Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University Hyderabad B.Tech III DISASTER PREPAREDNESS AND PLANNING MANAGEMENT Previous Question Paper (February/March - 2022 - R18)

Hazard identification is the process of recognizing, documenting, and evaluating the presence of potential threats that could cause harm to people, property, or the environment. It involves analyzing historical data, geographical conditions, and socio-economic factors to determine the nature, frequency, and intensity of hazards such as floods, earthquakes, or industrial accidents.

Disaster management is a continuous, integrated process aimed at reducing the impact of disasters through four key phases:

1. Mitigation: Long-term measures taken to reduce the severity or likelihood of a disaster, such as building earthquake-resistant infrastructure.
2. Preparedness: Planning, training, and resource mobilization to ensure an effective response when a disaster occurs.
3. Response: Immediate actions taken during or after a disaster to save lives, provide medical assistance, and minimize property damage.
4. Recovery: The process of restoring affected communities to their pre-disaster state, including rebuilding infrastructure and restoring livelihoods.

Capacity refers to the combination of all the strengths, attributes, and resources available within a community, organization, or society that can be used to reduce the level of risk or the effects of a disaster. It includes physical, social, economic, and institutional assets that enable a population to cope with, withstand, and recover from adverse events.

Means of enhancing capacity include:

• Education and Training: Conducting regular drills, workshops, and public awareness campaigns to improve knowledge and skills for emergency response.
• Infrastructure Development: Strengthening critical facilities like hospitals, schools, and communication networks to remain functional during disasters.
• Resource Mobilization: Establishing emergency funds, stockpiling essential supplies (food, medicine, water), and ensuring access to specialized equipment.
• Institutional Strengthening: Developing robust policy frameworks, effective governance, and clear coordination mechanisms between government agencies and NGOs.
• Community Participation: Empowering local communities through decentralized planning and the formation of local disaster management committees.