Introduction To Disaster Management

Introduction To Disaster Management Disasters are seen as the effect of hazards on vulnerable areas. Hazards that occur in areas with low vulnerability do not result in a disaster. Great damage, loss, destruction and devastation to life and property are the results of Disasters. The immeasurable damage caused by disaster varies with the geographical location. In the concerned areas disasters have the following effects: It completely upsets the normal day to day life. Harmfully persuade the emergency systems Depending on the intensity and severity of the disaster the normal needs and processes are badly affected and deteriorated. Disasters are the effect of hazard on vulnerable or defenseless areas. Hazards that occur in areas with low vulnerability do not result in a disaster. 1.1.2 Types of Disasters: Disasters can be classified as: Natural disaster Human-Made disaster 1) Natural Disasters: Natural disasters are the result of biological, geological, seismic, hydrologic or meteorological conditions. They are a threat to, people, structures and economic assets Few examples are: Earthquake Cyclones Hurricanes Floods Landslides 2) Human-Made Disasters: Human-made disasters are Emergency situations which are the results of deliberate human actions. They involves situations in which people suffers casualties, losses of basic services and means of livelihood. Few examples are: Oil Spill An airplane crash War Civil strife Major fire 1.1.3 Difference between EMERGENCY and DISASTER situations: A situation in which community is CAPABLE of coping is EMERGENCY. Emergency situations are generated by a real occurrence of events that require immediate attention of emergency resources. A situation in which community is INCAPABLE of coping is DISASATER. Disaster situations are natural or human-caused events which causes severe negative impact on community. 1.2 WHAT IS A HAZARD? 1.2.1 Definition: Hazard is a chance or possibility of being injured or harmed. OR Hazard is the possibility of laying yourself open to loss or misfortune. Hazards can be classified into two Modes: Dormant Mode Active Mode 1) Dormant Mode: The situation that has the potential to be hazardous, but no people, or environment is currently affected by this. For example: An unstable hillside, has a potential for a landslide but there is nothing below or on the hillside that could be affected. 2) Active Mode: An incident in which hazard has actually occurred, creating an Emergency situations or Disasters. Classification of Hazards: Hazard can also be classified as: Natural Hazard Man-Made Hazard Natural Hazard: Definition: These hazards are caused by a natural process. Examples of some Natural hazards are: 1) Volcanic Eruptions: Ashes and different toxic gases are expelled through volcanoes from deep inside the earth 2) Droughts: A part of a land suffers from lack of rain during specific period of time which causes severe damage to the crops, soil, animals and people also. 3) Tsunamis: Very large waves which caused by an Earthquake, Volcanic eruptions smashes into a shore. 1.2.4 Man-made Hazard: Definition: These hazards are created by humans. Examples of some Man-Made hazards are: Global Warming: Projected increases in the Earths atmospheres average temperature. In the 20th century the Earths average temperature rose about 0.6 degree Celsius. Crime: It is a kind of Sociological hazard. Crime is a breach of laws and rules. For example Breach of contract. Industrial Hazard: It is a kind of Technological hazard. Industrial hazards often have an environmental impact. For example Bhopal Disaster ( worst industrial disaster to date). 1.3 VULNERABILITY, CAPACITY AND RISK: 1.3.1 Vulnerability: Definition: Susceptibility of a person, group or society to physical or emotional injury. OR Person or group liable to injury. As far as Hazards and Disasters are concern, the concept of Vulnerability is to link the relationship that people have with their environment to social forces and institutions and the cultural values that sustain them. 1.3.2 Capacity: Definition: Within a community all the available resources, that can reduce risk level and disaster effects. Frequent term used in Disaster is Capacity building. Capacity building is the efforts to develop human skills within a community to reduce risk levels. 1.3.3 Risk: Definition: Occurrence probability of a hazard that trigger a disaster with an undesirable outcome. Risk involves an exposure to a chance injury or loss. Risk generally described in terms of probability. Risk can also be defined as the probability of a loss, risk depends on three elements: Hazard Vulnerability Exposure 1.4 DISASTER MANAGEMENT CYCLE: 1.4.1 What is Disaster Management? Main idea: To prevent disasters wherever possible or to mitigate or lessen those disasters which are inevitable. Through Public awareness and Hazard management disasters could be prevented or mitigated. 1.4.2 What is Disaster Management cycle? Definition: Disaster Management Cycle is a cycle which has phases to reduce or prevent disasters. It is a cyclic process it means the end of one phase is the beginning of another phase, although next phase can be started before the completion of previous phase. Some times several phases are taking place concurrently. During each phase, timely decision making can results in greater preparedness, better warnings, and prevent further disasters. The complete Disaster Management cycle includes the shaping of public policies and plans that addresses the causes of disasters and lessening their effects on people, property and infrastructure. 