UNIT 4 DISASTER MANAGEMENT

UNIT 4

DISASTER MANAGEMENT

                  Meaning and concept of disaster management  Phases of disaster management – Steps and brief description only  Prevention and preparedness for Flood, Land slide, Fire and Earthquake

A disaster can be defined as an occurrence causing widespread destruction and distress.

Disaster management does not avert or eliminate the threats; instead, it focuses on creating plans to decrease the effect of disasters. It is essential for an organization to include procedures for determining whether an emergency situation has occurred and at what point an emergency management plan should be activated.

Disaster = Hazard + Vulnerability - Capacity

Social and economic developments are crucial components of disaster preparedness; however initiatives in development must be undertaken with caution and greater understanding of risks. Development can increase or reduce vulnerability, depending on how programs are designed and run. On the other hand, while natural disaster may seem to counter development goals, they can also offer development opportunities (e.g. rebuilding disaster affected areas in a more sustainable manner).

What is disaster management?

Disaster management is a collective term encompassing all aspects of planning for and responding to emergencies and disasters, including both pre- and post-event activities. It refers to the management of both the risk and the consequences of an event.

 Disaster Management can be defined as the organization and management of resources and responsibilities for dealing with all humanitarian aspects of emergencies, in particular preparedness, response and recovery  in order to lessen the impact of disasters.

In essence, disaster management is more than just response and relief; it is a systematic process aimed at reducing the negative impact and/or consequences of adverse events.

Goals of disaster management

·         Proactive plans to mitigate various business risks

·         Minimizing loss via more effective preparedness and response 


·         Creating more effective and durable recovery

Types of crisis - During the crisis management process, it is important to identify types of crises in that different crises necessitate the use of different crisis management strategies.

A. Natural disaster

·         Geophysical (e.g. Earthquakes, Landslides, Tsunamis and Volcanic Activity)

·         Hydrological (e.g. Avalanches and Floods)

·         Climatological (e.g. Extreme Temperatures, Drought and Wildfires)

·         Meteorological (e.g. Cyclones and Storms/Wave Surges)

·         Biological (e.g. Disease Epidemics and Insect/Animal Plagues)

B. Human caused disaster

·         Technological crises

·         Confrontation

·         Organizational Misdeeds

·         Workplace Violence

• Food Insecurity
• Epidemics
• Armed Conflicts
• Displaced Populations

·         Terrorist attacks

• Environmental Degradation
• Pollution
• Accidents (e.g. Industrial, Technological and Transport usually involving the production, use or transport of hazardous materials) 
• Political and Military Constraints which impact or prevent Humanitarian Assistance

Four Phases of Disaster Management

It is a comprehensive approach dealing with all four phases of disasters:

1.      mitigation/prevention

2.      preparedness

3.      response

4.      recovery

Prevention/Mitigation

Prevention/Mitigation is defined as “sustained actions that decrease the risk of a hazard (probability of occurrence) of a hazard, or to reduce the potential negative consequences suffered by people and/or property.”

It can involve such actions as:

·         Laws and regulations restricting deforestation to prevent mudslides

·         Relocating or elevating structures to minimize the effects of floods

·         Securing shelves and hot water heaters to walls in earthquake zones

·         Developing, adopting and enforcing building codes and standards

·         Engineering roads and bridges to withstand earthquakes

·         Using fire-retardant materials in new construction to reduce the risk of fire

Preparedness

Preparedness takes the form of plans or procedures designed to minimize physical and property damage when an event occurs. These activities ensure that when a disaster strikes, disaster (emergency) managers will be able to provide the best response possible.

The essential elements include:

·         Planning

·         Training personnel

·         Table top disaster drills

Response

Response is defined as the actions taken to decrease mortality and morbidity, and to prevent further property damage when the hazard occurs. Response is putting preparedness plans into action. Response activities may include

·         search and rescue

·         triage

·         acute medical care

·         fire fighting

·         sheltering victims

·         relocating medical records

Recovery

Recovery is defined as the actions taken to return to normal following an event.

