Roadmap for Answer Writing Introduction Purpose: Introduce the topic of earthquake vulnerability in India. Context: Highlight the significance of understanding seismic hazards in a country with a high risk of earthquakes. Vulnerability of India to Earthquake-Related Hazards Seismic Activity: Fact: India is located on the convergence ...
The case of urban flooding is gradually becoming a major concern in cities, not only due to floodwater from over flowing rivers but also due to sudden and haphazard urbanization that ignores the possibility of a natural drainage system and the equanimity in that ecological system. Many urban areas aRead more
The case of urban flooding is gradually becoming a major concern in cities, not only due to floodwater from over flowing rivers but also due to sudden and haphazard urbanization that ignores the possibility of a natural drainage system and the equanimity in that ecological system. Many urban areas are undergoing intense flooding because of:
1. Natural Drainage System Degradation: When people move to urban centers they stretch their dwelling places towards rivers, lakes, wetlands and other forms of natural what one may term as drainage channels. But while absorption by soil, construction, roads, and other surfaces with no permeable surface takes over, they lead to more runoff.
2. Insufficient Drainage Infrastructure: Every town has established their drainage systems aiming at a different population and receiving less rainfall, meaning they cannot transport the current volumes of water and even more so with the addition of depth from climate change.
3. Uncontrolled Building: Floodplain structures, bad land management, and ill-designed structures hinder water flow, thereby, increasing the impact of rainfall.
4. Problems with Waste Management: Disposal of wastes in the wrong manner leads to blocking common utilities like drains hence minimizing capabilities of efficient storm water systems leading to floods which are much worse.
From the National Disaster Management Authority guidelines for urban flooding
India’s National Disaster Management Authority has also evolved various handiness to assist the cities to better realize and control urban flooding. Some of the major guidelines developed by the body include the following:
1. Urban Flood Zoning and Mapping: NDMA recommends that cities assess flood prone areas to determine the degree of risk and regulate those areas accordingly. It can therefore be prescribed in those regions in order to check reckless development while urban development can be directed towards reduction of effects of flooding.
The case of urban flooding is gradually becoming a major concern in cities, not only due to floodwater from over flowing rivers but also due to sudden and haphazard urbanization that ignores the possibility of a natural drainage system and the equanimity in that ecological system. Many urban areas are undergoing intense flooding because of:
1. Natural Drainage System Degradation: When people move to urban centers they stretch their dwelling places towards rivers, lakes, wetlands and other forms of natural what one may term as drainage channels. But while absorption by soil, construction, roads, and other surfaces with no permeable surface takes over, they lead to more runoff.
2. Insufficient Drainage Infrastructure: Every town has established their drainage systems aiming at a different population and receiving less rainfall, meaning they cannot transport the current volumes of water and even more so with the addition of depth from climate change.
3. Uncontrolled Building: Floodplain structures, bad land management, and ill-designed structures hinder water flow, thereby, increasing the impact of rainfall.
4. Problems with Waste Management: Disposal of wastes in the wrong manner leads to blocking common utilities like drains hence minimizing capabilities of efficient storm water systems leading to floods which are much worse.
From the National Disaster Management Authority guidelines for urban flooding
India’s National Disaster Management Authority has also evolved various handiness to assist the cities to better realize and control urban flooding. Some of the major guidelines developed by the body include the following:
1. Urban Flood Zoning and Mapping: NDMA recommends that cities assess flood prone areas to determine the degree of risk and regulate those areas accordingly. It can therefore be prescribed in those regions in order to check reckless development while urban development can be directed towards reduction of effects of flooding.
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Model Answer Introduction India is highly vulnerable to earthquake-related hazards due to its location in a seismically active region. The country has a long history of seismic activity, particularly in the northern and northeastern regions, which are prone to significant earthquakes. VulnerabilityRead more
Model Answer
Introduction
India is highly vulnerable to earthquake-related hazards due to its location in a seismically active region. The country has a long history of seismic activity, particularly in the northern and northeastern regions, which are prone to significant earthquakes.
Vulnerability of India to Earthquake-Related Hazards
India is situated at the convergence of several tectonic plates, making it susceptible to seismic events. The country is divided into four seismic zones, with most of the northern and northeastern regions classified under zones IV and V, which are considered highly active. These areas are prone to high-magnitude earthquakes, and the densely populated cities within them face severe risks from such events. Factors contributing to vulnerability include unplanned urbanization, inadequate infrastructure, and a lack of preparedness for disaster response.
Examples of Major Disasters Caused by Earthquakes in India
Conclusion
The major earthquake disasters in the last three decades have emphasized the urgent need for improved preparedness, infrastructure, and coordination among various agencies to mitigate the impact of earthquakes. A comprehensive approach to earthquake risk reduction, including risk assessment, early warning systems, land-use planning, and public awareness campaigns, is essential for enhancing resilience against future seismic events.
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