disaster unit 1

A. Introduction

  • Natural Disasters: Unpredictable and unpreventable; require strategies to cope and minimize impact.

  • Tamil Nadu's Experience: Affected by cyclones, storm surge, earthquakes, floods, landslides, and tsunamis.

  • Impact of Urban Growth: Rapid urbanization with poorly constructed buildings increases the risk to life and property during disasters.

  • Main Objectives: Reduce loss of life and property, minimize social costs, and recognize the uncontrollable nature of disasters.

B. Current Scenario

10.2 Hazard-Prone Areas in Chennai Metropolitan Area:

  1. Earthquake-Prone Areas:

    • Entire Chennai Metropolitan Area is classified as Seismic Zone III.

  2. Cyclone-Prone Areas:

    • Extends 20 km from the coast; risks include:

      • High wind velocities combined with storms.

      • Flooding due to seawater and storms.

  3. Flood-Prone Areas:

    • According to the Indian flood hazard map, no major risk zones in Tamil Nadu; local assessments needed.

    • Areas near rivers, canals, and low-lying regions can flood during heavy storms.

  4. Tsunami-Prone Areas:

    • Require mapping based on the 2004 tsunami effects; tidal zones extend 500 meters from the High Tide Line (HTL).

10.3 Disaster Management Policy:

  • Policy Implementation: Tamil Nadu's Disaster Management Policy exists since 2004-05, focusing on:

    1. Integration of disaster management into development planning.

    2. Localized disaster management plans considering unique community needs.

    3. Vulnerability reduction rather than just disaster relief.

    4. Community prevention culture through training and awareness.

    5. Community involvement in disaster management.

    6. Establishment of trained volunteer forces akin to home guards.

C. Strategies

10.4 Development Control Rules:

  • Regulation of Construction: Guidelines related to location, building height, size, and land use.

  • Safety Regulations: Building regulations under local acts to ensure structural safety in hazard-prone areas.

10.5 Awareness and Preparedness:

  • GOI-UNDP Urban Earthquake Vulnerability Programme principles applicable to other disaster types, emphasizing:

    • Capacity building, awareness generation, and preparedness plans.

10.6 Ongoing Measures Post-GOI-UNDP Programme:

  • Continue pre-disaster plans; regular reviews for effectiveness.

D. Action Plans

10.7 Immediate Actions:

  1. Amend local building bye-laws to protect hazard-prone zones.

  2. Train local elected representatives and government officials for Community-Based Disaster Risk Management (CBDRM).

  3. Establish volunteer forces in local communities for disaster preparedness.

  4. Train ward-level disaster management teams in various response skills (rescue, first-aid, etc.).

  5. Incorporate public input in CBDRM planning.

  6. Address needs of vulnerable populations (disabled, marginalized).

  7. Conduct regular drills and enhance local recovery strategies.

E. Monitoring and Review

  • Committee Formation: Under the Chennai Corporation’s Mayor to oversee disaster preparedness planning and execution.

10.8 Elements of Disaster Management Overview

  • Objectives:

    • Reduce potential losses, ensure prompt assistance, achieve quick recovery.

Stages of Disaster:

  • Phases:

    1. Pre-Disaster: Planning and prevention strategies.

    2. During Disaster: Ensuring effective response.

    3. Post-Disaster: Focus on rehabilitation and recovery.

Definitions and Terminology

  • Vulnerability: Likelihood of damage or disruption due to hazards.

  • Disaster Management: Integrated process addressing prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery.

  • Risk: Probability of harm and its potential consequences.

  • Capacity Building: Enhancing strengths and resources to manage risks effectively.


Overview of Natural Disasters and Tamil Nadu's Preparedness:

  1. Introduction: Natural disasters are unpredictable, necessitating effective strategies for coping. Tamil Nadu experiences various disasters such as cyclones, floods, earthquakes, and tsunamis, exacerbated by rapid urbanization and poorly constructed buildings. The main objectives prioritize reducing loss of life and property and recognizing the uncontrollable nature of disasters.

