08-20-2014, 11:11 AM
There is a very fine line between a hazard and disaster. It has been now universally accepted that a ‘Hazard’ becomes a ‘Disaster’ only when it results in the loss of the human life and property. Loss of life and property are important associated aspects of a Disaster, which may be natural and man-made. A natural disaster would be triggered due to natural reasons and in most of the cases is unpredictable or unmanageable.
The disasters may be broadly grouped as i) Hydrological-such as floods, cyclones, deserts etc. ii) Geological-earthquakes, volcanoes, landslides etc. iii) Man-made-explosions- WTC-11th September 2001, fire, miss-use, damages due to lack of maintenance or mis–handling of the structural members of buildings resulting into their collapse etc. iv) Aesthetic-non-compatibility of buildings, garbage dumps, hoarding in front of heritage structures etc.
The projects designed to reduce loss of life, property damage and economic and social disruption caused by natural disasters should be emphasized. The UN resolution proposed following approaches:
1. Shift in emphasis to pre-disaster planning and preparedness
2. Public education
3. Enhancement of organizational strengths and training of specialists.
• Comprehensive national assessment of risks from natural disasters to be integrated in the development plans.
• Mitigation plans to address long term disaster prevention, preparedness and awareness.
• Ready access to global, regional, national and local warning systems.
The disasters may be broadly grouped as i) Hydrological-such as floods, cyclones, deserts etc. ii) Geological-earthquakes, volcanoes, landslides etc. iii) Man-made-explosions- WTC-11th September 2001, fire, miss-use, damages due to lack of maintenance or mis–handling of the structural members of buildings resulting into their collapse etc. iv) Aesthetic-non-compatibility of buildings, garbage dumps, hoarding in front of heritage structures etc.
The projects designed to reduce loss of life, property damage and economic and social disruption caused by natural disasters should be emphasized. The UN resolution proposed following approaches:
1. Shift in emphasis to pre-disaster planning and preparedness
2. Public education
3. Enhancement of organizational strengths and training of specialists.
• Comprehensive national assessment of risks from natural disasters to be integrated in the development plans.
• Mitigation plans to address long term disaster prevention, preparedness and awareness.
• Ready access to global, regional, national and local warning systems.