Topics
250 words
Topic

Disasters

A disaster is a serious disruption of the functioning of a community or a society at any scale due to hazardous events interacting with conditions of exposure, vulnerability, and capacity, leading to widespread human, material, economic, or environmental losses.

Why it matters

  • Disasters threaten the developmental gains of a nation by causing large-scale destruction of critical infrastructure and public assets.
  • They exacerbate socio-economic inequalities, as marginalized populations often face higher vulnerability and slower recovery rates.
  • Effective disaster management is essential for ensuring long-term national security and sustainable economic growth.
  • Integrated disaster risk reduction strategies are vital for building community resilience against climate-induced and anthropogenic hazards.

How it is asked

Candidates should focus on the institutional framework for disaster management, the shift from a relief-centric approach to a proactive risk-reduction model, and the role of local governance in disaster preparedness and mitigation.