Chapter - 2
Disaster Preparedness and Regulatory Frameworks
- "In the word 'DISASTER', the letter 'D' refers to a situation in which destruction occurs, causing things in the surroundings to be destroyed or disappear."
- "In the word 'DISASTER', the letter 'D' stands for destruction, a situation where things around us are damaged, destroyed, or disappear."
Cyclone:- A cyclone is a large-scale weather system characterized by strong winds rotating around a center of low atmospheric pressure. Cyclones are usually accompanied by heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and strong winds that can cause widespread damage.
Why Do Cyclones Occur:- Cyclones form over warm ocean waters due to the following conditions:
- Warm Sea Surface Temperature – The ocean water should be at least 26.5°C or higher.
- Low-Pressure Area – Warm air rises from the ocean surface, creating a low-pressure zone.
- Moisture in the Air – Rising warm air carries moisture, which condenses to form clouds and releases heat.
- Earth's Rotation – The Earth's rotation (Coriolis Effect) causes the winds to spin around the low-pressure center.
- Continuous Supply of Warm Moist Air – This helps the cyclone grow stronger.
Main Features of a Cyclone
- Strong rotating winds
- Heavy rainfall
- Thunderstorms
- Storm surge (rise in sea level near the coast)
- Low-pressure center called the eye
Other Names of Cyclones in Different Regions
Region Name of Cyclone
Indian Ocean & South Pacific Ocean Cyclone
Atlantic Ocean & Eastern Pacific Ocean Hurricane
Western Pacific Ocean (China) Typhoon
Australia Willy-Willy (traditional term)
Effects of Cyclones
- Damage to houses, buildings, and infrastructure
- Flooding in coastal and inland areas
- Loss of crops and livestock
- Disruption of transport and communication
- Loss of life and property
- Sea surface temperature exceeds 26.5°C.
- Warm water causes rapid evaporation.
- Warm, moist air rises upward.
- A low-pressure area develops over the ocean.
- Water vapour condenses into clouds.
- Heat released during condensation strengthens the system.
- Due to the Earth's rotation (Coriolis Force), winds begin to rotate around the low-pressure center.
- Continuous supply of warm, moist air increases wind speed.
- The system develops into a depression, deep depression, cyclonic storm, and eventually a severe cyclone.
- Save human lives.
- Reduce property damage.
- Facilitate timely evacuation.
- Protect livestock and crops.
- Prepare emergency services.
- Monitoring weather conditions.
- Tracking cyclones over the Indian Ocean.
- Issuing cyclone forecasts and warnings.
- Providing updates to government agencies and the public.
- Cyclone Warning Services
- Weather satellites
- Doppler Weather Radars
- Ocean buoys
- Ships and aircraft observations
- Computer forecasting models
- Pre-Cyclone Watch:- Issued about 72 hours before expected adverse weather.
- Cyclone Alert:- Issued about 48 hours before the cyclone.
- Cyclone Warning:- Issued about 24 hours before landfall.
- Post-Landfall Outlook:- Issued about 12 hours before the cyclone crosses the coast.
- Monitors hurricanes and tropical storms in the Atlantic and Eastern Pacific Oceans.
- Tracks storm movement and intensity.
- Issues forecasts and warnings.
- Provides information to governments and the public.
- The NHC performs a role similar to that of the IMD but for the United States and nearby regions.
- Dense population in coastal areas.
- Weak housing structures.
- Poverty and lack of resources.
- Poor drainage systems.
- Dependence on agriculture and fishing.
- Lack of awareness and preparedness.
- Loss of life
- Injuries
- Displacement of people
- Health problems and disease outbreaks
- Damage to houses and buildings
- Loss of crops and livestock
- Destruction of roads and bridges
- Disruption of communication and power supply
- Coastal erosion
- Saltwater intrusion into farmland
- Damage to forests and mangroves
- Water contamination
- Coastal flooding
- Destruction of settlements near the shore
- Loss of agricultural land
- Reinforced concrete buildings.
- Strong roofs anchored firmly to walls.
- Wind-resistant doors and windows.
- Elevated foundations in flood-prone areas.
- Protect people during cyclones.
- Reduce damage from strong winds and flooding.
- Strong multi-purpose buildings.
- Located in vulnerable coastal areas.
- Used as schools or community centers during normal times.
- Safe evacuation centers during emergencies.
- Protect people and livestock.
- Common Trees
- Casuarina
- Coconut
- Mangroves
- Reduce wind velocity.
- Protect crops and settlements.
- Minimize coastal erosion.
- Prevent coastal flooding.
- Reduce impact of storm surges.
- Protect settlements near the shoreline.
- Remove excess rainwater quickly.
- Reduce flooding in urban and rural areas.
- Helps in planning safer settlements.
