Disaster Management

Natural disasters cannot be prevented but their effort can usually be mitigated by an effective disaster management policy. Disaster management means a planned and systematic approach towards understanding and solving problems in the wake of disasters. The disaster plans lines measures to minimize human and economic losses from disasters and to facilitate effective rescue, relief rehabilitation and reconstruction. The disaster plan spells out what is to be done before, during and after a disaster by whom, when and how. By anticipating these extraordinary events and acting to minimize their effects, a plan helps to rescue the continuity of growth and development. Practical experiences has proved, beyond doubt the commitment of recourses to disaster effectiveness, compared to sinking of resources in an adhoc way in rescue and rehabilitation. In fact, timely prediction and warning systems in coastal areas of Andhra Pradesh and building cyclone shelters have contributed to dramatic reduction of loss of life. Combination of structural and non-structural measures has shown to alleviate the effects of cyclones, floods, droughts and earthquakes.