1Q)Identify the mitigation measures to be taken at the time of earthquake

Here are the mitigation measures to take during an earthquake to ensure safety:

Before the Earthquake (Preparation)

Develop an Emergency Plan: Prepare an evacuation plan and identify safe spots like sturdy
furniture or door frames in each room.

Secure Heavy Objects: Anchor furniture, appliances, and other heavy items to walls to
prevent them from falling.

Emergency Kit: Keep an emergency kit ready with water, food, flashlight, batteries, first aid,
and essential medicines.

Structural Safety: Ensure your home or building complies with earthquake-resistant design
standards.

During the Earthquake

Drop, Cover, and Hold On:

Drop to your hands and knees to prevent being knocked over.

Cover your head and neck with your arms. If possible, take shelter under sturdy furniture.

Hold on to your shelter until shaking stops.

Stay Indoors: Remain indoors until shaking stops. Avoid windows, mirrors, and heavy
objects that could fall.

Avoid Elevators: Use stairs if evacuation becomes necessary after the quake.

Stay Outside if Already Outdoors: Move to an open area away from buildings, trees, and
power lines.

After the Earthquake

Check for Injuries: Administer first aid and seek help for severe injuries.

Inspect for Hazards: Check for gas leaks, electrical faults, and structural damage before re-
entering buildings.

Stay Informed: Listen to emergency broadcasts for updates and instructions.

Be Prepared for Aftershocks: Aftershocks can occur, so remain alert.

Long-term Mitigation
Community Preparedness: Participate in earthquake drills and encourage community-wide
emergency response plans.

Retrofitting Structures: Retrofit older buildings to meet earthquake safety standards.

Zoning Regulations: Avoid building in high-risk earthquake-prone areas.

These measures can greatly reduce the risk of injury and loss during earthquakes.

2Q)Explain the role of following organizations in disaster mitigation

SCOPE

WMO

GIS

Here’s the role of each organization or system in disaster mitigation:

1. SCOPE (Scientific Committee on Problems of the Environment)

Role in Disaster Mitigation:

SCOPE is an interdisciplinary body of scientists that addresses global environmental

challenges, including natural disasters.

It promotes research and international collaboration to understand the impact of disasters

on ecosystems and human societies.

Provides recommendations for disaster preparedness and environmental management to

reduce vulnerability.

Disseminates knowledge about sustainable practices to mitigate the effects of natural

disasters like floods, droughts, and storms.

2. WMO (World Meteorological Organization)

Role in Disaster Mitigation:

WMO specializes in meteorology, hydrology, and climatology, playing a critical role in

disaster prediction and early warning systems.
Early Warning Systems: WMO provides real-time data on weather, climate, and water-
related hazards like cyclones, floods, droughts, and tsunamis.

Risk Assessment: Helps member countries assess climate-related risks and

vulnerabilities.

Capacity Building: Offers training and tools to enhance the disaster preparedness
capabilities of nations.

International Coordination: Collaborates with global agencies to ensure rapid

communication and effective disaster response.

3. GIS (Geographic Information System)

Role in Disaster Mitigation:

GIS is a powerful tool for mapping, analyzing, and managing geographic data, critical for
disaster mitigation and management.

Hazard Mapping: Identifies high-risk areas by analyzing geographic and historical disaster
data.

Resource Management: Helps in planning the allocation of resources such as evacuation

routes, shelters, and medical supplies.

Real-Time Monitoring: Monitors ongoing disasters (e.g., flood extent, wildfire spread) to
guide timely response.

Urban Planning: Aids in designing infrastructure and urban layouts that minimize disaster
impact.

Decision Support: Provides visualizations and simulations for better decision-making

during emergency planning and response.

Together, these organizations and technologies contribute significantly to disaster

mitigation by enhancing preparedness, early warning, and informed response to natural
and man-made hazards.

3Q)Discuss various programmes in U.N Agencies

The United Nations (UN) has initiated several programs through its specialized agencies to
address global challenges such as disaster management, sustainable development,
climate change, and humanitarian aid. Below are some key programs across different UN
agencies:

1. UNDP (United Nations Development Programme)

Programs:

Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR): Focuses on reducing vulnerabilities to natural hazards by

strengthening community resilience.

Climate Change Adaptation: Helps countries implement strategies to adapt to changing

climatic conditions.

Resilience Building: Supports recovery programs after disasters through sustainable

development approaches.

Key Initiative: “Building Disaster-Resilient Infrastructure” focuses on infrastructure design

and management.

2. UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme)

Programs:

Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC): Works to reduce short-lived climate pollutants like
black carbon and methane.

Ecosystem-based Disaster Risk Reduction (Eco-DRR): Promotes the use of natural

ecosystems to mitigate disaster risks.

