Today's Brief 3-6/08/2024

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Youtube Hindi: https://youtu.be/PeqTSZ-PyMU?si=QEr3j70BQjWkBDRd

1. VIRAASAT: fortnight long exhibition dedicated to celebrating 10th National Handloom Day began at Handloom Haat in Janpath on Saturday, 3rd August, 2024. National Handloom Development Corporation Ltd (NHDC) is organising the handloom expo under the aegis of the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India which will conclude on 16th August, 2024.

10th National Handloom Day will be celebrated on 7th August. The event focuses on the glorious tradition of Handloom and Handicrafts. It also provides market connect to the handloom weavers and artisans.

2. Earthquakes and River Courses

Earthquakes can significantly impact river courses in various ways. Here's how:

Effects of Earthquakes on River Courses

1. River Blockage:

• Earthquakes can cause landslides, which may block rivers, creating temporary lakes. Once the landslide dam breaks, it can lead to sudden flooding downstream.

1. River Course Change:

• The seismic activity can alter the landscape, causing rivers to change their courses. The uplift or subsidence of land can redirect river flow.

1. Creation of New Channels:

• Intense shaking can crack the river bed, forming new channels or widening existing ones.

1. Alteration of Water Flow:

• Ground shaking can disrupt sediment distribution, affecting water flow and river ecology.

Historical Examples

• The 2008 Sichuan Earthquake (China):

• This earthquake caused significant landslides that blocked rivers, creating numerous landslide dams and resulting in severe flooding once these dams breached.

• The 1906 San Francisco Earthquake (USA):

• Altered the courses of several rivers due to ground displacement along the fault line.

Potential Long-Term Effects

• Ecosystem Impact:

• Changes in river courses can affect local ecosystems, potentially leading to the loss of habitats for aquatic and riparian species.

• Human Settlements:

• Rivers changing course can impact agriculture, settlements, and infrastructure, requiring significant adjustments and reconstruction efforts.

Understanding the interplay between earthquakes and river courses is crucial for disaster preparedness and environmental management. Efforts to monitor and mitigate these impacts are vital for minimizing the risks to human life and property.

3. National Disaster: The Kerala government has requested the Centre to declare the catastrophic landslide that devastated at least three villages in Vythiri taluk in the Wayanad district on July 30 a national disaster. 

Unnatural disaster: On the Wayanad landslides

The Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, had stated last week that he would flag the Wayanad disaster in Parliament. The Leader of the Opposition in the Kerala Assembly, V.D. Satheeshan, demanded that the Central government declare the Wayanad landslide a natural disaster. 

In India, a "national disaster" is a significant event causing widespread destruction and distress that overwhelms the capacity of state governments and requires the intervention and support of the central government. While India does not have an explicit legal definition for "national disaster," it refers to large-scale events that necessitate national-level coordination and resources for effective response and recovery.

Key Characteristics of a National Disaster

1. Magnitude and Severity:

• The disaster causes extensive loss of life, property, and resources, impacting a large geographical area and population.

1. Overwhelming State Capacity:

• The affected state's capacity to respond to and manage the disaster is exceeded, necessitating central government intervention.

1. Need for National Coordination:

• Coordinated efforts involving multiple states, central government agencies, and national resources are required for effective management.

Examples of National Disasters

• 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami:

• The tsunami caused massive destruction along the Indian coastline, requiring extensive national and international aid and coordination.

• 2001 Gujarat Earthquake:

• The earthquake resulted in significant loss of life and property, with the central government leading substantial relief and rehabilitation efforts.

• 2013 Uttarakhand Floods:

• Devastating floods and landslides in Uttarakhand led to large-scale destruction and necessitated central government involvement for rescue and recovery operations.

Government Framework for Disaster Management

India's approach to disaster management is structured and involves various governmental bodies and policies:

1. National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA):

• Established under the Disaster Management Act of 2005, NDMA is responsible for formulating policies, plans, and guidelines for disaster management.

1. State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMAs):

• Each state has its own SDMA to coordinate disaster management efforts within the state and collaborate with the central government during national disasters.

1. National Disaster Response Force (NDRF):

• A specialized force created for rapid deployment in response to disasters, the NDRF plays a crucial role in search and rescue operations during national disasters.

1. Disaster Management Act, 2005:

• Provides the legal framework for disaster management in India, detailing the roles and responsibilities of various agencies and the mechanisms for coordinated response.

1. National Disaster Management Plan (NDMP):

• Outlines the comprehensive strategy for disaster preparedness, response, and recovery, including protocols for managing national disasters.

Role of the Central Government

The central government, through agencies like NDMA and NDRF, provides resources, expertise, and coordination to manage national disasters. It also facilitates international aid and cooperation when necessary. Financial assistance is provided to affected states from the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) and other sources.

Understanding these aspects helps in comprehending how India manages and mitigates the impacts of large-scale disasters, ensuring a coordinated and effective response.

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