PRESENTATION ON Linkages between International and National Response to Natural Disasters Government of India

Hazard Vulnerability in India Due to its geo-climatic conditions, India is vulnerable to natural calamities. About 60% of the land mass is prone to earthquakes of various intensities. About 8% of the area is prone to cyclones. Over 40 million hectares is prone to floods. Both East and West Coast (approx km) are vulnerable to Tsunamis and Storm Surges.

Map showing earthquake zones in India

Map showing flood zones in India Source: BMTPC

Approach to Disaster Management Change from a relief centric approach to a holistic approach covering the entire gamut of disaster management activities. A multi-dimensional, multi-disciplinary and multi- sectoral approach involving diverse scientific, engineering, social and financial processes has been adopted. It aims at sustained development by mainstreaming and integrating disaster mitigation into the development process.

Approach to Disaster Management (Contd.) The Disaster Management Act 2005 enacted- A comprehensive Central legislation has been put into place to institutionalize the disaster management system. National Disaster Management Authority under the Chairmanship of Prime Minister is in place. The National Authority functions as an apex policy making body for disaster management mandated to lay down the policies, plans and guidelines. The process of constitution of State and District Disaster Management Authorities in progress.

In built Capabilities The State Governments are the first responders in any disaster situation and are primarily responsible for rescue, relief and rehabilitation. The National Government supplements the efforts of the States by providing the requisite logistic and financial support. Role and responsibilities of various disaster management authorities have been clearly laid down at the National, State, and District levels. An integrated robust administrative machinery exists upto the district level.

In built Capabilities (Contd) The policy of the Government is to build a disaster resilient community equipped with safe living and sustainable livelihood. The focus is on empowerment of the community. A community based Disaster Risk Management Programme is under implementation. National Institute of Disaster Management has been working for human resource development and capacity building for disaster management right upto the village level. A National Disaster Response Force is being constituted for the purpose of specialist response to disaster situations. Civil Defence and Fire Services are being revamped to play a pivotal role in disaster management.

In built Capabilities (Contd.) To professionalise the emergency/disaster response management system in the country, specialist Incident Management Teams are being developed with members trained in different aspects viz- logistics, operations, planning, safety, media management etc. National Emergency Communication Plan under implementation. Multi-hazard resistant Emergency Operational Centres with adequate connectivity being set up.

Policy on receiving International Assistance No requests or appeal for humanitarian assistance are made to the International Community in the event of a disaster. Assistance offered voluntarily is accepted as a token of international solidarity preferably through multilateral bodies. India have developed adequate capabilities to undertake rescue, relief and rehabilitation measures to provide necessary assistance to the affected people in the country.

Policy on receiving International Assistance India offers humanitarian assistance to a disaster hit country. While providing such assistance, the national sovereignty of the recipient country is respected. The Tsunami of December 2004, affected a population of 2.8 million in five States/Union Territories persons lost their lives, and the estimated monetary loss was US $ 2566 million. Yet, India provided assistance to its neighbouring countries viz. Sri Lanka, Maldives, Thailand and Indonesia.

Policy on receiving International Assistance India provided a composite relief package to:- Sri Lanka- Maldives - Indonesia- Thailand- 8 Aircrafts, 11 helicopters and 11 ships were deployed for rescue and relief operations. 860 sorties executed and 1750 persons were airlifted to safe places MT of relief materials provided to the affected countries.

Policy on receiving International Assistance One Army Hospital ships and 18 Medical Camps treated 14,808 patients. Major relief activities included; Harbour Survey, clearance of debris, evacuation of peoples, repair of roads, water pumps, generators, OBMs, restoration of power, water and communication services. 9 Relief Camps established. 6 Bailey Bridges laid in Sri Lanka. In the aftermath of earthquake of March 2005 in Nias off Sumatra, relief assistance was provided to Indonesia.

Policy on receiving International Assistance Earthquake of October 2005 affected 2760 villages in Jammu & Kashmir in India human lives were lost and 1,12,554 houses were either partially or fully damaged. India provided composite relief assistance to Pakistan following earthquake of October 2005.

Scope for International Cooperation The Government of India promotes international cooperation in the area of disaster response, preparedness and mitigation in tune with the national strategic goals and objectives. India is a member of the United Nations Disaster Assessment and Coordination (UNDAC) and International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG). India has made an announcement to pledge a contribution of US $ 2 million to the Central Emergency Relief Fund. India is actively involved with International Strategy for Disaster Reduction.

Scope for International Cooperation(Contd.) India is a founding Member of Asian Disaster Reduction Center, Kobe, Japan and of Asian Disaster Preparedness Centre, Bangkok. National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM), New Delhi is to be set up as the Centre for Disaster Mitigation and Management for SAARC countries. It will be developed as a regional institute of excellence in South Asia. An Early Warning System for Tsunami and Storm Surges for Indian Ocean Region is being put in place by the Government of India. Early warning information will be shared with Indian Ocean Rim Countries.

Scope for International Cooperation(Contd.) The Government of India have entered into an Agreement with Swiss Government for cooperation in the areas of; capacity building & SAR training, early warning system, disaster preparedness, human resource development etc The Government of India is negotiating with the Russian Federation for bilateral cooperation in the areas of; technical assistance for weather forecasts and early warning system, capacity building for emergency preparedness, prevention and response.