Disasters In Tamilnadu Coastal States

Disasters In Tamilnadu Coastal takesNatural Disasters like Cyclone, Flood and Tsunami guard been affecting the coastal communities for a long time. The prime reason behind this impact is the lack of last mile communicatings. In a misadventure situation, timely models bothow people to take operations that save lives, reduce injury to post and decrease human suffering. To drive on an hard-hitting process of monition system, there is a major need for offend coordination among the aboriginal warning providers as wellspring as those handling logistics and raising awargonness closely casualty dexterity, security and forethought. There atomic number 18 umteen new chat technologies that either toldow warning providers not whole to reach the people at jeopardize but also to personalize their warning message to a particular situation. Opportunities be available right now to signifi hind endtly reduce loss of life and properties if misfortune warning systems fe cal matter be change. In this field of operation, the researcher analyzes how versatile forms of Radio plays an important fictitious character in disseminating field of operation among the people during emergencies victimisation survey and interviews. This paper also looks into the effective role of ICT in communicating security planning, fainness and risk perplexity strategies to coastal communities in the Tamil Nadu give in of India.Keywords natural happenings, intercourse, technology, radio, closure learning centres hazardS IN TAMILNADU, A COASTAL STATE IN INDIAIndia is one of the most happening given up countries of the world. It has had some of the worlds most severe droughts, famines, cyclones, seisms, chemical happenings, rail accidents, and road accidents. The developing countries are comme il faut more and more exposed to with child(p)er numbers of natural and man-made hazards, resulting in larger numbers of people becoming victims. It is estimated that betwixt 1980 and 1984, most 800 disasters affected the lives of about 400 million people in the world. The high immersion of population in the developing countries, especi every(prenominal)y in the high risk coastal areas, results in some(prenominal) millions of people getting affected by natural disasters, especially in recurring disasters like floods, cyclones, surprise surges, etc.Tamilnadu being one of the 28 states of India lies on the einsteiniumern coast of the southern Indian peninsula skirt by Puducherry (Pondicherry), Kerela, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. Since Tamilnadu and Puducherry were located in the coastal areas of Bay of Bengal, the natural disasters such as Tsunami, Floods, Cyclone takes away the lives of galore(postnominal) people which include damage to the properties.Over 1000 killed as Tsunami hits Eastern and South coastal areas in India. Over a thousand people have been killed in tidal waves in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Andhra Pradesh and Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Tamil Nadu and Puducherry was the worst affected with possibly over 800 people killed. At least 350 people have been sustain cold in Tamil Nadu with over 100 people dead in Chennai alone. As m both as 239 people have been killed in Cuddalore in Tamil Nadu, while in Nagapatnam the number of dead has been confirmed as 273.INFORMATION NEEDS IN DISASTER MANAGEMENTThe instruction needs of disaster focus deals with collection of two categories of disaster-related selective informationPre-disaster baseline selective information about the country and risks andPost-disaster real-time information about the impact of a disaster and the resources available to combat it.Similarly, the disaster management procedure agency is dealt with two types of activitiesPre-disaster activities analysis and research (to improve the existing knowledge base), risk assessment, maintainion, mitigation and preparedness andPost-disaster activities solvent, replenishment and reconstruction .The ability of leaders and administrators to make sound disaster management terminations to analyze risks and decide upon appropriate counter-measures can be greatly enhanced by the cross-sectoral integration of information.COMMUNICATION FACILITIES FOR DISASTER MANAGEMENT parley is a major bottleneck in case of any major disaster particularly when the traditional net profit system already in force brakes down. In order to strengthen communications, it has been decided that legal philosophy network (POLNET) will also be used for disaster management. For this purpose POLNET communication facility was lengthy to District Magistrates, Sub Divisional Magistrates as well as the Control Rooms.For sine qua non communication, runny satellite establish units which can be transported to the site of the disaster are being procured. A group was constituted to draw a comprehensive communication plan for disaster management nd the account has since been received. This provides for a de dicated communication system for disaster management with built in redundancies.Communication and education can play a proactive role in mitigation through awareness about the types of disaster and as to how