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DAILY
CLASS NOTES
Disaster Management
Lecture – 03
Flash Flood||Drought||Heatwave
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Flash Flood||Drought||Heatwave
Flash Flood:
❖ These are sudden surges in water levels
generally during or following an intense spell of
rain.
❖ These are highly localised events of short
duration with a very high peak and usually have
less than six hours between the occurrence of
the rainfall and peak flood.
❖ The flood situation worsens in the presence of
choked drainage, lines, or encroachments
obstructing the natural flow of water.
Causes:
❖ It may be caused by heavy rain associated with a severe thunderstorm, hurricane, tropical storm, or
meltwater from ice or snow flowing over ice sheets or snowfields.
❖ Flash Floods can also occur due to Dam or Levee Breaks, and/or Mudslides (Debris Flow).
❖ In areas on or near volcanoes, flash floods have also occurred after eruptions, when glaciers have been
melted by the intense heat.
❖ The intensity of the rainfall, the location and distribution of the rainfall, the land use and topography, vegetation
types and growth/density, soil type, and soil water content all determine just how quickly the Flash Flooding
may occur, and influence where it may occur.
Mitigation:
❖ Instead of valleys, people should live in areas on slopes with firm ground for safety reasons.
❖ In areas where ground fissures have developed, appropriate steps should be taken to check the infiltration of
rainwater and surface water.
❖ Banning "indiscriminate" and "unscientific" construction works.
Drought:
❖ Drought is defined as a period of time without significant rainfall that lasts from year to year. Drought is
a common occurrence in almost all climate zones, including those with both high and low average rainfall.
❖ Drought is the result of a decline in expected natural precipitation over a long period of time, usually a season
or more.
❖ In India, around 68 percent of the agricultural land country is prone to drought in varying degrees.
❖ More than 40% of India's land area and around 70% of cropped area is drought prone.
Types of Drought:
❖ Meteorological Drought: It is a situation when there is a prolonged period of inadequate rainfall marked
with mal-distribution of the same over time and space.
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❖ Agricultural Drought: It is also known as soil moisture drought. It is characterized by Low soil moisture
that is necessary to support the crops thereby resulting in crop failure. Moreover, if an area has more than
30% of its gross cropped area under irrigation the area is excluded from the drought prone category.
❖ Hydrological Drought: It results when the availability of water in different storage and reservoir like
aquifers, lakes, reservoirs etc. falls below what the precipitation can replenish
❖ Ecological Drought: When the productivity of a natural ecosystem fails due to shortage of water and as
a consequence of ecological distress damages are induced in the ecosystem.
Causes of Drought:
❖ Hydrological Drought: It has something to do with the drop in water levels. Factors such as deforestation,
mining, and excessive groundwater pumping can contribute to hydrological droughts. Hydrological
Droughts are divided into two categories.
➢ Drought of surface water: This refers to the drying up of surface water resources such as rivers, streams,
lakes, ponds, tanks, and reservoirs, among other things.
➢ Drought caused by a drop in groundwater level is known as groundwater drought.
❖ Agricultural Drought: It occurs when soil moisture goes below the level needed to sustain plant growth. It is
also called the Soil Moisture Drought. The erratic rainfall conditions and inadequate soil moisture result in
crop failures. This can result due to various factors such as:
➢ Excessive use of High Yielding Seeds (HYV) as these seeds requires more water and proper irrigation.
➢ Change in cropping pattern. E.g. With the introduction of the green revolution, we increased our
production of wheat and rice.
➢ Rice is a water-intensive crop and growing them in an area where less water is available made the area
prone to agricultural drought.
❖ Climate Change: Changes in global climate patterns can significantly impact precipitation levels and increase
the frequency and severity of droughts. Rising temperatures contribute to increased evaporation, affecting
water availability in both surface water and soil moisture.
❖ Desertification: Desertification refers to the process of fertile land turning into desert due to various factors,
including prolonged drought, deforestation, and unsustainable agricultural practices. As vegetation disappears,
the land loses its ability to retain water, exacerbating drought conditions.
