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'Social factors responsible for destruction caused by natural disasters'

Socio-economic factors convert a potential hazard into a major disaster, an expert has said.

Talking about the super cyclone that claimed hundreds of lives and caused extensive damage in Orissa, convenor of Delhi University's Disaster Studies Research Group R B Singh said even though the magnitude and intensity of hazards do have a bearing on the possible extent of damage, the single most important reason for the destruction caused is the socio-economic condition.

''In spite of warnings, human population and anthropogenic activities cannot be moved away from the area to be struck by a natural calamity as its inhabitants, particularly the poor, are dependent on such a region,'' he said in New Delhi today.

That all coastal districts of Orissa were not equally influenced by the cyclone, only proves that the storm itself was not the problem. It became a cause of concern after coming in contact with a vulnerable social setting, Dr Singh said.

People inhabiting disaster-prone areas have modified its morphology and natural vegetation. Agricultural fields and dwellings stand where once trees and tall grass were, so high-speed winds cause damage as there are fewer natural physical wind barriers along the coastal lowlands, he said.

Dr Singh also blames the lack of public awareness for poor public acceptance of disaster warnings, which in turn increases the hazard's damage causing potential.

''Due to lack of proper education campaign the population in such areas, like the people in coastal areas of Orissa, fail to properly perceive the gravity of the warnings.''

Calling for the government to allocate about 50 per cent of the natural calamities funds for disaster mitigation, he said more often than not huge amount of money is available for post disaster work and almost nothing for pre-hazard or damage prevention measures.

''Besides more cost-effective pre-cyclone measures could have saved a lot precious lives and property. Prevention is better than cure,'' Dr Singh said.

For future at least some long-term strategies could be made, including construction of cyclone shelters or identifying existing buildings which could act as shelters with proper infrastructure.

''Afforestation along the coastline and constructing a reliable road network linking coastal villages with more safer areas inland would go a long way in reducing the number of casualties in such calamities,'' he said.

Dr Singh strongly advocates the formulation a national policy action plan for disaster management in order to minimise damage due to natural calamities.

UNI

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