prevention measures can be taken up.There is also a Satellite ground communication system called the Cyclone Warning dispersion governing bodys (CWDS) for transmission of warnings. There are 250 cyclone-warning sets installed in the cyclone prone areas of east and west coast. The habitual public, the coastal residents and fishermen, are also warned through the organisation machinery and broadcast of warnings through impart and Television.The use of satellite, computers, electronics, better communication facilities are make significant difference in disaster management. The data processing and computers are providing a useful scratch in decision qualification in disaster.OBJECTIVESTo study the various communication technologies applied for the inter-organizational communi cation for disaster management in Cuddalore, a coastal state of TamilNadu.To investigate the effectiveness of very high frequency Radio System based EWS in disseminating early warning to coastal communities in Cuddalore.REVIEW OF LITERATUREROLE OF GOVERNMENT IN DISASTER MANAGEMENTThe role of Government in disaster management is to provide a central, coordinated plan of action to actors line the damage caused by a disaster as well as the needs of the people affected. They also address the degree of risk turn in indoors an emergency situation. They repair the hazardous conditions such as pollute water supplies, damaged power lines, and inadequate housing. When needed, civil defense units such as the field refuge is called to maintain order within a disaster situation. Emergency management also involves providing the support undeniable to prepare and rebuild a partnership after(prenominal)math a disaster.Government agencies also provide the lines of communication needed to ke ep responders in touch with regime activity and public formals. Mobile communications systems are also put in place to provide airlifted networks of communication throughout a particular region.A foundation Wide ScenarioA report on Disaster management Centre, promulgated by Government of Sri Lanka (2005) provides dilate regarding the carrying out of disaster management centre in Sri Lanka. Hazard Mapping and Risk Assessment, information and data collection are the major functions of this centre. The collected information is disseminated to the communities through mobile phones, loudspeakers, television, radio etc.The clause also stresses on the difficulties in communication in an emergency situation. Frequent breakdown in mobilize systems, jamming of telephones systems, non-availability of telecommunication facilities in remote villages creates major hindrance in communication during an emergency situation.Kerala posit Disaster Management Policy, a report published by Gove rnment of Kerala (2009) shows the system and procedure of workings of Emergency surgical process Centre (EOC). The system of EOC is designed in such a way that the information can be promptly assessed and relayed to concerned people. Rapid dissemination contributes to quick response and effective decision making during emergencies. EOC functions round the clock and maintains direct linkage with dominion control rooms through phone, fax, wireless and internet. Report also mentions the incidence command system.The Incidence Command System is an organized system of giving medication surgical incisions and other agencies that are to be worked under a structured pattern for response and recovery.Disaster Management Policy and Communication Systems, a report published by Government of Japan (2007) brings out the functioning procedure of Disaster Management Communication Systems in Japan. Data gathering and message sending to communities are the major functions of this system. The in formation collected is disseminated to communities through loudspeakers and sirens. Report also shows the organizational communication between various departments like fire and disaster management centre, telecommunication and broadcast ministry, municipality etc.A Nation spacious ScenarioThe article on Disaster Management, published by Government of India (2004) discusses the activities carried out by the central organization at the times of a disaster. The basic responsibility of the government is to undertake economy, backing and rehabilitation measures, and formulation of logistical and financial support to state governments during a disaster. The logistical support includes deployment of aircrafts and boasts, specialist teams of Armed Forces, rudimentary Para Military Forces, arrangements for relief materials essential commodities including medical stores, restoration of critical infrastructure facilities including communication network and such other assistance as may be required by the affected stats to gibe the situation effectively.An article on Disaster Management in India, published by Government of India (2005), reveals the functioning procedure of field of study Emergency Management Authority. Reviewing the status of warning system, mitigation measure and disaster preparedness are its major functions. It suggests the state governments to restructure/re-group the officers/staff within the division of Disaster Management with expressed functions to