Disaster Management Department
The Disaster Management Department is the nodal department of the Government of Bihar for effective management of both natural and human induced disasters in the state. It is responsible for prevention, mitigation, response, relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction. The department is also responsible for legislation, policy making and capacity building with respect to disaster management. The department should include disaster risk reduction in the development plans of the concerned departments. It also plays an important role in bringing them into the mainstream. To build a safe and disaster resilient Bihar by developing a holistic, proactive, multi-disaster and technology driven strategy for disaster management. Prevention in the State through the collective efforts of the Government with special focus on the most vulnerable communities will be achieved through strengthening ongoing efforts in building a culture of mitigation and preparedness.
Bihar Profile
Bihar is prone to many hazards which include flood, earthquake, drought, cyclonic storm, fire, hailstorm, and high intensity lightning,
Of the total 38 districts in the state, 28 are prone to floods as seen during the major flood events of 2004, 2007, 2008, 2011, 2013, 2016 and 2017. Areas of South Bihar that were not historically flood prone have also started experiencing floods in recent years due to various climatic and anthropogenic factors. A large part of the state is also affected by seismic zone V, out of which 2 districts (Madhubani and Supaul) fall entirely in seismic zone V;
Parts of 30 districts come under seismic activity and many cover the seismic zone IV and the seismic zone! Bihar is also prone to drought, with the south and south-west parts of the state more prone to drought. In recent years,
The state witnessed drought conditions in the years 2009, 2010 and 2013. In 2018, the state faced severe drought, affecting 280 blocks in 25 districts. The state also faces extreme heat and cold wave conditions in extreme summer and winter conditions respectively. Light and strong winds in some parts of the state have also added to the woes in the state. These recurring disasters result in substantial annual losses and reduce developmental gains. Disaster management is the process of special preparation during natural or man-made disasters to protect life and property and reduce the impact of the disaster.
Need for Disaster Management:
Disaster Management is important as it aims to ensure effective and coordinated response to disasters. Disaster management is fundamental to providing timely and effective assistance to disaster-affected people, through the work of saving lives and reducing the impact of the crisis on affected communities.
Types:
Flood, Earthquake, Drought, Storm, etc.
Key Elements of Disaster Management:
Preparedness, Response, Recovery, Prevention.