UN-REDD (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation): Aims to

combat climate change by conserving forests.
 3. WMO (World Meteorological Organization)

Programs:

Global Framework for Climate Services (GFCS): Provides climate information to support
disaster preparedness and decision-making.

World Weather Watch (WWW): Coordinates global weather observations and forecasts.

Flash Flood Guidance System (FFGS): Assists countries in forecasting and managing flash
flood events.

Severe Weather Forecasting Programme (SWFP): Enhances early warning systems for
extreme weather events.

4. WHO (World Health Organization)

Programs:

Health Emergency Programme: Focuses on managing health risks during emergencies like
pandemics, earthquakes, and conflicts.

Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network (GOARN): Coordinates international

responses to infectious disease outbreaks.

Climate Change and Health Programme: Examines the health impacts of climate change
and develops mitigation strategies.

5. FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization)

Programs:

Global Information and Early Warning System (GIEWS): Monitors and forecasts food
security and agricultural production risks.

Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA): Promotes sustainable farming practices to combat the

effects of climate change.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM): Helps manage risks like locust outbreaks that threaten
food security.
 6. UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization)

Programs:

Man and the Biosphere Programme (MAB): Promotes sustainable development by

managing natural resources.

Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC): Conducts research on tsunamis,

sea-level rise, and other ocean-related hazards.

International Hydrological Programme (IHP): Focuses on sustainable water management

and flood risk reduction.

World Heritage Programme: Protects cultural and natural heritage sites from disasters.

7. UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees)

Programs:

Global Compact on Refugees: Enhances protection and assistance for displaced persons
during disasters and conflicts.

Refugee Response Plans (RRP): Develops coordinated strategies for humanitarian aid in
disaster-affected regions.

Emergency Shelter Programme: Provides temporary housing and essential resources to

displaced populations.

8. UNDRR (United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction)

Programs:

Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction: A global agreement focusing on reducing
disaster risks through proactive measures.
Making Cities Resilient Campaign: Supports urban areas in developing disaster-resilient
strategies.

Global Risk Assessment Framework (GRAF): Provides tools for understanding and reducing
disaster risks.

9. UNICEF (United Nations Children’s Fund)

Programs:

WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene): Ensures access to clean water and sanitation
during emergencies.

Children in Emergencies: Provides education, healthcare, and psychological support for

children in disaster zones.

Nutrition and Food Security: Focuses on preventing malnutrition during and after disasters.

10. UNISDR (United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction)

Programs:

Resilient Cities Programme: Assists cities in adopting disaster risk reduction strategies.

Hyogo Framework for Action: Predecessor to the Sendai Framework, focusing on disaster
preparedness and resilience.

4Q)Write a note on Role Panchayats in Disaster Mitigation.

Role of Panchayats in Disaster Mitigation

Panchayats, as the grassroots-level governance bodies in India, play a crucial role in

disaster mitigation and management. Their proximity to local communities enables them
to respond effectively to disasters and implement preventive measures tailored to the
region’s specific needs.

1. Disaster Preparedness

Awareness Generation:

Conduct public awareness campaigns on disaster risks, preparedness, and safety

measures.

Educate villagers on early warning systems and evacuation protocols.

Local Risk Mapping:

Identify disaster-prone areas within the Panchayat jurisdiction.

Maintain records of vulnerable populations such as children, elderly, and disabled

persons.

Capacity Building:

Organize training programs for community members on first aid, search and rescue, and
disaster response.

2. Disaster Prevention and Mitigation

Environmental Protection:

Promote afforestation, soil conservation, and water management to reduce risks of floods,
landslides, and droughts.

Implement measures to prevent deforestation and illegal sand mining, which exacerbate
disaster risks.

Infrastructure Development:

Ensure construction of disaster-resilient infrastructure such as cyclone shelters, flood

embankments, and rainwater harvesting systems.
Maintain and improve local roads and drainage systems to reduce flood risks.

3. Early Warning and Communication

Local Communication Networks:

Act as a link between district authorities and villagers for disseminating early warnings.

Use community platforms like Gram Sabha meetings to share disaster alerts.

Traditional Knowledge:

Leverage local knowledge and practices for disaster prediction and preparedness.

4. Disaster Response

Relief Coordination:

Coordinate the distribution of relief materials such as food, water, and medicines during
emergencies.

Ensure fair and efficient allocation of resources to affected families.

Temporary Shelter Management:

Organize and manage temporary shelters for displaced populations.

Health and Sanitation:

Ensure availability of clean water, sanitation facilities, and healthcare services in disaster-
affected areas.

