1 minPolitical Concept
Political Concept

Disaster Management

What is Disaster Management?

Disaster Management encompasses the organization and management of resources and responsibilities for dealing with all humanitarian aspects of emergencies, in particular preparedness, response and recovery in order to lessen the impact of disasters.

Historical Background

India has been vulnerable to various natural disasters. The Disaster Management Act 2005 was enacted to provide an effective institutional mechanism for disaster management in India. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) was established in 2005.

Key Points

8 points
  • 1.

    The Disaster Management Act 2005 provides for the establishment of the NDMA, headed by the Prime Minister

  • 2.

    Establishes National Executive Committee (NEC) to assist the NDMA

  • 3.

    Provides for the establishment of State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMAs), headed by the Chief Minister

  • 4.

    Mandates the preparation of National Disaster Management Plan (NDMP) and State Disaster Management Plans (SDMPs)

  • 5.

    Provides for the constitution of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) for specialized response to disasters

  • 6.

    Defines the responsibilities of various government departments and agencies in disaster management

  • 7.

    Focuses on prevention, mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery

  • 8.

    Provides for financial mechanisms for disaster management, including the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF

Visual Insights

Disaster Management Cycle

Mind map showing the different phases of the disaster management cycle.

Disaster Management

  • Prevention
  • Mitigation
  • Preparedness
  • Response
  • Recovery

Recent Developments

5 developments

Focus on climate change adaptation and disaster resilience

Use of technology for early warning and disaster response

Community-based disaster management initiatives

Strengthening of NDRF and SDRF

Emphasis on capacity building and training

This Concept in News

6 topics

Andhra Pradesh Diarrhoea Outbreak Claims One Life, Dozens Hospitalized

26 Feb 2026

The Andhra Pradesh diarrhoea outbreak illustrates several key aspects of disaster management. First, it highlights the importance of prevention and mitigation. Regular monitoring of water quality and maintenance of sanitation infrastructure could have prevented the outbreak. Second, it demonstrates the need for a rapid and coordinated response. The suspension of the Municipal Commissioner and the deployment of medical camps are examples of such a response. Third, it underscores the importance of accountability. The allegations of negligence and attempts to underreport fatalities highlight the need for transparency and accountability in disaster management. This news event challenges the notion that disaster management is only relevant for large-scale natural disasters. It shows that even localized public health emergencies require a robust disaster management framework. Understanding the principles of disaster management is crucial for analyzing and addressing such events effectively. The incident reveals that systemic administrative failures can exacerbate the impact of even seemingly minor events, turning them into localized disasters. This underscores the need for continuous vigilance and proactive measures to prevent and respond to all types of disasters, regardless of their scale.

Delhi Government's Flood Preparedness Plan Shared with National Green Tribunal

24 Feb 2026

The news about Delhi's flood preparedness plan highlights the practical application of disaster management principles. It demonstrates how a specific city is attempting to translate national-level policies and guidelines into concrete actions on the ground. This news also reveals the challenges of disaster management in urban areas, such as coordinating with multiple agencies, managing complex drainage systems, and addressing data gaps. The involvement of the NGT underscores the importance of environmental considerations in disaster management planning. Understanding the concept of disaster management is crucial for analyzing this news because it provides a framework for evaluating the effectiveness of the Delhi government's plan and identifying areas for improvement. It also allows us to understand the broader context of disaster risk reduction and the role of various stakeholders in building a disaster-resilient society. The news also highlights the increasing role of technology, such as AI-powered flood warning systems, in improving disaster preparedness and response.

IITs Expand AI Research: Flood Alerts, Speech Synthesis, Waste Segregation

19 Feb 2026

This news highlights the increasing role of technology, specifically AI, in disaster management. It demonstrates how AI can be applied to improve early warning systems for floods, a critical aspect of disaster preparedness. The application of AI in waste segregation also shows how technology can contribute to mitigating environmental disasters and promoting sustainable practices. This news reveals that AI is not just a theoretical concept but a practical tool that can be used to address real-world challenges related to disaster management. The implications of this news are that investing in AI research and development can significantly enhance our ability to prevent, prepare for, and respond to disasters. Understanding the concept of disaster management is crucial for properly analyzing and answering questions about this news because it provides the context for understanding the significance of AI applications in this field. It allows us to appreciate how these technological advancements contribute to reducing risks, saving lives, and building more resilient communities.

