What are the parameters considered to declare as a disaster? List out the various disasters which…

Question

What are the parameters considered to declare as a disaster? List out the various disasters which considered for declaration as national disasters.

Ghissu Editorial · Accepted Answer

A disaster is declared when the scale of damage, loss of life, disruption and economic burden exceed the affected community's capacity to cope. India has no legal category of national disaster, but the Centre notifies twelve disasters, including cyclone, flood, drought, earthquake and tsunami, eligible for SDRF and NDRF assistance.

**Introduction**

Disaster declaration requires assessing multiple parameters to mobilize resources effectively and manage impacts. This process ensures timely intervention and appropriate allocation of relief and rehabilitation efforts.

**Parameters for Declaring a Disaster**

2. **Casualty and Economic Loss**: Includes human casualties, injuries, and significant economic damage, notably to crops, livestock, and livelihoods, which affect recovery potential.  
4. **Hazard Type and Frequency**: Natural or human-made hazards and their recurrence patterns are considered to assess risk and potential impact severity.  
5. **Geographical Extent and Population Affected**: The size of the affected area and the number of people impacted are critical in determining the disaster’s scale and need for national intervention.

**Disasters Considered for National Declaration**

1. **Natural Disasters**: Cyclones, floods, droughts (notably in ==Rayalaseema==), earthquakes, landslides, tsunamis (posing risk to ==Andhra Pradesh== coast), avalanches, and cloudbursts are recognized due to their frequent and severe impacts.  
2. **Other Disasters**: Fires (forest and urban), hailstorms, cold waves, pest attacks affecting agriculture, and frost or cold waves complete the twelve notified disasters; epidemics such as COVID-19 have been specially notified, and states may use part of SDRF for local disasters.

**Implementation Challenges**

1. **Coordination and Funding**: Effective disaster declaration requires seamless coordination between central and ==Andhra Pradesh== state agencies, including the National Disaster Response Force and State Disaster Response Force. Funding from the National Disaster Response Fund⟦1⟧ and State Disaster Response Fund is critical but often insufficient to cover extensive damages, as seen in recent cyclones.

**Conclusion**

Strengthening early warning systems, improving coordination, and ensuring adequate funding frameworks are essential for effective disaster management and reducing the impact of disasters nationally.

What are the parameters considered to declare as a disaster? List out the various disasters which considered for declaration as national disasters.

Model answer

Practise this question

Pollution & solid waste; global issues; environmental legislation; disaster management policy; agricultural revolutions43 questions

Ghissu