0

SOCIAL EXCLUSION AND COMMUNITY PREPAREDNESS IN

DISASTER MANAGEMENT – A STUDY IN COASTAL

DISTRICTS OF TAMILNADU

MAJOR RESEARCH PROJECT REPORT

SUBMITTED TO UNIVERSITY GRANTS COMMISSION

NEW DELHI

BY Dr.S. GURUSAMY

PROFESSOR OF SOCIOLOGY& PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

DEPARTMENT OF SOCIOLOGY GANDHIGRAM RURAL INSTITUTE

DEEMED UNIVERSITY GANDHIGRAM TAMIL NADU

SEPTEMBER-2009

1

LIST OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER

NO

CONTENTS PAGE NO

I INTRODUCTION 1

II NATURAL DISASTERS: THE SCENARIO 29

III REVIEW OF LITERATURE 77

IV RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 95

V DATA ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION 100

VI SUMMARY OF MAJOR FINDINGS AND

CONCLUSION

217

VII ACTION PLAN 228

BIBLIOGRAPHY

APPENDICES

2

LIST OF TABLES

Table No Title of Table Page

No

Table-5.1.1 Personal Particulars Age and Sex – Wise Distribution 101

Table-5.1.2 Religion & Community Identity 102

Table-5.1.3 Educational and Occupational Status 103

Table-5.1.4 Structure of Family 105

Table 5.1.5 Nature and Ownership of House After Tsunami 106

Table- 5.1.6 Re marriage- Before and After Tsunami 107

Table- 5.1.7 Dowry Practices 108

Table- 5.1.8 Monthly Income of the Family 109

Table- 5.1.9 Family Monthly Expenditure of the respondent 110

Table-5.2.1 Caste Based Organizations 111

Table-5.2.2 Respondent Involvement in Caste- Based Occupation 113

Table- 5.2.3 Caste Disparity in the Study District 114

Table-5.2.4 Religious Practices 115

Table-5.2.5 Religious Discrimination 117

Table-5.2.6 Religious Problem 118

Table-5.2.7 Celebration of Village Functions 120

Table-5.2.8 Village Meeting and Social Organization 122

Table- 5.2.9 Role of SHG 123

Table- 5.2.10 Role of Village Youth Club 124

Table-5.2.11 Role of Politics in Study Villages 126

Table-5.2.12 Popular Political Party & the Relationship of Caste-Class 128

Table-5.2.13 Number of Days Stay in Sea For Fishing 130

Table-5.2.14 Employment Pattern in the Study Districts 131

Table-5.2.15 Type of Fishes Catch by the Respondents 133

Table- 5.2.16 Mode for Fish Exporting in the Study Districts 134

Table-5.2.17 Dry Fish Export in Study Districts 135

Table - 5.2.18 Method for the Preservation of Dry Fish 136

Table- 5.2.19 Place for Marketing Fish 137

Table- 5.2.20 Role of Women Before and After Fishing 138

Table- 5.3.1 Celebration of Coastal Festival 140

Table-5.3.2 Risks Faced by the Respondents in Fishing 141

Table-5.3.3 Voting Pattern 142

Table 5.3.4 Exclusion 143

Table-5.3.5 Criteria for Exclusion 145

Table- 5.3.6 Separation by Class Consciousness 146

Table-5.3.7 Exploitation by Boat Owner & Money Lender 147

Table-5.3.8 Exploitation from Government Officials 149

Table-5.3.9 Measures to Avoid Exclusion in Future and GOs / NGOs 150

Table-5.3.10 Respondents’ perception towards distribution of Relief and rehabilitation

152

Table-5.3.11 Corruption during Distribution 153

Table-5.3.12 Occurrence of Violence during the Relief Distribution 155

Table-5.3.13 Distribution of House to Real Victims 156

Table- 5.3.14 Respondents’ Satisfaction on the Quality of the House 157

3

Table-5.3.15 Respondents’ Satisfaction on the Quality of Boat & Net 159

Table-5.4.1 Natural Disaster 161

Table- 5.4.2 Respondents’ Perception of the Impact of Depression in Coastal Areas

163

Table- 5.4.3 Prevention and Control Activities for Natural Disaster by GOs/NGOs

164

Table-5.4.4 Type of Destruction, Relief and Rehabilitation Measures / Activities

166

Table-5.4.5 Warning Systems 168

Table- 5.4.6 Life Saving Warning System at the Time of Natural Disaster

170

Table- 5.4.7 Recent Disaster Experience 172

Table-5.4.8 Protection of Huts 173

Table-5.4.9 Common Diseases at the Time of Disaster 174

Table-5.4.10 Respondents’ Preference on Climate Change. 175

Table-5.4.11 Information about Tsunami 177

Table- 5.4.12 Cause of Tsunami and Habitation 179

Table-5.4.13 Loss of Movable and Immovable Property After Tsunami 181

Table- 5.4.14 Catching of Fish before Tsunami 183

Table-5.4.15 Fear and Experience of Tsunami 184

Table- 5.4.16 Knowledge of Monsoon Reports & Volcanic Eruption 186

Table-5.4.17 Knowledge on the Occurrence of Tsunami 187

Table- 5.4.18 Alternative Occupation and Training 189

Table- 5.4.19 Communications after Tsunami 191

Table - 5.5.1 Any Symptoms Before Tsunami 193

Table- 5.5.2 Communication in the Community 195

Table-5.5.3 How do you Communicate Others During Disaster 197

Table- 5.5.4 Suggested Measures to Minimize the Impact of Tsunami 199

Table- 5.5.5 The role of Panchayat at the Time of Disaster 200

Table-5.5.6

The Role of Panchayat/ GOs/NGOs to Control/Minimize the Disaster

201

Table 5.5.7 Role of Community to Minimize the Devastation and Expectation from Government

203

Table - 5.5.8 Preferred Mechanism and Warning System 204

Table-5.5.9 Management of Natural Disaster & Knowledge of Early Warning System

206

Table-5.5.10 Preferred Early Warning System 207

Table-5.5.11 Respondent’s Disaster Preparedness 208

Table-5.5.12 What Type of Preparedness do you know in Addition to EWS

209

Table-5.5.13 Disaster Communication 210

Table-5.5.14 Climatic Change After Tsunami 212

Table-5.5.15 Your Work Affect Because of the Change 213

Table-5.5.16 Tsunami Resistance and Relief Center 214

Table-5.5.17 Respondents’ Opinion Towards Removing Huts From Costal Area

215

Table-5.5.18 Respondents’ Willingness to Live in Coastal Area 216

4

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Indian social structure is marked by a number of exclusions and

marginalisations due to the perpetuation of inequalities; exploitations etc. in view of

segmentalisation of the society as well as the system of socio-economic stratification.

