ONE SHOT BSE - Class 10 Odisha Board Political Science

Climate-Induced Disasters and Their Management

Climate-induced disasters are natural or human-made events that cause significant damage to life, property, and the environment. These disasters include floods, cyclones, droughts, heat waves, hailstorms, and lightning, each with specific causes, characteristics, and management strategies. Understanding their types, effects, and preventive measures is crucial for effective disaster management and minimizing losses.

Definition and Distinction: Disaster and Catastrophe

A disaster is an event, natural or human-made, that leads to substantial loss or damage, disrupting normal life and property. Catastrophe refers to a disaster with severe, widespread, and unmanageable impacts, often due to inadequate…

Climate-Induced Disasters and Their Management

Climate-induced disasters are natural or human-made events that cause significant damage to life, property, and the environment. These disasters include floods, cyclones, droughts, heat waves, hailstorms, and lightning, each with specific causes, characteristics, and management strategies. Understanding their types, effects, and preventive measures is crucial for effective disaster management and minimizing losses.

Definition and Distinction: Disaster and Catastrophe

A disaster is an event, natural or human-made, that leads to substantial loss or damage, disrupting normal life and property. Catastrophe refers to a disaster with severe, widespread, and unmanageable impacts, often due to inadequate management or extreme intensity.

• Disaster: Any event with potential for significant loss or damage.
• Catastrophe: When a disaster's impact is not managed properly, leading to greater destruction.

Classification of Disasters

Disasters are classified based on their origin into two main types: natural and human-made. Each type has distinct causes and examples.

• Natural Disasters: Result from natural processes such as floods, cyclones, droughts, earthquakes, landslides, and hailstorms.
• Human-Made Disasters: Caused by human activities, including industrial accidents, improper construction, and negligence in handling machinery.

Types of Floods and Their Characteristics

Floods are categorized based on their origin, location, and intensity. They are a major climate-induced disaster, especially in riverine and coastal regions.

• Sudden Floods: Caused by intense rainfall or rapid melting of snow in mountainous regions, leading to swift and destructive water flow.
• Coastal Floods: Occur in coastal areas due to high tides, storm surges, or cyclonic activity, often exacerbated by inadequate coastal protection.
• Riverine Floods: Result from excessive rainfall exceeding a river's carrying capacity, causing overflow and inundation of adjacent land.
• Urban Floods: Happen in cities due to poor drainage systems and heavy rainfall, leading to waterlogging and disruption.
• Heavy Rainfall-Induced Floods: Occur in flat areas where the soil cannot absorb excess rainwater, resulting in water accumulation.

Floods in Odisha are primarily caused by rivers like Mahanadi, Subarnarekha, Brahmani, and Baitarani, and are aggravated by inadequate drainage and coastal vulnerabilities.

Flood Intensity and Alert Levels

Floods are further classified by their severity, with specific alert levels used for management and response.

• Normal Flood: River water level is below the danger mark.
• Moderate Flood: Water level is above the warning mark but below the danger mark.
• Severe Flood: Water level exceeds the danger mark, causing significant inundation.
• Catastrophic Flood: Water level surpasses all previous records, leading to extreme destruction.

The Central Water Commission issues color-coded bulletins: orange for severe floods and red for catastrophic floods.

Effects and Management of Floods

Floods cause extensive damage to infrastructure, agriculture, and human life. Effective management involves preparedness, timely alerts, and post-disaster relief.

• Effects:

  • Destruction of roads, bridges, and communication lines.
  • Crop loss and food scarcity.
  • Outbreak of waterborne diseases.
  • Economic hardship and displacement.

• Management Measures:

  • Keep essential items ready (food, water, medicines, documents).
  • Move to higher ground or designated shelters when advised.
  • Avoid contact with floodwater and electrical equipment.
  • Follow official instructions for evacuation and safety.

Storms, Cyclones, and Their Impact

Storms and cyclones are intense atmospheric disturbances characterized by high-speed winds, heavy rainfall, and sometimes hail or lightning. They are classified based on their origin and intensity.

• Tornadoes (Ghurni Jhad): Violent rotating columns of air, often causing localized but severe damage.

• Cyclones (Batiya): Large-scale systems originating over warm ocean waters, classified as tropical (Kranti Mandaliya) or temperate (Natisthosna Mandaliya) based on their formation zone.

• Cyclone Structure: Features a calm "eye" at the center, surrounded by a wall of intense winds and rain.

• Impacts:

  • Uprooting of trees, destruction of houses, and loss of life.
  • Disruption of power and communication.
  • Flooding due to storm surges and heavy rainfall.

• Management:

  • Early warning systems using Doppler radar and satellite data.
  • Evacuation to safe shelters.
  • Secure essential supplies and follow official advisories.

Lightning, Thunderstorms, and Hailstorms

Lightning and thunderstorms are common during severe weather events, often accompanied by hailstorms.

