Disaster Management and Environmental Hazards

  1. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) was established in 2005 under the Disaster Management Act.
  2. It is the apex body for disaster management in India.
  3. The primary aim of NDMA is to build a safer and disaster-resilient India.
  4. NDMA is chaired by the Prime Minister of India.
  5. It formulates policies, plans, and guidelines for disaster management.
  6. The NDMA emphasizes a proactive approach to disaster prevent
  1. The Bhopal Gas Tragedy occurred on the night of December 2-3, 1984, in Bhopal, India.
  2. It was caused by the leakage of methyl isocyanate (MIC) gas from the Union Carbide India Limited (UCIL) pesticide plant.
  3. Approximately 500,000 people were exposed to the toxic gas.
  4. The disaster resulted in thousands of immediate deaths and long-term health impacts on survivors.
  5. Common health issues included respiratory problems, eye irritation, and cancer
  1. Disaster Management Cycle consists of four key phases: Preparedness, Mitigation, Response, and Recovery.
  2. Preparedness involves planning and preparing communities to deal with disasters effectively.
  3. Key activities during Preparedness include training, drills, and early warning systems.
  4. The goal of Preparedness is to reduce the loss of life and property by ensuring readiness.

Natural Disasters

  1. Earthquakes: Sudden shaking of the Earth's crust due to tectonic movements.
  2. Floods: Overflow of water bodies, often caused by heavy rainfall, dam failures, or storm surges.
  3. Tsunamis: Large ocean waves triggered by underwater earthquakes or volcanic eruptions.
  4. Cyclones: Intense storms with high-speed winds and heavy rainfall, often leading to coastal destruction.
  5. Droughts: Prolonged periods of insufficient rainfall, causing water shortages and cr