The people who are subjected to exclusion are being deprived of what is due to them.

Accordingly the process of alienation has been set in motion the coastal people and

communities are no exception to this feature of exclusions.

As regards coastal social life is concerned, it is prone to lot of uncertainties

and risks as the life is a real struggle between life and death the fishing as the major

work of the coastal people, it is subjugated to the vagaries of tidal waves, cyclone,

monsoon, flood and other natural disaster like tsunami which are beyond their

controls, preventions and managements. Among all this natural disaster, the tsunami

which struck the coastal regions of Tamil Nadu and in the neighbor States viz.,

Kerala, Pondicherry, Andaman & Nicobar Islands and also the neighbor country Sri

Lanka on December 26, 2004 was severe in its magnitude and volume though it

emerged from the coast of Indonesia the severity of loss of human and materials like

boat, net, hut, were all colossal in nature, form and its extent. Tamil Nadu particularly

Kanniyakumari, Cuddalore, Nagapattinam were severely affected, uprooted in the

form of structural and functional destructions.

The task of relief and rehabilitation was voluminous and the government alone

was unable to meet out the expectation and resettlement of the affected people the

NGOs, Corporate sector, funding agency and other socially conscious groups and

individuals had volunteered to fulfill the task of habitat development and rejuvenation

and reconstruction of coastal life.

5

Despite the works of the agencies concerned in the field of relief and

rehabilitation to the victims the uncertainties and risks in the coastal life remind as it

is. To deal with the problem of risks and uncertainties in coastal life it was felt that

there must be a system of community preparedness to take the challenges of

uncertainties and undertaken systematically the disaster mitigation and management

activities. This research emerged from this background with a focus on social

exclusion, community preparedness in disaster management with a view to influence

policies and programmes with the following objectives, to make a comprehensive

analysis of the social structure of the coastal communities in the study area, to expose

the extent of social exclusions and marginalistion as a result of natural disasters with

reference to people living in the tsunami affected coastal areas, to expose the

circumstances leading to occurrence of various types of natural disasters and the risky

social life in the coastal areas, to elicit community’s preparedness in disaster

management with particular reference to tsunami affected coastal areas, and to

suggest suitable measures and a plan of action for community’s preparedness and

disaster management in the tsunami affected areas. The project proposal was

sanctioned by the University Grants Commission (UGC), New Delhi and provided

necessary funding support for which the Principal Investigator profusely thanks the

UGC.

The field works had been carried out in coastal districts of Tamil Nadu

namely Cuddalore and Kanniyakumari in the selected clusters like

Thevanampattinam, Singarathoppu in Cuddalore district and Manakudi in

Kanniyakumari district. The pilot study based pre tested personal interview schedule

covering the objectives of the study was administered with the selected respondent in

the study districts.

6

Since the topic is highly proactive and sensitive the Principal Investigator

Dr.S. Gurusamy and Project Fellow Mr.R. Kathiravan had to struggle hard while

they were on while field investigations. However, without the association of NGOs,

PRIs, CBOs, Youth, Fishermen Associations, Church based Missions, etc. in both the

districts the investigators would not have successfully carried out the field

investigations and collected by primary data. The investigator had to walk several

kilometers in the coastal areas for conducting enquiries. Though painful the

experience was really a rewarding intellectual exercise. The Principal Investigator

records his sincere thanks for all help and assistance provided by all concerned in this

regard. The credit of successful field operation goes to the respondents, leaders and

other knowledgeable persons. In the course of field investigation the Principal

Investigator along with the Project Fellow met the District Collectors, Deputy

Collectors, In-charge of Relief and Rehabilitation, RDOs, VAOs, etc. for not only

collecting the necessary data but also their contributions were useful drafting and

finalizing the action plan focusing on mainstreaming the socially excluded community

preparedness and disaster management.

The primary data collected from respondent had been statistically processed

by means of SPSS and multi dimensional tables were drafted for appropriate analysis

and interpretation. Based upon the tabular analysis the major findings and logical

conclusion were finalised and incorporated. This research report is organised with

seven chapters. The Chapter -I provides the Introduction of the topic precisely

wherein the necessary background material on natural disaster with special reference

to tsunami, Chapter-II presents an elaborate description of Natural Disasters in the

form of the scenario, Chapter-III covers the relevant Review of Literature indicating

the research gap, Chapter-IV deals with Research Methodology of this study, the

7

Data Analysis and Interpretation was presented in Chapter-V, Summary of Major

Findings and Conclusion appear in Chapter-VI and finally the Action Plan to deal

with the Social Exclusion, Community Preparedness and Disaster Management was

incorporated in Chapter-VII in order to influences policies and programmes. The

select Bibliography and Appendices are also added at the end of the report.

(Dr.S.GURUSAMY)

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

8

CHAPTER-1

INTRODUCTION

Concept of Social Exclusion

The invention of the term social exclusion is usually attributed to Rene Lenoir,

then Secretaries d’état a l’ Action Social in the Chirac government, who published Les

Exclus: Un Francais sur dix, in 1974.Lenoir’s ‘excluded’ included a wide variety of

people: not only the poor, but also handicapped, suicidal and aged people, abused

children, substance abusers, etc. – about 10 per cent of the French population. The

term gained popularity in France during the 1980s (Silver 1994), the period of

economic crisis and restructuring, the crisis of the welfare state, and various social

and political crises. The term exclusion was used to refer to various types of social

disadvantage, related to the new social problems that arose: unemployment,

ghettoisation and fundamental changes in family life (Cannan 1997). Old welfare state

provisions were thought incapable of dealing with these problems, and new social

policies were developed.

