Chapter - 2 Disaster Preparedness and Regulatory Frameworks

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

Onset of a Cyclone:- Onset means the beginning or development of a cyclone.

Stages of Cyclone Formation

1. Warm Ocean Water

• Sea surface temperature exceeds 26.5°C.
• Warm water causes rapid evaporation.

2. Formation of Low Pressure

• Warm, moist air rises upward.
• A low-pressure area develops over the ocean.

Cloud Formation

• Water vapour condenses into clouds.
• Heat released during condensation strengthens the system.

Cyclonic Circulation

• Due to the Earth's rotation (Coriolis Force), winds begin to rotate around the low-pressure center.

Intensification

• Continuous supply of warm, moist air increases wind speed.
• The system develops into a depression, deep depression, cyclonic storm, and eventually a severe cyclone.

Cyclone Warning System:- Cyclone warnings are issued to alert people before the cyclone strikes so that lives and property can be protected.

Objectives of Cyclone Warning

• Save human lives.
• Reduce property damage.
• Facilitate timely evacuation.
• Protect livestock and crops.
• Prepare emergency services.

India Meteorological Department (IMD):- India Meteorological Department

Role of IMD:- The IMD is the nodal agency responsible for:

• 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

The IMD uses:

• Weather satellites
• Doppler Weather Radars
• Ocean buoys
• Ships and aircraft observations
• Computer forecasting models

Four Stages of Cyclone Warnings

• 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.

National Hurricane Center (NHC), Miami, Florida, USA:- One of the world's leading centres which monitors the cyclones globally.

National Hurricane Center Functions

• 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.

Vulnerability to Cyclones:- Vulnerability refers to the degree to which people, property, infrastructure, and the environment are likely to be affected by a cyclone.

Factors Increasing Vulnerability

• 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.

Vulnerable Areas in India:- Odisha,  Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Typical Effects of Cyclones

Human Impacts

• Loss of life
• Injuries
• Displacement of people
• Health problems and disease outbreaks

Economic Impacts

• Damage to houses and buildings
• Loss of crops and livestock
• Destruction of roads and bridges
• Disruption of communication and power supply

Environmental Impacts

• Coastal erosion
• Saltwater intrusion into farmland
• Damage to forests and mangroves
• Water contamination

Storm Surge Effects

• Coastal flooding
• Destruction of settlements near the shore
• Loss of agricultural land

Main Mitigation Strategies:- Mitigation means actions taken to reduce the impact of cyclones before they occur.

Mitigation measures are of two types:- (a) Structural Mitigation, (b) Non-Structural Mitigation

Structural Mitigation Measures:- Structural mitigation involves physical constructions and engineering measures.

A. Cyclone-Proof Structures:- Features

• Reinforced concrete buildings.
• Strong roofs anchored firmly to walls.
• Wind-resistant doors and windows.
• Elevated foundations in flood-prone areas.

Benefits

• Protect people during cyclones.
• Reduce damage from strong winds and flooding.

B. Cyclone Shelters:- Features

• Strong multi-purpose buildings.
• Located in vulnerable coastal areas.
• Used as schools or community centers during normal times.

Benefits

• Safe evacuation centers during emergencies.
• Protect people and livestock.

C. Shelter Belts (Wind Breaks):- Rows of trees planted along coastal areas to reduce wind speed.

• Common Trees
• Casuarina
• Coconut
• Mangroves

Benefits

• Reduce wind velocity.
• Protect crops and settlements.
• Minimize coastal erosion.

D. Embankments and Sea Walls

• Prevent coastal flooding.
• Reduce impact of storm surges.
• Protect settlements near the shoreline.

E. Improved Drainage Systems

• Remove excess rainwater quickly.
• Reduce flooding in urban and rural areas.

Non-Structural Mitigation Measures:- These measures focus on planning, awareness, and preparedness rather than physical construction.

A. Hazard Mapping:- Hazard maps identify areas likely to be affected by cyclones, storm surges, and flooding.

Benefits

• Helps in planning safer settlements.
• Assists emergency management authorities.
• Supports evacuation planning.

B. Land-Use Control:- Regulating how land is used in cyclone-prone areas.

Measures

• Restrict construction in highly vulnerable coastal zones.
• Promote safer building locations.
• Protect mangroves and coastal ecosystems.

Benefits

• Reduces exposure to cyclone hazards.
• Minimizes future losses.