5. Post-Disaster Recovery

Rehabilitation and Reconstruction:

Assist in rebuilding homes and restoring livelihoods of disaster-affected families.

Promote community participation in recovery activities to ensure equitable outcomes.

Livelihood Support:

Facilitate access to government schemes for disaster-affected individuals, such as

employment under the MGNREGA (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment
Guarantee Act).

6. Collaboration with Stakeholders

Coordination with Government Agencies:

Work with state and district authorities for effective implementation of disaster
management plans.

Engaging NGOs and Community Groups:

Partner with non-governmental organizations to enhance resources and expertise in

disaster mitigation.

7. Promoting Disaster-Resilient Development

Ensure that all developmental activities, such as road construction or irrigation projects,
incorporate disaster risk reduction principles.

Focus on long-term resilience by integrating disaster mitigation measures into Panchayat-

level planning processes.

Significance of Panchayats in Disaster Mitigation

Panchayats are pivotal in bridging the gap between disaster policies at the national and
state levels and the grassroots communities. Their active involvement ensures a
community-driven approach to disaster mitigation, leveraging local knowledge,
participation, and accountability. By empowering Panchayats with resources, training, and
authority, they can become frontline responders and agents of resilience.
5Q)Identify various Institutes involved in Natural Disaster Reduction?

Numerous national and international institutes are involved in natural disaster reduction,
focusing on research, monitoring, early warning systems, and capacity building. Here is a
list of key organizations:

1. International Institutes
a. United Nations Organizations

UNDRR (United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction):

Implements the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction.

Focuses on reducing disaster risks through global policies and local implementation.

WMO (World Meteorological Organization):

Monitors weather-related hazards like storms, floods, and droughts.

Provides early warnings through global meteorological networks.

UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization):

Conducts research on earthquake and tsunami risks.

Manages programs like the International Tsunami Warning System.

FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization):

Addresses the impact of disasters on agriculture and food security.

Develops strategies for drought and pest management.

b. Other Global Organizations

ICIMOD (International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development):

Focuses on disaster risk reduction in the Himalayan region.

Researches glacial lake outburst floods and landslides.

GFZ (German Research Centre for Geosciences):

Studies geological hazards like earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.

Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC):

Provides tsunami warnings for Pacific Rim countries.

2. National Institutes

a. India

NIDM (National Institute of Disaster Management):

Trains policymakers and practitioners in disaster risk management.

Conducts research and awareness programs on disaster resilience.

IMD (India Meteorological Department):

Monitors and provides warnings for weather-related hazards like cyclones, heatwaves, and
floods.

CWC (Central Water Commission):

Monitors water levels in rivers and reservoirs to forecast floods.

GSI (Geological Survey of India):

Studies seismic, landslide, and volcanic hazards.

INCOIS (Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services):

Issues tsunami warnings and monitors oceanographic phenomena.

b. United States

USGS (United States Geological Survey):

Conducts research on earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and landslides.

Provides hazard assessments and real-time data on geophysical events.

NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration):

Monitors weather, oceans, and atmospheric conditions.

Issues warnings for hurricanes, floods, and other natural disasters.

c. Japan

JMA (Japan Meteorological Agency):

Provides real-time earthquake and tsunami warnings.

Studies typhoons, heavy rains, and other weather-related hazards.

NIED (National Research Institute for Earth Science and Disaster Resilience):

Focuses on earthquake engineering, landslides, and disaster resilience research.

d. Other Countries

BRGM (Bureau of Geological and Mining Research, France):

Specializes in geological risk assessment and monitoring.

CSIRO (Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Australia):

Conducts research on bushfires, droughts, and environmental hazards.

ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance (AHA Centre):

Manages disaster response and risk reduction in Southeast Asia.

3. Academic and Research Institutions

IRDR (Integrated Research on Disaster Risk):

A global program under the International Science Council for disaster risk research.

IIASA (International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis, Austria):

Analyzes systemic risks and disaster management strategies.

Asian Disaster Preparedness Center (ADPC):

Provides training and technical assistance for disaster risk reduction in Asia.
 4. Regional Networks

SAARC Disaster Management Centre (SDMC):

Focuses on disaster preparedness and risk reduction in South Asia.

African Centre for Disaster Studies (ACDS):

Conducts research on disaster risks specific to Africa.

5. Specialized Centers

Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System (GDACS):

Provides real-time alerts for disasters worldwide.

Copernicus Emergency Management Service (EU):

Offers geospatial data for disaster response and monitoring.

International Seismological Centre (ISC):

Collects and analyzes global seismic data.

These institutes play a vital role in advancing knowledge, technology, and strategies for
disaster risk reduction and resilience building, collaborating across borders to tackle
natural disasters effectively.