Q. Examine the evolving concept of disaster management in the context of non-traditional security.

Disaster management, traditionally focused on response and recovery, has undergone significant evolution to address the complexities of non-traditional security challenges. Non-traditional security threats, such as climate change, pandemics, and natural disasters, have highlighted the need for a comprehensive and proactive approach that ensures societal resilience and human security.

Evolution of Disaster Management

  1. Reactive to Proactive Approaches
    • Traditional Focus: Initially, disaster management emphasized post-disaster relief and rehabilitation.
    • Modern Shift: Emphasis on mitigation, preparedness, risk reduction, and resilience-building to minimize the impact before disasters occur.
  2. Human-Centric Security
    • Traditional Approach: Focused on protecting state infrastructure and resources.
    • Contemporary View: Prioritizes human lives, livelihoods, and environmental sustainability, aligning with non-traditional security objectives.
  3. Integration of Climate and Environmental Concerns
    • Disasters are increasingly linked to climate change, leading to policies like the Paris Agreement and the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (2015–2030).
    • Modern disaster management integrates climate adaptation and mitigation into planning.
  4. Technological Advancements
    • Use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and satellite-based early warning systems enhances disaster prediction, monitoring, and response.
  5. International Collaboration
    • Disasters often transcend borders, necessitating global and regional cooperation, as seen in disaster responses like the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami and initiatives like the ASEAN Agreement on Disaster Management and Emergency Response (AADMER).
  6. Community-Based Disaster Management (CBDM)
    • Recognition of local communities’ role in disaster preparedness and response has gained traction, making policies more inclusive and grassroots-oriented.

Non-Traditional Security Dimensions in Disaster Management

  1. Complexity and Interconnectivity
    • Disasters now intersect with other non-traditional threats like pandemics (e.g., COVID-19), cyberattacks, and economic disruptions.
  2. Holistic Risk Reduction
    • Risk reduction strategies address broader issues, including urban planning, poverty alleviation, and education, to build systemic resilience.
  3. Focus on Vulnerable Populations
    • Non-traditional security emphasizes protecting marginalized groups disproportionately affected by disasters, including women, children, and the elderly.

Case Studies Illustrating Evolution

  • Cyclone Phailin (2013):
    1. Early warning systems and pre-emptive evacuations significantly reduced casualties compared to past cyclones.
  • COVID-19 Pandemic:
    1. Highlighted the interlinkage between public health and disaster management, emphasizing the importance of non-traditional security measures.
  • Uttarakhand Floods (2013):
    1. Lessons learned led to stricter environmental regulations and improved coordination among agencies.

Challenges in Modern Disaster Management

  1. Resource Constraints: Limited financial and technical resources hinder implementation.
  2. Policy Gaps: Lack of alignment between national and local disaster management policies.
  3. Climate Uncertainty: Unpredictable patterns make risk assessment and planning challenging.

Conclusion

The concept of disaster management has evolved to address the multi-dimensional nature of non-traditional security challenges. Proactive, people-centered approaches that integrate technology, environmental sustainability, and global cooperation are essential. To build resilience, governments must adopt policies that emphasize mitigation, preparedness, and adaptation to evolving threats.

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