Impact:
❖ Economic Impact:
➢ GDP Reduction: Droughts can have a significant economic impact by affecting agricultural productivity,
water-dependent industries, and overall economic output. The estimate of a potential 5% reduction in
GDP over 20 years (1998-2017) underscores the long-term economic consequences of persistent drought
conditions.
❖ Environmental Impact:
➢ Groundwater Depletion: Droughts often lead to a decline in groundwater levels as a result of decreased
recharge and increased extraction for various purposes, including agriculture and drinking water. This
can have lasting effects on the availability of groundwater resources.
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➢ Reduction in Green Cover: Drought conditions contribute to soil moisture deficits, affecting plant
growth and leading to a reduction in green cover. This, in turn, can contribute to land degradation,
desertification, and loss of biodiversity.
❖ Social Impact:
➢ Food Insecurity: Agricultural productivity is heavily dependent on water availability. Droughts can
result in crop failures, food shortages, and increased food prices, leading to food insecurity for
vulnerable populations.
➢ Water Conflicts: Competition for limited water resources during droughts can lead to conflicts among
various users, including agricultural, industrial, and domestic sectors.
➢ Water Stress: Reduced water availability during droughts contributes to water stress, affecting
communities' access to clean water for drinking, sanitation, and other daily needs.
❖ Public Health Impact: The statement regarding a temperature increase of 1 degree Celsius corresponding
to an average of 67 deaths or suicides emphasizes the link between extreme heat events during droughts and
adverse health outcomes. High temperatures can lead to heat-related illnesses, exacerbate existing health
conditions, and impact mental health.
Monitoring of Drought:
❖ Indian Meteorological Department (IMD): The IMD plays a significant role in monitoring meteorological
conditions, including rainfall patterns, temperature variations, and overall climatic trends. This information is
vital for assessing drought risk and providing early warnings. The IMD regularly releases drought outlooks
and advisories based on meteorological data.
❖ Crop Weather Watch Group (CWWG): The CWWG is a specialized group operating under the
Ministry of Agriculture in India. It focuses on monitoring and assessing weather conditions that directly
impact crop growth and agriculture. The group provides information on rainfall, soil moisture, and
temperature patterns, helping farmers and policymakers make informed decisions regarding agricultural
activities.
❖ National and State Monitoring Systems:
➢ National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA): NDMA, at the national level, coordinates efforts
related to disaster management, including drought response. It works in collaboration with various
ministries and state governments to formulate policies and plans for drought mitigation.
➢ State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMAs): At the state level, SDMAs play a critical role in
monitoring and managing drought. They work closely with district administrations, local bodies, and
community organizations to implement drought relief measures and ensure a coordinated response.
❖ Water Resource Departments: Monitoring of water resources is essential during droughts. State water
resource departments assess the availability of surface water and groundwater, implementing measures for
water conservation and equitable distribution.
❖ Agricultural Departments: State agricultural departments closely monitor crop conditions, yield
predictions, and the impact of weather on agricultural productivity. This information is vital for
implementing strategies to support farmers during drought periods.
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NDMA Guidelines:
❖ Vulnerability Mapping: Block-wise rainfall deficit maps in the relevant regions–at crucial stages of monsoon
(e.g., early, middle, and end), separately for SW and NE monsoon. Comprehensive assessment of water
deficit in dry-land farming, rain-fed, and drought-prone areas every year, at the end of the SW and NE
monsoons (stream flow, surface and groundwater)
❖ Assessment, Monitoring, Forecasting, Early Warning: Improve the drought forecast, and assessment of
water deficit (likely mismatch between estimates of requirements and availability) in the arid/semi-arid,
drought-prone, and dry-land farming areas. Monitoring key drought indices at National and State levels as per
latest national manual for drought management
❖ Drought Declaration: Apply the latest (most updated) criteria and methods for assessment of drought
conditions and key indicators for declaring drought, as per latest recommendations of the appropriate agency.
Collaborate with the State Government and its agencies for monitoring/ declaration of drought.
❖ Inter-agency Coordination: Effective coordination and seamless communication among central and state
agencies to ensure quick, clear, and effective dissemination of warnings, information and data.