The popularity of the new term was partly the result of the unpopularity in

France of the British concept of ‘poverty’. This was discredited because of its

association with Christian charity, the ancient regime, and utilitarian liberalism.

French Republicans have rejected both liberal individualism and socialism in favor of

the idea of ‘solidarity’, and the welfare state was justified as means of furthering

social integration. Correspondingly, social exclusion was defined as a rupture of the

social fabric, and attributed to a failure of the State.1

Social Exclusion:

Social exclusion relates to the alienation or disfranchisement of certain people

within a society. It is often connected to a person’s social class, educational status

9

and living standards and how these might affect their access to various opportunities.

It also applies to some degree to the disabled, to minority men and women of all

races, and to the elderly. Anyone who deviates in any perceived way from the norm

of a population can become subject to coercion or subtle forms of social exclusion.

“Social exclusion” is about the inability of our society to keep all groups and

individuals within reach of what we expect as a society (or) realize their full potential.

To be “excluded from society” can take various relative senses, but social exclusion is

usually defined as more than a simple economic phenomenon; it also has

consequences on the social symbolic field.2

Philosopher Axel Honneth speaks of a “struggle for recognition” which he

attempts to theorize through Hegel’s philosophy. In this sense, to be socially excluded

is to be deprived of social recognition and social value. In the sphere of politics,

social recognition is obtained by full citizenship; in the economic sphere (in

capitalism) it means being paid enough to be able to participate fully in the life of the

community. This concept can be gleaned from considering examples of the social

integration crisis: poverty, professional exclusion or marginalization, social and civil

disenfranchisement absence or weakening of support networks, frequent inter-cultural

conflicts, which relate not only to gender, race and disability but also crime.

Social exclusion is a major cause of crime and re-offending. Removing the

right to vote increases social exclusion by signaling to serving prisoners that at least

for the duration of their sentence, they are dead to society. The additional punishment

of disenfranchisement is not a deterrent. There is no evidence to suggest that

criminals are deterred from offending behavior by the threat of losing the rights to

vote…. (and) the notion of civic death for sentenced prisoners isolates still further

those who are already on the margins of society and encourages them to be seen as

10

aliens to the communities to which they will return on release. The problem of social

exclusion is usually tied to the problem of equal opportunity, as some people are more

subject to such exclusion than others. Marginalization of certain groups is a problem

even in many economically more developed countries, including the UK and US

where the majority of the population enjoys considerable economic and social

opportunities.

DIMENSIONS OF SOCIAL EXCLUSION

Social Exclusion manifests itself in diverse ways – one may consider

exclusion from education, housing property, ownership, domestic participation, access

to health services, public goods etc- in addition to these one may think in terms of

gender based exclusion, exclusion of the old age, infirm, widows, physically

challenged.

The social dimension of exclusion is of central importance in India as it has

the base of caste, the sociological character is fixed at birth due to ascription which is

enforced through the system of social stratification. It is erroneous to assume that the

process of economic development gives rise to the possibility of social exclusion. For

the trance prior to the commandments of modernization and economic development

there had been individual segments of socially excluded. Hence, the prevalence of

social exclusion is nothing to do with the process of modernization and economic

development.

Through the problems of poverty, unemployment, illiteracy, access to the

health care involved GOs, NGOs corporate sectors. Eradication of caste based

exclusion is much slower and a more complicated. Untouchables are affected by the

problems of social discrimination due to the social structural features of segmental

division, restriction on social intercourse, social hierarchy, civil disabilities and denial

11

of equality, restricted occupations and marriages etc. through the structure of Hindu

society which perpetrates the notion of social exclusion.

Vulnerability and Exclusion

The ongoing process of relief and rehabilitation has seen the exclusion of

several groups of people because of a complex matrix of reason relating to factors as

diverse as inherent vulnerability and active discrimination, as well as systematic

deficiencies.

The special needs of vulnerable group such as women, children, the disabled,

and the aged were not considered in the relief phase. For instance, the relief packages

distributors did not contain even children’s clothing; older people also found it

difficult. The service by helpage international during relief phase reveals that the main

reason for developing invisibility of older people is the absence of data disaggregated

by age (Healpage International - 2005). Women faced several problems including

those related to lack of privacy and appropriate sanitation facilities.

There are reports of dalits facing discrimination during the relief phase, and

being denied even food aid on the grounds that there were no deaths among them

(Alternatives Law Forum, and Problems of Relief Distribution in the Immediate

Aftermath, para 2) In the rehabilitation phase the prospect of relocation led to caste

related problems with certain fish worker communities opting for relocations

identifying suitable sites when ‘dalit’ communities were between the new site and the

sea.

Disaster Management

According to the Indian National Disaster Management Act of 2005, disaster

management means a continuous and integrated process of planning, organising,

coordinating and implementing measures which are necessary or expedient for

12

1) Prevention of danger or threat of any disaster

2) Mitigation or reduction of risk of any disaster or its severity or consequences

3) Capacity building

4) Preparedness to deal with any disaster

5) Prompt response to any threatening disaster situation or disaster

6) Assessing severity or magnitude of effects of any disaster

7) Evacuation, rescue and relief and rehabilitation and reconstruction.

The High-powered Committee defines Disaster Management “as a collective

term encompassing all aspects of planning for and responding to disasters including

both pre and post disaster activities. It may refer to the management of both the risk

and consequences of disasters”.

Clearly the term management has emerged as an umbrella term that

encompasses the entire disaster cycle including mitigation. This needs careful noting

and wide spread awareness because traditionally the term management was

restrictively used to address only post disaster operations. Unless the old mindsets get

changed the causes of disaster mitigation will continue to suffer at the hands of

tradition and get integrated with the development process.