Adaptability Key: Unlearning Old Practices for Tech Relevance

13 Feb 2026

The news underscores the importance of integrating technology into disaster management. It demonstrates how predictive monitoring using AI can help prevent disasters, and how cloud technology can simplify data recovery. This challenges traditional disaster management approaches that may not fully leverage technological advancements. The news reveals that adaptability and continuous learning are crucial for staying ahead of potential disasters. The implications are that disaster management strategies must be flexible and incorporate the latest technological innovations. Understanding this connection is crucial for answering questions about the role of technology in disaster management and the need for continuous improvement.

Vaishno Devi Shrine Board Enhances Pilgrim Insurance, Reviews Infrastructure Projects

9 Feb 2026

The Vaishno Devi news highlights the importance of integrating disaster management principles into religious tourism. (1) It demonstrates the 'preparedness' and 'mitigation' aspects of disaster management by focusing on risk reduction through infrastructure improvements and financial protection through insurance. (2) The news applies the concept of disaster management to a specific context – a high-traffic pilgrimage site – showing how these principles can be adapted to different settings. (3) It reveals the growing awareness of the need for comprehensive risk management, even in places considered sacred. (4) The implications are that other pilgrimage sites and tourist destinations should also prioritize disaster preparedness and risk mitigation. (5) Understanding disaster management is crucial for analyzing this news because it provides a framework for evaluating the Shrine Board's actions and assessing their effectiveness in protecting pilgrims from potential disasters. Without this understanding, the news might be seen simply as an administrative decision, rather than a vital step in ensuring the safety and well-being of a vulnerable population.

PM CARES Fund Details and Utilization Overview

9 Feb 2026

The news about the PM CARES Fund and its utilization for disaster-related projects highlights the critical role of financial mechanisms in effective disaster management. (1) This news demonstrates the 'resource mobilization' aspect of disaster management, showcasing how funds are channeled to address immediate needs and long-term recovery. (2) The application of the PM CARES Fund during the COVID-19 pandemic challenges the traditional focus on natural disasters, extending the scope of disaster management to include health emergencies. (3) The news reveals the evolving nature of disaster management, requiring flexible funding mechanisms to address unforeseen crises. (4) The implications of this news for the concept's future include the need for greater transparency and accountability in the utilization of disaster-related funds. (5) Understanding disaster management is crucial for analyzing this news because it provides a framework for evaluating the effectiveness and impact of the PM CARES Fund's interventions in mitigating the effects of the pandemic and building resilience.

Source Topic

Andhra Pradesh Diarrhoea Outbreak Claims One Life, Dozens Hospitalized

Social Issues

UPSC Relevance

Important for UPSC GS Paper 3 (Disaster Management), frequently asked in both Prelims and Mains. Understanding the legal framework, institutional mechanisms, and recent developments in disaster management is crucial.

Disaster Management Cycle

Mind map showing the different phases of the disaster management cycle.

Disaster Management

Structural and non-structural measures

Reducing vulnerability to disasters

Mock drills and community participation

Immediate relief and rescue operations

Long-term rebuilding and restoration

Connections
PreventionMitigation
MitigationPreparedness
PreparednessResponse
ResponseRecovery
+1 more

