Types of Disasters
Disaster Management · आपदाओं के प्रकार
📋Quick Overview
Disasters are broadly classified as natural (caused by natural processes) and man-made (caused by human activities). Natural disasters include earthquakes, cyclones, floods, droughts, and tsunamis. Man-made disasters include industrial accidents, nuclear disasters, chemical spills, and transport disasters. India's disaster profile is unique because it experiences almost all types of natural disasters as well as major man-made disasters like the Bhopal Gas Tragedy.
CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear) disasters form a special category requiring unique response protocols. India has NDRF battalions specially trained for CBRN response, particularly for nuclear plant emergencies and chemical industrial accidents.
📖Classification of Natural Disasters
| Category | Type | Examples in India |
|---|---|---|
| Geophysical | Earthquake, Volcano, Tsunami | Bhuj 2001 (earthquake), 2004 Tsunami |
| Meteorological | Cyclone, Tornado, Thunderstorm | Amphan 2020, Tauktae 2021 |
| Hydrological | Flood, Flash flood, Landslide | Assam floods (annual), Kedarnath 2013 |
| Climatological | Drought, Wildfire, Heat wave, Cold wave | Maharashtra drought, Rajasthan heat waves |
| Biological | Epidemic, Pandemic, Locust swarms | COVID-19 (2020-21), Locust swarms Rajasthan 2020 |
📖Drought — Types & Prone Regions
| Drought Type | Definition |
|---|---|
| Meteorological Drought | Rainfall deficiency (< 75% of normal for 3+ months) |
| Agricultural Drought | Soil moisture insufficient for crop growth |
| Hydrological Drought | Rivers, lakes, groundwater levels fall below normal |
| Socio-Economic Drought | Demand for water exceeds supply, affecting society+economy |
- •India drought facts: 33% of land area = drought-prone; 50% of districts vulnerable; Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana most affected
- •India drought declaration: ≥25% below normal rainfall; IMD and state government both involved; triggers drought relief norms
📖Man-Made Disasters & CBRN
| Type | Global Example | India Example |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical | Bhopal Gas 1984 (MIC leak) | Bhopal Gas Tragedy — world's worst |
| Nuclear | Chernobyl 1986 (Ukraine), Fukushima 2011 (Japan) | No major nuclear disaster yet; Narora NPP near-miss 1993 |
| Industrial/Structural | Rana Plaza collapse 2013 (Bangladesh) | Morbi bridge collapse 2022 (Gujarat) — 141 dead |
| Biological/Pandemic | COVID-19 (2019-21) — global pandemic | COVID-19 in India — 5+ lakh official deaths |