  2. Current Scenario: The Chennai Metropolitan Area faces several hazard-prone areas classified into:

    • Earthquake-Prone: Classified as Seismic Zone III.

    • Cyclone-Prone: Areas within 20 km of the coast face high winds and flooding.

    • Flood-Prone: Local assessments near rivers and low-lying regions are essential as major risk zones are not officially designated.

    • Tsunami-Prone: Mapping based on the 2004 tsunami is needed, with tidal zones extending 500 meters from the High Tide Line.

  3. Disaster Management Policy: Established in 2004-05, policy focuses on integrating disaster management into development planning, reducing vulnerabilities, and promoting community involvement through training and awareness.

  4. Strategies: Development control measures include construction regulations based on hazard susceptibility and safety regulations aligned with local laws. Awareness initiatives draw from the GOI-UNDP Urban Earthquake Vulnerability Programme, applicable to multiple disaster types, with ongoing measures for pre-disaster planning.

  5. Action Plans: Immediate actions involve amending local building regulations, training government officials, establishing community volunteer forces, incorporating public feedback into disaster risk management, and emphasizing drills and recovery strategies to address vulnerable populations.

  6. Monitoring and Review: A committee under the Chennai Corporation’s Mayor is formed to oversee disaster preparedness.

  7. Elements of Disaster Management: This section defines objectives such as reducing losses and ensuring prompt recovery through stages of disaster management: pre-disaster (planning), during disaster (response), and post-disaster (rehabilitation).

  8. Terminology: Key terms include vulnerability (susceptibility to harm), disaster management (integrated processes for risk management), risk (likelihood of harm), and capacity building (enhancing resources to manage risks).


Overview of Natural Disasters and Tamil Nadu's Preparedness:

  1. Introduction: Natural disasters are unpredictable, necessitating effective strategies for coping. Tamil Nadu experiences various disasters such as cyclones, floods, earthquakes, and tsunamis, exacerbated by rapid urbanization and poorly constructed buildings. The main objectives prioritize reducing loss of life and property and recognizing the uncontrollable nature of disasters.

  2. Current Scenario: The Chennai Metropolitan Area faces several hazard-prone areas classified into:

    • Earthquake-Prone: Classified as Seismic Zone III.

    • Cyclone-Prone: Areas within 20 km of the coast face high winds and flooding.

    • Flood-Prone: Local assessments near rivers and low-lying regions are essential as major risk zones are not officially designated.

    • Tsunami-Prone: Mapping based on the 2004 tsunami is needed, with tidal zones extending 500 meters from the High Tide Line.

  3. Disaster Management Policy: Established in 2004-05, policy focuses on integrating disaster management into development planning, reducing vulnerabilities, and promoting community involvement through training and awareness.

  4. Strategies: Development control measures include construction regulations based on hazard susceptibility and safety regulations aligned with local laws. Awareness initiatives draw from the GOI-UNDP Urban Earthquake Vulnerability Programme, applicable to multiple disaster types, with ongoing measures for pre-disaster planning.

  5. Action Plans: Immediate actions involve amending local building regulations, training government officials, establishing community volunteer forces, incorporating public feedback into disaster risk management, and emphasizing drills and recovery strategies to address vulnerable populations.

  6. Monitoring and Review: A committee under the Chennai Corporation’s Mayor is formed to oversee disaster preparedness.

  7. Elements of Disaster Management: This section defines objectives such as reducing losses and ensuring prompt recovery through stages of disaster management: pre-disaster (planning), during disaster (response), and post-disaster (rehabilitation).

  8. Terminology: Key terms include vulnerability (susceptibility to harm), disaster management (integrated processes for risk management), risk (likelihood of harm), and capacity building (enhancing resources to manage risks).


Overview of Natural Disasters and Tamil Nadu's Preparedness:

  1. Introduction: Natural disasters are unpredictable, necessitating effective strategies for coping. Tamil Nadu experiences various disasters such as cyclones, floods, earthquakes, and tsunamis, exacerbated by rapid urbanization and poorly constructed buildings. The main objectives prioritize reducing loss of life and property and recognizing the uncontrollable nature of disasters.