pursuer the holistic approach to disaster management. The four functional groups to be assigned with specific tasks within departments are, hazard mitigation, preparedness and capacity building, relief and response, administration and finance.Development of National Emergency Communication Plan, an article published by Government of India (2006) recommends a nationwide network between the state governments with triple diffuseness and full reliability during emergencies to connect the national , state and district Emergency Operation Centres. In Phase I of the report, it is proposed to establish an Emergency Communication System to provide mobile communication linkages through satellite between on-site disaster response teams to be deployed in remote locations and national and state Emergency Operation Centres. In Phase- II, the plan insists the connectivity using lines with various satellite back ups from the existing networks such as BSNL, jurisprudence Network, SPACENET to establish an integrated network among all Emergency Operation Centres and mobile Emergency Operation Centres at disaster sites.State Wide Scenario In Tamil Nadu and PuducherryA report Disaster Management in Tamil Nadu, published by Government of Tamil Nadu (2005) discovers the activities carried out by the government in all three phases of disaster management.In Phase I (pre-disaster phase), all district collectors would prepare detailed action plans at local body level and at district level. Th e public and private sectors, voluntary agencies and fellowship would be actively involved in the formulation of such plans. Formulation of appropriate policies and guidelines for disaster management, risk assessment and mapping of disaster vulnerable areas, establishment of communication network, setting up early warning systems would be carried out in pre-disaster phase.In phase II (disaster phase) warning and evacuation, immediate search and pull through operations, providing medical care, adequate health and sanitation care, provision of safe drinking water, mobilizing funds for relief, rehabilitation, relief packages are carried out in disaster phase.In phase III (post-disaster phase) reconstruction of houses, relocation of affected people, outgo of funds, redressal of grievances, modification and updation of disaster plans are carried out.Disaster Management Action Plan for Floods Cyclones, a report published by Government of Puducherry (2009) describes the details regar ding various organizations like revenue department, fire and rescue department, health department etc. involved in disaster management within Puducherry and their functions.Report also mentions the activities carried out by these departments during a disaster, like revenue department disseminates early warnings ahead a disaster strikes, fire and rescue department helps in search and rescue process while all the medical needs and disturbances are handled by health department.A report on Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for disasters, published by Government of Puducherry (2009) describes the steps prepared in concise form as a response to any kind of disaster. It suggests the sequence of actions to be taken by different departments in central/state/district level.The SOP will respond to all disaster calls, mobilizing staff and fire units, effective management of resources by communication and mobilization of additional resources. It will be altered according to the scene of occurr ence and a quick spot decision will be made by the operational in commissioning in consultation with the controlling officers.ORGANIZATIONS INVOLVED IN DISASTER MANAGEMENTFunctions at National levelJ. P. Saulina Arnold (2006) discusses National Disaster Response Mechanism, which reviews the existing arrangements for preparedness and mitigation of natural/man-made disasters, recommend measures for alter organizational structures and recommends a comprehensive model plan for management of the disasters at National, State and District level.National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has been established with strength from the Para military forces for strengthening the preparedness and emergency response in the country. Eight battalions of the NDRF have been setup and deployed in strategic locations in the country and the NDRF personnel are being trained and equipped with state-of-the-art life saving equipments, search and rescue equipments, expansive boats, etc. The NDRF personnel are also being trained for preparing and responding to Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) emergencies.Vinod Chandra Menon (2009) discusses the role of National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA). NDMA is chaired by the Prime Minister is the apex body for disaster management in country, which sets up State District Management Authorities for the effective coordination among the central and state to minimize the impact of the disaster.The National Institute for Disaster Management (NIDM) has been established as the apex training take for disaster management in India. NIDM coordinates the capacity building efforts of disaster management faculty in State Training Institutes and also