·         Repairing buildings

·         Replacing homes

                     

FLOODS

Floods occur as a result of bad weather (for example: storms, cyclones, tornadoes or thunderstorms, heavy or persistent rain), melting snow or ice, or the sudden discharge of water.
In mountainous areas, landslides, earthquakes, and avalanches can cause the overflowing or rupture of hydraulic dams or cause unstable blockages at certain points on rivers, and thus threaten or destroy people and the infrastructure located in the lower parts of valleys.
Bursting or overflowing of hydraulic dams, as well as seismic/tidal waves is special cases which require specific protective measures. Damage caused by floods can vary greatly according to the nature of the phenomenon at the origin of the flood. They can affect whole regions or certain limited sectors. Moreover, their impact will vary according to whether the event is sudden and violent or a steady but relatively slow rise of flood waters which will inundate a vast area, especially plains situated near or at the mouth of rivers. The danger is obviously highest in mountainous areas or steep valleys.

Preventive and protective measures

·   To replant and maintain forests and vegetation, and by the control of upland water streams and rivers.

·   a national hydrological or geological institute responsible for studying these problems and coordinating preventive measures be set up.

·    Permanent monitoring of the risk of flooding

·    Setting up one or several information and flood warning centres for the population

·    Issuing regulations banning building, residing in, and access to identified risk zones and implementing specific protective systems such as alarm signals.

·    Building and developing infrastructure that will prevent, avoid or limit floods and protect the population.

·   Planning the evacuation of the population likely to be at risk, and instructing them on how to behave in case of a flood.

·   Forming well trained and equipped management and rescue teams.

·   Lowering water levels in hydraulic dams and increasing the flow of rivers ) preventive measures

·   Instruct the population on how to behave

·   The management of protection, search, rescue and assistance measures (supplies, medical assistance evacuation) falls to the political authorities and

·   If the national capacity for prevention and protection is proven to be insufficient, especially terms of environmental protection (pollution by hydrocarbons or toxic products) the government of the stricken state can call for international emergency assistance by contacting the United Nations Department of Humanitarian Affairs (UNDHA).

·   Avoid as far as possible living in an area at risk from flooding.

·   Conform to the laws on land development and environmental protection, especially with regard to building restrictions and technical security measures intended for installation substances and waste material likely to cause major damage to man and the environment in the event of a disaster.

·   Find out the highest levels reached by floods in the past and the speed at which the water rose.

·   Keep up-to-date with the protective measures to be taken immediately

·   Know the alarm signals and behavioural rules, especially the evacuation zones and routes.

·   Always keep an emergency kit ready for the family, as well as enough supplies of food and drink to last the estimated length of the emergency situation.

·   Plan how to reinforce the building and neighbouring structures, and to protect vital installations from floods (electricity, gas, water, heating, evacuation of waste water).

·   when fitting the interior of the house, especially by placing furniture, valuable goods or those susceptible to water damage, as well as pollutants, on higher levels together with reserves of food, drinking water, a portable radio and a torch.

·   Foresee a reserve of materials that are useful in case of a flood, for example, bricks, plaster, cement, sand, jute or plastic bags, textiles, ropes, tools, etc.

·   Keep calm, do not panic.

·   Warn neighbours and give priority to helping the handicapped, children and the elderly.

·   Keep informed of the danger and how it may evolve, listen to the radio but do not use the telephone without good reason (do not overload the lines).

·   Switch off electricity, gas and central heating. If there is enough time move valuable or delicate objects and pollutant products to the higher levels of the strongest parts of the building.

·   Implement the measures planned for the immediate protection of people and the environment (if possible untie and set free animals from stables and other such buildings).

·   If obliged to leave your house, lock it securely and make your way on foot to the evacuation zone using the route indicated by the authorities (especially in cases of hydraulic dam bursts).

·   Take with you only what is strictly necessary (emergency baggage, identity and personal papers, medicines).

·   Do not cross flooded areas on foot or in a vehicle. If necessary secure yourself by holding onto ropes or cables.

·   Collaborate with public safety bodies and the services helping the homeless.

·   Check and see if there any injured people in the vicinity and, if possible, help them.

·   Listen to the radio but do not use the telephone unnecessarily.

·   Collaborate with official rescue and assistance services helping the victims.

·   Collaborate in the identification of bodies.

·   Make yourself available to help with rehabilitation work.

LAND SLIDE

A landslide is defined as the movement of a mass of rock, debris, or earth down a slope. Landslides are a type of "mass wasting," which denotes any down-slope movement of soil and rock under the direct influence of gravity. Almost every landslide has multiple causes. Landslides can be initiated in slopes already on the verge of movement by rainfall, snowmelt, changes in water level, stream erosion, changes in ground water, earthquakes, volcanic activity, disturbance by human activities, or any combination of these factors. Earthquake shaking and other factors can also induce landslides underwater. These landslides are called submarine landslides. Submarine landslides sometimes cause tsunamis that damage coastal areas. 