❖ Structural Measures: Ensure rainwater harvesting and storage in drought-prone areas, water conservation
structures, integrated water resources management, and drinking water storage and distribution facilities
❖ Non-Structural Methods:
➢ Promote water-efficient irrigation systems (sprinklers, drip, etc.)
➢ Promote protective irrigation through micro irrigation systems.
➢ Provide advice to farmers to cope with drought, crop management under drought conditions, and efficient
water management.
➢ Training in water and soil moisture conservation.
➢ Promote village-level information systems for natural resource management.
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❖ Drought Management Plan: Support the preparation of drought management plans based on detailed
projections of water deficit in the drought-prone areas taking into account agro-climatic zones. Provide
advisory to the states having large areas that may face drought/ acute water deficit.
Heat Wave:
❖ The heat wave is a period of abnormally high temperatures that leads to physiological stress, which sometimes
can claim human life.
❖ The World Meteorological Organization defines a heat wave as five or more consecutive days during
which the daily maximum temperature exceeds the average maximum temperature by five degrees
Celsius.
❖ Heat Waves typically occur between March and June, and in some rare cases even extend until July. Heat
waves are more frequent over the Indo-Gangetic plains of India.
❖ On an average, 5-6 heat wave events occur every year over the northern parts of the country. In the northern
plains of the country, dust in suspension occurs for many years for several days, bringing minimum
temperature much higher than normal and keeping the maximum temperature around or slightly above
normal.
❖ According to IMD, in India, it will be considered as heat wave if the maximum temperature of a met-
substation reaches at least 40°C or more in the plains, 37°C or more in coastal areas and at least 30°C
or more for hilly regions.
❖ Higher daily peak temperatures and longer, more intense heat waves are becoming increasingly frequent
globally due to climate change. India too is feeling the impact of climate change in terms of increased instances
of heat waves that are more intense in nature with each passing year and have a devastating impact on human
health thereby increasing the number of heat wave casualties.
❖ The health impacts of Heat Waves typically involve dehydration, heat cramps, heat exhaustion and/or heat
stroke.
❖ Nearly 90% of India is impacted by heat waves.
The signs and Symptoms:
❖ Heat Cramps: Edema (swelling) and Syncope (Fainting) generally accompanied by fever below 39°C
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❖ Heat Exhaustion: Fatigue, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting, muscle cramps and sweating
❖ Heat Stroke: Body temperatures of 40°C or more along with delirium, seizures or coma, which is
potentially fatal.
Factors responsible for Heatwave:
❖ Climate Change and Global Warming: The overall increase in global temperatures due to human-induced
climate change is a primary factor behind the rising frequency and intensity of heatwaves. Greenhouse gas
emissions, primarily from burning fossil fuels, trap heat in the atmosphere, leading to a warming climate.
❖ Unplanned Urbanization and Over Pollution: Rapid and unplanned urbanization, along with high levels of
pollution from industrial and vehicular sources, contributes to the urban heat island effect. Urban areas with
extensive concrete and asphalt surfaces absorb and retain heat, leading to localized temperature increases.
❖ El Niño Condition: El Niño is a climate phenomenon characterized by the periodic warming of sea surface
temperatures in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific. During El Niño events, altered atmospheric
circulation patterns can influence weather conditions globally, including an increased likelihood of heatwaves
in certain regions.
❖ Loss of Tree Cover: Deforestation and the loss of tree cover reduce the cooling effect of vegetation. Trees
provide shade, release moisture through transpiration, and contribute to local climate regulation. The absence
of trees exacerbates heat stress in affected areas.
❖ Changing Land Use Patterns: Alterations in land use, such as converting natural landscapes to urban or
agricultural areas, can modify local climate patterns. Changes in surface albedo, evapotranspiration, and heat
absorption characteristics can contribute to increased temperatures.
❖ Industrialization: Industrial activities release significant amounts of heat and pollutants into the atmosphere.
The concentration of industries in certain areas can contribute to localized warming. Additionally, industrial
emissions, including greenhouse gases and particulate matter, contribute to global warming.
Impact:
❖ Environmental Impact:
➢ Forest Fires: Heatwaves contribute to dry and hot conditions, increasing the risk of forest fires. The
elevated temperatures, coupled with reduced soil moisture and dry vegetation, create favorable
conditions for the ignition and rapid spread of wildfires.