  2. Current Scenario: The Chennai Metropolitan Area faces several hazard-prone areas classified into:

    • Earthquake-Prone: Classified as Seismic Zone III.

    • Cyclone-Prone: Areas within 20 km of the coast face high winds and flooding.

    • Flood-Prone: Local assessments near rivers and low-lying regions are essential as major risk zones are not officially designated.

    • Tsunami-Prone: Mapping based on the 2004 tsunami is needed, with tidal zones extending 500 meters from the High Tide Line.

  3. Disaster Management Policy: Established in 2004-05, policy focuses on integrating disaster management into development planning, reducing vulnerabilities, and promoting community involvement through training and awareness.

  4. Strategies: Development control measures include construction regulations based on hazard susceptibility and safety regulations aligned with local laws. Awareness initiatives draw from the GOI-UNDP Urban Earthquake Vulnerability Programme, applicable to multiple disaster types, with ongoing measures for pre-disaster planning.

  5. Action Plans: Immediate actions involve amending local building regulations, training government officials, establishing community volunteer forces, incorporating public feedback into disaster risk management, and emphasizing drills and recovery strategies to address vulnerable populations.

  6. Monitoring and Review: A committee under the Chennai Corporation’s Mayor is formed to oversee disaster preparedness.

  7. Elements of Disaster Management: This section defines objectives such as reducing losses and ensuring prompt recovery through stages of disaster management: pre-disaster (planning), during disaster (response), and post-disaster (rehabilitation).

  8. Terminology: Key terms include vulnerability (susceptibility to harm), disaster management (integrated processes for risk management), risk (likelihood of harm), and capacity building (enhancing resources to manage risks).


Overview of Natural Disasters and Tamil Nadu's Preparedness:

  1. Introduction: Natural disasters are unpredictable, necessitating effective strategies for coping. Tamil Nadu experiences various disasters such as cyclones, floods, earthquakes, and tsunamis, exacerbated by rapid urbanization and poorly constructed buildings. The main objectives prioritize reducing loss of life and property and recognizing the uncontrollable nature of disasters.

  2. Current Scenario: The Chennai Metropolitan Area faces several hazard-prone areas classified into:

    • Earthquake-Prone: Classified as Seismic Zone III.

    • Cyclone-Prone: Areas within 20 km of the coast face high winds and flooding.

    • Flood-Prone: Local assessments near rivers and low-lying regions are essential as major risk zones are not officially designated.

    • Tsunami-Prone: Mapping based on the 2004 tsunami is needed, with tidal zones extending 500 meters from the High Tide Line.

  3. Disaster Management Policy: Established in 2004-05, policy focuses on integrating disaster management into development planning, reducing vulnerabilities, and promoting community involvement through training and awareness.

  4. Strategies: Development control measures include construction regulations based on hazard susceptibility and safety regulations aligned with local laws. Awareness initiatives draw from the GOI-UNDP Urban Earthquake Vulnerability Programme, applicable to multiple disaster types, with ongoing measures for pre-disaster planning.

  5. Action Plans: Immediate actions involve amending local building regulations, training government officials, establishing community volunteer forces, incorporating public feedback into disaster risk management, and emphasizing drills and recovery strategies to address vulnerable populations.

  6. Monitoring and Review: A committee under the Chennai Corporation’s Mayor is formed to oversee disaster preparedness.

  7. Elements of Disaster Management: This section defines objectives such as reducing losses and ensuring prompt recovery through stages of disaster management: pre-disaster (planning), during disaster (response), and post-disaster (rehabilitation).

  8. Terminology: Key terms include vulnerability (susceptibility to harm), disaster management (integrated processes for risk management), risk (likelihood of harm), and capacity building (enhancing resources to manage risks).


