Disaster Management
The intricate relationship between climate change and natural disasters transcends mere causality, encompassing a web of factors that shape disaster losses and vulnerabilities. While climate change isn’t the sole catalyst for disasters, debates persist about the extent of its influence on long-term trends in losses and damages.
The world is witnessing an alarming surge in extreme weather events, reshaping lives and landscapes. Over the first two decades of the 21st century, more than 11,000 such incidents have been recorded, exacting a toll of nearly 475,000 lives lost and causing economic devastation surpassing $2.56 trillion. These events are not only a statistical anomaly but an urgent call to action.
As global warming disrupts established patterns, the consequences are increasingly dire for populations dependent on arable land, stable temperatures, and access to water. Rising sea levels and more intense weather patterns exacerbate risks, eroding the resilience of exposed populations. The vulnerabilities of communities vary, with developing nations often bearing the brunt. Vulnerabilities, often rooted in income, education, and institutions, significantly shape the impact of natural disasters. Studies highlight how rising population exposure and climate variability contribute to disaster risk, particularly evident in hydrometeorological and climatological disasters. The rise in frequency of intense natural disasters in Asia and the Pacific underscores the complex interplay between climate change, population dynamics, and disaster risks.
Evidently, the increasing incidence of greenhouse gas emissions has unsettled the climate system, linking disasters to human-induced climate change. Notably, Cyclone Nargis in Myanmar and Hurricane Sandy in the US serve as stark reminders that climate-related disasters do not follow political or geographical boundaries and impact equally, both developing and developed nations.
While technological advancements, preparedness, and risk reduction have curtailed deaths, the contrast in damage between developed and developing countries reflects disparities in assets, structures, and rebuilding costs. The pernicious impacts of climate change have disproportionately affected the most vulnerable countries, evidenced by a warming atmosphere and diminishing glacier mass.
As science confirms attribution of these changes to anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions, the world faces the onerous task to address the climate-disaster nexus. The available evidence compels us to unite in fortifying resilience, advancing disaster risk reduction, and embracing a global resolve to combat climate change and its cascading consequences.
India, ranked as the seventh most climate-vulnerable nation globally, symbolises the challenges posed by climate change. Over 80% of its districts fall in high vulnerability zones, confronting distinct disaster profiles shaped by geography, land characteristics, climate dynamics, economic activities, population density, etc. The northern regions of India face the challenge of flash floods from Himalayan rivers, while central and southern areas stare at recurrent droughts. The eastern and western parts grapple with cyclones originating from the adjacent oceans.
India stands exposed to a diverse array of disasters, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive management of disasters and resilience-building efforts. A staggering 59% of our landmass is susceptible to earthquakes, ranging from moderate to severe intensity, while over 40 million hectares (12% of our land) grapple with the peril of floods and erosion by rivers. The vulnerability extends to our extensive coastline, where nearly 5,700 kilometers of the 7,516-kilometer stretch is at risk of cyclones and tsunamis.
Droughts cast their shadow over 68% of our cultivable expanse, while hilly terrains confront the specters of landslides and avalanches. The spectrum of threats also include chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) emergencies, along with other human-induced calamities. Yet, these challenges interlock with burgeoning vulnerabilities arising from shifting demographics, socio-economic dynamics, unchecked urbanisation, environmental degradation, and the menacing specter of climate change.
“Of all of deaths from weather, climate, and water hazards, 91% occurred in developing economies.. ”
This intricate tapestry of disasters coalesces with specter of epidemics and pandemics, posing a grave conundrum. The cumulative impact paints a grim reality where disasters cast long shadows over our economy, our people, and our pursuit of sustainable development. It is imperative for India to champion a holistic approach to disaster preparedness, risk reduction, and resilience enhancement, forging a path towards safeguarding lives, livelihoods, and the very fabric of our progress.
As a nation prone to diverse geo-climatic challenges, India’s journey in disaster management and resilience building has been a relentless pursuit of safeguarding lives and minimising damage. Guided by the principle of ‘no loss of lives,’ a robust disaster preparedness model was crafted, starting with Odisha and Gujarat, and then expanded nationwide. Collaborating with state governments an integrated approach was taken taking into consideration legislative provisions, technological advancements, specialized force training, decentralised management plans, and fortified infrastructure resilience.
Recognizing that disaster response alone was inadequate, India shifted its focus towards cultivating resilience by comprehending the very essence of disasters. The objective was clear – to integrate advanced technological infrastructure to mitigate impacts, enhance rescue and relief operations, and fortify communities. The country’s diverse landscape, encompassing a myriad of climate-induced vulnerabilities, necessitated the exploration of risk convergence and innovative measures like climate disaster insurance.
India’s holistic Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) framework leverages a robust legal framework, administrative acumen, logistical capacities, scientific knowledge, and inclusive planning. The approach is dynamic, constantly evolving to address emerging challenges. In 2016, India unveiled its first-ever National Disaster Management Plan, aligned with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction. This comprehensive strategy prioritizes understanding disaster risk, enhancing disaster governance, investing in risk reduction and preparedness, early warning systems, and resilient recovery.
Harnessing the power of digitalisation, real-time data capture about climatic anomalies is facilitated, enabling predictive analytics for disaster forecasting. Cutting-edge technologies like AI-driven image recognition and IoT-based sensors contribute to monitoring and detecting dangerous situations, forest fires, and earth movements. Robotics come to the rescue in extreme and hazardous scenarios, augmenting the efforts of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) without jeopardizing lives. This enhancement enhances the coordination of rescue efforts and facilitates secure communication during disasters. India’s technological prowess envelops its geography with advanced communication and monitoring systems, fostering a networked approach to disaster management.
In a nutshell, India is a good example that grapples with diverse disaster profiles dictated by geography, climate dynamics, economic activities, population density, and land characteristics. With over 80% of its districts residing in high vulnerability zones, the nation faces a range of challenges. From the menace of flash floods in the northern regions to the specter of droughts in central and southern areas, and cyclones battering the eastern and western flanks, the urgency of preparedness and adaptation is undeniable.
Sankala Foundation will drive research collaborations with academic institutions to deepen our understanding of evolving disaster profiles, enabling evidence-based strategies. Recognising the nexus of climate change and disasters, we will advocate for climate resilient policies, emphasising risk reduction and adaptive measures at local and national levels. Through strategic partnerships, capacity-building workshops, and community engagement, Sankala Foundation will be at the forefront of fostering a more resilient and disaster-ready India.