- Assists emergency management authorities.
- Supports evacuation planning.
- Restrict construction in highly vulnerable coastal zones.
- Promote safer building locations.
- Protect mangroves and coastal ecosystems.
- Reduces exposure to cyclone hazards.
- Minimizes future losses.
- Cyclone formation
- Path
- Intensity
- Landfall location
- Television
- Radio
- Newspapers
- Mobile alerts
- Internet
- Social media
- Sirens and public announcement systems
- Timely evacuation
- Better preparedness
- Reduced casualties
- Conduct awareness campaigns.
- Organize mock drills.
- Train volunteers.
- Teach disaster preparedness in schools.
- Evacuation plans.
- Emergency shelters.
- Stockpiling food, water, and medicines.
- Coordination among government agencies.
- Undersea earthquakes
- Volcanic eruptions
- Underwater landslides
- Meteorite impacts (rare)
- A powerful earthquake occurs beneath the ocean floor.
- The seabed suddenly moves upward or downward.
- A large volume of seawater is displaced.
- Waves spread outward in all directions.
- As the waves approach shallow coastal waters, their height increases dramatically.
- The tsunami strikes coastal areas, causing severe flooding and destruction.
- Tangshan Earthquake (China, 1976)
- Indian Ocean Tsunami (2004)
- Indonesia
- Bangladesh
- India
- Sri Lanka
- Thailand
- Maldives
- Somalia
- Several other countries around the Indian Ocean
- Tsunami: A series of giant ocean waves caused by sudden displacement of water.
- Epicentre: The point on the Earth's surface directly above the earthquake focus.
- Seismic Waves: Energy waves released during an earthquake.
- Ring of Fire: A belt of active volcanoes and earthquakes surrounding the Pacific Ocean.
- Undersea earthquakes
- Volcanic eruptions
- Underwater landslides
- Meteorite impacts (rare)
- Travel at speeds up to 800 km/h in deep oceans.
- Have very long wavelengths.
- May appear as a series of waves rather than a single wave.
- Wave height increases dramatically near the coast.
- Strong coastal earthquake.
- Sudden rise or fall in sea level.
- Unusual roaring sound from the ocean.
- Movement of tectonic plates.
- Volcanic activity.
- Fault movements.
- Human activities such as mining and reservoir construction (rare).
- An earthquake of magnitude 7.0 is considered a major earthquake and can cause severe damage.
- Earthquake-Prone Areas in India
- Himalayan Region
- Jammu and Kashmir
- Himachal Pradesh
- Uttarakhand
- Northeast India
- Gujarat
- Andaman and Nicobar Islands
- Human Effects
- Loss of life
- Injuries
- Homelessness
- Damage to buildings
- Destruction of roads, bridges, and utilities
- Business disruption
- Landslides
- Ground cracks
- Tsunamis (if undersea earthquakes occur)
- Tsunami waves erode coastlines and weaken the stability of land.
- Coastal regions may become unsafe for settlements and agriculture.
- River mouths and beaches may undergo significant changes.
- Tsunami waves carry mud, sand, rocks, trees, vehicles, and building materials.
- The flowing debris increases the destructive power of the waves.
- Roads, bridges, and houses may be buried under mud and debris.
- Destruction of houses and personal belongings.
- Loss of livestock, boats, fishing equipment, and household assets.
- Financial hardship for affected families.
- Damage to schools, hospitals, government offices, roads, bridges, and power lines.
- Disruption of water supply and communication systems.
- Damage to industries, markets, hotels, and tourism facilities.
- Loss of business activities and employment.
- Destruction of fishing and shipping infrastructure.
- Ports, harbours, docks, and coastal settlements suffer severe damage.
- Shipping activities may stop for long periods.
- Coastal transport and trade are disrupted.
- Drowning is the major cause of death during tsunamis.
- People may be injured by collapsing buildings and floating debris.
- Large-scale displacement and homelessness may occur.
- Coastal Shelter Belts
- Planting trees along coastal areas helps reduce tsunami impacts.
- Reduce wave energy.
- Protect coastal settlements.
- Prevent soil erosion.
- Improve coastal biodiversity.
- Conservation of mangrove forests.
- Protection of sand dunes and coral reefs.
- Prevention of excessive coastal development.
- Construction of stronger buildings.
- Elevated structures in vulnerable areas.
- Development of evacuation shelters.
- Conduct awareness campaigns.
- Teach evacuation procedures.
- Organize mock drills and training programs.
- Indian Ocean Tsunami Warning and Mitigation System
- After the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami, an international warning system was established.
- It includes 26 member countries around the Indian Ocean region.
- Countries cooperate to monitor earthquake and tsunami activity.
- Information is shared rapidly to reduce disaster losses.
- Birds may suddenly fly inland or away from the coast.