Overview of Natural Disasters and Tamil Nadu's Preparedness:

  1. Introduction: Natural disasters are unpredictable, necessitating effective strategies for coping. Tamil Nadu experiences various disasters such as cyclones, floods, earthquakes, and tsunamis, exacerbated by rapid urbanization and poorly constructed buildings. The main objectives prioritize reducing loss of life and property and recognizing the uncontrollable nature of disasters.

  2. Current Scenario: The Chennai Metropolitan Area faces several hazard-prone areas classified into:

    • Earthquake-Prone: Classified as Seismic Zone III.

    • Cyclone-Prone: Areas within 20 km of the coast face high winds and flooding.

    • Flood-Prone: Local assessments near rivers and low-lying regions are essential as major risk zones are not officially designated.

    • Tsunami-Prone: Mapping based on the 2004 tsunami is needed, with tidal zones extending 500 meters from the High Tide Line.

  3. Disaster Management Policy: Established in 2004-05, policy focuses on integrating disaster management into development planning, reducing vulnerabilities, and promoting community involvement through training and awareness.

  4. Strategies: Development control measures include construction regulations based on hazard susceptibility and safety regulations aligned with local laws. Awareness initiatives draw from the GOI-UNDP Urban Earthquake Vulnerability Programme, applicable to multiple disaster types, with ongoing measures for pre-disaster planning.

  5. Action Plans: Immediate actions involve amending local building regulations, training government officials, establishing community volunteer forces, incorporating public feedback into disaster risk management, and emphasizing drills and recovery strategies to address vulnerable populations.

  6. Monitoring and Review: A committee under the Chennai Corporation’s Mayor is formed to oversee disaster preparedness.

  7. Elements of Disaster Management: This section defines objectives such as reducing losses and ensuring prompt recovery through stages of disaster management: pre-disaster (planning), during disaster (response), and post-disaster (rehabilitation).

  8. Terminology: Key terms include vulnerability (susceptibility to harm), disaster management (integrated processes for risk management), risk (likelihood of harm), and capacity building (enhancing resources to manage risks).


Overview of Natural Disasters and Tamil Nadu's Preparedness:

  1. Introduction: Natural disasters are unpredictable, necessitating effective strategies for coping. Tamil Nadu experiences various disasters such as cyclones, floods, earthquakes, and tsunamis, exacerbated by rapid urbanization and poorly constructed buildings. The main objectives prioritize reducing loss of life and property and recognizing the uncontrollable nature of disasters.

  2. Current Scenario: The Chennai Metropolitan Area faces several hazard-prone areas classified into:

    • Earthquake-Prone: Classified as Seismic Zone III.

    • Cyclone-Prone: Areas within 20 km of the coast face high winds and flooding.

    • Flood-Prone: Local assessments near rivers and low-lying regions are essential as major risk zones are not officially designated.

    • Tsunami-Prone: Mapping based on the 2004 tsunami is needed, with tidal zones extending 500 meters from the High Tide Line.

  3. Disaster Management Policy: Established in 2004-05, policy focuses on integrating disaster management into development planning, reducing vulnerabilities, and promoting community involvement through training and awareness.

  4. Strategies: Development control measures include construction regulations based on hazard susceptibility and safety regulations aligned with local laws. Awareness initiatives draw from the GOI-UNDP Urban Earthquake Vulnerability Programme, applicable to multiple disaster types, with ongoing measures for pre-disaster planning.

  5. Action Plans: Immediate actions involve amending local building regulations, training government officials, establishing community volunteer forces, incorporating public feedback into disaster risk management, and emphasizing drills and recovery strategies to address vulnerable populations.

  6. Monitoring and Review: A committee under the Chennai Corporation’s Mayor is formed to oversee disaster preparedness.

  7. Elements of Disaster Management: This section defines objectives such as reducing losses and ensuring prompt recovery through stages of disaster management: pre-disaster (planning), during disaster (response), and post-disaster (rehabilitation).

  8. Terminology: Key terms include vulnerability (susceptibility to harm), disaster management (integrated processes for risk management), risk (likelihood of harm), and capacity building (enhancing resources to manage risks).