Question #
Drought has been recognized as a disaster in view of its spatial expanse, temporal duration, slow onset and lasting effects on vulnerable sections. With a focus on the September 2010 guidelines from the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), discuss the mechanisms for preparedness to deal with likely El Nino and La Nina fallouts in India.
Answer by Chad #
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) of India issued guidelines in September 2010 to address the preparedness and management of drought-related disasters, including the potential fallouts of El Nino and La Nina phenomena. These guidelines aim to enhance preparedness, mitigate the impacts, and improve the overall resilience of vulnerable sections in India. The mechanisms suggested by the NDMA guidelines are as follows:
1. Early Warning Systems: The NDMA emphasizes the importance of early warning systems to identify and predict El Nino and La Nina events. These systems involve monitoring various climatic parameters, such as sea surface temperature anomalies, rainfall patterns, and atmospheric pressure changes. Early warning systems help in forecasting potential droughts and enable timely responses to mitigate their impact.
2. Drought Monitoring and Assessment: The guidelines stress the need for establishing an effective drought monitoring and assessment mechanism. This includes the establishment of networks for data collection, analysis, and dissemination of relevant information. Drought monitoring helps in assessing the severity and spatial extent of droughts, identifying vulnerable regions, and targeting appropriate response measures.
3. Capacity Building: The NDMA guidelines highlight the necessity of capacity building at various levels. This includes training and sensitizing relevant stakeholders, such as government officials, local communities, and volunteers, on drought management strategies. Capacity building programs equip individuals and institutions with the knowledge and skills required to effectively respond to drought situations.
4. Preparedness and Contingency Planning: The NDMA emphasizes the formulation of comprehensive drought preparedness and contingency plans. These plans should outline the roles and responsibilities of different agencies involved in drought management, as well as identify the necessary resources, equipment, and infrastructure required for drought response. Contingency plans help optimize response efforts during drought emergencies.
5. Information Dissemination: The guidelines highlight the importance of disseminating drought-related information to the public and other stakeholders. This includes issuing advisories and guidelines on drought preparedness and response, as well as providing real-time updates on weather forecasts, water availability, and relief measures. Information dissemination enables better public awareness and participation in drought resilience measures.
6. Coordination and Collaboration: The NDMA emphasizes the need for effective coordination and collaboration among various stakeholders involved in drought management. This includes closer coordination between different government departments, civil society organizations, and international agencies. Collaborative efforts help pool resources, expertise, and experiences to develop and implement effective drought response strategies.
7. Risk Transfer Mechanisms: The guidelines also suggest exploring risk transfer mechanisms, such as insurance and financial instruments, to manage the economic and financial impacts of drought. These mechanisms provide financial support to affected communities and help them recover from the adverse effects of drought events.
By following these mechanisms specified in the NDMA guidelines, India can enhance its preparedness and response capabilities for droughts and effectively manage the fallouts of El Nino and La Nina phenomena, thereby minimizing their impacts on vulnerable sections of the population.