Key Definitions
Natural Hazard
A natural event that has the potential to cause damage to life, property, or the environment.
Natural Disaster
Occurs when a natural hazard causes significant damage, and the affected community cannot cope with its resources.
Note: Natural disasters do not discriminate between people of society and other communities.
Types of Natural Hazards
Geophysical Hazards
- • Earthquakes
- • Volcanic eruptions
- • Tsunamis
- • Avalanches
- • Landslides
Hydrological Hazards
- • Floods
- • Flash floods
- • Storm surges
Meteorological Hazards
- • Cyclones
- • Storms
- • Hurricanes
- • Tornadoes
Climatological Hazards
- • Droughts (slow onset)
- • Wildfires
- • Extreme temperatures
Biological Hazards
- • Pandemics
- • Epidemics
- • Disease outbreaks
Prevention & Mitigation
Prevention
Ensuring actions or phenomena do not result in disasters.
Example: Building a plinth wall for floods
Mitigation
Reducing the severity of human and material damage caused by disasters.
Key Challenge
Despite increasing vulnerability to natural disasters, many communities resist adopting mitigation programs and measures.
🌊 Flood Mitigation Measures
Elevating or protecting electrical service panels
Upsizing culverts to handle flood surges
Protecting facilities with barriers and sandbags
Relocating equipment outside the flood plain
Structural vs Non-Structural Measures
Structural Measures
Physical constructions or engineering techniques to reduce hazard impacts
Non-Structural Measures
Strategies and policies that do not involve physical construction or engineering
National Disaster Management Authority
NDMA
Apex body in India for disaster management policies
23 December 2005
Through Disaster Management Act
Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA)
Policy formulation, coordination, and monitoring of disaster management
Anthropogenic Hazards
What are Anthropogenic Hazards?
Hazards caused by human action or inaction
Examples: Nuclear disasters, floods, and forest fires can occur due to anthropogenic causes.
Societal Hazards
- • Criminality
- • Civil disorder
- • Terrorism
- • War and conflict
Industrial & Engineering
- • Power outages
- • Industrial fires
- • Chemical accidents
- • Structural failures
Transportation Hazards
- • Road accidents
- • Oil spills
- • Air pollution
- • Traffic congestion
Natural Hazards by Climate Change
Global Warming Impact
Global warming can lead to/aggravate drought, flood, and storm natural disasters.
The frequency and intensity of extreme weather events will have serious consequences for food security.
Rising Disasters Due to Climate Change:
Floods
Increased rainfall causes severe urban flooding
Storms
Stronger hurricanes and typhoons devastate coasts
Heat Waves
Prolonged high temperatures worsen health risks
Droughts
Reduced rainfall leads to water shortages
Wildfires
Rising temperatures cause frequent forest fires
Melting Glaciers
Contributes to rising sea levels globally
Climate Migration
Disasters force people to relocate. Climate change is going to increase social tension in India.
Tsunami
Definition
Meaning of Tsunami is "Harbour Wave"
Caused by Earthquakes
Seafloor shifts trigger massive waves
Underwater Volcanic Eruptions
Lava movement displaces water
Coastal Devastation
Floods cities and destroys buildings
Rapid Speed
Travels fast in deep oceans
Warning Signs
Receding shorelines indicate incoming waves
High Casualties
Can kill thousands in minutes
Global Impact
Affects multiple countries across oceans
Cyclones
Most cyclones cause widespread damage in coastal areas
Warm tropical oceans and moist air mass are prerequisites
Hurricanes and typhoons are essentially the same as tropical cyclones
Rotating Wind System
Forms around low-pressure areas
Ocean Heat Transfer
Fuels storm intensity and duration
Strong Winds
Cause infrastructure damage and flooding
Heavy Rainfall
Leads to landslides and flash floods
Storm Surges
Push seawater inland, flooding cities
Coastal Destruction
Homes, crops, and businesses destroyed
Evacuation Needed
Early warnings save countless lives
Human Health Risk Assessment
Correct Order of Risk Assessment
The assessment follows a specific sequence for exposure to chemicals:
Hazard Identification → Dose-Response Assessment → Exposure Assessment → Risk Characterization → Estimating the magnitude of the public health
Hazard Identification
Chemical Risk Analysis
Identifies chemicals causing health effects
Health Impact Study
Links substances to specific diseases
Hazard identification is a process of determining whether a particular chemical is linked to a particular health effect.
Dose-Response Assessment
Higher Dose, Greater Effect
More exposure increases health risks
Threshold Level
Some chemicals are harmful above a limit
Dose-response assessment characterizes the relationship between the dose received and the adverse health effect.
Exposure Assessment
Population at Risk
Identifies exposed groups and locations
Toxicant Pathways
Tracks chemicals through air, water, soil
Exposure assessment determines the size and nature of the population that has been exposed to toxicants.
Risk Characterization
Public Health Impact
Estimates overall risk magnitude
Risk Communication
Conveys findings for safety measures
Risk characterization: Assessing the extent of the public health issue.
Environmental Protection Act (EPA) 1986
The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986
Enacted with the main objective of providing protection and improvement of the environment, and addressing matters connected therewith.
📜 Background & Historical Context
Constitutional Amendment
The original Indian Constitution lacked provisions for environmental protection.
42nd Amendment introduced:
- • Fundamental Duties (environmental protection)
- • Article 48A - State must protect environment
Global Influence
Changes influenced by the United Nations Conference on Human Environment
Stockholm, 1972
First major international conference on environmental issues
Preceding Laws
Environmental laws before EPA:
Bhopal Gas Tragedy
The EPA was passed in the wake of this disaster
December 2, 1984
One of the world's worst industrial disasters
🎯 Aims and Objectives
Implementation of Stockholm Decisions
Implementing decisions from the 1972 Stockholm Conference
Regulatory Authority
Creation of a government authority to regulate industry
Capable of issuing direct orders including closures
Coordination
Coordinating activities of various agencies under existing laws
Environmental Laws
Enacting regular laws for environmental protection
Punishments
Imposing punishments for endangering environment, safety, and health
• Up to 5 years imprisonment
• Fines up to Rs. 1 lakh
• Severe cases: 7 years imprisonment
Sustainable Development
Engaging in the sustainable development of the environment
Right to Life
Attaining protection of the right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution
📋 Main Provisions
Central Powers
The Centre enforces environmental protection measures
Nationwide Programs
Plans and coordinates environmental initiatives
Quality Standards
Regulates pollution and emission limits
Industry Restrictions
Controls industrial locations for environmental safety
Inspection & Analysis
Government can inspect, test, and analyze pollutants
Pollutant Discharge
Prohibits emissions beyond set limits
Hazardous Substances
Regulates handling of hazardous materials
Public Complaints
Citizens can file legal complaints on violations
Comprehensive Environmental Law
The Environment Protection Act, 1986, is a comprehensive law aimed at safeguarding and improving the environmental quality in India, ensuring sustainable development and public health protection.
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