Question

Explain the nature and scope of the disaster of flood with the help of six points given below.

1. Pre-disaster phase
2. Warning phase
3. Emergency phase
4. Rehabilitation phase
5. Recovery phase
6. Reconstruction phase

Answer 1

1. Pre-disaster phase: The Indian Meteorological Department gives us warnings and predictions before any bad weather disaster happens. If they predict that a big flood is coming, the authorities quickly move the people who are in danger to a safer place.
2. Warning phase: During the warning phase, the government alerts the public about an upcoming flood through media like radio, television, and newspapers. Nowadays, warning messages are also sent directly to people’s cellphones. Since people living near coastal areas face the highest danger, they are given special care and are immediately moved out of their homes to safer places.
3. Emergency phase: When floodwaters rise, all low-lying areas get completely covered with water, submerging houses, roads, and shops. Teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) immediately carry out rescue operations and try their best to save trapped people. This emergency situation stays in place until the water level goes down. Once the water starts receding, people who were moved to higher grounds begin returning home. During this final phase, the main focus is on searching for missing individuals, rescuing them, providing medical treatment, and giving first aid.
4. Rehabilitation phase: People affected by floods are given emotional support and financial help. Since their farms, houses, and cattle sheds go under water, they are provided with temporary places to stay. Many animals drown and die in floods. Their bodies must be removed and disposed of quickly, because rotting bodies can spread dangerous diseases. To protect people from these illnesses, vaccinations are provided. During this tough time, special care is taken of young children and senior citizens. Also, supplying clean drinking water and food is a very important task during this phase.
5. Recovery phase: During the recovery phase, daily life slowly goes back to normal. The first priority is to clean up the debris and remove dead or rotting materials. Water and electricity connections are repaired and started again. Many NGOs and government organizations give different kinds of help to the affected people. The Disaster Management Department makes sure that this help reaches the people who really need it.
6. Reconstruction phase: The houses and buildings that fell down during the floods are rebuilt. Farming activities start once again. Roads are repaired, and the water supply goes back to normal. Schools and colleges open up too. In this way, the flood-affected area slowly returns to its daily routine.