INTRODUCTION TO DISASTER MANAGEMENT
A disaster is a sudden, catastrophic event that causes significant disruption to the functioning of a community or society. It often results in widespread human, material, economic, or environmental losses that exceed the ability of the affected community or society to cope using its own resources. Disasters can be natural, such as earthquakes, floods, and cyclones, or man-made, such as industrial accidents, terrorist attacks, or environmental pollution. The impact of a disaster is measured not only in terms of physical damage but also in the social and economic disruption it causes. The ability to recover from a disaster often depends on the resilience and preparedness of the community affected.
Natural disasters are events caused by natural forces that result in significant damage or disruption. These include earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions. Natural disasters are typically the result of processes within the Earth’s natural systems, such as geological or meteorological processes. For instance, earthquakes result from tectonic movements, while floods can be caused by excessive rainfall or river overflow.
Man-made disasters, on the other hand, are events that result from human actions or failures. These include industrial accidents, chemical spills, nuclear disasters, and incidents of terrorism. Man-made disasters can occur due to negligence, error, or intentional acts, and often involve complex interactions between human activities and the environment. For example, the Bhopal Gas Tragedy in 1984 was a catastrophic industrial disaster caused by a gas leak at a pesticide plant, resulting in thousands of deaths and long-term health impacts.
While natural disasters are often beyond human control, man-made disasters can sometimes be prevented or mitigated through proper planning, regulation, and adherence to safety standards.
Disaster risk is the potential for loss or damage that may occur when a hazard (such as an earthquake, flood, or industrial accident) intersects with vulnerable communities or infrastructure. It is a combination of three main factors: hazard, exposure, and vulnerability.