Andhra Pradesh Natural Hazards

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Andhra Pradesh is exposed to Cyclones-2/”>Cyclones, storm surges, floods and droughts. A moderate to severe intensity cyclone can be expected to make landfall every two to three years. About 44 percent of the state is vulnerable to tropical storms and related hazards. In India, the cyclones develop in the pre-monsoon (April to May) and post-monsoon seasons (October to December), but most of them tend to form in the month of November.

Two of the deadliest cyclones of this century, with fatalities of about 10,000 people in each case, took place in Odisha and Andhra Pradesh during October 1971 and November 1977 respectively. The super cyclone of Odisha in 1999 caused large scale damage to life and property.

Along the Andhra coast, the section between Nizampatnam and Machilipatnam is the most prone to storm surges. Vulnerability to storm surges is not uniform along Indian coasts.

Many drought prone areas adjacent to coastal districts in eastern maritime states are thus vulnerable to flash floods originated by the torrential rains induced by the cyclonic depression. In addition to cyclones and its related hazards, monsoon depressions over the north and central areas of the Bay of Bengal move until reaching north and central India, including portions of Andhra Pradesh, bringing heavy to very heavy rains and causing floods in the inland rivers between June and September.

Flood

Inadequate capacity of the rivers to contain within their banks the high flows brought down from the upper catchment areas, following heavy rainfall, leads to flooding. Central and coastal Andhra Pradesh spans mainly major river basins of Godavari, Krishna and minor river basins of Nagavali and Vamsadhara on the north and Pennar in the south. The Passage of storms/ cyclones in quick SUCCESSION over a river basin invariably leads to severe floods. The problem is exacerbated by factors such as silting of the riverbeds, reduction of the carrying capacity of river channels, beds and banks leading to changes in river courses, obstructions to flow due to landslides, synchronization of floods in the main and tributary rivers and retardation due to tidal effects. The flood problems of deltaic regions are attributed to various causes like flatter slope of drains and back flow due to tides.

Cyclones

Some of the factors responsible for vulnerability of the state to cyclone are:

  1. Almost half of the storms in the Bay of Bengal become severe cyclones often accompanied by storm surges.
  2. Low lying areas along the coast are vulnerable to extensive flooding and deep inland sea water incursion.
  3. High concentration of Population, Infrastructure-2/”>INFRASTRUCTURE and economic activities along the coast.
  4. Lack of proper maintenance of the flood protection and Irrigation systems, drains, embankments etc.,

The major impact of cyclones can be broadly categorised as below: Loss of lives, injuries and other Health consequences such as epidemics, and post traumatic Stress disorders (PTSD)

  • Loss of habitat
  • Loss of cattle and damage to crops and agricultural fields
  • Damage to public utilities
  • Disturbance and damage to the ecosystem

Draught

Drought Prone Districts: Chittoor, Kadapa, Anantapur& Kurnool, Mahabubnagar, Medak, Rnagareddy and Nalgonda 20 times drought in 40 years, 10 times drought in 20 years. 5 times drought in 10 years, 3 times drought in last 5 years Major Drought Years (1997, 2001, 2002 & 2004). 2002-03 has been the worst year of drought State GDP severely affected due to recurring drought

Tsunami

Andhra Pradesh with coastline of 1,030 K.Ms, is the second largest in the country next only to Gujarat State and the longest on the East Coast of India. The total coastal area spreads over 92,906 Sq. KMs. in nine coastal districts which have population of 2.87 Crores. On the morning of 26.12.2004 Tsunami tidal waves ranging from 2 to 6 metres high lashed the Andhra Pradesh coast. The major brunt of the tidal waves was along the coast of Nellore, Prakasam, Guntur, Krishna, East Godavari, and West Godavari Districts. Many people on the beaches as well as close to the coast were washed away and otherwise affected. The tidal waters entered the villages along the coast inundating large number of villages. In all 380 coastal villages with a population of 2,11,670 were affected by this calamity. Overall damages across the State was estimated to be Rs 317.16 Crores. The largest damages was in Fisheries-2/”>Fisheries.

