NATURAL HAZARDS AND DISASTERS
Disasters are events that have catastrophic consequences for human life, property, and the environment. These events often strike quickly and with little warning, requiring significant mobilisation of resources to address the aftermath. While the traditional geographical literature often emphasises the role of natural forces in disasters, making humans seem like helpless victims, the reality is more nuanced.
Disasters can be broadly categorised into natural and human-made. While natural disasters like earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions result from forces largely beyond human control, human-made disasters are directly attributable to human activities. Examples of human-made disasters include the Bhopal Gas Tragedy, Chernobyl Nuclear Disaster, and environmental pollution (air, water, soil, and noise).
Apart from direct causes, human activities can also contribute indirectly to disasters. Practices like deforestation, unscientific land use, and construction in fragile areas can lead to landslides, floods, and other disasters. These human actions can exacerbate the impact of natural events, making them far more destructive than they would otherwise be.
Efforts are ongoing at various levels to prevent and minimise both natural and human-made disasters. Organisations and initiatives such as the National Institute of Disaster Management in India and international summits aim to establish best practices for disaster mitigation and management. While it’s difficult to prevent natural disasters entirely, these efforts aim to reduce their impact through improved preparedness and response mechanisms.