1.5 PHASES OF DISASTER MANAGEMENT CYCLE: Disaster Management Cycle has four phases: Phase 1- Mitigation Phase 2 Preparedness Phase 3 Response Phase 4 Recovery 1.5.1 Phase 1 Mitigation: 1.5.1.1 Goal: The Goal of Mitigation activities is to get rid of or reduce the disaster occurrence probability, or to mitigate the effects of unavoidable disasters. Definition: Mitigation refers to all actions taken before a disaster to minimize its impacts. Example: Public education Building codes and zoning Mitigation includes: Reviewing building codes Zoning and land-use management Implementing preventative health measures There are two types of Mitigation activities: Structural Mitigation: It refers to constructing projects to reduce economic and social impacts. Non-structural mitigation: They are the policies which raise awareness of hazards. Non-structural mitigation activities also encourage developments to lessen disaster impact. Through Mitigation we can educate businesses and public in order to reduce loss or injury. At home Mitigation activities: In your home Strengthening vulnerable areas such as roof tops, exterior doors and windows. In your home build a safe room. 1.5.2 Phase 2 Preparedness: 1.5.2.1 Goal: The goal of Preparedness activities is: for any emergency situation, achieve a satisfactory level of readiness through programs that support the technical capacity of government. 1.5.2.2 Definition: Preparedness activities are the Plans/preparations made to save lives or property. 1.5.2.3 Preparedness includes: Implementation/operation Systems of early warning. Preparedness plans Emergency exercises Emergency communication systems Public education Through early warning systems people will react appropriately when any early warning is issued. Preparedness actions depend upon the incorporation of suitable measures for development plans at national and regional level. To save lives and minimize disaster damage, individuals, government and organization develop plans and this all is done in Preparedness phase. 1.5.2.4 Disaster Preparedness and Disaster Mitigation: Disaster mitigation and Disaster Preparedness go hand in hand. To ensure that existing infrastructure can withstand the forces of disaster, disaster preparedness includes implementation of mitigation measures. 1.5.3 Phase 3 Response: 1.5.3.1 Goal: The goal of Response is to give instant assistance to maintain life, improve health and hold up the morale of affected population. 1.5.3.2 Disaster Response includes: Assisting refugees with transport. Give temporary shelter and food. Establish semi permanent settlement in camps. Repairing damage infrastructure. The basic needs of people are more focused in Response phase until permanent solutions can be found. 1.5.4 Phase 4 Recovery: 1.5.4.1 Goal: To help people restoring their lives and infrastructure as soon as possible. 1.5.4.2 Types of Recovery Activities: Recovery activities can be: Short term recovery activities Long term recovery activities Until all system return to normal or better, recovery activities continues. 1.5.4.3 Recovery activities in disasters include: Building Temporary housing. Public information. Educating public about Health and safety education. Concealing programs for people. Reconstruction Economic impact studies From recovery to long-term sustainable development there should be smooth transition. DISASTER MANAGEMENT CYCLE AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM: 1.6.1 EMS: EMS is the acronym for Emergency Management System. EMS can facilitate the effective management of Disasters. Information Technology can improve the system of Disaster Management and support all the phases of the DMC (Disaster Management Cycle) 1.6.2 PHASE I: Mitigation and Prevention: To reduce the impact of disasters, effective Disaster Management plays a key role. Disaster Management uses different effective technological tools to help the process of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation. For example: Tracking system: the cargo of Hazard Management (HAZMAT) can be track by advance Vehicle-mounted hardware and when shipment carrying Hazardous materials deviates from its route centers of Disaster Management issues notification to management centers. Inventory systems: For any emergency situations Inventory Systems ensures that the suffient supplies are available. It monitors the inventory levels of important equipment and supplies and maintain the record of important supplies on regular basis in form of Databases. Detection: For detecting and monitoring the hazardous cargo, Roadside Detectors are used. These Roadside detectors also confirm that cargo is not deviating for its route. 1.6.3 PHASE II: Preparedness: Preparedness deals with the development of plans before any emergency or disastrous situations. Emergency management system helps Phase II of DMC via technological services like: Telemedicine: It is a connection between ambulances which are responding and emergency medical facilities available very near. By using telemedicine doctors can give advices to medical personnel for the treatment of those patients who are on the way to hospital. Advanced ACN: Advanced ACN is the acronym for Advanced automated collision notification. They inform emergency personnel through vehicle mounted sensors and wireless communication about incidents like collisions or crashes. They also tell the incidents exact location and characteristics. 