A disaster is a serious disruption of the functioning of a society involving human and material loss. Disasters are broadly classified into natural and man-made disasters. India is one of the most disaster prone countries in the world. This lesson explains the various natural and man-made disasters, and the precautionary and mitigation measures taken to avoid the loss of lives and materials.
1. What Is a Disaster?
- Disaster is a very common phenomenon in human society and has been experienced by people since time immemorial. Though its form may vary, it has always been a challenge for society.
- The World Disaster Reports have recently found that disasters have increased in frequency and intensity.
- India has some of the world's most severe droughts, famines, cyclones, earthquakes, chemical disasters, rail accidents and road accidents.
- The high density of population in developing countries, especially in the high risk coastal areas, results in millions of people being affected by natural disasters, especially recurring disasters like floods, cyclones and storm surges.