Definition and Guidelines

EN-DAT (The International Disaster Database) defines a disaster as “a

situation or event which overwhelms local capacity necessitating a request to national

or international level for external assistance; an unforeseen and often sudden event

that causes great damage destruction and human suffering”. For a disaster to be

entered into the EN-DAT database at least one of the following criteria must be

fulfilled: 10 or more people reported affected or declaration of people killed or 100

people reported affected or declaration of a state of emergency or call for international

assistance.

13

The number of people killed includes people confirmed as dead and presumed

dead. People affected require immediate assistance; during the period of emergency

i.e requiring the basis of survival needs such food, water, shelter, sanitation and

immediate medical assistance people reported injured or homeless or aggregated with

those reported affected to total number of people affected.

The economic impact of a disaster usually consists of direct consequences (e.g

damage to infrastructure, crops, housing) and indirect consequences (e.g loss of

awareness, unemployment, market destabilization) in EN-DAT the registration figures

correspond to the damage value at the moment of the event and usually only to the

direct damage, expressed in US$ EN-DAT distinguishes two generic categories for

central (natural and technologies) divided into 15 main categories, themselves

covering more than 50 sub categories. Natural disasters are split into specific groups.3

1. Hydro-metereological disasters: valances / landslides, droughts, extreme

temperatures, floods, forest / scrub fires windstorms and other disasters, such

as insect intersection and wave surges;

2. Geographical Disaster: earthquake, tsunami and volcanic eruption. The

technological disasters comprise three groups. Explosion ; fires gas leaks;

poisoning; radiation;

3. Industrial Accidents: chemical spills, collapse of industries, infrastructure

explosions; fires; gas leaks; poisoning; radiation; transport accident; by air;

rail; road or water transport;

4. Miscellaneous Accidents: collapse of domestic/ non industrial structures

explosion; fires.

Cyclone is a recurring feature of the coastal area of the tropical maritime state; it

is therefore possible to take adequate measure for protection to the extent possible in

14

such vulnerable areas. There should be organized preparedness to effectively deal

with cyclone so as to bring down loss of life, damage to property and human distrust

predictable minimum; death destruction and damages can be reduced considerably by

improving and organizing pre-disasters preparedness. This will comprise

• Permanent defense,

• Disaster mitigation,

• Disaster management

Meaning of disaster management

Disaster is a sudden, calamitous event causing great damage, loss and

destruction and devastation to life and property. The damage caused by disaster is

immeasurable and varies with the geographical location, climate and the type of the

earth surface/degree of vulnerability. This influences the mental, socio-economic,

political and cultural state of the affected area.

Disaster Mitigation

According to the Indian Act of 2005, “mitigation means measures aimed at

reducing the risk, impact of effect of a disaster or a threatening disaster situation”.

There is the urgent need to ensure that disaster mitigation strategies get emerged and

integrated with the very development process.

Disaster: a disaster is a sudden or great misfortune which can, perhaps be rightly

formed An “act of God” many natural disasters are of meteorological origin, barring

perhaps an earthquake or a fire, the most common disasters which are diversion,

distress and cyclones, floods, severe storms, droughts and heat/cold waves, even in

the case of pollution disasters, fire, locus invasion, etc. Wind temperature and

humidity play on important role in their genesis and fanning out process. It is

accepted that the government and the community must come to the rescue and succor

15

of the victims of disasters. A well planned organization exists in all countries for

“disasters mitigation” 5

TYPES OF DISASTERS

Disasters can be divided into two type’s namely (i) natural and (ii) man-made

disasters.

Natural Disasters

1. Wind-related: Storm, cyclone, tornado, hurricane, storm surge, tidal waves

2. Water-related: Flood, cloud brust, flash flood, excessive rains, drought,

communicable diseases

3. Earth-related: Earthquake, tsunamis, avalanches, landslides, volcanic

eruptions

Man-made Disasters

1. War/battle/hostile enemy actions

2. Arson/sabotage/internal disturbance/riots

3. Accidents of vehicles/trains/aircraft/ships

4. Industrial accidents/explosion of boilers/gas cylinder or gas chambers/ gas

leaks

5. Fire and forest fires

6. Nuclear explosion/accidents/radioactive leakages

7. Ecological disasters like deforestation/ soil erosion/air/water pollution

8. HIV/AIDS, Life style diseases

9. Violence

A High powered Committee (HPC) of the Government of India, in its report

submitted to Government of India in October 2001 mentions the following types of

disasters.6

16

I: Water and Climate related Disasters

1. Floods and Drainage Management 2. Cyclones3. Tornadoes and Hurricanes

4. Hailstorm, 5. Cloud Burst, 6. Heat Wave and Cold Wave, 7. Snow

Avalanches, 8. Droughts, 9. Sea Erosion,10. Thunder and Lighting,

II: Geologically related Disasters

1. Landslides and Mudflows, 2. Earthquakes, 3. Dam Failures / Dam Bursts

4. Mine Fires

III: Chemical, Industrial and nuclear related Disasters

1. Chemical and Industrial Disasters, 2. Nuclear Disasters

IV: Accident related Disasters

1. Forest Fires, 2. Urban Fires, 3. Mine Flooding, 4. Oil Spill, 5. Major

Building Collapse, 6. Serial Bomb Blasts, 7. Festival Disasters and

Fires, 8. Electrical Disasters and Fires, 9. Air, Road, and Rail

Accidents, 10. Boat Capsizing, 11. Village Fire.

V: Biologically related Disasters

1. Biological Disasters and Epidemics, 2. Pest Attacks, 3. Cattle Epidemics,

4.Food Poisoning

Types of Natural Calamities

Different natural calamities can be distinguished from each other in terms of

their nature and extent of their impact, calamities like earthquake, hail storms. But

they are restricted in their impact in terms of time and space. Similarly, though floods

and cyclones occur with some element of warning yet their occurrence is confined in

duration. Drought, on the other hand, spans over a much longer time frame and its

adverse impact on the economic activities and life in an area is of a more lasting

nature. The measures required to meet the threats posed by different calamities,

17

therefore, differ considerably in terms of disaster preparedness and amelioration of the

economic and social life of the affected people.