1.6.4 PHASE III and IV: Response and Recovery: To provide immediate help or assistance to the population affected by disasters is the Goal of Response Phase. While the Goal of Recovery Phase is the restoration of peoples live as soon as possible after the disaster or any emergency situation. Emergency management System with the help of Technology can help the Response and Recovery phases through different systems and software like: Scheduling and Coordination software: In order to make the response process organized, structured and efficient complicated scheduling system can monitor and coordinate many response activities. Early Warning System: In transportation infrastructure a vast variety of sensors are used which provide an early warning systems. This early warning system used to detect large-scale disasters and emergencies and also man-made disaster or technological disaster. Large-scale disasters include earthquakes, tsunamis etc and man-made or t echnological disasters include HAZMAT incidents, act of terrorism, nuclear power plant accidents. Response management: Emergency vehicle fleets can be track by Response management by using the technology of Automated vehicle location (AVL) and two-way communication between dispatchers and emergency vehicles. Chapter No:2 TYPES OF DISASTERS: 2.1 INTRODUCTION: According to [11] CRED (Center for Research on the Epidemiology of Disaster), Belgium, defines Disaster as: A disaster is a situation or event which overwhelms local capacity, necessitating a request to a national or international level for external assistance OR Disaster is also defined as Great damage, loss or destruction results from a sudden catastrophic event. Many [11] different types of events like weather or earths geology are represented by Disasters. There exist a close association between a disaster and extreme weather events like cyclones, floods, tornadoes etc. The database of disaster events are maintained by CRED. It maintained the disaster events from 1900 to present. Possible causes of increment in disasters: There [11] are many causes for increase in disasters but some common causes are as under: Environmental changes related to economic development may affect the potential for disasters. Change of Global climate from the build-up of greenhouse gases may lead to a greater frequency of extreme weather events (heat waves) in the future, as well as sea level rise. Several existing coastlines may be threatened in this event. Industrialization without controls may increase the risk for technological disasters. Consumption of fossil fuels with industrialization. 2.1.1 What are the Types of Disasters? Disasters can [1] be broadly classified according to their: Causes Natural or Man-made disaster Speed of onset Sudden or Slow Earthquakes, Cyclones, Tsunamis are the examples of Natural disasters. The two most common examples of Man-made disasters are The Bhopal gas release and the Chernobyl nuclear accident. Forest fires (initiated by man) may be another example. There can be a sudden onset or slow onset of disaster. Sudden or Quick onset of disaster means they can occur suddenly in time and slow onset of disaster means they may develop over a period of time or gradually. 2.2 NATURAL DISASTES: 2.2.1 Definition: Natural [1] disaster occurs naturally in proximity to, and pose a threat to people, structures or economic asserts. They are caused by biological, geological conditions or processes in the natural environment for example cyclones, earthquakes, tsunamis, floods etc. Few examples of Natural disasters are: Earthquake Tsunamis Flood Cyclone Now I will discuss above Natural disasters. 2.2.2 Earthquake: Earthquake is the vibration of earths surface due to underground movements. Earthquakes also called as tremor or temblor. Sudden release of energy in the earths crust leads to a natural disaster called Earthquake. This sudden release of energy waves are called as seismic waves. Epicenter of earthquake is called as the origin point of these seismic waves. Among the most unpredictable natural disasters people can experience, Earthquake is the one. During earthquakes tens of thousands of people are put in danger. Some International Statistics of Earthquake: More than half a million deaths worldwide caused by Earthquake between 1999 and 2009. Each year more than one million Earthquakes occur worldwide. Measurement of Earthquake: To measure the size of an Earthquake there are many ways. Some of these ways depend upon the damaged amount caused by the Earthquake and some depend upon seismic energy generated by the earthquake. To measure earthquake there are two scales which are very popular: Seismographs Richter scale Seismographs: Seismic waves are generated by Earthquakes these waves can be detected by a sensitive instrument called Seismograph. Nowadays Digital seismographs are high-technology seismographs which can record ground shaking over seismic amplitude and covers broad band of frequencies that is why they are also called as Broadband Seismograph.The study of Seismograph is called as Seismology. Richter scale: Earthquakes intensity and magnitude can be represented by Richter scale. If the intensity of earthquake is 3 on a Richter scale then that earthquake is not harmful. Extremely harmful earthquake has the reading of 7 or above on the Richter scale. Nowadays modified versions of Richter scales are used for earthquake measurement throughout the world. Richter scale is also called as Richter magnitude scale because it measures the magnitude of earthquake. 