and education, development of master plan for floodplain

management.

DROUGHTS

Causal phenomenon: Immediate cause-Rainfall deficit, Possible underlying causes-

EI Nioo(incursion of warm surface waters into the the normally colder waters of

south American Pacific),human induced changes in ground surface and soil, higher

sea surface temperatures, increase of atmospheric carbon dioxide and greenhouse

gases.

General Charactristics: The reduction of water or moisture availability is temporary

and significant in relation to the norm, meteorological drought is the reduction in

rainfall and hydrological drought is the reduction in water resources. Agricultural

drought is the impact of drought on human activity influenced by various factor:

the presence of irrigation systems, moisture retention capacity of the soil, the

timing of the rainfall and adaptive behavior of the farmers.

Predictability: Periods of unusual dryness are normal in all weather systems.

Rainfall and hydrology data must be carefully analyzed with influencing factors in

predicting drought, however advance warning is usually possible.

Factors contributing to vulnerability: Location in an arid area where dry conditions

are increased by drought, farming on marginal lands, subsistence farming, lack of

agricultural inputs to improve yields, lack of seed reserves, areas dependent on

another weather systems for water resources. Areas of low soil moisture retention,

lack of recognition and allocation of resources to drought hazard.

Typical adverse effects: Reduced income for farmers, reduction of spending from

agricultural sector, increase in price of staple foods, increased inflation rates,

deterioration of nutritional status, famine, illness, death, reduction of drinking

water sources, migration, breakup of communities, and loss of livestock.

Possible risk reduction measures: Drought and famine early warning systems.


Specific preparedness measures: Development of inter-institutional response plan.

ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION

Causal phenomenon: Air pollution-pollutants such as sulphur dioxide, nitrogen

dioxide, particulates, carbon monoxide and lead from industry and transport. Marine

pollution-Sewage, industrial effluents, marine litter, petroleum spills and dumped

radioactive sustances.Fresh water pollution-Discharge of human waste and domestic

wastewaters into lakes and rivers, industrial effluents, use of irrigation and

pesticides, run off of nitrogen from fertilizers. Increased run off from deforestation

causing sedimentation. Possible global warming-Accumulation of carbon dioxide

from combustion of fossil fuels, deforestation and methane from livestock. Ozone

depletion-Chloroflorocarbons (CFCs) released into the atmosphere deplete ozone

shield against ultraviolet light.

Predictability: Pollution is related to per capita consumption so; as countries develop

pollution will also tend to increase. Deforestation is increasing in some countries.

Factors contributing to vulnerability: High levels of industrialization and per capita

consumption, lack of regulation pollutants, insufficient resources to counter the

impact of pollution.


Air pollution: Damages agricultural crops, forests.aquatic systems, structural

materials and human health.

Water pollution: Spread of pathogens, injury to marine animals, spread of chemicals to

the environment effecting the health of humans, animala and sea life.

Global warming: Sea level rise, climate change, temperature rise.

Ozone depletion: Increase in skin cancer, cataracts, reduction in immune system

functions and damage to marine life.

Possible risk reduction measures: Set ambient air quality standards, set emission

limits for every pollutant, establish protection policies for water supplies, reduce

the use of pesticides by integrated management, reduce the rate of deforestation and

increase planting of trees, promote energy efficiency, regulate use of aerosols and

disposal of refrigeration units, prohibit manufacture and use of CFCs.

Specific preparedness measures: Establish a national environment safety and

protection plan; create education programs for environmental awareness, training of

government personnel as part of development programs.


DEFORESTATION

Causal phenomenon: The spread of farming and grazing, firewood collection timber

harvesting.

General Charactristics: Contributes to other hazards by by removing root systems

which stabilize soil, acting as a filter and buffer, allowing percolation of water into

soil and retaining moisture in soil, removal of leaf biomass and forest products,

burning and decay of dead wood.

Predictability: An increase in global focus on the hazard is expanding data base

leading to an increased awareness of the problem and to identifying where the

problem exists.Overall, the global trend is deceasing as conservation measures are

enacted but destruction of forests is rising at alarming rates in some countries.

Factors contributing to vulnerability: Underdevelopment, dependence on wood for

fuel and income, unregulated logging and land clearance, rapid population growth,

rapid expansion of settled or industrialized areas.

