Disaster management is no longer a process limited to providing relief after a catastrophe, as it was in the past. In the modern world, it has become a broader and more complex scope of study based on scientific and social theories. The following are the latest concepts in this field, which have evolved from civil defence methodologies to ‘Disaster Risk Reduction’ (DRR).
1. Comprehensive Emergency Management (CEM)
This is the fundamental theory of disaster management. Under this concept, disaster management is introduced not as an isolated act, but as a continuous cycle consisting of four interconnected phases:
• Mitigation: Proactive measures taken to reduce the destructive impact of a disaster (e.g., constructing flood bunds, adhering to proper construction standards).
• Preparedness: Planning, training, and stockpiling resources before a disaster occurs.
• Response: Immediate actions taken to save lives and protect property as soon as a disaster strikes.
• Recovery: Restoring the community to normalcy following a disaster.
2. The Sendai Framework (2015-2030)
The current global guideline for disaster risk reduction is the ‘Sendai Framework,’ adopted by the United Nations. Operative from 2015 to 2030, this framework emphasizes that disaster management must be integrated into a country’s overall development process.
It has 04 key priorities:
• Understanding disaster risk.
• Strengthening disaster risk governance to manage disaster risk.
• Investing in disaster risk reduction for resilience.
• “Build Back Better” in recovery, rehabilitation, and reconstruction.
3. The Disaster Risk Equation and Resilience
To achieve the first objective of the Sendai Framework—’Understanding Risk’—the following ‘Risk Equation’ is used scientifically:
Risk = {Hazard X Vulnerability} ÷ {Capacity}
• Hazard: The physical natural danger occurring (e.g., floods, landslides).
• Vulnerability: ‘Social and physical weaknesses’ such as poverty and lack of proper housing.
• Capacity: The strength possessed by the community to face the disaster (knowledge, resources).
This clarifies that to reduce disaster risk, we must not only control physical hazards but also minimize the social vulnerabilities of the people and enhance their capacity. This is known as developing “Resilience.”
4. Socio-Cultural Theories
The modern view is that a disaster is not merely a natural event but a Social Construction. The poor, women, and marginalized communities show a higher tendency to fall victim to disasters; this is due to social inequalities, not merely nature.
Practical Application of These Concepts in Sri Lanka
Following the 2004 Tsunami catastrophe, the scope of disaster management in Sri Lanka was strengthened legally and institutionally.
• Legal Framework: The Sri Lanka Disaster Management Act No. 13 of 2005 established the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) and the National Council for Disaster Management.
• Technical Approach: The National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) carries out landslide risk mapping and implements tsunami early warning systems.
• “Build Back Better”: The government follows a policy of relocating houses destroyed by disasters to safe zones, rather than rebuilding them in the same unsafe locations.
Economic, Social, and Human Rights Challenges in Disaster Management
Despite technical advancements, the most serious issue in disaster management is that it does not operate equitably across all sections of society. Viewed from the Right to Life perspective, disaster management is an essential component of protecting human rights.
1. Economic Disparity and the Division of Risk Disasters do not affect the rich and the poor equally. Low-income populations often live on lands at risk of landslides or floods. They lack the economic strength to build safe housing. Therefore, disaster risk is a result of economic poverty, not merely the wrath of nature.
2. Discrimination in Relief Distribution Discrimination based on political affiliations or other social factors during the distribution of relief is a serious issue. Disaster relief is not a political donation; it is a fundamental right of the affected people.
3. Rights and Dignity of Displaced Persons There are issues regarding congestion within relief camps, lack of adequate sanitation facilities, and the safety of women and children. The “Right to Life” is not just about breathing; it is about living with human dignity.
4. Climate Change and Intergenerational Rights Urban floods and landslides are increasing due to global warming and unplanned urbanization. Development projects carried out while destroying the environment violate the right of future generations to live safely.
Future Recommendations
• Rights-based Approach: Disaster management should not be viewed merely as relief distribution but must be treated as a mechanism to affirm the rights of the affected people.
• Nature-based Solutions: Controlling disasters naturally by protecting wetlands and conserving forests.
• Technology and Equity: While developing early warning technologies, ensuring that this information reaches people in the most remote areas instantly (Last Mile Connectivity).
Conclusion
Modern disaster management succeeds not only through technology but by the extent to which it protects human dignity and social justice. Replacing “waiting until a disaster happens” with “creating a safe environment for all” is the responsibility of both the government and civil society.