Eduqo
Indian Geography›Ch 5: Human Geography & World›Natural Disasters in India
Comprehensive study of floods, cyclones, NDMA guidelines and vulnerable zones
India is highly vulnerable to natural disasters due to its unique geo-climatic conditions, requiring active mitigation, preparedness by the NDMA, and zonal vulnerability mapping.
Memory Hooks
| Disaster Type | Most Prone Region | Primary Cause |
|---|---|---|
| Floods | Brahmaputra & Ganga Basin | Heavy monsoon rains & silt |
| Cyclones | Eastern Coast (Odisha, AP) | Warm sea surface temp (>27°C) |
| Landslides | Western Ghats & Himalayas | Heavy rains & unstable slopes |
| Droughts | Marathwada, Rayalseema | Deficient monsoon rainfall |
NDMA
(Apex disaster body)
Apex disaster body
NDMA was established under the Disaster Management Act of 2005.
TSUNAMI
(Seismic sea wave)
Seismic sea wave
Tsunamis are triggered primarily by underwater earthquakes.
DROUGHT
(Water scarcity condition)
Water scarcity condition
Meteorological drought occurs when rainfall is deficient by 25% or more.
CYCLONE
(Low pressure vortex)
Low pressure vortex
Tropical cyclones spin counter-clockwise in the Northern Hemisphere.
NDMA is chaired by Union Home MinisterNDMA is chaired by Prime Minister
Home Minister heads NEC (National Executive Committee), but PM heads NDMA.
Arabian Sea gets more cyclones than Bay of BengalBay of Bengal gets significantly more cyclones
Higher sea surface temperature and shape make Bay of Bengal a cyclone hotspot.
Disaster Management Act was passed in 2010Disaster Management Act was passed in 2005
Always remember the year 2005 for the landmark Disaster Management Act in India.
Q1.Who is the ex-officio Chairperson of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) in India?
Q2.In which year was the comprehensive Disaster Management Act enacted in India?