Typical adverse effects: Deforestration results in loss of free products from the forest

such as fruits and medicine and decline in traditional cultures. It stresses economies

which import forest products and are dependent on wood products. It contributes to

other hazards such as flooding-Deforestation of watersheds can increase severity of

flooding, reduce stream flows, dry up springs in dry seasons and increase sediment

entering waterways. Drought-Removal of roots and leaf canopy can alter moisture

levels drying soil and decreasing percipitation.Famine-Decrease in agricultural

production due to erosion of topsoil and collapse of hillsides may lead to food

shortage. Environmental pollution-Increase contamination of soil and water and

reduces carbon dioxide absorption capacity, burning of forests and decay of trees

releases carbon dioxide to the air, possibly contributing to global warming.

Possible risk reduction measures: Protection of forests through management,

legislation, conservancies, reforestation.

Specific preparedness measures: Education of the communities, promoting alternatives

to fuel wood, soil conservation measures.

PHASES OF A DISASTER

Disasters can be viewed as a series of phases on a time continum.Identifying and

understanding these phases helps to describe disaster related needs and to

conceptualize appropriate disaster management activities.

Rapid onset disaster:


The definitions below correspond to the time sequence following the occurrence of

a rapid onset disaster.

The relief phase is the period immediately following the occurrence of a sudden

disaster(or the late discovery of a negated/deteriorated slow onset situation)when

exceptional measures have to be taken to search and find the survivors as well as

meet their basic needs for shelter,water,food and medical care.

Rehabilitation is the operations and decisions taken after a disaster with a view to

restoring a stricken community to its formar living conditions, while encouraging

and facilitating the necessary adjustment to the changes caused by the disaster.

Reconstruction is the action taken to reestablish a community after a period of

rehabilitation subsequent to a disaster. Actions would include construction of

permanent housing, full restoration of all services and complete resumption of the

pre-disaster state.

Mitigation is the cooective term used to encompass all action taken prior to the

occurrence of a disaster(pre-disaster measures)including preparedness and long term

risk reduction measures.(Mitigation has been used by some institution or authors in a

narrow sense, excluding preparedness.)

Preparedness consists of activities designed to minimize loss of life and damage,

organize the tempory removal of people and property from a threatened location and

facilitate timely and effective rescue, relief and rehabilitation.

Slow onset disasters:

The sequence of a disaster continuum for slow onset disaster is similar in framework

but has important distinctions. The following terms and definitions reflect those

additions or modifications.

Early warning is the process of monitoring situations in communities or areas known

to be vulnerable to slow onset hazards. For example, famine early warning may be

reflected in such indicators as drought, livestock sales or changes in economic

conditions. The purposes of early warning are to enable remedial measures to be

initiated and to provide more timely and effective relief including through disaster

preparedness actions.

The emergency phase is the period during which extraordinary measures have to be

taken. Special emergency procedures and authorities may be applied to support

human needs, sustain livelihoods, and protect property to avoid the onset of disaster.

This phase can encompass pre-disaster, disaster alert, disaster relief and recovery


periods. An emergency phase may be quite extensive, as in a slow onset disaster

such as a famine. It can also be relatively short-lived, as after an earthquake.

Rehabilitation is the action taken after a slow onset disaster where attention must be

given to the issues of resettlement or returnee programmes, particularly for people

who have been displaced for reasons arising out if conflict or economic collapse.

The disaster management team-

One of the primary purposes of this overall training program is to introduce the

concept of managing disaster as a team. The objectives of disaster management

through teamwork include

A forum for communication, information exchange and developing consensus.

A format for co-ordination, eliminating duplication and reducing gaps in services.

The possibility of being more effective through pooled resources.

The UN Disaster Management Team

The United Nations General Assembly believes that the objectives of team

management are applicable to the UN agencies oriented to emergencies. They have

mandated that a standing, UN Disaster Management Team (UN-DMT) be formed in

each disaster prone country, convened and chaired by the UN resisdent coordinator.