This Concept in News

5 news topics

5

Andhra Pradesh Diarrhoea Outbreak Claims One Life, Dozens Hospitalized

26 February 2026

The Andhra Pradesh diarrhoea outbreak illustrates several key aspects of disaster management. First, it highlights the importance of prevention and mitigation. Regular monitoring of water quality and maintenance of sanitation infrastructure could have prevented the outbreak. Second, it demonstrates the need for a rapid and coordinated response. The suspension of the Municipal Commissioner and the deployment of medical camps are examples of such a response. Third, it underscores the importance of accountability. The allegations of negligence and attempts to underreport fatalities highlight the need for transparency and accountability in disaster management. This news event challenges the notion that disaster management is only relevant for large-scale natural disasters. It shows that even localized public health emergencies require a robust disaster management framework. Understanding the principles of disaster management is crucial for analyzing and addressing such events effectively. The incident reveals that systemic administrative failures can exacerbate the impact of even seemingly minor events, turning them into localized disasters. This underscores the need for continuous vigilance and proactive measures to prevent and respond to all types of disasters, regardless of their scale.

Delhi Government's Flood Preparedness Plan Shared with National Green Tribunal

24 February 2026

The news about Delhi's flood preparedness plan highlights the practical application of disaster management principles. It demonstrates how a specific city is attempting to translate national-level policies and guidelines into concrete actions on the ground. This news also reveals the challenges of disaster management in urban areas, such as coordinating with multiple agencies, managing complex drainage systems, and addressing data gaps. The involvement of the NGT underscores the importance of environmental considerations in disaster management planning. Understanding the concept of disaster management is crucial for analyzing this news because it provides a framework for evaluating the effectiveness of the Delhi government's plan and identifying areas for improvement. It also allows us to understand the broader context of disaster risk reduction and the role of various stakeholders in building a disaster-resilient society. The news also highlights the increasing role of technology, such as AI-powered flood warning systems, in improving disaster preparedness and response.

IITs Expand AI Research: Flood Alerts, Speech Synthesis, Waste Segregation

19 February 2026

This news highlights the increasing role of technology, specifically AI, in disaster management. It demonstrates how AI can be applied to improve early warning systems for floods, a critical aspect of disaster preparedness. The application of AI in waste segregation also shows how technology can contribute to mitigating environmental disasters and promoting sustainable practices. This news reveals that AI is not just a theoretical concept but a practical tool that can be used to address real-world challenges related to disaster management. The implications of this news are that investing in AI research and development can significantly enhance our ability to prevent, prepare for, and respond to disasters. Understanding the concept of disaster management is crucial for properly analyzing and answering questions about this news because it provides the context for understanding the significance of AI applications in this field. It allows us to appreciate how these technological advancements contribute to reducing risks, saving lives, and building more resilient communities.

Adaptability Key: Unlearning Old Practices for Tech Relevance

13 February 2026

The news underscores the importance of integrating technology into disaster management. It demonstrates how predictive monitoring using AI can help prevent disasters, and how cloud technology can simplify data recovery. This challenges traditional disaster management approaches that may not fully leverage technological advancements. The news reveals that adaptability and continuous learning are crucial for staying ahead of potential disasters. The implications are that disaster management strategies must be flexible and incorporate the latest technological innovations. Understanding this connection is crucial for answering questions about the role of technology in disaster management and the need for continuous improvement.

Vaishno Devi Shrine Board Enhances Pilgrim Insurance, Reviews Infrastructure Projects

9 February 2026

The Vaishno Devi news highlights the importance of integrating disaster management principles into religious tourism. (1) It demonstrates the 'preparedness' and 'mitigation' aspects of disaster management by focusing on risk reduction through infrastructure improvements and financial protection through insurance. (2) The news applies the concept of disaster management to a specific context – a high-traffic pilgrimage site – showing how these principles can be adapted to different settings. (3) It reveals the growing awareness of the need for comprehensive risk management, even in places considered sacred. (4) The implications are that other pilgrimage sites and tourist destinations should also prioritize disaster preparedness and risk mitigation. (5) Understanding disaster management is crucial for analyzing this news because it provides a framework for evaluating the Shrine Board's actions and assessing their effectiveness in protecting pilgrims from potential disasters. Without this understanding, the news might be seen simply as an administrative decision, rather than a vital step in ensuring the safety and well-being of a vulnerable population.