Major and Minor Calamities

Natural calamities may be broadly grouped into major and minor types

depending upon their potential to cause damage to human life and property. While

natural calamities like earthquakes, droughts, floods and cyclones could be regarded

as major, hailstorms, avalanches, landslides, fire accidents etc. whose impact is

localized and the intensity of the damage much less can be categorized as minor

calamities. Hailstorms, avalanches, landslide and fires also occur without any

appreciable degree of forewarning and cause damage to properties and lives.

However, areas prone to rich disasters also could be identified and certain

precautionary measures taken according to the extent of potential threat, requiring

general awareness and an ability to relate to a pre-defined system of appropriate

responses on the part of the local administration. Disaster wipes out years of

development in a matter of hours. It destroys farm land, animals, livelihoods and the

future making the people more poor and more hungry.

Experiences have shown that the people, the community, the society, the

government can reduce the risk by preparedness. But it is not enough. Preparedness

is only a part of the broader risk reduction agenda. And reducing the risk posed by

disasters is not an optional area and is central to the very success of development

itself. Northeast India is vulnerable to a number of disasters. It is in highest seismic

zone to flood, landslide/flash flood common to the whole region. 7

Losses due to Disaster

Losses due to disaster both direct and indirect include reliable estimates.

According to one World Bank estimate reported direct losses are on the order of $300

18

billion over the past 35 years. In 2005 alone disaster in India caused direct losses

approximately to the tune of Rs.87, 500crore. During the period 1994-98

approximately 120 million people were affected by natural disasters in one-way or the

other and according to one estimate the economic losses rose to about 28000crore.

The losses mounted to Rs.47000crore during the period 1998-2003. Authentic count

of loss of human and cattle as a whole is not available.

Disaster Data: Essential for Preparedness

The need for systematic data for mitigation and prevention has been an

increasing concern of national governments, UN and other International Development

Institutions and response agencies. Until recently the needs were addressed on an

adhoc basis, collecting the information at the time of emergency. As a result, data

were incomplete, out dated or unusable for a variety of reasons even if better quality

information existed. The time pressure to respond quickly for fund rising or relief

plans was usually paramount and the quality and availability of information scattered.

Disaster management remained reactive in nature, focusing on relief and then

rehabilitation and reconstruction. Prevention planning or community preparedness

was really funded and not a policy priority with national and International

Development Institutions.

With the increase in the scope of disaster impacts, mostly in the poorer

developing countries, concern has been mounting regarding the poor state of

preparedness, mitigation and prevention. Natural disasters engender serious setback

to the development process – highlighted in recent years by earthquake in India

(2001), Iran (2003), Pakistan (2005), and the Indian Ocean Tsunami (2004). The

result of these events has led to the demand for disaster data from policy and

development planners has increased.

19

Science of Tsunami

Tsunami is a series of waves with long wavelength. The word ‘tsunami’ takes

the origin from the Japanese word Soo -Nam-Mee meaning harbor waves (adopted

for general use in 1963 by an international scientific conference). It is often referred

to as “seismic waves” as more frequently tsunamis are generated by earthquakes and

less caused by landslides, volcanic eruption or meteorite impact on ocean. This is also

quoted frequently as “tidal waves” though it does not belong to such category in spite

of the influences at tidal levels. When the wave strikes the cost tsunami occurs with a

wavelength around 500km and lasts for duration of 10 minutes to two hours. This can

be characterized as a shallow water wave that is different from wind generated one

which usually has a wavelength of 100 to 200 meters and last for 5 to 20 seconds. As

it approaches the coast the height of the waves increases so that everything on the way

is swallowed by the giant waves.

Tsunamis are generated by spontaneous displacement on the ocean floor.

Earthquake of a magnitude greater than 6.5 causing displacement of sea bed causes

tsunami. (ref citation sources: http://wcatwc.arh.noad. gcv./physis.htm). Tsunami are

common over the Pacific Ocean because it is surrounded on all sides by seismically

active belt. Countries like Japan, Hawaii Island and Indonesia that fall in this belt are

susceptible to tsunami. There are not much instance where the tsunami have struck

India before the most devastating Indian Ocean tsunami of 2004.

Tsunami of 26 December 2004 and related tectonic setting:

A large tsunami triggered of due to an earth quake in the offshore surface at

7:58:53 a.m. local time on of the Indian Ocean, primarily Indonesia, Thailand,

Malaysia, Andaman-Nicobar (India), East coast of India, Srilanka, Somalia,

Madagascar and several small islands in this area. It caused maximum loss in terms of

20

loss of lives of home. More than 200,000 human lives are reported to have been lost

and millions have been injured. Thousands are reported missing. It has affected the

citizens of more than 50 countries including tourists from developed countries. The

loss of property is so large that an even unofficial report hesitates to make an estimate

and suggests that it may be decades to normalize the situation in the affected region.

The details of this earthquake are as follows: magnitude = 9.0 local depths = 30 km

epicenter=3.32o N and 95.85o E offshore at Sumatra with nearest town of Banda

Aceh about 250km NNN in northern part of Sumatra. The main shock was followed

by several effects aftershocks, which were primarily confined to the Burma micro

plate extending towards Andaman- Nicobar Islands, north of the epicenter area. The

study of the main shock and the immediate after shocks suggest that approximately

1200 km of plane, which resulted in the seismic activity. Subsequently the magnitude

is modified to 9.3 and focal depth to 15 km with much larger slip area covering the

entire stretch of Burma micro plate which makes it the second largest recorded

earthquake during the last 10 years.4

The loss during this tsunami on such a large scale appears to be due to the

unpreparedness in the countries bordering the Indian Ocean against tsunami waves

and socio-economic conditions of the people living along the coasts of these

countries. The lack of preparedness has been primarily attributed to one occurrence

of tsunami in the Indian Ocean so far. However, according to the records in the last

60-65 years atleast three large tsunamis had hit the Indian coasts related to

earthquakes in the Andaman Sea in 1941, offshore Karachi in 1945 and the present

one. The principle of recurring period may apply to earthquakes but not to tsunami.