Natural Causes of Landslides

1.      Climate

Long-term climatic changes can significantly impact soil stability. A general reduction in precipitation leads to lowering of water table and reduction in overall weight of soil mass, reduced solution of materials and less powerful freeze-thaw activity.  When sloped areas are completely saturated with water, landslides can occur. If there is absence of mechanical root support, the soils start to run off.

2.      Earthquakes

Seismic activities contributed to landslides across the globe. If tectonic plates move, the soil covering them also moves along. When earthquakes strike, the soil slips leading to landslides. Also, when debris flows, instigated by earthquakes could also cause mass soil movement.

3.      Weathering

Weathering is the natural procedure of rock deterioration that leads to weak, landslide-susceptive materials. It is by the chemical action of water, air, plants and bacteria. When the rocks are weak enough, they slip away causing landslides.

4.      Erosion

Erosion caused by sporadic running water such as streams, rivers, wind, currents, ice and waves wipes out latent and lateral slope support enabling landslides to occur easily.

5.      Volcanoes

If a volcanic eruption occurs in a wet condition, the soil will start to move downhill instigating a landslide. 

6.      Forest fires

Forest fires instigate soil erosion and bring about floods, which might lead to landslides

7.      Gravity

Steeper slopes coupled with gravitational force can trigger a massive landslide.

Human causes of landslides

1.      Mining

Mining activities by blasting techniques contribute vibrations. It can weaken soils in other areas susceptible to landslides. The weakening of soil means a landslide can occur anytime.

2.      Clear cutting

Clear cutting is a technique of timber harvesting that eliminates all old trees from the area. This technique is dangerous since it decimates the existing mechanical root structure of the area.

Effects of Landslides

1.      Lead to economic decline

It could drain the economy of the region or country. After a landslide, the area affected normally undergoes rehabilitation. This rehabilitation involves massive capital outlay. 

               2. Decimation of infrastructure

The force flow of mud, debris, and rocks as a result of a landslide can cause serious damage to property. Infrastructure such as roads, railways, leisure destinations, buildings and communication systems can be decimated by a single landslide.

3.      Loss of life

Communities living at the foot of hills and mountains are at a greater risk of death by landslides. A substantial landslide carries along huge rocks, heavy debris and heavy soil with it. This kind of landslide has the capacity to kills lots of people on impact. 

         4.  Affects beauty of landscapes

The erosion left behind by landslides leaves behind rugged landscapes that are unsightly. The pile of soil, rock and debris downhill can cover land utilized by the community for agricultural or social purposes.

5.      Impacts river ecosystems

The soil, debris, and rock sliding downhill can find way into rivers and block their natural flow. Many river habitats like fish can die due to interference of natural flow of water. Communities depending on the river water for household activities and irrigation will suffer if flow of water is blocked.

 

Temporary Prevention

• For temporary landslide prevention, sandbags can be used to divert water from uncontrolled spilling just as retaining walls or diverted pathways do.
• Another method is to protect unstable areas with plastic sheeting, tarps or even burlap, especially in areas without vegetation because of recent fires.
• Surface water should be diverted away from the landslide-prone region by channeling water in a lined drainage ditch or sewer pipe to the base of the slope. The water should be diverted in such a way as to avoid triggering a landslide adjacent to the site. Surface water should not be allowed to pond on the landslide-prone slope.
• Ground water can be drained from the soil using trenches filled with gravel and perforated pipes or pumped water wells.
• Swimming pools, water lines, and sewers should be maintained to prevent leakage, and the watering of lawns and vegetation should be kept to a minimum.
• Removing the soil and rock at the head of the landslide decreases the driving pressure and can slow or stop a landslide.
• Additional soil and rock above the landslide will need to be removed to prevent a new landslide from forming upslope.
• Flattening the slope angle at the top of the hill can help stabilize landslide-prone slopes.
• Constructing piles and retaining walls: Piles are metal beams that are either driven into the soil or placed in drill holes. Properly placed piles should extend into a competent rock layer below the landslide. Wooden beams and telephone poles are not recommended for use as piles because they lack strength and can rot.
• landslides can ooze through the gaps between the piles, retaining walls are often constructed. Retaining walls can be constructed by adding lagging (metal, concrete, or wooden beams) horizontally between the piles. Such walls can be further strengthened by adding tiebacks and buttressing beams
• Removal and replacement: Landslide-prone soil and rock can be removed and replaced with stronger materials, such as silty or sandy soils. Because weathering of shales can form landslide-prone soils, the removal and replacement procedure must include measures to prevent continued weathering of the remaining rock. Landslide material should never be pushed back up the slope. This will simply lead to continued motion of the landslide.
• Preserving vegetation: Trees, grasses, and vegetation can minimize the amount of water infiltrating into the soil, slow the erosion caused by surface-water flow, and remove water from the soil. Although vegetation alone cannot prevent or stop a landslide, removal of vegetation from a landslide-prone slope may initiate a landslide.
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FIRE