C. Cyclone Forecasting and Warning

Forecasting:- Predicting:

• Cyclone formation
• Path
• Intensity
• Landfall location

Warning Dissemination:- Warnings are communicated through:

• Television
• Radio
• Newspapers
• Mobile alerts
• Internet
• Social media
• Sirens and public announcement systems

Benefits

• Timely evacuation
• Better preparedness
• Reduced casualties

D. Community Awareness and Education

• Conduct awareness campaigns.
• Organize mock drills.
• Train volunteers.
• Teach disaster preparedness in schools.

E. Emergency Preparedness Plans

• Evacuation plans.
• Emergency shelters.
• Stockpiling food, water, and medicines.
• Coordination among government agencies.

Tsunami:- A tsunami is a series of large ocean waves generated by a sudden displacement of water, usually caused by:

• Undersea earthquakes
• Volcanic eruptions
• Underwater landslides
• Meteorite impacts (rare)

The word "Tsunami" comes from Japanese:

Tsu = Harbour

Nami = Wave

Thus, tsunami means "harbour wave."

How Does a Tsunami Occur?

• 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.

Major Tsunami Events and Their Epicentres

• Tangshan Earthquake (China, 1976)
• Indian Ocean Tsunami (2004)

Countries Affected:-  Somalia on  East Coast of Africa was Epiccentre.

• Indonesia
• Bangladesh
• India
• Sri Lanka
• Thailand
• Maldives
• Somalia
• Several other countries around the Indian Ocean

Continents Affected:- Asia, Africa

• 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.

Important Facts About Tsunamis

Tsunami:- A tsunami is a series of very large ocean waves caused by sudden displacement of water.

The word "Tsunami" is a Japanese term meaning "Harbour Wave."

Main Causes of Tsunamis

• Undersea earthquakes
• Volcanic eruptions
• Underwater landslides
• Meteorite impacts (rare)

Where Do Most Tsunamis Occur:- Around the Pacific Ring of Fire, where earthquakes and volcanoes are frequent.

Characteristics of Tsunamis

• 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.

Warning Signs of a Tsunami

• Strong coastal earthquake.
• Sudden rise or fall in sea level.
• Unusual roaring sound from the ocean.

Earthquakes – An earthquake is the sudden shaking of the Earth's surface caused by the release of energy within the Earth's crust.

Causes of Earthquakes

• Movement of tectonic plates.
• Volcanic activity.
• Fault movements.
• Human activities such as mining and reservoir construction (rare).

Key Terms

Focus (Hypocentre):- The point inside the Earth where an earthquake originates.

Epicentre:- The point on the Earth's surface directly above the focus.

Seismic Waves:- Energy waves released during an earthquake.

Earthquake Magnitude Scale:- Earthquake magnitude is commonly measured using the Richter Scale.

Earthquakes of Varying Magnitude

Magnitude                 Description                                 Effects

Less than 3.5                     Minor                                         Usually not felt

3.5 – 5.4 Light             Felt by people,                             little damage

5.5 – 6.0                             Moderate                                 Slight damage to buildings

6.1 – 6.9                             Strong                                         Significant damage in populated areas

7.0 – 7.9                             Major                                         Serious destruction

8.0 and above                     Great                                         Catastrophic damage over large areas

Example:- M=7.0

• An earthquake of magnitude 7.0 is considered a major earthquake and can cause severe damage.
• Earthquake-Prone Areas in India

Major earthquake-prone regions include:

• Himalayan Region
• Jammu and Kashmir
• Himachal Pradesh
• Uttarakhand
• Northeast India
• Gujarat
• Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Effects of Earthquakes

• Human Effects
• Loss of life
• Injuries
• Homelessness

Economic Effects

• Damage to buildings
• Destruction of roads, bridges, and utilities
• Business disruption

Environmental Effects

• Landslides
• Ground cracks
• Tsunamis (if undersea earthquakes occur)

RICHTER SCALE:- The scale is used to measure the magnitude or the intensity of energy released by an earthquake.

Hazardous Effects of Tsunamis:- A tsunami can cause widespread destruction to people, property, infrastructure, and the environment.

A. Instability of Coastal Areas

• 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.

B. Mud and Debris Flow

• 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.

C. Private Property Losses

• Destruction of houses and personal belongings.
• Loss of livestock, boats, fishing equipment, and household assets.
• Financial hardship for affected families.

D. Public Property Losses

• Damage to schools, hospitals, government offices, roads, bridges, and power lines.
• Disruption of water supply and communication systems.