2.2.3 Tsunami: Ocean [1] wave generated by submarine earthquake, powerful volcanic eruption or underwater landslide is called Tsunami. Tsunami [12] often generated by earthquake in a subduction zone (an area where an oceanic plate is being forced down into the mantle by plate tectonic forces). Tsunami also called as seismic sea wave. Sudden Large displacement of water causes Tsunami. Tsunami travels at a great speed across the open ocean and builds into large deadly waves in a shallow water of a shoreline. Tsunamis consist of multiple waves with an extremely low period and wavelength. The [1] largest earthquake event recorded in Samoa was on 26 June 1917, measuring 8.3 on the Richter scale. The event originated in Tonga (approximately 200km south of Apia) and it triggered a tsunami of 4 to 8 metre run-ups in Satupaitea, Savaii. The tsunami arrived less than ten (10) minutes from its point of origin, meaning it travelled at a speed of more than 1,000km/hr. Hence, when an earthquake occurs, you must listen to the tsunami warning, for example, people living in low-lying coastal areas must relocate to higher and safer grounds immediately. Tsunami speed: Tsunami in a pacific ocean can travel at speeds up to 450mph (half of the speed of sound). The height of Tsunami waves are about 30 to 100 feets. Damage caused by Tsunami: Substantial [13] amount of damage can be caused by Tsunamis. Entire coastal villages can be destroyed by a single Tsunami. It can remove all the sand from the beach sand which took hundred of years to accumulate. Safety: The approach [13] of Tsunami can be determined by many technological methods but nature has its own methods of warning people. If in a certain area the coastal water is abnormally high or low, then this is the warning for Tsunami. 2.2.4 Floods: Flood occurs when [1] large amount of water flow from river or from broken pipe onto a previously dry area. The origin of flood can be very [11] quick or they may develop over a period of days or weeks following an extended period of rain or quick melting of snow. Flash flood have sudden onset. Drowning is the main hazard from flooding. This is most common in flash flood. The common risk factor for flash flood victims is driving in an automobile, many victims of flash flood drown within their vehicle. Health concern from flooding: A longer [11] term health concern from flooding is the development of disease from inundated sanitation stations. Large floods pose a hazard to existing sanitation and drinking water systems. Importance of Flooding: For [1] local ecosystem, flooding can be environmentally important. For example some river floods bring nutrients to soil such as in Egypt where the annual flooding of the Nile River carries nutrients to otherwise dry land. Flood also affect economy. How to mitigate impact of flood: pre-event [11] measures: early warning for flash flood events public education on flood hazards like automobile driving post-event measures: maintaining proper sanitation system proper control of population 2.2.5 Cyclones: Chapter no 3 THE ROLE OF TECHNOLOGY IN DISASTER MANAGEMENT: INTRODUCTION: The Advanced Information Technology plays a great role in planning and implementation of different measures for the reduction of hazards. The advanced information technology includes: GIS Remote Sensing Satellite Communication Internet The quality and analysis power of natural hazards can be update by Geographic Information System (GIS). In the selection of mitigation measures GIS can direct development activities. The identification of hazardous areas and before time warning for many future disasters can be done by Remote Sensing Communication satellites contribute a lot to provide communication in emergency situations and timely relief measures. For hazard reduction the addition of space technology inputs into monitoring of natural disasters and mechanisms of mitigation is very important 3.2 WHAT IS EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT: The management of emergencies concerning all hazards, including all activities and risk management measures related to prevention and mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery. Emergency management can rebuild and restore society back to functional level in no time after a disaster. The basic purpose of emergency management is to: 1) Save as many lives as possible 2) To protect and preserve the environment 3) To protect the economy 3.2.1 Emergency Management System: Definition: It is a technological tool used to improve and enhance the Emergency Disaster Management. Emergency management system can help Disaster Management in several areas, such as: Materials: To ensure that the warehouse is stock with all the items needed for national survival in any disaster, before any overseas help arrival. Manpower: In first aid and shelter management train personnel. Evacuation Plans: Testing of General disaster and Evacuation plan. Communication: To establish reliable Communication system. Transportation: To establish effective Transportation plans for example transportation through air which facilitates the food delivery supplies process to the victims of affected areas which are cut-off from any vehicular traffic. Examples of Emergency Management System at work: Management of Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT): By means of Air, Sea and Land, EMS provides secure transportation of dangerous and hazardous materials. EMS uses special devices for tracking the shipment of HAZMAT. Emergency medical services: EMS notifies the emergency personnel with important and valuable information on emergency incidents. For example EMS is equipped with automated collision notification system to detect vehicle