Chapter 10: Disaster Management

Class 10 – Science Part 2 | Preparedness, response, and recovery strategies for natural and man-made disasters to protect communities.

Natural Disasters
Man-made Disasters
Emergency Response
Prevention
First Aid
Safety Measures
Subject: Science Part 2
Grade Level: Class 10
Chapter: 10
Topic: Disaster Management

1. Introduction

Disaster Management refers to the systematic process of planning, organizing, coordinating, and implementing measures to prevent, prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters. It aims to minimize human suffering, loss of life, and property damage caused by natural or man-made disasters.

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Natural Disasters

Caused by natural forces

Examples: Earthquakes, floods, cyclones

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Man-made Disasters

Caused by human activities

Examples: Industrial accidents, fires, terrorism

2. Types of Disasters

2.1 Natural Disasters

Disasters caused by natural processes of the Earth.

Disaster Causes Effects Prone Areas in India
Earthquake Tectonic plate movements, volcanic activity Building collapse, landslides, tsunamis Himalayan region, Gujarat, North-East
Flood Heavy rainfall, river overflow, dam break Property damage, waterborne diseases, crop loss Bihar, Assam, West Bengal, Coastal areas
Cyclone Low-pressure systems over warm oceans Strong winds, heavy rain, storm surges Eastern and Western coastal regions
Drought Inadequate rainfall, overuse of water Crop failure, water scarcity, famine Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Karnataka
Landslide Heavy rain, earthquakes, deforestation Road blockages, property damage, casualties Himalayan region, Western Ghats

2.2 Man-made Disasters

Disasters caused by human activities, negligence, or technological failures.

Disaster Causes Effects Prevention Measures
Industrial Accidents Chemical leaks, explosions, safety violations Toxic exposure, fires, environmental pollution Safety protocols, regular inspections
Fire Electrical faults, cooking accidents, arson Property loss, injuries, fatalities Fire alarms, extinguishers, safe wiring
Transport Accidents Human error, mechanical failure, bad weather Casualties, traffic disruption, economic loss Traffic rules, vehicle maintenance
Terrorism Political, religious, or ideological motives Mass casualties, psychological trauma Security measures, intelligence gathering
Nuclear Accidents Reactor malfunction, human error Radiation exposure, long-term health effects Strict safety protocols, containment

3. Phases of Disaster Management

3.1 Prevention and Mitigation

Actions taken to reduce or eliminate risks before a disaster occurs.

Measures:

  • Land use planning and zoning regulations
  • Building codes for earthquake/flood resistance
  • Early warning systems installation
  • Environmental conservation (afforestation, watershed management)
  • Public awareness and education programs

3.2 Preparedness

Planning and readiness activities before disaster strikes.

Measures:

  • Developing emergency response plans
  • Conducting disaster drills and simulations
  • Stockpiling emergency supplies (food, water, medicine)
  • Training community volunteers and first responders
  • Establishing communication networks

3.3 Response

Immediate actions taken during and immediately after a disaster.

Measures:

  • Search and rescue operations
  • Providing emergency medical care
  • Evacuation of affected people to safe shelters
  • Distribution of food, water, and relief materials
  • Restoring essential services (power, water, communication)

3.4 Recovery and Rehabilitation

Long-term efforts to restore normalcy after a disaster.

Measures:

  • Rebuilding damaged infrastructure
  • Providing psychological counseling
  • Economic support for affected families
  • Reconstructing livelihoods and communities
  • Learning lessons to improve future preparedness

4. Specific Disaster Management Guidelines

4.1 Earthquake Safety

During an Earthquake:

  • Drop, Cover, and Hold On - Drop to the ground, take cover under sturdy furniture, hold on
  • Stay away from windows, glass, and heavy objects
  • If indoors, stay inside; if outdoors, move to open area away from buildings
  • If in a vehicle, stop in open area and stay inside

Before an Earthquake:

  • Secure heavy furniture to walls
  • Prepare emergency kit with supplies for 3 days
  • Identify safe spots in each room
  • Practice earthquake drills regularly

4.2 Flood Safety

During a Flood:

  • Move to higher ground immediately
  • Avoid walking or driving through floodwater
  • Turn off electricity and gas supplies
  • Listen to emergency broadcasts for instructions

Flood Preparedness:

  • Know your area's flood risk and evacuation routes
  • Elevate electrical appliances and important documents
  • Install check valves in sewer lines
  • Keep sandbags ready for emergency use

4.3 Fire Safety

During a Fire:

  • Get out immediately and call emergency services
  • Crawl low under smoke to exit
  • Use stairs, not elevators
  • Stop, drop, and roll if clothes catch fire

Fire Prevention:

  • Install smoke detectors and check batteries regularly
  • Keep fire extinguishers accessible and know how to use them
  • Never leave cooking unattended
  • Maintain safe distance between flammable materials and heat sources

5. First Aid in Disaster Situations

Basic First Aid Principles:

  • Check for safety - Ensure the area is safe before helping
  • Check responsiveness - Gently tap and ask if the person is okay
  • Call for help - Dial emergency number (112 in India)
  • Airway - Ensure the airway is clear
  • Breathing - Check for normal breathing
  • Circulation - Check pulse and control bleeding

Common Disaster Injuries and First Aid:

Injury First Aid Do Not
Bleeding Apply direct pressure with clean cloth, elevate injured part Remove embedded objects, use tourniquet unless trained
Fractures Immobilize with splint, apply cold pack for swelling Try to realign bones, move unnecessarily
Burns Cool with running water for 10-20 minutes, cover with sterile dressing Apply ice, butter, or ointments; break blisters
Shock Lie person down, elevate legs, keep warm Give food or drink, move unnecessarily

6. Role of Government in Disaster Management

Government Agencies and Responsibilities:

  • National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) - Policy making and coordination
  • National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) - Specialized response to disasters
  • State Disaster Management Authorities - State-level planning and implementation
  • Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) - Weather forecasting and warnings
  • National Remote Sensing Centre - Satellite monitoring of disasters
  • Establishing early warning systems
  • Creating disaster-resilient infrastructure
  • Conducting public awareness campaigns
  • Providing relief and rehabilitation support
  • Coordinating international assistance when needed

7. Role of Community in Disaster Management

Community Participation and Responsibilities:

  • Participate in disaster preparedness drills and training
  • Form community disaster management committees
  • Identify vulnerable community members (elderly, disabled, children)
  • Maintain emergency contact lists and communication networks
  • Stockpile community emergency supplies
  • Share disaster-related information and warnings
  • Volunteer for search, rescue, and relief operations
  • Follow evacuation orders and safety instructions
  • Help neighbors and community members during emergencies
  • Participate in post-disaster recovery and rebuilding

8. Importance of Disaster Management

Significance of Effective Disaster Management:

  • Saves lives and reduces human suffering
  • Minimizes economic losses and property damage
  • Protects critical infrastructure and essential services
  • Reduces environmental damage and promotes sustainability
  • Enhances community resilience and coping capacity
  • Supports sustainable development goals
  • Promotes social cohesion and community solidarity
  • Improves emergency response efficiency
  • Reduces recovery time and costs
  • Builds safer and more prepared communities

9. Key Exam Points

Disaster Management
Natural Disasters
Man-made Disasters
Earthquake Safety
Flood Management
Fire Safety
First Aid
Emergency Response
Disaster Preparedness
NDMA
NDRF
Early Warning Systems
Community Safety
Risk Reduction
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