What are the steps required to tackle natural disasters?

Floods:

Floods are both natural and anthropogenic. Among man made causes of flood is the large scale deforestation in catchment areas of major rivers.

The Central Water Commission set up its flood forecasting station in 1959. Today it has a network of 157 such stations.

i. Quantitative precipitation forecasting is essential. ‘

ii. Flood damage assessment, flood hazard zoning and post flood river configuration and protection works needed.

Cyclones:

Using satellites like IRS and INSATs, mapping & monitoring should be done and areas evacuated prior to coming of the cyclone.

Drought:

The Drought Relief Management has been greatly helped by remote sensing techniques. Early warning of drought conditions will help to undertake contingency measures.

Earthquakes:

A plan with sophisticated instruments for seismological observation needed.

i. For national early warning systems, real time data acquisition from remote areas is essential.

ii. Quake proof shelters should be developed.