collision. Recovery and Response: EMS has efficient Sensors which can detect natural disasters and warn population before hand. IN DISASTER MANAGEMENT, APPLICATION OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY: Through Information Technology the suffering of the disaster victims can be minimized. There are several tools of Information Technology which are useful in the management of any disaster. In this Report I am focusing the following Information Technology tools used in Disaster Management: Geographic Information System (GIS) Remote Sensing Global Positioning System (GPS) 3.3.1 GIS in Disaster Management: 3.3.1.1 Introduction: GIS is the acronym for Geographic Information System. For Disaster Management GIS can work in many ways, such as: They are the kind of information system which are well capable of storing, integrating, analyzing, editing, sharing, and displaying the information which is geographically-referenced. GIS can create the interactive queries, edit data and different maps and can easily present the final results of all these operations. The quality and power of analysis of assessments of natural hazards can be improved by GIS. In the selection of mitigation measures, emergency preparedness and response action, GIS also guide and assist different development activities. Applications of GIS: For the following activities GIS applications are very useful. Creation of hazard inventory map: At all the district and inter-municipal levels, the developmental projects pre-feasibility study can be very efficiently done by GIS. To locate important facilities: Through GIS we can take information on physical locations of drains, shelters and other physical facilities. Management and Creation of associated Database: Planners can make projects at feasibility level. These projects can used to make risk maps for existing cities, disaster preparedness planning and relief activities after disaster. Vulnerability assessment: To expand Disaster Management organizations by creating awareness of disaster with government and public is done by innovative and interactive technology tool GIS. Emergency shelters and the use of GIS: Shelter [1] operators use GIS technology to take the personal details of persons being housed at the shelters. GIS technology would also give information to the shelter operators on the general makeup of the shelter like that how many children, adults, disable or any special occupant are in the shelter or need shelter. Relief Distribution and the use of GIS: GIS generate maps of the affected areas where bunch of victims are located then with the help of these maps food drops processes will take place. These maps will also identify the unique needs of persons within these bunches. Vulnerable areas: The areas which are prone to disasters are highlighted by GIS. This will help the disaster managers to do planning before the occurrence of disaster and it also facilitates the coordination of efforts during and after the event. GIS Advantages: There are more advantages of GIS than challenges. Some GIS advantages are as under: It can [1] represent spatial information over a wide geographic area. To take more detailed view of contents GIS uses 3D graphics. Integration of different information of geo-spatial can be facilitated by GIS. Information of geo-spatial includes maps, models and other forms of graphics. GIS distributes updated informaton. It also efficiently analyzes, collects and manage that information. For individuals who wants to use GIS only little tranning is required. This feature of GIS makes it versatile and easy to use. 3.3.1.4 Challenges of using GIS in Disaster Management: GIS [1] can sometimes reveal personal and people-specific information which can significantly affect peoples life. Form GIS information sometimes vital and hard decisions have to be taken in the best interest of affected people. To get the output which is meaningful and useful from the system, large amounts of inputs are required. GIS delayed the decision making process during emergency because it require huge amount of information and vast amount of time to analyze that information. Disaster Management Cycle and GIS: Planning: To [1] realize the need for planning which is based on the present risk is the most important stage of DM. For forward planning GIS plays a key role. GIS provides a structure for disaster managers to view spatial data by computer based maps. Mitigation: For structural and non-structural mitigation, GIS can play very important role. Areas which are at risk are spatially represented by GIS. GIS also identifies the risk level associated with particular hazard. Disaster managers use GIS to determine the level of mitigative structures that should be in place given the vulnerability of an area or population. Preparedness: GIS can play a vital role in the identification of resources and areas which are at risk. The link between partners and critical agencies is established by GIS and the use of GIS in the establishment of that link will help disaster managers to know the location of stations of relevant partner agencies. In the context of Disaster Management, maps of GIS can provide information on the human resources present in an Emergency Operation Centre as well as on the ground personnel such as security, health providers and other key responders. This is particularly useful since the technology can help with strategic placement of emergency personnel where it matters most. Through GIS we can make sure that communication networks and road infrastructure are capable of handling the effe