{"id":1943,"date":"2024-12-26T10:42:43","date_gmt":"2024-12-26T10:42:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/iasquest.com\/?p=1943"},"modified":"2026-02-11T19:00:08","modified_gmt":"2026-02-11T19:00:08","slug":"gs-iii-technology-economic-development-biodiversity-environment-security-and-disaster-and-disaster-management","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/kingmakersiasacademy.com\/current-affairs\/gs-iii-technology-economic-development-biodiversity-environment-security-and-disaster-and-disaster-management\/","title":{"rendered":"GS-III- Technology, Economic Development, Biodiversity, Environment, Security and Disaster and Disaster Management"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Discuss the factors responsible for tsunamis and their socio-economic impacts, with reference to the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. How has disaster management in India evolved since then to enhance resilience against future disasters?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, triggered by a massive undersea earthquake, highlighted the devastating power of tsunamis and their far-reaching socio-economic impacts. The disaster exposed significant gaps in India\u2019s disaster preparedness but also served as a turning point, driving the evolution of comprehensive disaster management frameworks to enhance resilience against future calamities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Factors Responsible for Tsunamis<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Seismic Activity-<\/strong> Underwater earthquakes caused by tectonic plate movements are the primary cause of tsunamis. For instance, the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami was triggered by a 9.1 magnitude earthquake near the Sumatra-Andaman subduction zone.
Volcanic Eruptions-<\/strong> Submarine volcanic eruptions displace large volumes of water, potentially generating tsunamis.
Underwater Landslides-<\/strong> These can result from tectonic activity, causing significant water displacement.
Meteorological Events-<\/strong> Cyclones and storm surges can lead to tsunamis, although on a smaller scale.
Glacial Calving-<\/strong> Large icebergs breaking off from glaciers can trigger localized tsunamis in polar regions.
Human Activities-<\/strong> Activities such as underwater nuclear tests can disturb water bodies and potentially create tsunamis.
Absence of Early Warning Systems-<\/strong> As evident in 2004, the lack of a tsunami detection and alert system exacerbated the disaster’s impact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Socio-Economic Impacts of Tsunamis:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Loss of Life-<\/strong> The 2004 tsunami resulted in over 230,000 deaths across 14 countries, highlighting the catastrophic human toll.
Displacement-<\/strong> Massive displacement of populations due to destroyed homes, with over 5 lakh people displaced in India alone.
Economic Losses-<\/strong> Fisheries, tourism, and agriculture sectors suffered severe losses. For instance, Nagapattinam\u2019s fishing industry faced near-total destruction.
Infrastructure Damage-<\/strong> Ports, roads, bridges, and communication networks were destroyed, disrupting connectivity and relief operations.
Health Crises- <\/strong>Outbreaks of diseases like cholera and typhoid due to contaminated water and improper sanitation in temporary shelters.
Psychosocial Effects-<\/strong> Trauma, anxiety, and depression were widespread among survivors, especially orphaned children and displaced families.
Environmental Degradation- <\/strong>Coastal ecosystems, including mangroves and coral reefs, were heavily damaged, reducing natural coastal defences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Evolving Disaster Management in India Post-2004<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Legislative Framework-<\/strong> The Disaster Management Act (2005) established the NDMA, empowering state and district authorities with comprehensive disaster management plans.
Early Warning Systems-<\/strong> The Indian Tsunami Early Warning Centre (ITEWC), established in 2007, monitors seismic activities and provides real-time alerts.
Technology Integration-<\/strong> GIS mapping, AI-based risk assessment, and mobile apps like \u2018Sachet\u2019 enhance preparedness and response.
Risk Transfer Mechanisms-<\/strong> Insurance schemes for housing, agriculture, and livelihoods have been introduced, mitigating post-disaster financial burdens.
Institutional Support-<\/strong> The NDMA’s guidelines include capacity-building initiatives and training for local communities to act as first responders.
Coastal Defence Measures-<\/strong> Sea walls, shelter belt plantations, and multi-hazard shelters have been built to protect vulnerable coastal areas.
International Cooperation-<\/strong> Collaboration with global institutions like the World Bank and United Nations for funding and knowledge sharing on disaster resilience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lessons from Tsunami Rehabilitation and Recovery<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Community Involvement-<\/strong> Empowering local communities ensures ownership and effective recovery. NGOs and self-help groups played critical roles in rebuilding livelihoods post-2004.
Holistic Recovery Models-<\/strong> Multi-hazard-resistant housing and infrastructure, such as disaster-ready schools and health facilities, promote long-term resilience.
Dynamic Field-Based Orders-<\/strong> Flexibility in policies to address region-specific needs ensures better resource allocation and effective recovery.
Psycho-Social Support-<\/strong> Initiatives like counselling services and orphan care, such as Annai Sathya Home, provided crucial emotional support to affected individuals.
Integrated Risk Reduction-<\/strong> Combining DRR measures with urban planning, as seen in coastal Tamil Nadu, enhances disaster preparedness.
Strengthened Livelihoods-<\/strong> Reviving the fishing industry and promoting alternative livelihoods through vocational training helped restore economic stability.
Global Best Practices-<\/strong> Adopting measures like Japan\u2019s robust early warning systems and building codes can significantly reduce vulnerabilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Contemporary Measures to Enhance Resilience<\/strong>
Smart Cities Mission-<\/strong> Incorporates disaster risk management in urban planning, ensuring safer infrastructure and better response systems.
Use of AI and Big Data-<\/strong> Predictive models for disaster scenarios enable preemptive action, reducing impact severity.
Climate Adaptation Strategies-<\/strong> Focus on mangrove restoration and sustainable practices to combat rising sea levels and storm surges.
International Collaboration-<\/strong> India actively participates in global platforms like the Sendai Framework for DRR to adopt best practices.
Community Training Programs-<\/strong> Mock drills and awareness campaigns educate vulnerable communities, especially in coastal areas.
Inclusion in School Curricula-<\/strong> Disaster preparedness education fosters a culture of safety and resilience from a young age.
Private Sector Involvement-<\/strong> Encouraging corporate participation in DRR through CSR initiatives and funding for infrastructure projects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

By institutionalizing lessons from the past and leveraging technological advancements, India has significantly enhanced its disaster management capabilities. However, continuous adaptation to evolving risks remains essential for building a truly resilient society.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Source<\/p>\n\n\n\n

https:\/\/www.thehindu.com\/opinion\/lead\/nagapattinams-journey-of-resilience-lessons-for-the-future\/article69026509.ece#:~:text=On%20December%2026%2C%202004%2C%20the,groundwork%20for%20more%20resilient%20societies<\/a><\/p>\n