The composition of the UN-DMT is determined by taking into account the types of

disaster to which the country is prone and the organizations present, but should

normally include a core group consisting of the country level representatives of

FAO, UNDP/UNDRO, UNICEF, WFP, WHO and where present, UNHCR.It may be

enlarged to include additional representatives or project personnel from other

relevant agencies when an emergency arises. The original and primary purpose of the

UN-DMT is to ensure a prompt, effective and concerted response by the UN system

at country level in the event of a disaster. The team should also ensure similar

coordination of UN assistance to the government in respect to post-disaster

rehabilitation and reconstruction and relevant disaster mitigation measures through

long term development programs. It should be emphasized that for all aspect of

disaster management the UN-DMT is in a support role of the government.

Country Disaster Management Team

Most disaster prone countries already have a formal or informal disaster management

team. It is typically headed by a national disaster focal point body. This body

function in liaison with the office of the president pr prime minister, with civil

defense organizations, key government ministeries, the red cross/red crescent and


other NGOs and major donors. The UN-DMT needs to interface with this team and

where practical to be a team member. Where national officials do not participate in

UN-DMT meetings or activities, the resident coordinator should ensure that they are

consulted and briefed on all relevant matters. In practice it is vital that the policies of

the DMT releate to those approved by the government even under the pressure of

event.

Roles and resources of UNDP, UNDRO and other agencies

UNDP focuses primarily on the development related aspects of disaster risks and

occurrences and on providing technical assistance to institution building in realtion

to all aspect of disaster management.

a) Incorporating long term risk reduction and preparedness measures in normal

development planning and programes.including support for specific mitigation

measures where required.

b) Assisting in planning and implementation of post disaster rehabilitation and

reconstruction, including the definition of new development strategies that

incorporate risk reduction measures relevant to the affected area.

c) Reviewing the impact of large settlements of refugees or displaced persons on

development and seeking ways to incorporate the refugees and displaced persons in

development strategies.

d) Providing technical assistance to the authorities managing major emergency

assistance operations of extended duration (especially in relation to displaced

persons and possibilities for achieving durable solutions in such cases.)

e) In addition UNDP provides administrative and operational support to the resident

coordinator function, particularly at country level, but also at headquarters.

f) In the event of disaster,UNDP may grant a maximum of $50,000 from SPR funds to

provide immediate relief.UNDP is not otherwise involved in the provision of “relief

“using only of its own resources or other funds administrative by the program.

Where a major emergency substantially affects the whole development process

within a country, IPF resources may be used to provide technical assistance to plan

and manage the operation, with the agreement of the Government.

Disaster related roles of the core members of the UN-DMTs

Provides technical advice in reducing vulnerability and helps in the rehabilitation of

agriculture, livestocks and fisheries with emphasis on local food production.

Monitors food production, exports and imports and forecasts any requirements of

exceptional food assistance.

Promotes the incorporation of disaster mitigation in developing planning and funds

technical assistance for all aspects of disaster management.


Provides administrative support to the resident coordinator and UN-DMT.

Mobilizes and coordinates international emergency relief assistance, issuing

consolidated appeals.

Assist in assessment and relief management is required. Provides advice and

guidance on risk assessments and in planning and implementing mitigation

measures.

Assures the protection of refugees and seeks durable solutions to their problems.

Helps to mobilize and assure the delivery of necessary assistance in the country of

asylum if it is a developing country.

Attends to the well-being of children and women, especially child health and

nutrition.

Assistance activities may include: social programs, child feeding(in collaboration

with WFP),water supplies, sanitation and direct health interventions(in collaboration

with WHO)

Provides related management and logistical support.

Role of other UN organizations and agencies

A number of other UN organizations and agencies have specific responsibilities,

organizational arrangements and capabilities relating to disaster mitigation and/or

relief or recovery assistance.UNDP, UNDRO NAD resident coordinators must

respect the mandates and skills of these agencies and seek to ensure that all work

together in harmony. All should use their expertise and resources to best effect in

helping people in disaster prone and disaster affected areas.

Nursing Responsibilities

A. Prevention and mitigation

Personal Preparedness: Nurse assisting in disaster relief efforts must be as healthy as

possible, both physical as well as psychologically. She must be certified in first aid

and cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Professional Preparedness: There should be disaster management team of nurses,

Psychiatric nurses, physicians, psychologist, surgeons, and social workers to be

active and alert at all time.

1. Nurse should know and understand citywide disaster management plan.

2. Nurse should update the disaster plan as per need.

3. She should develop and provide educational material relevant to disaster specific to

the area.

