PARLIAMENT QUESTION: Earthquake disaster management
PARLIAMENT QUESTION: Earthquake disaster management
Seismic zoning maps and updated building codes ensure that new constructions in urban areas adhere to earthquake-resistant standards, particularly in high-risk zones. Bureau of Indian Standards, the Housing and Urban Development Corporation and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs work in this direction. The following steps are taken for disaster relief and response plans in the event of a major earthquake:
● National Disaster Response Force (NDRF): The NDRF is a specialized agency trained and equipped to conduct search and rescue operations during earthquakes and is deployed in the aftermath of major seismic events.
● State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMAs): Each state has an SDMA responsible for creating and implementing disaster management plans that include specific earthquake provisions and coordinating local response efforts.
● Emergency Response Plans: The Government has developed comprehensive emergency response plans that outline the roles and responsibilities of various agencies during a disaster, ensuring a coordinated response.
● Community Training and Drills: Regular training and simulation exercises prepare communities for earthquake scenarios, promoting local capacity building and awareness.
The National Centre for Seismology (NCS), Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) monitors and maintains National Seismological Network to detect earthquake parameters and disseminate the information to various stakeholders of national and state levels using advance technology and NCS-MoES conducts advance researches on earthquake early warning system.
Following are the Community-Based Disaster Management Efforts;
● Training Programs for Communities: Initiatives to train local communities in disaster response, first aid, and preparedness measures are implemented, enhancing local resilience.
● Awareness Campaigns: Community awareness programs educate citizens about earthquake risks and preparedness strategies, including the importance of having emergency plans and kits.
● Local Governance Involvement: Local bodies and panchayati raj institutions are encouraged to develop and implement disaster management plans, ensuring community participation in preparedness efforts.
● Resource Centers: Establishing community resource centres provides information, training, and materials to support disaster preparedness and response.
● Drills and Simulations: Regular earthquake drills and simulations are conducted in schools, workplaces, and communities to familiarize residents with emergency procedures.
This information was given by Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology and Earth Science, Dr. Jitendra Singh in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.
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NKR/KS