7. What is disaster? Critically explain the causes and consequences of natural and man-made disasters. (Not more than 250 words)

Points to Remember:

Definition of disaster
Causes of natural disasters
Causes of man-made disasters
Consequences of disasters
Mitigation and preparedness

Introduction:

A disaster is a sudden, calamitous event that seriously disrupts the functioning of a community or society, causing widespread human, material, economic, or environmental losses that exceed the ability of the affected community or society to cope using its own resources. Disasters can be broadly classified as natural or man-made.

Body:

Causes of Natural Disasters: Natural disasters stem from geophysical events like earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, tsunamis; hydrometeorological events like floods, droughts, cyclones; and biological events like epidemics. These are often exacerbated by factors like deforestation, unsustainable land use, and climate change.

Causes of Man-made Disasters: These are caused by human actions or negligence. Examples include industrial accidents (e.g., Chernobyl), technological failures (e.g., oil spills), wars, terrorism, and pandemics (often exacerbated by inadequate public health infrastructure).

Consequences of Disasters: Both natural and man-made disasters lead to loss of life, injuries, displacement, damage to infrastructure, economic disruption, environmental degradation, and social unrest. The scale of consequences depends on the severity of the event and the preparedness of the affected community.

Conclusion:

Disasters, whether natural or man-made, pose significant threats to human well-being and sustainable development. Effective disaster risk reduction requires a multi-pronged approach encompassing preparedness (early warning systems, evacuation plans), mitigation (reducing vulnerability through infrastructure improvements and land-use planning), and response (efficient relief and recovery efforts). Investing in resilience building and promoting community participation are crucial for minimizing the devastating impact of future disasters and fostering a safer, more sustainable world.

KPSC Notes brings Prelims and Mains programs for KPSC Prelims and KPSC Mains Exam preparation. Various Programs initiated by KPSC Notes are as follows:-

For any doubt, Just leave us a Chat or Fill us a querry––