Author(s)

A. J. Shah

Abstract

India is one of the hazard prone countries in South Asia. Floods, droughts, landslides, snowstorms, hurricanes and cyclones occur regularly. Among these earthquakes, floods and drought risk are extremely high. These hazards threaten millions of lives and cause large scale financial, infrastructure, agriculture and productivity losses that seriously hinder India’s overall development. In India, as in the United States, the primary responsibility for responding to disaster lies at the state and the central level. The GOI have a national emergency plan for disaster management, some of the state also has a disaster management plan. It can be, and is called upon to assist when necessary, but there is a lack of awareness in the public. Many Indian States have limited resources and lack their own disaster management plans. Considering these problems, this paper attempts to throw light on a more integrated and responsive disaster management system in India. This paper will provide important information in three mutually reinforcing areas viz. disaster preparedness, response and rehabilitation management. The various case studies for disaster management will be discussed. Keywords: disaster, mitigation, hazards, risk, safety management, India, Gujarat, Surat, Gir, students. 1 Introduction 1.1 What is disaster? Disaster is a sudden, calamitous event bringing great damage, loss, and destruction and devastation to life and property. The damage caused by disasters is immeasurable and varies with the geographical location, climate and the type of earth surface/degree of vulnerability. This influences the mental, socio-

Keywords

disaster, mitigation, hazards, risk, safety management, India, Gujarat, Surat, Gir, students