Landslide Awareness, Preparedness and Response Management in India

Abstract

In India, the main cause of heavy losses during landslides is the lack of awareness among the common residents about the first aid, safety routes, warning signs and first response to landslide emergency situation. Other main cause of great losses is poor disaster and response management system of administration. The change agents of society like, dedicated NGO’s, teachers, senior citizens and govt. officials need be trained as a trainers and be given time-slab responsibility to spread awareness regarding response to landslides in the work area assigned to them in their locality. The execution of this awareness programme be managed by District Disaster Management Authority under the chairman ship of Deputy Collector. Local print and electronic media can play a very important role in spreading awareness about landslides in common residents. A well equipped and coordinated quick response teams under Deputy Commissioner, comprising of trained rescue workers be kept ready for mitigation measures and quick response round the clock near vulnerable areas especially during monsoon season.