Earthquake

3 major earthquake events experienced in state: Vizianagaram (1917-5.5 RS), Ongole (1967-5.4 RS), Bhadrachalam (1969-5.7 RS)

EARTHQUAKE CONTINGENCY PLAN BASICALLY INCLUDES:

  • Seismic activity in India;
  • Earthquakes in Andhra Pradesh;
  • Action Plan for earthquake in AP;
  • Visuality of earthquake situation;
  • Actions during earthquake;
  • Recovery and rehabilitation after earthquake;
  • Non-numerical advisory design; and Retrofitting to Earth Quake proof;

Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (AP SDMA):-

Under the provisions of Disaster Management Act 2005, The Andhra Pradesh Disaster Management Rules 2007 were issued. As part of the rules, the Government of Andhra Pradesh has constituted Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (AP SDMA). AP SDMA will be the chief nodal agency for disaster management at the state level. The APSDMA will have two distinct objectives.

  • Development and updating of plans and strategies to handle any type of Disaster at various levels as Pre-Disaster efforts.
  • Undertake projects for restoration and strengthening of infrastructure damaged by Disasters during Post-Disaster scenario.

District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA):-

Under the provisions of the Andhra Pradesh Disaster Management Rules 2007, besides setting up State Disaster Management Authority (SMDA), district level District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) under the chairmanship of the District Collector is mandated. The composition of the DDMA consists of 1. The Collector and Magistrate of the district, who is the Chairperson, ex officio;

  1. Chairperson of the ZillaParishad of the district, as Co-Chairperson
  2. Superintendent of Police of the district, ex officio;
  3. Chief Executive Officer of the District Authority is the Joint Collector of the District, ex officio; who is also be Member and Convener
  4. Project Director, District Rural Development Agency (DRDA) of the district, ex officio
  5. Chief Executive Officer of the ZillaParishad of the district, ex officio; and
  6. District Medical and Health Officer of the district, ex officio;

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Andhra Pradesh is a state in the south-eastern region of India. It is bordered by the states of Telangana to the north, Odisha to the east, Chhattisgarh to the north-east, Karnataka to the west, and Tamil Nadu to the south. The state has a coastline of about 972 kilometers along the Bay of Bengal.

Andhra Pradesh is a land of natural beauty, with a variety of landscapes, including Mountains, forests, rivers, and beaches. The state is also home to a number of important historical and cultural sites.

However, Andhra Pradesh is also a state that is vulnerable to natural hazards. The state has experienced a number of earthquakes, floods, droughts, cyclones, and landslides in recent years. These natural hazards have caused widespread damage and loss of life.

The State Government has taken a number of steps to mitigate the risks posed by natural hazards. These steps include:

  • Building early warning systems to detect natural hazards
  • Developing disaster management plans
  • Investing in infrastructure to protect against natural hazards
  • Raising awareness of the risks posed by natural hazards

Despite these efforts, Andhra Pradesh remains a state that is vulnerable to natural hazards. The state government and the people of Andhra Pradesh need to continue to work together to mitigate the risks posed by natural hazards and build a more resilient future.

Here is a more detailed discussion of some of the natural hazards that Andhra Pradesh is vulnerable to:

  • Earthquakes: Andhra Pradesh is located in a seismically active region. The state has experienced a number of earthquakes in recent years, including the 2001 Bhuj earthquake, which killed more than 20,000 people. The state government has taken a number of steps to mitigate the risks posed by earthquakes, including building early warning systems and developing disaster management plans.
  • Floods: Andhra Pradesh is also vulnerable to floods. The state is located in the basin of the Godavari River, which is one of the largest rivers in India. The Godavari River and its tributaries often flood during the monsoon season. The state government has taken a number of steps to mitigate the risks posed by floods, including building embankments and Drainage Systems.
  • Droughts: Andhra Pradesh is also vulnerable to droughts. The state experiences a dry season from December to May. During this time, the state often experiences water shortages. The state government has taken a number of steps to mitigate the risks posed by droughts, including building water reservoirs and developing irrigation systems.
  • Cyclones: Andhra Pradesh is also vulnerable to cyclones. The state is located on the Bay of Bengal, which is a cyclone-prone region. The state government has taken a number of steps to mitigate the risks posed by cyclones, including building cyclone shelters and developing early warning systems.
  • Landslides: Andhra Pradesh is also vulnerable to landslides. The state is located in a mountainous region. Landslides are often caused by heavy rains or earthquakes. The state government has taken a number of steps to mitigate the risks posed by landslides, including building retaining walls and developing early warning systems.