- Dogs may become restless and refuse to go outside.
- Elephants may move to higher ground.
- Fish and marine animals may behave unusually.
- Such behaviour may provide an early indication of danger.
- However, animal behaviour alone is not a reliable method for tsunami detection.
- Scientific monitoring systems are necessary for accurate warnings.
- Detect earthquakes occurring beneath the ocean floor.
- Measure the location and magnitude of earthquakes.
- Help determine whether a tsunami may occur.
- Special buoys placed in oceans.
- Detect changes in water pressure caused by tsunami waves.
- Send information to warning centres via satellite.
- Find out whether you live, study, or work in a tsunami-prone coastal area.
- Learn the evacuation routes and safe locations.
- Drinking water
- Dry food
- First-aid kit
- Flashlight and batteries
- Important documents
- Mobile phone and charger
- Necessary medicines
- Strong or long-lasting coastal earthquake.
- Sudden rise or fall in sea level.
- Loud roaring sound from the ocean.
- Take part in school and community evacuation drills.
- Learn basic first aid and emergency procedures.
- Identify safe places on higher ground.
- Decide evacuation routes in advance.
- Establish a family meeting point.
- Keep emergency contact numbers available.
- Know the nearest evacuation shelter.
- Follow official warning systems.
- Stay informed through radio, television, and mobile alerts.
- Go to elevated areas as quickly as possible.
- Follow designated evacuation routes.
- Do not go to beaches to watch the waves.
- Stay away from rivers, estuaries, and coastal areas.
- Listen to emergency broadcasts.
- Cooperate with disaster management authorities.
- Avoid flooded roads and damaged structures.
- Help children, elderly people, and persons with disabilities if it is safe to do so.
- Leave the boat and move immediately to higher ground if there is enough time.
- Follow local emergency instructions.
- Stay in deep water if advised by authorities.
- Tsunami waves are usually less dangerous in deep oceans than near the coast.
- Follow instructions from harbour authorities and the coast guard.
- Do not attempt risky movements without official guidance.
- Additional waves may arrive hours after the first wave.
- Do not return to coastal areas until authorities declare them safe.
- Provide first aid if trained.
- Seek medical help when needed.
- Stay away from damaged buildings.
- Avoid fallen power lines and contaminated water.
- Drink only clean and safe water.
- Follow public health advisories.
- Follow rescue and relief instructions.
- Report missing persons and hazards.
- A specialized agency of the United Nations (UN).
- Established in 1948 and came into force in 1958.
- Headquarters: London.
- Promotes maritime safety.
- Prevents marine pollution.
- Develops international shipping regulations.
- Enhances maritime security.
- Considered the most important maritime safety treaty.
- Sets minimum safety standards for ships.
- Life-saving equipment.
- Fire protection systems.
- Navigation safety.
- Emergency procedures.
- Ship construction standards.
- Controls Pollution From
- Oil
- Chemicals
- Sewage
- Garbage
- Air emissions
- Measures the energy efficiency of new ships.
- Encourages environmentally friendly ship designs.
- Provides a framework for improving energy efficiency.
- Helps ships reduce fuel consumption.
- Defines rights and responsibilities of nations regarding oceans.
- Regulates the use of marine resources.
- Rights of Coastal States
- Exploration of marine resources.
- Fishing rights.
- Oil and gas extraction.
- Scientific research.
- Strengthens maritime security.
- Protects ships and ports from security threats.
- Security plans.
- Access control.
- Monitoring and surveillance.
- Risk assessment.
- Protects the rights and welfare of seafarers.Covers
- Working conditions.
- Accommodation.
- Health protection.
- Medical care.
- Wages.
- Social security.
- Promotes workers' rights worldwide.
- Develops labour standards.
- Maritime Role
- Supports welfare and safety of seafarers.
- Developed the Maritime Labour Convention.
- Ensures ships comply with international regulations.
- Conducts inspections of foreign ships in ports.
- Establishes liability for oil pollution damage.
- Ensures compensation for affected parties.
- IMO International Maritime Organization Global maritime regulation
- SOLAS Safety of Life at Sea Ship safety
- MARPOL Marine Pollution Convention Pollution prevention
- EEDI Energy Efficiency Design Index Efficient ship design
- SEEMP Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan Fuel efficiency
- UNCLOS United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea Law of the sea
- EEZ Exclusive Economic Zone Marine resource rights
- ISPS Code International Ship and Port Facility Security Code Maritime security
- MLC 2006 Maritime Labour Convention Seafarers' welfare
- ILO International Labour Organization Labour standards
- Paris MoU Paris Memorandum of Understanding Ship inspections
- CLC Civil Liability Convention Oil pollution liability
- IOPC Funds International Oil Pollution Compensation Funds Oil spill compensation

