A Critical Study on Disaster Management and Role of ICT in Minimizing Its Impact

Disaster means “Bad Star” in Latin and is defined as an impact due to a natural or man-made hazard that results in the huge casualties and damage to resources. Recent events and studies have shown that disaster preparedness is no longer considered as a choice and has become a mandatory process irrespective of the geographical area and its distribution. The types of risk vary and increase depending on the geographical location of a country. If they are targeted proactively, the consequences of natural and man-made disasters and the vulnerabilities to which people are exposed can be mitigated. It has been proven from past experience and practice that the damage caused by any disaster can be minimized largely through careful planning, mitigation, and prompt action. In disaster prevention, mitigation, and management (disaster management), information and communications technology (ICT) can play a key role. Different available technologies, including telecommunication satellites, radar, telemetry, and meteorology, allow remote sensing for early warning. ICT includes both traditional media (radio, television) and new media (cellular broadcasting, Internet, satellite radio), which can play an important role in educating and raising public awareness of the risks of potential disaster. This research work highlights the issues of disaster management in relation to the Indian subcontinent. It explores the role of “National Disaster Management Authority” (NDMA) established in 2005 by the Government of India to study and minimize the effect of a disaster using various ICT tools and techniques.