➢ Loss of Biodiversity: Prolonged exposure to extreme heat can stress ecosystems and threaten
biodiversity. Heatwaves can lead to habitat degradation, affecting plant and animal species that may
struggle to adapt or migrate to more suitable environments.
❖ Economic Impact:
➢ Agricultural and Food Security: Heatwaves can result in crop failures, reduced yields, and
diminished agricultural productivity. This, in turn, impacts food security by reducing the availability
of staple crops and driving up food prices.
➢ Financial Loss: The economic cost of heatwaves is substantial. Globally, the financial losses associated
with heatwaves are estimated at $250 billion. This includes damage to infrastructure, loss of crops,
increased healthcare expenses, and other related costs.
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➢ Work Productivity: High temperatures can adversely affect labor productivity. In India, it's projected
that the country could lose around 6% of working hours due to heat stress, impacting various sectors
such as agriculture, construction, and outdoor labor-intensive industries.
❖ Social Impact:
➢ Human Health: Heatwaves pose a significant risk to human health, leading to heat-related illnesses such
as heatstroke, dehydration, and other heat-related conditions. The National Disaster Management
Authority (NDMA) report indicates that heatwaves have caused more than 25,000 deaths in India
between 1992 and 2020.
➢ Silent Disaster: Heatwaves are often referred to as "silent disasters" because their impacts may not be
as immediately visible as other natural disasters. The gradual and prolonged nature of heatwaves can lead
to chronic health issues, particularly affecting vulnerable populations such as the elderly and those with
pre-existing health conditions.
Government Initiative:
India Cooling Action Plan (ICAP):
❖ Objective: ICAP is a comprehensive strategy launched by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate
Change (MoEFCC) in 2019. The primary goal is to address the growing demand for cooling and refrigeration
in India while minimizing the associated environmental impacts.
❖ Focus Areas:
➢ Promoting energy-efficient and climate-friendly cooling technologies.
➢ Enhancing research and development in the cooling sector.
➢ Creating awareness about sustainable cooling practices.
➢ Capacity building and training for professionals in the cooling industry.
➢ Regulatory measures for phasing down high global warming potential (GWP) refrigerants.
National Mission on Sustainable Habitat (NMSH):
❖ Objective: The National Mission on Sustainable Habitat is one of the eight missions under the National
Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC). Launched in 2008, it focuses on promoting sustainable
urbanization and improving the efficiency of urban services to mitigate the impact of climate change.
❖ Focus Areas:
➢ Promoting sustainable urban planning and development.
➢ Enhancing energy efficiency in buildings and transportation.
➢ Encouraging waste management practices and promoting green spaces.
➢ Implementing measures to address air and water quality in urban areas.
➢ Integrating climate resilience into urban infrastructure.
Capacity Building:
❖ Observation Networks, Information Systems, Monitoring, Research, Forecasting, Early Warning and
Zoning/Mapping: Vulnerability Assessment and Establishing Heat-Health Threshold Temperatures.
Establish and maintain a community-based network for sharing alerts.
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❖ Dissemination of warnings, data, and information: Create awareness of preventive measures. Extensive
IEC campaigns to create awareness through print, electronic, and social media.
❖ Inter-Agency Coordination: Ensure the local administration (city/district) can understand and meaningfully
use all the heatwave-related information from various agencies and health authorities – central and state.
❖ Warnings, information, data: Coordinating the dissemination of warnings to all, down to the last mile –
remote, rural or urban; Regular updates to people in areas at risk.
❖ Heat waves shelters and other measures: Strengthening/ mainstreaming the network medical assistance
facilities. Temperature forecasts and heat alerts will be sent as bulk messages on mobile phones, local
electronic media
❖ Awareness Generation: Promoting awareness, alertness, and preparedness. Training programs for the public,
PRIs/ ULBs and Carry out mass media campaigns in heat-wave-prone areas.
❖ Empowering women, marginalised communities, SC/ST, and persons with disabilities: Incorporating
gender sensitive and equitable approaches in capacity development for coping with heat wave emergencies.
