DISASTER MANAGEMENT

HIMALAYAN TRAGEDY – Impact and Control

GS-1: Geography (Avalanches, Himalayan Terrain) GS-3: Disaster Management (Rescue Operations, Preparedness Strategies) Key Highlights Avalanche Disaster in Uttarakhand: Avalanche at Mana village (Uttarakhand) buried 54 workers at a Border Roads Organisation (BRO) site. 23 workers were rescued, but 8 died due to extreme snowfall at 10,500 feet altitude. Indian Army, …

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FLOOD RISKS RISING IN HIGH MOUNTAIN ASIA

GS3 DISASTER MANAGEMENT:  A new study titled “Flood Complexity and Rising Exposure Risk in High Mountain Asia under Climate Change” warns of increasing flood frequency and unpredictability in the Tibetan Plateau and surrounding mountain ranges. Since 2000, floods have been occurring outside traditional monsoon periods, posing significant threats to communities …

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DELHI’S EARTHQUAKE RISKS

GS3 DISASTER MANAGEMENT:  A recent 4.0-magnitude earthquake in Delhi has highlighted the region’s seismic vulnerability, with tremors also felt in Bihar, Odisha, and Sikkim. This has reignited concerns about the possibility of a “Great Himalayan Earthquake.” Delhi’s Seismic Risk Seismic Zone: Delhi falls in Zone 4, making it highly prone …

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UTTARKASHI EARTHQUAKE SWARM

GS3 DISASTER MANAGEMENT Recent Activity: Nine minor quakes hit Uttarkashi between January 24 and February 3, 2025, sparking local concern. What is an Earthquake Swarm? A series of similar-magnitude tremors in a short period, without a distinct mainshock. Geological Context: Located in India’s high-risk seismic Zone IV, Uttarkashi is prone …

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FOREST FIRES IN INDIA: A GROWING CRISIS

GS3 – DISASATER MANAGEMENT Overview: Forest fires in India have reached alarming levels, with over 1.1 million incidents recorded across five fire seasons. The peak fire season, from November to June, severely affects ecosystems, wildlife, and local communities, yet often receives less global attention compared to wildfires in other regions …

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Disaster Management Act, 2005

GS 3 – Disaster Management   The Disaster Management Act, 2005 was introduced to create a system for managing disasters in India. It outlines policies for effective disaster management, risk reduction, and rehabilitation. Objectives Disaster Management Policies: The Act focuses on creating and implementing policies for disaster management. Disaster Prevention and …

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Stampedes

GS 3: Disaster Management  A stampede is sudden, chaotic crowd movement causing injuries or fatalities, often triggered by panic or overcrowding. Notable Incidents in India: 2008 Naina Devi Temple: Landslide rumors caused 145 deaths. 2017 Mumbai Bridge: Overcrowding led to 22 fatalities. 2022 Vaishno Devi Shrine: Panic caused 22 deaths. …

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Disaster Management Act (DM Act) of 2005

GS 3 Disaster management  The Disaster Management Act (DM Act) of 2005 was enacted by the Government of India to ensure effective disaster management and address related concerns. It became operational in January 2006. Objective: The Act aims to manage disasters through mitigation strategies, capacity building, and other related measures. …

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