Drowning in Dust

Drowning in Dust

Disaster and Disaster Management

News:

1.       Recent extreme weather event in North India has highlighted the need for better disaster management system.

Important facts:

2.       According to the UN Environment Programme, globally major dust producing region releases 1000-3000 teragrams of particles into the atmosphere. Sahara Desert contributes the highest with one-third of the total dust
3.       In India, presence of dust particles is 3 times higher than the global average due to the abundance of mineral dust
4.       Research points out that altered climatic patterns due to accumulation of dust particles affect the Himalayan glaciers
5.       Every year in pre-monsoon season, North Indian States experience storms carrying natural dust clouds from the Thar Desert and further west.
6.       However, some scientists have reported reduction in dust volumes in pre-monsoon season due to pattern of increased rainfall
7.       The recent storm was highly destructive as it combined hot western winds and moisture from the east. Extremely hot April temperature in parts of Pakistan added to the intensity of the storm.
8.       Problems with disaster management in India:

•         Lack of coordination among various stakeholders which affects disaster preparedness
•         Poor public infrastructure

9.       Measures to be taken:

•         Develop accurate forecasting methods
•         Strong public infrastructure
•         Capacity development among administrators and personnel
•         Protocols to mitigate impact and ensure rescue and rehabilitation