E. Commercial Losses

• Damage to industries, markets, hotels, and tourism facilities.
• Loss of business activities and employment.
• Destruction of fishing and shipping infrastructure.

F. Damage to Port Towns and Coastal Cities

• Ports, harbours, docks, and coastal settlements suffer severe damage.
• Shipping activities may stop for long periods.
• Coastal transport and trade are disrupted.

G. Loss of Human Life

• 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.

Vulnerability Reduction and Mitigation Measures:- Mitigation refers to actions taken before a disaster to reduce its impact.

A. Tree Plantation

• Coastal Shelter Belts
• Planting trees along coastal areas helps reduce tsunami impacts.

Important Trees:- Mangroves, Casuarina, Coconut palms. 

Benefits

• Reduce wave energy.
• Protect coastal settlements.
• Prevent soil erosion.
• Improve coastal biodiversity.

B. Coastal Ecosystem Protection

• Conservation of mangrove forests.
• Protection of sand dunes and coral reefs.
• Prevention of excessive coastal development.

C. Tsunami-Resistant Infrastructure

• Construction of stronger buildings.
• Elevated structures in vulnerable areas.
• Development of evacuation shelters.

D. Public Awareness

• Conduct awareness campaigns.
• Teach evacuation procedures.
• Organize mock drills and training programs.

3. Important Policy Measures

A. International Tsunami Warning Systems

• 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.

Detecting Tsunamis:- Detecting a tsunami at an early stage is very important because it helps save lives and reduce damage. Tsunamis can be detected through natural signs and scientific early warning systems.

1. Animal Behaviour as a Natural Warning Sign:- Before some natural disasters, animals may show unusual behaviour because they can sense vibrations and environmental changes earlier than humans.

Examples of Unusual Animal Behaviour

• 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.

Importance

• 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.

2. Early Warning System:- A Tsunami Early Warning System (TEWS) is a network of technologies used to detect earthquakes and tsunamis and issue warnings to people in danger. Components of an Early Warning System

A. Seismic Monitoring Stations

• Detect earthquakes occurring beneath the ocean floor.
• Measure the location and magnitude of earthquakes.
• Help determine whether a tsunami may occur.

B. Deep-Ocean Assessment and Reporting of Tsunamis (DART) Buoys

• Special buoys placed in oceans.
• Detect changes in water pressure caused by tsunami waves.
• Send information to warning centres via satellite.

Survival Skills:- Survival skills help people protect themselves before, during, and after a tsunami. Proper preparedness and quick action can save lives.

1. Before a Tsunami:- 

A. Know the Risk

• Find out whether you live, study, or work in a tsunami-prone coastal area.
• Learn the evacuation routes and safe locations.

B. Prepare an Emergency Kit:- Keep essential items ready:

• Drinking water
• Dry food
• First-aid kit
• Flashlight and batteries
• Important documents
• Mobile phone and charger
• Necessary medicines

C. Learn Warning Signs

• Strong or long-lasting coastal earthquake.
• Sudden rise or fall in sea level.
• Loud roaring sound from the ocean.

D. Participate in Drills

• Take part in school and community evacuation drills.
• Learn basic first aid and emergency procedures.

2. Your Safety Plan If You Are at Risk

Family Safety Plan

• Identify safe places on higher ground.
• Decide evacuation routes in advance.
• Establish a family meeting point.
• Keep emergency contact numbers available.

Community Safety Plan

• Know the nearest evacuation shelter.
• Follow official warning systems.
• Stay informed through radio, television, and mobile alerts.

Important Rule:- Do not wait to see the tsunami wave. Evacuate immediately when a warning is issued or after a strong coastal earthquake.

3. During a Tsunami:- If You Are on Land

Move to Higher Ground Immediately

• Go to elevated areas as quickly as possible.
• Follow designated evacuation routes.

Stay Away From the Coast

• Do not go to beaches to watch the waves.
• Stay away from rivers, estuaries, and coastal areas.

Follow Official Instructions

• Listen to emergency broadcasts.
• Cooperate with disaster management authorities.

Protect Yourself

• Avoid flooded roads and damaged structures.
• Help children, elderly people, and persons with disabilities if it is safe to do so.

4. If You Are in a Boat or Ship

Small Boats Near the Shore

• Leave the boat and move immediately to higher ground if there is enough time.
• Follow local emergency instructions.