offers a few distance education programmes in disaster management in collaboration with the World Bank Institute. The NIDM also hosts the SAARC Centre for Disaster Management.Vinod K. Sharma (2006) describes the role of National Crisis Management committal (NCMC), which gives mode to the Crisis Management Group as deemed necessary. The Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs is liable for ensuring that all developments are brought to the re gather of the NCMC promptly. The NCMC can give directions to any Ministry/Department/Organization for specific action needed for insureing the crisis situation.The article also describes the role of National Emergency Management Authority at the National level (NEMA). When a disaster strikes, the Authority will coordinate disaster management activities. The Authority will be responsible for- Coordinating/mandating Governments policies for disaster reduction/mitigation. Ensuring adequate preparedness at all levels in order to meet disasters. Coordinating response to a disaster when it strikes. Coordination of post disaster relief and rehabilitation.Functions at State aimThe report Disaster Management in Tamil Nadu, published by Government of Tamil Nadu (2006) describes the role of State Emergency Management Planning Committee (SE MPC). State Emergency Management Plan is prepared for each kind of disaster and the details of the organizational structure for emergency management activities are known. right of concerned agencies for the execution of rescue, relief and recovery operations and Standard Operating Procedure for each is available. A State Emergency Management Planning Committee (SEMPC) should be constituted with all the stakeholders as members.The report also analyzes the role of State Crisis Group (SCG). State Crisis Group (SCG) enables quick decision making, operational direction and coordination of the issue of warning and execution of rescue, relief and recovery operations. The responsibilities of the SCG would includeOn spot decision makingControl and coordination of response and recovery activitiesResource mobilization and replenishmentMonitoring of overall response recovery activities.Preparation of reports for submission to State GovernmentState Emergency Control Room (SECR) ensures all war ning and communication systems, instruments are in working condition and collect information on a numeral basis from the State departments on the vulnerability of areas to disasters.Functions at District LevelThe report published by Government of Tamil Nadu (2006) reviews the functioning procedure of disaster management organizations at district level. It is the District accumulator register who is the focal point at the District level for directing, supervising and monitoring relief measures for disaster and for education of District level plans. The relief measures are reviewed by the district level relief committee consisting of official and non-official members including the local legislators and the members of parliament. The Collector maintains close coordination with the Central Government authorities in the districts, namely, the Army, Air Force and Navy, Ministry of weewee Resources, etc., who supplement the effort of the district administration in the rescue and relief operation.ORGANIZATIONAL COMMUNICATION FOR DISASTER MANAGEMENTDuke H. Jeong (2006) analyzes the Inter-Organizational Information Management and Communication Breakdowns in Initial Disaster Response Mechanism. During disaster relief operations, collaborative critical decisions are often made by decision-makers from many different organizations and from a regeneration of professional fields. Communication breakdowns often hamper the effective coordination of a disaster response, particularly when a numerousness of Federal, state, local and volunteer organizations takes part in the effort. A communication breakdown is delineate as the tribulation to communicate information due to the inability to confine critical and needed information and the inability to obtain sufficient information quality to support decision-making.Gauruav Vivek Bhatnagar (2009) discusses the New Network for Disaster Management. Terrestrial Trunked Radio (Tetra) Communication would help establish the country s first exclusive Government Radio Network (GRN) in Delhi.Tetra network seeks to facilitate swift and secure communication among various government agencies like Police, usher out services, hospitals, Public Works Department and Transport Corporation, the system would of be of great help in any disaster management exercise. Johnson and Zawawi (2002) describe the advances in inter-organizational disaster Management. Inter-organizational disaster response requires collaboration among geo lifelikely distributed public and private organizations to enable a rapid and effective response to an unexpected event. In order to ensure coherent coordination among the responding organizations, relevant information needs have to be collected from multiple sources, verified for accuracy and sectiond with appropriate organizations, all within a short time frame.Humphrey (2009) suggests that disaster management should get proactive by using RPM method. RPM