The tsunamis in 1941 and 1945 suggest that they can strike even at close interval

especially because they are likely to originate from an earthquake along the plate

21

boundaries in the Arabian Sea, The Indian Ocean and the Bay of Bengal and any

other activity such as landslides or volcanic eruption at the bottom of these oceans.

The second offshore Karachi in 1945 resulted into a wave front of almost the same

magnitude of the present earthquake (11-11-5m) along the coasts of Gujarat, India.

Probably the biggest tsunami was also reported from the Indian Ocean related to the

Kurkuton volcanic explosion in 1883. This one was so big that it caused about 40m

high waves along the coasts of Indonesia and some of its Islands vanished under sea.

It affected the entire Indian and Pacific Oceans and even affected the environment in

these regions for days and weeks. With such continuous activities happening in the

Indian Ocean continued unpreparedness around the Indian ocean cannot be logically

explained. As tsunami affects several countries at a time there ought to be an

international effort through international organization like UN etc. as being done in

case of eradication of AIDS, polio etc.

The offshore regions of Andaman-Nicobar, Sumatra-Java are active seduction

zones and are well known for high seism city. Hence, the Indian plate sub ducts under

plate with clockwise rotation in new direction with a speed of 6 mm year causing an

oblique convergent. It resets into high stress generation, which is realized as

earthquakes from time to time. The tectonics in epicenter area of the 26 December

2004 earthquake is further complicated as it is located at the junction of tour plates

viz. Indian, Australian, Burma and Sunda North of the Sunda plate lies at the Euration

plates and their junction represents a continent boundary which makes the

transmission of stress towards north difficult in the epicenter zone. Indian Ocean

tsunami of 2004 and its associated destruction constitute one of the worst tragedies in

the world. It caused heavy damage to several Indian Ocean-brim countries and the

micro level socio-economic impact of this disaster is highly localized and was felt

22

more starkly by the members of affected communities. Fisherflok was the most

affected segment living in the vicinity of the coast that endured damage Such as the

loss of housing and livelihood.

Nature, Disaster and Recovery

Three months later, an 8.7 magnitude earthquake with roughly the same

epicenter generated widespread panic at the prospect of another tsunami and killed

almost 2,000 people in Indonesia. Then, in the fall of 2005, a record number of

hurricanes battered the Caribbean, Mexico, and the U.S Gulf Coast. At the same time,

Central America experienced a series of natural disasters including a hurricane,

flooding and an earthquake.

INDIAN OCEAN EARTHQUAKE

The 2004 Indian Ocean Earthquake, known by the scientific community as the

Sumatra-Andaman earthquake, was an undersea earthquake that occurred at 00:58:53

UTC (07:58:53 local time) on December 26, 2004. The tsunami generated by the

earthquake killed approximately 275,000 people, making it one of the deadliest

disasters in modern history. The disaster was also known in Australia, Canada and the

United Kingdom as the Boxing Day Tsunami. It was still Christmas Day in the

western hemisphere when the disaster hit.

Various values were given for the magnitude of the earthquake, ranging from

9.0 to 9.3 (which would make it the second largest earthquake ever recorded on a

seismograph), though authoritative estimates now have put the magnitude at 9.15.

In May 2005, scientists reported that the earthquake itself lasted close to ten

minutes when most major earthquakes. (CNN) It also triggered earthquake elsewhere;

as far as Alasks (Science).

23

The earthquake originated in the India Ocean just north of Simeulue Island, of

the western coast of northwestern Sumatra, Indonesia. The resulting tsunami

devastated the shores of Indonesia, Sri Lanka, South India, Thailand and other

countries with waves up to 30 m (100 ft). It caused serious damage and deaths as far

as the east coast of Africa; with the furthest recorded death due to the tsunami

occurring at Port Elizabeth in South Africa, 8,000 km (5,000 mi) away from the

epicenter.

Approximately 170,000-275,000 were thought to have died as a result of the

tsunami and the count is not yet complete. In Indonesia in particular, 500 bodies a day

were still being found in February 2005 and the count was expected to continue past

June (CNN- February 10, 2005. the exact final toll may never be known due to bodies

having been swept away to sea, but current estimates use conservative methodologies.

Relief agencies warn of the possibility of more deaths to come as a result of

epidemics caused by poor sanitation, but the threat of starvation seems now to have

been largely averted (BBC news, January 9, 2005. The plight of the many affected

people and countries prompted a widespread humanitarian response.8

QUAKE CHARACTERISTICS

The earthquake was initially reported as 8.6 on the Richter scale. The Pacific

Tsunami Warning Centre (PTWC) also estimated it at 85 shortly after the earthquake.

On the moment magnitude scale, which is more accurate for quakes of this size, the

earthquake‘s magnitude was first reported as 8.1 by the U.S Geological Survey. After

further analysis this was increased to 8.5, 8.9 and 9.0 (USGS, 2004. In February 2005,

some scientists revised the estimate of magnitude to 9.3. Although the Pacific

Tsunami Warning centre has accepted this, the USGS has so far not changed its

estimate of 9.0 (McKee, 9 February, 2005. The most definitive estimate so far has put

the magnitude at 9.15).

24

The hypocenter of the main earthquake was at 3.316oN,95.854o E (3o 19’N 95o

51.24’E), some 160 km (100 mi) west of Sumatra, at a depth of 30 km (18.6 mi)

below mean sea level (initially reported as 10 km). This is at the extreme western end

of the Ring of Fire, an earthquake belt that accounts for 81 percent of the world’s

largest earthquakes (USGS FAQ,). The earthquake itself (apart from the tsunami) was

felt as far away as Bangladesh, India, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand, Singapore and

the Maldives.

Power of the Earthquake

The total energy released by the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake has been

estimated as 3.35 exajoules (3.35 x10 joules). This is equivalent to 0.8 gigations of

TNT, or about as much energy as is used in the United States in 11 days. However,

the most reliable seismic energy release estimate, as of the September 30th 2005, is 1.1

x 1018 joules. This corresponds to about 0.25 gigatons of TNT. The earthquakes is

estimated to have resulted in an oscillation of the Earth’s surface of about 20-30 cm

(8 to 12 in), equivalent to the effect of the tidal forces caused by the Sun and Moon.

