Banner for the Disaster Management module of UPSC GS3GS3 · Module 19 of 22

Disaster Management – UPSC GS3

This module of the GS Paper 3: Economy, Environment, S&T & Security course covers concepts, legal framework and major hazards. It has 2 study lessons and a 15-question practice quiz. Free lessons can be read in full; premium lessons show a preview.

Lessons in this module

1. Disaster Management: Concepts and Framework

Free 8 min

Hazard: a possible dangerous event (an earthquake, cyclone or flood). Vulnerability: how easily people or assets get harmed (weak houses, poverty, no early warning). Disaster: a hazard that hits a vulnerable community and overwhelms its…

2. Major Hazards and Good Practices

Premium 7 min

Caused by sudden release of energy along faults. In India, they occur mainly along the Himalayan collision zone and some peninsular faults. The Bureau of Indian Standards (IS 1893) seismic zoning map divides India into…

 Module quiz: Disaster Management (15 questions)

Maps & infographics in this module

Circular diagram of the disaster management cycle: mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery
Mitigation and preparedness happen before a disaster; response and recovery after.
Diagram of NDMA, SDMA and DDMA under the Disaster Management Act 2005 with NDRF and NIDM
A three-tier structure mirrors the federal system.
Bar chart of India's exposure: 58.6% earthquake-prone land, 68% drought-vulnerable cultivable area, about 76% cyclone-prone coastline, 12% flood-prone land
Figures as commonly cited by NDMA.
Relief operations in Indonesia after the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami
Relief operations in Indonesia after the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. Credit: Wikimedia Commons · Public domain.
Schematic hazard map of India: Himalayan seismic belt, cyclone-prone east coast, flood-prone Assam and Bihar, drought-prone Rajasthan
Schematic only. Use the BIS seismic zoning map and NDMA/BMTPC Vulnerability Atlas for detail.
The 1999 Odisha super cyclone (05B) over the Bay of Bengal
The 1999 Odisha super cyclone (05B) over the Bay of Bengal. Credit: Wikimedia Commons · Public domain.

Frequently asked questions

Lessons: Disaster Management: Concepts and Framework; Major Hazards and Good Practices.

Answer: Prime Minister. The Prime Minister heads the National Disaster Management Authority.

Answer: 2015–2030. The Sendai Framework runs from 2015 to 2030.

Answer: District Collector / Magistrate. The DDMA is chaired by the District Collector or District Magistrate.

Answer: IMD. The India Meteorological Department issues cyclone warnings.

Related modules

Indian Economy4 lessons
Growth, Development and Planning3 lessons
Public Finance and the Budget3 lessons
Money, Banking and Monetary Policy4 lessons
Financial Markets and Institutions2 lessons
External Sector and Trade3 lessons
Inclusive Growth, Employment and Industry4 lessons
Infrastructure4 lessons
Agriculture2 lessons
Agricultural Resources and Production4 lessons
Agricultural Marketing, Pricing and Support3 lessons
Food Processing and Allied Sectors3 lessons
Science and Technology2 lessons
Science and Technology in Depth5 lessons
Environment and Ecology2 lessons
Ecology and Biodiversity4 lessons
Pollution and Environmental Governance3 lessons
Climate Change3 lessons
Disasters and their Management3 lessons
Internal Security2 lessons
Internal Security in Depth5 lessons

Back to the GS Paper 3: Economy, Environment, S&T & Security course.

Join to unlock every lesson, revision note and mock test

Structured GS1–GS4, CSAT and Essay courses with maps, infographics, module quizzes and full-length mocks.

Create a free account See plans