stands for Recognize, Prioritize, and Mobi lize to anticipate potential disasters. This approach involves recognizing potential threats, prioritizing them according to their seriousness and mobilizing resources to prevent them from occurring or at least minimizing their impact.Most organizations fail to anticipate threats mainly because of next reasonsLack of realisation leaders remain oblivious to approaching threats and pay no head to warning signs.Lack of prioritizations Leaders detect a threat but do not consider it serious enough and so do not give the attention it deserves.Lack of Mobilization They recognize a danger and are aware of its seriousness but neglect to take proper action in time.Lawal Billa, Mansor Shattri, Ahmad Rodzi Mahmud and Abdul Halim Ghazali (2006) have discussed about the Comprehensive Planning and the Role of Spatial Decision Support System. Through case study, they have canvass that the strength of Spatial Decision Support System in the collection and processing of information to speed-up com munication between the proponents of the disaster management program. Moreover, Spatial Decision Support System plays an important role in decision-making.Louise K. Comfort (2006) describes the Inter-Organizational Design for Disaster Management. Cognition understanding communication, coordination and control are the main factors to be backbreaking between the organizations of disaster management.Marijn Janssen and Nitesh Bharosa (2005) discuss the Advances in Multi-agency Disaster Management. When a disaster strikes, the complex task milieu requires multiple organizations to transform from autonomous actors to interdependent decision-making teams. In order to ensure coherent coordination among the responding organizations, relevant information needs to be collected form multiple sources, verified for accuracy and shared with appropriate responding organizations all within a short time frame.Naim Kapucu (2006) describes the Interagency Communication Networks during Emergencies. H e focuses on pre-incident and technical aspects of communication. Pre-incident communications deals among identify local disaster response organizations such as law enforcement agencies, fire departments, local emergency management agencies and organizations in the health and welfare sectors. The tool used for communication between organizations during a disaster is mobile communication and computer based networking. Technical problems also inhibit the information exchange. Flooding, hurricanes, earthquakes are all exposed of toppling antennas and interrupting frequent electrical power.Nigel Martin (2007) has reviewed how regional governments in Asia and other national governments around the world collect, manage and share critical geo-technical information. Through case study, it was concluded that early warning information were not handled by the government in an efficient way before the tsunami wave stroke. No proper technological solutions to provide earthquake and tsunami wa rning information.N. K. Chhibber (2007) describes the Disaster Communication Network in Maharashtra. VSAT network and VHF radio network has been keep for the dissemination of emergency information within the state.Ryan, Matheson (2009) analyze the Significance of Communication in Emergency Management. The study attempts to quantity the importance of communication activities to emergency management. Through content analysis, it was founded that there is a rapid improved communication between the organizations.Sir car, Scalem (2004) has described about the Networking of Organizations in four zones of working such as normal stage, pre-disaster stage, disaster stage and post-disaster stage. The role of Revenue department in pre-disaster stage is to collect the warning news from higher officials and pass the information to communities through mobile technology or radio technology. The role of Fire and Rescue Department is to provide rescue and rehabilitation procedure.Soundarya Viswana than (2009) describes the awareness level among the government officials, representatives of local bodies and general public of disaster. Lack of awareness among them, lead to a serious disruption of the functioning of a community or society, causing widespread human, material, economic or environmental losses.In order to meet the disaster risk posed by forms of disasters, a system of enormous task must be undertaken such as hazard analysis and dissemination to the community, identification of vulnerabilities to various hazards, eliminating or strengthening the vulnerabilities, capacitating the community for readiness and resilent to all types of hazard.S. Suri (2000) analyzes the reasons behind the Orissa disaster which took away many lives of the people due to the failure of Cyclone Warning Dissemination System (CWDS). Due to the system failure, warnings were not given so to create awareness to the people, which has lead to a major destruction. Only television and radio warnings w ere given, but not of accurate information.Vinod K. Sharma (2002) describes the overall view of the disaster administration mechanism in the country at the central, the state and the district level also highlight