Natural Disaster

Contents: Preface. 1. Natural disaster-floods. 2. GIS for disaster management. 3. Disaster mitigation of earthquake effects. 4. Natural disasters exposure and vulnerability. 5. Social dimensions of disaster management. 6. Post disaster management. 7. Preparedness, mitigation and management of natural disasters. 8. Preparedness, mitigation and management of natural disasters. 9. Strengthening the existing capacity of institutions of higher learning in India. 10. Earthquake hazards in an urban centre. 11. Natural disaster : institutional building for mitigating. 12. Disaster management : present status and future strategies. 13. Aftermath of disasters. 14. Karnataka State takes lead in the country. 15. Natural disaster : health sector planning. 16. Empowering Panchayats and community for disaster preparedness. 17. Peoples participation in disaster management with special reference to flood management. 18. Role of urban local bodies. 19. GoI-UNDP\'s Mandate on disaster management. Index.

"It is aptly said that floods are act of God but acts of man cause flood damage. It is natural for a river to over-flow its banks in the event of heavy rainfall in the upper catchments and spill into the flood plains which are basically its domain. It is therefore necessary to suitably manage the floods with a view to reduce the damage potential and property, and minimize, if not avoid loss to lives of human and livestock, it is essential that while planning the embankments, suitable steps be taken to ensure drainage of the area into the river through sluices. Floor damage could be avoided to a considerable extent if timely warning is given of an impending flood. It may be stated that in view of the ever increasing flood damages, it is necessary to overcome the reluctance to adopt the flood pain zoning measure and appreciate the advantages of planned action in flood plains." (jacket)