The frequency of urban floods due to high intensity rainfall is increasing over the years. Discussing the reasons for urban floods, highlight the mechanisms for preparedness to reduce the risk during such events.

Points to Remember: Increasing frequency of urban floods due to high-intensity rainfall. Reasons for urban floods (lack of drainage, urbanization, climate change). Mechanisms for preparedness and risk reduction (improved drainage, early warning systems, public awareness). Introduction: Urban flooding, characterized by the inundation of urban areas due to excessive rainfall, is a growing global concern. The … Read more

On December 2004, tsunami brought havoc on 14 countries including India. Discuss the factors responsible for occurrence of Tsunami and its effects on life and economy. In the light of guidelines of NDMA (2010) describe the mechanisms for preparedness to reduce the risk during such events.

Points to Remember: Causes of Tsunamis: Understanding tectonic plate movement, underwater earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and landslides. Effects of the 2004 Tsunami: Humanitarian crisis, economic devastation, environmental damage. NDMA Guidelines (2010): Focus on early warning systems, community preparedness, evacuation plans, and post-disaster relief. Introduction: The 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, triggered by a massive undersea earthquake off … Read more

Describe various measures taken in India for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) before and after signing ‘Sendai Framework for DRR (2015-2030)’. How is this framework different from ‘Hyogo Framework for Action, 2005’?

Points to Remember: Pre-Sendai Framework DRR measures in India Post-Sendai Framework DRR measures in India Key differences between Sendai Framework and Hyogo Framework Introduction: Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) involves systematic efforts to analyze and reduce the risks posed by natural hazards and human-induced disasters. India, a country highly vulnerable to a wide range of disasters … Read more

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.

Points to Remember: Disaster preparedness is crucial for effective disaster management. Hazard zonation mapping is a key tool for disaster mitigation. Landslides are a significant natural hazard requiring proactive mitigation strategies. Mapping helps identify vulnerable areas and inform land-use planning. Community involvement is essential for effective disaster preparedness. Introduction: Disaster management is a cyclical process … Read more

Vulnerability is an essential element for defining disaster impacts and its threat to people. How and in what ways can vulnerability to disasters be characterized? Discuss different types of vulnerability with reference to disasters.

Points to Remember: Vulnerability is a key factor in determining disaster impacts. Vulnerability is multifaceted and encompasses various dimensions. Different types of vulnerability exist, interacting to create complex risk profiles. Understanding vulnerability is crucial for effective disaster risk reduction. Introduction: Disasters, whether natural or human-induced, do not affect everyone equally. The severity of their impact … Read more

Discuss the recent measures initiated in disaster management by the Government of India departing from the earlier reactive approach.

Points to Remember: Shift from reactive to proactive disaster management. Enhanced preparedness and mitigation strategies. Technological advancements in disaster response. Community participation and capacity building. Strengthening institutional frameworks. Introduction: India, a country highly vulnerable to a multitude of natural disasters (floods, droughts, cyclones, earthquakes, etc.), historically adopted a largely reactive approach to disaster management. This … Read more

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.

Points to Remember: India’s geographical location and tectonic plate activity make it highly vulnerable to earthquakes. Seismic zoning maps categorize regions based on earthquake risk. Major earthquakes have caused significant damage and loss of life in various parts of India. Disaster preparedness and mitigation strategies are crucial for reducing vulnerability. Introduction: India is situated in … Read more

Describe the various causes and the effects of landslides. Mention components of the important components of National Landslide Risk Management strategy.

Points to Remember: Landslides are a significant geohazard with diverse causes and far-reaching consequences. Understanding the causes is crucial for effective risk management. A national strategy is essential for mitigating landslide risks. Introduction: Landslides, also known as landslips, are the movement of a mass of rock, debris, or earth down a slope. They are a … Read more

Explain the causes and effects of coastal erosion in India. What are the available coastal management techniques for combating the hazard?

Points to Remember: Causes of Coastal Erosion: Natural processes (sea-level rise, waves, currents, storms) and anthropogenic activities (dam construction, deforestation, urbanization, unsustainable fishing practices). Effects of Coastal Erosion: Loss of land, infrastructure damage, displacement of communities, biodiversity loss, saltwater intrusion. Coastal Management Techniques: Hard engineering (seawalls, groynes), soft engineering (beach nourishment, dune stabilization), integrated coastal … Read more

Explain the mechanism and occurrence of cloudburst in the context of the Indian subcontinent. Discuss two recent examples.

Points to Remember: Cloudburst mechanism: rapid upward movement of air, condensation, intense rainfall. Indian Subcontinent vulnerability: orographic effects, monsoon season. Recent examples: specific locations, impacts, and contributing factors. Mitigation strategies: early warning systems, infrastructure development. Introduction: A cloudburst is a localized, extremely intense rainfall event characterized by a sudden and heavy downpour concentrated over a … Read more