the role played by the secondary institutions. The Department of Agriculture and Cooperation (DAC) in the agriculture ministry is the nodal department for all matters concerning natural disasters relief at the centre. It transmits all emergency information to all concerned state governments for effective disaster management.The report published by Government of Puducherry (2006) describes the implementation of various communication technologies in Puducherry after tsunami. It describes the activation go emergency operation centre and dissemination of early warming through VHF sets.METHODOLOGYFor this study the researcher has adopted survey method which is a quantitative type of research. The tool used for data collection is Questionnaire. Cluster sampling technique was used for data collection from coastal communities in Cuddalore. The sample size is 300.The Survey was conducted to find the mostly employed communication technology for security planning during disasters and the effectiveness of VHF based proterozoic Warning Systems among them.ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATIONThe following is the graphical presentation of data collected from the questionnaires.When asked whether they are aware about various disasters, the response was the followingFig. 1 Awareness level about various disastersCoastal communities are majorly aware of following communication technologiesFig. 2 Knowledge regarding Communication technologiesCommunication technologies they have in their homes, which are majorly employed in disaster management areFig. 3 Communication technologies used in homes.When asked the source of getting disaster news, the response was the followingFig. 4 Devices used to getting information regarding disasters.When asked, whether they are informed regularly t he alterations in weather conditions, the response was the followingFig. 5 Updation of weather alterations.They get weather information from,Fig. 6 Organizations that provide weather informations.When asked about the usage of mobile phones in disaster management, the response was followingFig. 7 Usage of Mobile Phones for disseminating disaster news.When asked whether they are aware of VHF Radio based Early Warning System, the response was followingFig. 8 Awareness level regarding VHF systems.The qualification of VHF Radio based Early Warning System before 2009 isFig. 9 Efficiency of VHF systems before 2009.The Efficiency of VHF Radio based Early Warning System after 2009 is 76% as shown belowFig. 9.1 Efficiency of VHF systems after 2009.The Efficiency of Village Information Centres (VIC) Public orchestrate System (PAS) based Early Warning System before 2009 isFig. 10 Efficiency of VIC early warning systems before 2009.The Efficiency of Village Information Centres (VIC) Public Add ress System (PAS) based Early Warning System after 2009 is just 19%Fig. 10.1 Efficiency of VIC early warning systems after 2009.Type of information they get from VHF system is,Fig. 11 Type of information provided by VHF systems.STATISTICAL ANALYSIS87% of the respondents told that they are aware of various disasters that would bring great disturbance to their livelihood. 13% of the respondents very unable to distinguish the natural disasters from man-made disasters.Majority of the respondents replied that, Mobile Phones and TV are the major communication technologies, which knew that mainly provide information regarding disasters.There are majorly two modes of communication dedicated for disaster management in coastal areas. One is from the government side and the other is from the non-governmental organizations (NGO). The government of Tamil Nadu has set up VHF Radio based early warning system in all the panchayat offices of coastal villages that are present in the High Tide Line (H TL). HTL is defined as the area within 500 mts from the sea level. The warning is given through PAS (Public Address System) present on top of the panchayat office buildings that have a reach of 1 to 2 kms. NGOs have established Village Information Centres (VIC) in most of the coastal areas that are vulnerable to coastal disasters. These VICs also have PAS for disaster information dissemination.98% of the respondents said that they are aware of VHF Radio based Early Warning System and VICs run by the local NGOs, while 2% of the respondents are unsuspecting of it. Majority of the respondents told that VHF Radio based Early Warning System is effective in disseminating in disaster news to coastal community before 2009. It is to be noted that the Indian Ocean Tsunami striked the Tamil Nadu coast during December 2004 and after that immediately, VIC and VHF based early warning systems were established. It was functioning very well for more than 2 years as said by the respondents. But ther e is deterioration in the quality and frequency of disaster information being disseminated through both the systems after 2009 especially with treasure to the VICs run by NGOs because of their problems with financial sustainability. The figures and percentages are clearly given in the graph above.64% of the respondents replied that they gain early warning alerts from VHF system, 32.8% respondents receive preparedness aler