Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Tsunamis, originating from underwater disturbances like earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, or landslides, pose a significant threat to coastal communities worldwide. India, with its extensive 7,516.6 km coastline, is particularly vulnerable. The devastating Indian Ocean tsunami of December 26, 2004, which claimed over 18,000 lives in India alone, underscored the nation’s susceptibility and the urgent need for robust tsunami disaster management systems. This answer will identify the tsunami-affected areas in India and analyze the management problems encountered in these regions, encompassing pre-disaster preparedness, immediate response, and long-term recovery.
Tsunami Affected Areas in India
India’s coastline is categorized into different zones based on tsunami risk. The most vulnerable areas include:
- Andaman & Nicobar Islands: Highest vulnerability due to proximity to the subduction zone.
- Tamil Nadu & Puducherry: Severely affected in 2004, with a long coastline and densely populated areas.
- Andhra Pradesh: Moderate vulnerability, particularly the coastal districts.
- Odisha: Relatively lower vulnerability compared to the southern states, but still at risk.
- West Bengal: Low vulnerability, but susceptible to storm surges that can exacerbate tsunami impacts.
- Kerala: Moderate vulnerability, with a long coastline and dense population.
- Karnataka: Moderate vulnerability, with a coastline prone to erosion.
- Gujarat: Relatively low vulnerability, but susceptible to storm surges.
Management Problems in Tsunami Affected Areas
1. Preparedness Phase
The preparedness phase focuses on reducing vulnerability before a tsunami strikes. Key problems include:
- Lack of Awareness: Despite efforts, awareness levels among coastal communities remain low, particularly regarding early warning signs and evacuation procedures.
- Inadequate Early Warning Systems: While India has an effective tsunami early warning system (established post-2004), challenges remain in disseminating warnings quickly and effectively to remote coastal villages.
- Insufficient Evacuation Infrastructure: Many coastal areas lack adequate evacuation shelters, clearly marked evacuation routes, and accessible transportation for vulnerable populations.
- Limited Coastal Zone Management: Unplanned construction and encroachment in coastal areas increase vulnerability by removing natural buffers like mangroves and sand dunes.
2. Mitigation Phase
Mitigation involves long-term measures to reduce the impact of tsunamis.
- Deforestation of Mangroves: Destruction of mangrove forests, which act as natural barriers, increases coastal erosion and tsunami inundation.
- Coastal Erosion: Increasing coastal erosion weakens natural defenses and makes communities more susceptible to tsunami impacts.
- Lack of Land Use Planning: Absence of strict land use regulations allows for construction in high-risk zones.
- Insufficient Funding for Mitigation Projects: Limited financial resources hinder the implementation of long-term mitigation measures like seawalls and beach nourishment.
3. Response Phase
The response phase focuses on immediate actions taken during and after a tsunami.
- Communication Breakdown: During the 2004 tsunami, communication networks were severely disrupted, hindering rescue and relief efforts.
- Coordination Challenges: Lack of effective coordination between different government agencies, NGOs, and local communities hampered the response.
- Logistical Difficulties: Reaching remote coastal areas with relief supplies and medical assistance proved challenging due to damaged infrastructure and limited transportation options.
- Search and Rescue Limitations: Insufficient trained personnel and equipment limited the effectiveness of search and rescue operations.
4. Recovery Phase
The recovery phase focuses on long-term rehabilitation and reconstruction.
- Rehabilitation of Livelihoods: Restoring the livelihoods of affected fishing communities and farmers is a slow and complex process.
- Psychological Trauma: Addressing the psychological trauma experienced by survivors requires long-term mental health support.
- Reconstruction of Infrastructure: Rebuilding damaged infrastructure, including housing, roads, and schools, is a costly and time-consuming undertaking.
- Land Disputes: Disputes over land ownership and resettlement issues can delay the recovery process.
Specific Regional Challenges
| Region | Specific Management Problems |
|---|---|
| Andaman & Nicobar Islands | Remote location, limited infrastructure, dependence on external aid, ecological sensitivity. |
| Tamil Nadu | High population density, extensive coastline, complex socio-economic conditions, vulnerability of fishing communities. |
| Andhra Pradesh | Coastal erosion, cyclone vulnerability exacerbating tsunami impacts, limited awareness in rural areas. |
Conclusion
Effective tsunami disaster management in India requires a multi-pronged approach encompassing enhanced preparedness, robust mitigation measures, efficient response mechanisms, and sustainable recovery strategies. Strengthening early warning systems, promoting coastal zone management, investing in evacuation infrastructure, and raising community awareness are crucial steps. Furthermore, improved coordination between stakeholders and increased funding for disaster risk reduction are essential to minimize the devastating impacts of future tsunamis and build resilient coastal communities. Continuous monitoring, research, and adaptation to changing climate conditions are also vital for long-term success.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.