4. She should organize disaster drills with the help of government and non government

organization.


5. Community health nurse keeps up to date records of vulnerable population within the

community.

6. Nurse should understand what the available community resources are and how the

community will work together when disaster strikes.

7. Man made disaster particularly preventable by enforcement of good building codes or

proper land and water management.

8. The disaster which are not preventable their impact can be mitigated by public

education to the peoples staying in disaster prone areas.

9. Community health nurse must involve in giving instructions regarding proper safety

precautions, proper storage of emergency supplies and basic first aid course for

injuries in the actual event.

10. Public communication systems and how people can obtain information in the event of

an actual disaster situation

e.g.Radio, Television etc.

B. Rescue and Emergency Medical Care

1. Locate the trapped victims and evacuate them to safe place.

2. Disaster service personnel and EMS personnel called to respond.

Triage or Sorting:

3. The goal of triage is to maximize the number of survivors by sorting the treatable from

the untreatable victims. It determines which client requires immediate treatment.

4. Triage must take place during every stage of operation from disaster scene to client

reaches to medical facility.

5. Many personnel are involved in the triage operation and each person must know their

exact role.

6. Nurses and other emergency personnel are used as triage officers and physician are

administering emergency care to more critical victims.

C. Disaster Response

1. Nurse working as member of assessment team need to feedback accurate information

to relief managers to facilitate rapid rescue and recovery.

2. Assessment report should include following information.

Geographical extent of disaster impact.

Population at risk.

Presence of concurrent hazards.

Injuries and death

Availability of shelters.

Current level of sanitation.

Status of health care infrastructure.

3. Gather information: Through

Interview


Observation

Individual physical examination

Survey

Record(Census, Vital statistics, Disease reporting)

4. Shelter Management:

Although voluntary health agency is taking care of shelter

management but the nurse because of their comfort with delivering aggregate health

promotion, disease preventation and emotional support make ideal shelter

management as a team member.

5. Dealing with stress: Basic measures while working with victims dealing with

stress includes.

a) Listen carefully victims and retell their feelings related to disaster.

b) Encourage victims to share their feelings with one another if it is appropriate.

c) Help victims to take their own decision.

d) Delegate task to teenagers to avoid boredom.

e) Provide basic necessities e.g. food and water.

f) Provide basic dignity e.g. Privacy

g) Refer the patient to counselor e.g.Psychologist, Psychiatrists and Social worker.

h) Provide medical, nursing aid, first aid, meal serving keep records.

i) Ensure communication, transporation, safe environment.

D.Recovery Stage:

1. The main objective of disaster management in this stage is to involve all agencies

and resources to restore the economic and civil life of the community e.g.

Construction of tempory as well as permanent house, economical support and

epidemiological services.

2. There is continuous threat of communicable diseases due to inadequate water

supply and crowed living condition. Nurses must remain vigilant in teaching

proper hygiene and making sure immunization record up to date.

3. Acute and chronic illnesses can become worse by prolonged effects of disaster.

Psychological stress of clean up and moving can cause feeling of severe

hopelessness, depression and grief. Referral services of mental health professional

should be continued as long as need exists.

4. Nurses need to be alert for environmental health hazards during recovery phase of

disaster. She must observe continuously faulty housing structure, lack of water

and electricity objects blown by flood may be dangerous must be removed. The

area should be assessed for live or dead animals, roadents that are harmful to a

person’s health.


5. In the end, all of the nurses and organizations in the world can only provide

partnership with the victims of a disaster. Ultimately; it is up to individual to

recovery on their own.

Bibliography:

1. K.Park, park textbook of preventive and social medicine, Bhanot publishers,

Nineteenth edition, 2007, 650-57.

2. Stanhope M, Community health nursing, Mosby USA, 6th edition.

3. Health for the millions, disaster management, Feb-Mar 2006, vol 30, No 6.

4. Disaster preparedness, Nursing journal of Indis,March 2001,vol 24,

No 3, pg.50

5. Kishore’s.J, National health programs of India, century publications, New Delhi,

2007, 7th edition, 423-28.

6. Kandasamy M, Community health nurse in disaster management, the nursing

journal of India, vol 45, No 10, oct2007, 227-29.

Technology

Disaster management