Fire is the rapid oxidation of a material in the exothermal chemical process of combustion, releasing heat and light  

MAJOR CAUSES OF FIRES

• Accidents and Carelessness
• Electrical Wiring, Electrical Outlets and Faulty Wiring
• Appliances
• Heating
• Unattended Stoves
• Children Playing with Matches
• Kitchen Fire While Cooking

• Make sure your chimney is cleaned regularly, especially at beginning of the season.
• Never use homemade stoves, which are a common cause of fires.
• Don’t install or use stoves in a garage; they can contact combustible materials more readily.

• Burn candles and potpourri only when you are in the room.
• Keep open flames away from curtains and other combustible materials.

·         The safest way to deal with fire is to prevent it.

• Test your smoke detectors.
• Inspect heating sources.
• Keep the stove and oven clear.
• Stay in the kitchen.
• Check the dryer.
• Maintain electrical cords.
• Know your shutoffs.
• Store flammable products properly.
• Be a conscientious smoker.
• Use the fireplace responsibly.
• Prevent wildfires from outdoor fire pits, bonfires, and burn barrels.
• Make sure your fire pit or burn barrel is constructed of nonflammable materials, like stone or concrete. Avoid having fires on windy days or after long periods of dry weather. Never leave the fire unattended—it only takes one spark to ignite a wildfire. 
• Keep a bucket filled with water or a hose connected to a water source nearby. Extinguish the fire by thoroughly dousing it with water, and place your hand over the ashes to feel for any remaining warmth. 
• Keep fire extinguishers handy.
• Some homes come equipped with fire sprinkler systems, but fire extinguishers stocked in key areas of your home is the next best thing. At the very least, keep one in the kitchen and others near high-risk areas like a fireplace. Remember to put the fire extinguisher far enough away from the potential fire source that you’ll be able to grab it safely without getting too close to the stove or fireplace. 
• Close bedroom doors.
• Know your location. 

• Keep firewood, piles of leaves and garbage away from the home. 
• Store containers of cooking oil well away from the stove. 
•  Be sure to properly extinguish smoking materials. 
• Prevent potting soil fires

 

 

EARTHQUAKE

Earthquake, is the sudden shaking of the ground caused by the passage of seismic waves which are produced when some form of energy stored in Earth’s crust is suddenly released. Earthquakes occur most often along geologic faults, narrow zones where rock masses move in relation to one another. It causes a catastrophe.

Causes of Earthquake

Earthquakes are caused by sudden tectonic movements in the Earth’s crust. The main cause is that when tectonic plates, one rides over the other, causing orogeny collide (mountain building), earthquakes. The largest fault surfaces on Earth are formed due to boundaries between moving plates.

The stress increases when they stick, relative motion between the plates. This continues until the stress rises and breaks, suddenly allowing sliding over the locked portion of the fault, releasing the stored energy as shock waves.

Effects of Earthquake

The effects of an earthquake are terrible and devastating. Many building, hospitals, schools, etc are destroyed due to it. A lot of people get killed and injured. Many people lose their money and property. It affects the mental health and emotional health of people. The environmental effects of it are that including surface faulting, tectonic uplift and subsidence, tsunamis, soil liquefaction, ground resonance, landslides and ground failure, either directly linked to a quake source or provoked by the ground shaking.