The shock waves of the earthquake were felt across the planet; as far away as

Oklahoma, where vertical movements of 3 mm (0.12 in) were recorded. The entire

Earth’s surface is estimated to have moved vertically by up to 1 cm.

The shift of mass and the massive release of energy very slightly altered the

Earth’s rotation. The exact amount is yet undetermined, but theoretical models

suggest the earthquake shortened the length of a day by 2.68 microseconds (2.68US)

(or about one billionth of the length of a day) due to a decrease in the oblations of the

Earth. It also caused the Earth to minutely “wobble’ on its axis by up to 2.5 cm (1 in)

in the direction of 145oeast longitude or perhaps by up to 5 to 6 cm (2.0 to 2.4in).

However, due to tidal effects of the Moon, the length of a day increases at an average

25

of 1.5µs per year, so any rotational change due to the earthquake will be lost quickly.

Similarly the natural Chandler wobble of the Earth can be up to 15 m (50ft).

More spectacularly, there was 10m (33ft) movement laterally and 4 to 5 m (13

to 16 ft) vertically along the fault line. Early speculation was that some of the smaller

islands southwest of Sumatra may have moved southwest by up to 20 m (66 ft). There

were also calculations that the northern tip of Sumatra, which is on the Burma Plate

(the southern regions are on the Sunda plate), may have moved up to 36 m (118 ft)

southwest. Since movement was vertical as well as lateral, some coastal areas may

now be below sea level. Measurements using GPS and satellite imagery are being

used to determine the extent and nature of actual geophysical change. The Andaman

and Nicobar Islands appear to have shifted southwest by around 4m (13 ft), according

to GPS data.

In February 2005, the Royal Navy vessel HMS Scott surveyed the sea bed

around the earthquake zone, which varies in depth between 1,000 m (3,300ft) and

5,000 m (16,500 ft) west of Sumatra. The survey conducted using a high-resolution

multi-beam solar system, revealed that the earthquake had a huge impact on the

topography of the sea bed. It had created large thrust ridges, about 1,500 m high,

which have collapsed in places to produce large landslides several kilometers across.

One landslide consisted of single block of material some 100 m (300 feet) high and 2

km (1.25 mi) long. The force of the displaced water was such that individual blocks of

rock, massing millions of tons apiece, were dragged as much as 10 km (7 mi) across

the sea bed. A newly formed oceanic trench several kilometers wide was also found in

the earthquake zone.

By a beneficial and remarkable coincidence, satellites TOPEX/Poseidon and

Jason 1 happened to pass over the tsunami as it was crossing the ocean. These

26

satellites carry radars that measure precisely the height of the water surface;

anomalies of the order of 50cm (20 in) were measured. Measurements from these

satellites may prove invaluable for the understanding of the earthquake and tsunami.

Unlike data from tide gauges installed ion shores, measurements obtained in the

middle of the ocean can be used for computing the parameters of the source

earthquake without having to compensate for complex effects close to the coast.

Inversion of this height data may help adjust the parameters for the source earthquake.

The sudden vertical rise of the seabed by several meters during the earthquake

displaced massive volumes of water, resulting in a tsunami that struck the coasts of

the Indian Ocean. A tsunami which causes damage far away from its source is

sometimes called a “Tele Tsunami”, and is much more likely to be produced by

vertical motion of the seabed than by horizontal motion (earthquakes and tsunamis,

Lorca et al.).

See a full-length animation of how the waves travelled (large file, about 1

MiB) to see exactly how and why some countries were more affected than others. The

tsunami, like all others, behaved very differently in deep water than in shallow water.

In deep ocean water, tsunami waves form only a small hump, barely noticeable and

harmless, which generally travels at a very high speed of 500 to 1,000 km/h (310 to

620 mph); in shallow water near coastlines, a tsunami slows down to only tens of

kilometers an hour but in doing so forms large destructive waves. Scientists

investigating the damage in Aceh found evidence that the wave reached a height of 24

m (80 ft) when coming ashore along large stretches of the coastline, rising to 30m

(100 ft) income areas when travelling inland.

Radar satellites recorded the heights of tsunami waves in deep water: At two

hours after the earthquake, the maximum height was 60 cm (2 ft). These are the first

27

such observations ever made. However, these observations could not have been used

to provide a warning, because the satellites were not intended for that purpose and the

data took hours to analyze.

Because the 1,200 km of fault line affected by the quake was in a nearly

northsouth orientation, the greatest strength of the tsunami waves was in a east-west

direction. Bangladesh, which lies at the northern end of the Bay of Bengal, had very

few casualties despite being a low-lying country relatively near the epicenter. It also

benefitted from the fact that the earthquake proceeded more slowly in the northern

repute zone, greatly reducing the energy of the water displacement in that region.

Coast that have a mass between them and the tsunami’s location of origin are

usually a safe: however, tsunami waves can sometimes diffract around such land

masses. Thus, the State of Kerala was hit by the tsunami despite being on the western

coast of India, and the western coast of Sri Lanka also suffered substantial impact.

Also distance alone is no guarantee of safety; Somalia was hit harder than Bangladesh

despite being much farther away

Because of the distances involved, the tsunami took anywhere from fifteen

minutes to seven hours (for Somalia) to reach the various coastlines (see travel time

maps). The northern regions of the Indonesian island of Sumatra were hit very

quickly, while Sri Lanka and the east coast of India were hit roughly 90 minutes to

two hours later. Thailand was also struck about two hours later, despite being closer

to the epicenter, because the tsunami travelled more slowly in the shallow Andaman

Sea off its western coast.

The tsunami was noticed as far as Struisbaai in South Africa, some 8,500 km

(5,300 mi) away, where a 1.5 (5 ft) high ‘tide’ surged onshore about 16 hours after the

quake. It took a relatively long time to reach this spot at the southernmost point of

28

Africa, probably because of the broad continental shelf off South Africa and because

the tsunami would have followed the South Africa coast from east to west.

