Class 10 Science Chapter 10: Disaster Management Notes — Maharashtra Board

🌪️ 1. Introduction to Disaster Management

Disasters can strike unexpectedly and cause massive destruction to life and property. These disasters may be natural or man-made and can have long-term effects on communities. Disaster management is a systematic process to reduce the impact of such events through planning, preparedness, response, and recovery.

Importance of Disaster Management:

• To reduce the loss of lives and property
• To ensure quick rescue and relief operations
• To educate the public about risks and precautions
• To ensure proper rehabilitation after the disaster

⚠️ 2. Types of Disasters

Natural Disasters:

• Earthquakes: Sudden shaking of the earth's crust causing buildings to collapse, landslides, and loss of life.
• Floods: Overflow of water due to heavy rain or dam failure causing damage to homes, crops, and roads.
• Cyclones: Powerful circular storms accompanied by heavy rain and wind, mostly affecting coastal regions.
• Droughts: Long periods without rainfall affecting agriculture and water supply.

Man-made Disasters:

• Industrial Accidents: Leakage of gases (e.g., Bhopal Gas Tragedy), fire, or explosions in factories.
• Fire Hazards: Urban or forest fires caused by electrical faults or negligence.
• Transport Accidents: Train derailments, road accidents, or airplane crashes.
• Chemical Spills: Leakage of harmful chemicals during production or transport.

🚨 3. Stages of Disaster Management

1. Mitigation:

Reducing or eliminating the impact of disasters through planning and infrastructure, such as flood barriers or earthquake-resistant buildings.

2. Preparedness:

Training, awareness campaigns, and mock drills to be ready before a disaster occurs.

3. Response:

Immediate action during the disaster such as evacuation, first-aid, and emergency rescue operations.

4. Recovery:

Rehabilitation of affected people, rebuilding homes, and restoring normal life post-disaster.

👨‍🚒 4. Disaster Management Authorities

• NDMA (National Disaster Management Authority): Headed by the Prime Minister of India, formulates policies and plans at the national level.
• SDMA (State Disaster Management Authority): Operates under the Chief Minister to manage state-level disasters.
• DDMA (District Disaster Management Authority): Works at the district level under the District Collector.

Functions of Authorities:

• Risk analysis and mapping disaster-prone areas
• Planning emergency response strategies
• Training citizens and conducting mock drills
• Coordinating rescue and relief operations

👥 5. Role of Community in Disaster Management

The community is often the first to respond to a disaster. Their role includes:

• Helping with rescue operations
• Giving first-aid and emotional support
• Spreading awareness and providing local information
• Ensuring vulnerable groups like children and elderly are safe

📄 Summary 

This chapter explains the significance of disaster management in tackling natural and man-made disasters. It defines disaster management as a set of actions taken before, during, and after a disaster to reduce damage and loss. The chapter categorizes disasters into natural (earthquakes, floods, cyclones) and man-made (industrial accidents, fire, chemical leaks). It highlights the importance of mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery, and how authorities like NDMA and SDMA function during disasters. Community participation, mock drills, and public awareness are emphasized as key tools in reducing the impact of disasters. Students are encouraged to be responsible and proactive in spreading awareness and helping their communities during emergencies.

📚 Previously Asked Board Questions

1 Mark Questions

• What is a mock drill?
• Give one example each of natural and man-made disaster.

2 Mark Questions

• Write two differences between natural and man-made disasters.
• State any two responsibilities of NDMA.

3 Mark Questions

• Explain the stages of disaster management.

4 Mark Questions

• What role does community play in disaster management? Explain with examples.
• Write short notes on NDMA and SDMA.

📘 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)