• Lightning: Caused by the movement of electrical charges between clouds or between clouds and the ground, resulting in sudden flashes and thunder.

• Thunder: Produced by the rapid expansion of air heated by lightning, creating a loud sound.

• Hailstorms (Kua Patthar): Formed when updrafts in thunderstorms carry raindrops upward into extremely cold areas, freezing them into ice pellets.

• Effects:

  • Lightning can cause fatalities, injuries, and property damage.
  • Hailstorms damage crops, vehicles, and roofs.

• Safety Measures:

  • Stay indoors during thunderstorms.
  • Avoid tall objects, open fields, and water bodies.
  • Do not use electrical appliances or touch metal objects during lightning.

Heat Waves and Droughts

Heat waves and droughts are prolonged periods of excessive heat and lack of rainfall, respectively, leading to severe environmental and health impacts.

• Heat Wave (Grishma Prabhaav): Defined as a period when the maximum temperature exceeds the normal by 5°C or more for at least five consecutive days. In plains, temperatures above 40°C, and in hilly areas, above 30°C, are considered heat waves.

• Drought (Marudi): Occurs when rainfall is significantly below normal for an extended period, leading to water scarcity, crop failure, and economic distress.

• Types of Drought:

  • Rainfall Deficit Drought: When rainfall is 25% or more below the average.
  • Crop Failure Drought: When insufficient rainfall leads to poor crop yields.
  • Socio-Economic Drought: When drought conditions cause economic and social hardship.

• Effects:

  • Water shortages, food scarcity, and health issues.
  • Migration and loss of livelihood.

• Management:

  • Water conservation and storage.
  • Diversification of livelihoods in drought-prone areas.
  • Government relief measures and community awareness.

Preventive and Safety Measures for Climate Disasters

Preparedness and timely action are key to minimizing the impact of climate-induced disasters. Specific measures are recommended for different scenarios.

• Floods:

  • Store essential items in waterproof bags.
  • Keep emergency contacts and mobile phones charged.
  • Move to higher ground when advised.

• Cyclones and Storms:

  • Secure loose objects and reinforce structures.
  • Evacuate to cyclone shelters if instructed.
  • Avoid driving or traveling during storms.

• Lightning and Thunderstorms:

  • Stay indoors and away from windows.
  • Avoid using electrical appliances.
  • Do not take shelter under trees.

• Heat Waves:

  • Wear light, loose clothing and stay hydrated.
  • Avoid outdoor activities during peak heat.
  • Provide shade and water for animals.

• Droughts:

  • Practice water-saving techniques.
  • Use drought-resistant crops.
  • Implement rainwater harvesting.

Odisha-Specific Climate Disasters

Odisha is particularly vulnerable to floods, cyclones, and droughts due to its geography and river systems.

• Major Rivers: Mahanadi, Subarnarekha, Brahmani, Baitarani.

• Flood-Prone Districts: Areas along these rivers and coastal regions.

• Cyclone-Prone Periods: April-May and September-November, with frequent cyclones originating in the Bay of Bengal.

• Drought-Prone Districts: Kalahandi, Nuapada, Koraput, Balangir, Nabarangpur, Malkangiri.

• Management Initiatives:

  • Establishment of disaster management teams (NDRF, ODRF).
  • Early warning systems and community awareness programs.
  • Construction of cyclone shelters and improvement of drainage systems.

Key Exam Points and Data

• Floods: Five main types—sudden, coastal, riverine, urban, and heavy rainfall-induced.
• Flood Intensity: Normal, moderate, severe, catastrophic (color-coded alerts).
• Cyclones: Two main types—tropical (Kranti Mandaliya) and temperate (Natisthosna Mandaliya).
• Heat Wave Criteria: 5°C above normal for five days; >40°C in plains, >30°C in hills.
• Drought Criteria: Rainfall deficit of 25% or more; classified as moderate or severe based on deficit.
• Lightning Safety: Maintain at least 15 km distance from strike area; avoid metal and water.
• Disaster Management: Emphasis on preparedness, timely alerts, evacuation, and post-disaster relief.

Essential Actions During Disasters

During any climate-induced disaster, following safety protocols and official instructions is vital for survival and minimizing losses.

• Before Disaster:

  • Prepare emergency kits with food, water, medicines, and documents.
  • Stay informed through radio, TV, and official bulletins.
  • Identify safe shelters and evacuation routes.

• During Disaster:

  • Remain calm and act swiftly.
  • Help vulnerable individuals (children, elderly, disabled).
  • Avoid risky areas and follow evacuation orders.

• After Disaster:

  • Do not return home until authorities declare it safe.
  • Avoid contact with contaminated water and damaged electrical lines.
  • Seek medical attention for injuries and report missing persons.

By understanding the types, causes, effects, and management of climate-induced disasters, individuals and communities can enhance their resilience and reduce the adverse impacts of such events.