Boats Already in Deep Water

• Stay in deep water if advised by authorities.
• Tsunami waves are usually less dangerous in deep oceans than near the coast.

Ships in Harbours

• Follow instructions from harbour authorities and the coast guard.
• Do not attempt risky movements without official guidance.

5. After a Tsunami

Stay Alert

• Additional waves may arrive hours after the first wave.
• Do not return to coastal areas until authorities declare them safe.

Check for Injuries

• Provide first aid if trained.
• Seek medical help when needed.

Avoid Hazards

• Stay away from damaged buildings.
• Avoid fallen power lines and contaminated water.

Use Safe Drinking Water

• Drink only clean and safe water.
• Follow public health advisories.

Cooperate with Authorities

• Follow rescue and relief instructions.
• Report missing persons and hazards.

International Maritime Rules and Regulations:- International maritime rules help ensure safety at sea, environmental protection, security, and the welfare of seafarers. These regulations are followed by countries and ships worldwide.

1. International Maritime Organization (IMO)

• A specialized agency of the United Nations (UN).
• Established in 1948 and came into force in 1958.
• Headquarters: London.

Main Functions

• Promotes maritime safety.
• Prevents marine pollution.
• Develops international shipping regulations.
• Enhances maritime security.

Importance:- IMO is the main international body responsible for regulating global shipping.

2. SOLAS:-  Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS)

SOLAS Convention Purpose

• Considered the most important maritime safety treaty.
• Sets minimum safety standards for ships.

Key Provisions

• Life-saving equipment.
• Fire protection systems.
• Navigation safety.
• Emergency procedures.
• Ship construction standards.

Objective:- To ensure the safety of passengers, crew, and ships.

3. MARPOL:- International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL)

MARPOL Convention Purpose:- To prevent pollution of oceans and seas by ships.

• Controls Pollution From
• Oil
• Chemicals
• Sewage
• Garbage
• Air emissions

Objective:- Protect the marine environment from ship-generated pollution.

4. EEDI:- Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI), Purpose

• Measures the energy efficiency of new ships.
• Encourages environmentally friendly ship designs.

Objective:- Reduce greenhouse gas emissions from ships.

5. SEEMP:- Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan (SEEMP), Purpose

• Provides a framework for improving energy efficiency.
• Helps ships reduce fuel consumption.

Objective:- Promote sustainable and environmentally responsible shipping.

6. UNCLOS:- United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), Purpose

• Defines rights and responsibilities of nations regarding oceans.
• Regulates the use of marine resources.

Importance:- Known as the "Constitution of the Oceans."

7. EEZs:- Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs), A sea zone extending up to 200 nautical miles from a country's coastline.

• Rights of Coastal States
• Exploration of marine resources.
• Fishing rights.
• Oil and gas extraction.
• Scientific research.

Objective:- Ensure proper use and management of marine resources.

8. ISPS Code:- International Ship and Port Facility Security Code, Purpose

• Strengthens maritime security.
• Protects ships and ports from security threats.

Measures

• Security plans.
• Access control.
• Monitoring and surveillance.
• Risk assessment.

Objective:- Prevent terrorism, piracy, and other unlawful activities.

9. MLC, 2006:- Maritime Labour Convention, 2006, Purpose

• Protects the rights and welfare of seafarers.Covers
• Working conditions.
• Accommodation.
• Health protection.
• Medical care.
• Wages.
• Social security.

Objective:- Ensure decent living and working conditions for seafarers.

10. ILO:- International Labour Organization (ILO), Purpose

• Promotes workers' rights worldwide.
• Develops labour standards.
• Maritime Role
• Supports welfare and safety of seafarers.
• Developed the Maritime Labour Convention.

11. Paris MoU:- Paris Memorandum of Understanding (Paris MoU), Purpose

• Ensures ships comply with international regulations.
• Conducts inspections of foreign ships in ports.

Objective:- Eliminate unsafe and substandard ships.

12. CLC:- Civil Liability Convention (CLC), Purpose

• Establishes liability for oil pollution damage.
• Ensures compensation for affected parties.

Objective:- Provide financial protection against oil spill damage.

13. IOPC Funds:- International Oil Pollution Compensation Funds (IOPC Funds),  Purpose

Provides compensation when damages exceed the limits covered under the CLC.

Objective:- Support victims of major oil pollution incidents.

Rule/Convention                             Full Form                                 Main Purpose

• 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

Download Links:- https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-dWxTywbtMSLTMTwccVytD3Q1blnuLEi/view?usp=sharing