| PYQ Relevance: Q). Discuss about the vulnerability of India to earthquake-related hazards. Give examples including the salient features of major disasters caused by earthquakes in different parts of India during the last three decades. (UPSC CSE 2021) Q). Describe the various causes and the effects of landslides. Mention the important components of the National Landslide Risk Management Strategy. (UPSC CSE 2021) Q). Discuss the recent measures initiated in disaster management by the Government of India departing from the earlier reactive approach. (UPSC CSE 2020) Q). Disaster preparedness is the first step in any disaster management process. Explain how hazard zonation mapping will help disaster mitigation in the case of landslides. (UPSC CSE 2019) Prelims: The 2004 Tsunami made people realize that mangroves can serve as a reliable safety hedge against coastal calamities. How do mangroves function as a safety hedge? (UPSC CSE 2011) a) The mangrove swamps separate the human settlements from the sea by a wide zone in which people neither live nor venture out b) The mangroves provide both food and medicines which people are in need of after any natural disaster c) The mangrove trees are tall with dense canopies and serve as an excellent shelter during a cyclone or tsunami d) The mangrove trees do not get uprooted by storms and tides because of their extensive roots. |
Mentor’s Comment: Today’s editorial discusses the limitations in our present governance and management concerning Natural Disasters. The recent landslide event in Kerala is considered one of the deadliest landslides in India’s history, raising urgent concerns about the effectiveness of disaster management strategies in the region, which has a history of similar incidents over the past four decades. Previously, we saw the limitations based on the Disaster Management Act. Now, this article will help you to build a better consensus around the same theme.
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Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
On July 30, 2024, the Wayanad district in Kerala experienced devastating landslides that resulted in significant loss of life and property.
- The Chief Minister (Kerala) emphasized the need for a reevaluation of disaster preparedness and response approaches, highlighting the helplessness against natural calamities across the state.
Kerala is no longer relatively disaster-free:
- The state of Kerala which is bordered by the Arabian Sea and Western Ghats, was once viewed as disaster-free, which influenced its development patterns.
- The frequency and intensity of disasters have surged in recent decades. Over 250 km of Kerala’s coastline is affected by erosion.
- Further, the high population density in the Western Ghats exceeded its vulnerability to disasters.
- Lowlands like Vembanad Lake, frequently experience flooding during monsoons.
- The 2018 floods were labeled the “floods of the century” by the World Meteorological Organization.
- Infrastructure development has often ignored natural drainage and slope stability, leading to increased disaster risks.
Why a Comprehensive inventory mapping is needed?
- Physical Geography of the Region: Tectonic activity generally correlates with landslide occurrences.
- For example, the Wayanad region is characterized by deep gorges and ravines, which is prone to landslides.
- Climate Change Impact: Rapid warming of the Arabian Sea increases risks of extreme weather events like floods and cyclones. For example, the Cyclone Ockhi in 2017.
- Research Gaps: Current understanding of landslide causative factors is limited; a nuanced approach is necessary for effective disaster mitigation.
- Monitoring Mechanisms: Establishing monitoring systems for rainfall and tremors can provide timely warnings to prevent loss of life.
- Shrinking Safe Space: The “safe operating space” for communities in Kerala is diminishing due to increasing natural disasters.
Need for a Paradigm Shift (Way Forward):
- Need to work on Disaster Risk Zones: Develop disaster risk zones based on physical and social criteria within a social-ecological framework, aligned with watershed boundaries.
- Strengthening the disaster risk governance and invest them in risk reduction to enhance resilience and preparedness would be helpful.
- Comprehensive Approach: Emphasize all aspects of the disaster cycle: preparedness, resilience, risk reduction, mitigation, reconstruction, recovery, response, and relief.
- The Sendai’s global framework highlights the State’s primary role in disaster risk reduction while advocating for shared responsibility with local governments, private sectors, and communities.
- Quadruple Helix Model: Utilize a collaborative model involving community organizations, academia, government, and industry for effective disaster risk management.
- Engage communities in creating disaster risk maps through a community-based disaster risk management approach.
