Scientific management of disasters vital

Scientific disaster management programmes should be initiated in the State to check the loss of lives on such occasions, say experts. P.V. Joseph, former director of the Indian Meteorological Department, has said that a technical evaluation of the cyclone risk should be done when it comes to issues related to cyclone pre-disaster planning in coastal areas.Assessment of the vulnerability of the population to stated intensity of cyclone is another step. We should also establish structural design codes, regulatory controls and safety standards with legislation to encourage public adherence, Prof. Joseph said. He said that educational programmes to gain community acceptance of the costs of cyclone disaster mitigation should also be organised, as a fourth step in the cyclone pre-disaster planning.

Stating that the country was equipped in monitoring cyclones continuously, Prof. Joseph said the nation has a network of 10 cyclone detection radars along the east and west coasts to monitor the cyclones when they come to one day striking distance from our coast. Our country has developed operational storm surge prediction computer models to enable timely evacuation of the coastal population to safer areas when severe cyclones threaten the coasts, he said.Prof. Joseph also said the country has a very advanced space programme, which is being used for cyclone warning dissemination and disaster mitigation. K.T. Damodaran, former director of the School of Marine Sciences at the Cochin University of Science and Technology, said disasters are very chaotic in nature. On many occasions, the death toll and the extent of damage to property become exaggerated. People should stop spreading rumours, he said.Referring to the impact of tsunamis, Dr. Damodaran said all earthquakes need not cause tsunamis.If you are living in the coastal region and hear that an earthquake has occurred under the sea, wait for the tsunami warning. Approaching tsunami is always preceded by a fall-back in coastal waters. This is Nature’s tsunami warning and should be heeded, he said.

The Hindu, November 1st , 2009