The state government and the people of Andhra Pradesh need to continue to work together to mitigate the risks posed by natural hazards and build a more resilient future.

What are the most common natural hazards in Andhra Pradesh?

The most common natural hazards in Andhra Pradesh are floods, droughts, cyclones, and earthquakes.

What are the causes of these natural hazards?

The causes of these natural hazards are varied. Floods are caused by heavy rains, which can cause rivers to overflow their banks. Droughts are caused by a lack of rainfall, which can lead to crop failures and water shortages. Cyclones are caused by tropical storms, which can bring high winds and heavy rains. Earthquakes are caused by the movement of tectonic plates, which can cause the ground to shake.

What are the effects of these natural hazards?

The effects of these natural hazards can be devastating. Floods can damage homes and businesses, and can also lead to loss of life. Droughts can lead to crop failures and water shortages, which can have a devastating impact on the economy. Cyclones can cause widespread damage to infrastructure, and can also lead to loss of life. Earthquakes can cause buildings to collapse, and can also lead to loss of life.

What are the government’s efforts to mitigate the effects of these natural hazards?

The government has taken a number of steps to mitigate the effects of natural hazards in Andhra Pradesh. These include:

  • Building Dams and reservoirs to control flooding.
  • Developing drought-resistant crops.
  • Building cyclone shelters.
  • Improving early warning systems for earthquakes.

What can individuals do to prepare for natural hazards?

Individuals can prepare for natural hazards by:

  • Having a disaster plan in place.
  • Stocking up on emergency supplies.
  • Learning about the risks in their area.
  • Taking part in disaster drills.

What are the benefits of being prepared for natural hazards?

The benefits of being prepared for natural hazards include:

  • Increased safety.
  • Reduced property damage.
  • Reduced financial losses.
  • Improved mental and emotional well-being.

  1. Which of the following is not a NATURAL HAZARD?
    (A) Earthquake
    (B) Flood
    (C) Drought
    (D) War

  2. Which of the following is the most common natural hazard in Andhra Pradesh?
    (A) Earthquake
    (B) Flood
    (C) Drought
    (D) Cyclone

  3. Which of the following is the most destructive natural hazard in Andhra Pradesh?
    (A) Earthquake
    (B) Flood
    (C) Drought
    (D) Cyclone

  4. Which of the following is the most deadly natural hazard in Andhra Pradesh?
    (A) Earthquake
    (B) Flood
    (C) Drought
    (D) Cyclone

  5. Which of the following is the most expensive natural hazard in Andhra Pradesh?
    (A) Earthquake
    (B) Flood
    (C) Drought
    (D) Cyclone

  6. Which of the following is the most preventable natural hazard in Andhra Pradesh?
    (A) Earthquake
    (B) Flood
    (C) Drought
    (D) Cyclone

  7. Which of the following is the most predictable natural hazard in Andhra Pradesh?
    (A) Earthquake
    (B) Flood
    (C) Drought
    (D) Cyclone

  8. Which of the following is the most common time of year for natural hazards in Andhra Pradesh?
    (A) Summer
    (B) Monsoon
    (C) Winter
    (D) Spring

  9. Which of the following is the most common location for natural hazards in Andhra Pradesh?
    (A) Coastal areas
    (B) Inland areas
    (C) Hilly areas
    (D) Desert areas

  10. Which of the following is the most common type of natural hazard in Andhra Pradesh?
    (A) Earthquake
    (B) Flood
    (C) Drought
    (D) Cyclone