HOW YOU CAN PROTECT YOURSELF

• Know your risk. 
• Make sure that water heater, gas appliances, and other fixtures are fastened securely using safety cables or straps and lock the rollers of all appliances and furniture.
• Check that bookcases, filing cabinets and furniture are secure and fastened to walls.
• Secure ceiling lights, suspended ceilings and other hanging items to the building structure.
• Fit all gas appliances with flexible connections and breakaway gas shut-off devices or install a main gas shut-off device.
• Brace unreinforced chimneys, masonry, concrete walls and foundations.
• Add anchor bolts or steel plates between your home’s structure and foundation.
• Have a family emergency plan that all family members know. Designate a meeting place outside the home where family members can gather once the danger has passed.
• Designate a distant relative or friend who can serve as a point of contact and communication for you and your family members if you get separated.
• Plan ahead and put together an emergency kit. It should include flashlights, batteries, candles, non-perishable food, water, first aid supplies, camping supplies (stove, battery-powered lantern, etc), blankets, any personal items you may need like medications, toiletries and clothing.  If you have pets, make sure have all supplies you will need for their care (pet food, leashes, veterinary records, pet medications, food/water bowls, pet carriers, blankets, litter and litterboxes)
• Plan for a week’s worth of supplies for each person and pet.  You will need at least 4 gallons of drinking water per person for a week.
• Be sure you have a portable radio so you can be informed about emergency announcements in your area.
• Be sure everyone in your house knows how to turn off utilities (electricity, water, and gas).
• When shopping for earthquake insurance, ask Carriage Insurance to help you identify possible repairs and other improvements that will make your home safer and minimize damage.

WHAT TO DO WHEN AN EARTHQUAKE STRIKES

If you are inside when an earthquake hits, stay inside and get under a heavy table or desk. Stay away from windows, skylights, doors and things that could fall.  One of the biggest hazards during an earthquake is falling debris and furniture.  Avoid these areas.  If you can’t take safe cover, protect your head and neck with your arms.  Do not evacuate the building unless emergency personnel direct you to leave.

If you are outside, move quickly into the open, away from electrical lines, trees and buildings because stone and masonry facings can break loose and fall away from upper parts of buildings. Drop to the ground and wait for the shaking to stop.

If you are in a car, stop safely away from structures, large trees, power lines, and other hazards. Don’t stop your car under bridges or near roadway signs. Stay inside the vehicle.

After an Earthquake

• Be prepared for aftershocks.  These can last for days or even weeks after a major earthquake.
• If you have experienced damage from an earthquake, report it as soon as possible.
• Check gas lines and make sure there are no leaks.  If you smell gas, turn off the gas if possible and call the gas company.  Don’t use candles until gas lines are checked. Wait for the gas company to turn the gas back on.
• Check throughout your home before you use certain utilities, such as water and electrick, sewage connections, and even chimneys.
• Check fro damaged electrical wiring.  Shut off the power if you see damaged wiring in your house.
• Don’t tie up phone lines except to report emergencies.
• Keep your shoes on.  You may have broken glass or chemicals on the floor as a result of the earthquake.  Make sure your floors are clean and safe before going barefoot.
• If your insurance policy covers earthquake damage, document the damage to your property.  Make sure you take photos or video of the damage to use in the claims process.

WHAT TO DO DURING AN EARTHQUAKE

·         Stay calm If you're indoors, stay inside. If you're outside, stay outside.

·         If you're indoors, stand against a wall near the center of the building, stand in a doorway, or crawl under heavy furniture (a desk or table). Stay away from windows and outside doors.

·         If you're outdoors, stay in the open away from power lines or anything that might fall. Stay away from buildings (stuff might fall off the building or the building could fall on you).

·         Don't use matches, candles, or any flame. Broken gas lines and fire don't mix.

·         If you're in a car, stop the car and stay inside the car until the earthquake stops.

·         Don't use elevators (they'll probably get stuck anyway).

What to Do After an Earthquake

·         Check yourself and others for injuries. Provide first aid for anyone who needs it.

·         Check water, gas, and electric lines for damage. If any are damaged, shut off the valves. Check for the smell of gas. If you smell it, open all the windows and doors, leave immediately, and report it to the authorities (use someone else's phone).

·         Turn on the radio. Don't use the phone unless it's an emergency.

·         Stay out of damaged buildings.

·         Be careful around broken glass and debris. Wear boots or sturdy shoes to keep from cutting your feet.

·         Be careful of chimneys

·         Stay away from beaches. Tsunamis may sometimes hit after the ground has stopped shaking.

·         Stay away from damaged areas.

·         If you're at school or work, follow the emergency plan or the instructions of the person in charge.

·         Expect aftershocks.