Some of the tsunami’s energy escaped into the Pacific Ocean, where it

produced small measurable tsunamis along the western coasts of North and South

America, typically around 20 to 40 cm (7.9 to 15.7 in). At Manzanillo, Mexico, a 2.6

m (8.5 ft) rest-to tough tsunami was measured. This puzzled many scientists, as the

tsunamis measured in some parts of South America were larger than those measured

in some parts of the Indian Ocean. It has been theorized that the tsunamis were

focused and directed at long ranges by the mid-ocean ridges which run along the

margins of the continental plates.

Sings and Warnings

Despite a lag of upto several hours between the earthquake and the impact of

the tsunami, nearly all of the victims were taken completely by surprise; there were no

tsunami warning systems in the Indian Ocean to detect tsunamis, or equally

importantly, to warn the general populace living around the ocean. Tsunami detection

is not easy because while a tsunami is in deep water it has a very low height and a

network of censors is needed to detect it. Setting up the communications

infrastructure to issue timely warning is an even bigger problem, particularly in a

relatively poor part of the world. Scientists were also hampered by the incorrect

initial estimates for the magnitude of the earthquake, which was originally put at 8.1.

The determination that the earthquake had actually been much stronger (and the

resulting tsunami much larger) was not made until after the tsunami had already

struck.

Tsunamis are much more frequent in the Pacific Ocean due to earthquake in

the “Ring of Fire’ and an effective tsunami warning system has long been in place

29

there. Although the extreme western edge of the “Ring of Fire” extends into the

Indian Ocean (the point where this earthquake struck), no warning system exists in

that ocean. Tsunamis there are relatively aware, despite earthquakes being relatively

frequent in Indonesia. The last major tsunami was caused by the Krakatoa eruption of

1883. It should be noted that not every earthquake produces large tsunamis; on March

28, 2005 a magnitude 8.7 quake hit roughly the same area of the Indian Ocean but did

not result in a major tsunami. In the aftermath of the disaster there is now an

awareness of the need for a tsunami warning system for the Indian Ocean. The UN

has started working on an Indian Ocean Tsunami warning System and aims to have

initial steps in place by the end of 2005. Some have even proposed creating a unified

global tsunami warning system, to include the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean.

The first warning sign of a possible tsunami is the earthquake itself. However,

tsunami can strike thousands of miles away where the earthquake is only felt weakly

or not at all. Also, in the minutes preceding a tsunami strike the sea often recedes

temporarily from the coast. People in Pacific regions are more familiar with tsunamis

and recognize this phenomenon as a sign to head for higher ground. However, around

the Indian Ocean, this rare sight reportedly induced people, especially children to visit

the coast to investigate and collect stranded fish on as much as 2.5 km (1.6 mi) of

exposed beach, with fatal results.

One of the few coastal areas to evacuate ahead of the tsunami was on the

Indonesian island of Simeulue, very close to the epicenter. Island folklore recounted

earthquake and tsunami in 1907 and the islanders fled to inland hills after the initial

shake before the tsunami struck. On Maikhao beach in northern Phuket, Thailand, a

10 year old British girl named Tilly Smith had studied tsunamis in geography class at

school and recognized the warning signs of the receding ocean and frothing bubbles.

She and her parents warned others on the beach, which was evacuated safely

30

Disaster Preparedness and Management

National Preparedness.

The Central Asian countries have Ministries for emergency situations, which

deal with policy aspects, provide training, manage state disaster reserve resources, and

provide coordination among different levels of Government in developing and

implementing emergency plans. The People’s Republic of China (PRC) has, since

January 2005, a State Disaster Reduction Commission.

� Legal Framework. Each country has each own decrees, acts, and laws that

serve as legal basis for disaster management.

� Hazard/Risk Mapping. Most countries have risk maps. Those in the Central

Asian countries were prepared during the Soviet era, but their scale is not

suitable for risk management activities. Most of these maps are outdated.

� Disaster Preparedness Plans. Countries in the region have made different

levels of progress in developing disaster preparedness plans. The PRC has a

capacity-building program and is making safe storage sites for waste products

from metal processing.

� Structural Measures. In the Central Asian countries, many protective

structures remain from the Soviet era-such as dams, dikes for flood protection,

and sediment control devices. These structures lack maintenance, which not

only decreases their protective value but also can amplify a disaster when they

collapse.

� Community Involvement. General awareness for natural disasters,

preparedness, and mitigation is very low. In the PRC, a Community-based

disaster reduction outreach campaign has been launched.

31

Disaster Prevention and Preparedness

Preparedness measures may include forecasting and warning systems,

community education, and organisation and management of disaster situations

including the preparation of operational plans, Training of relief groups, the

stockpiling of supplies and the provision of the necessary funds. It must be supported

by appropriate emergency legislation which comes into force in disaster situations or

similar emergencies which cannot be avoided.

Prevention and preparedness measures are not isolated activities since both

can be undertaken together or one can be a continuation of the other. This is because

not all disasters can be prevented, and preventive measures may fail to achieve their

objectives. Thus, to limit or mitigate the effects of disasters which cannot be

prevented, certain measures have to be undertaken to return the community to

normality as soon as possible after the event. A variety of prevention and

preparedness measures has been applied in the countries of the ESCAP Region, albeit

with varying degrees of success and often in an uncoordinated fashion.

As previously stated, disaster prevention and preparedness consist of a wide

range of measures, some long term and others short-term, aimed at saving lives and

minimizing the amount of damage that might otherwise be caused. Prevention covers

the damage that might otherwise be caused. Prevention covers the long-term aspects

and is concerned with policies and programmes to prevent or eliminate the occurrence

of disasters.

Preparedness covers the short-term measure which is designed to cover the

action necessary during the approach of a possible disaster, during the existence of a

disaster situation and in the ensuing period devoted to relief and rehabilitation.

Disaster prevention and preparedness are usually accomplished using two

32

fundamental approaches. Firstly, it may be achieved using permanent controls,

structural or non-structural, designed and developed in advance of the disaster.

Secondly, it may be achieved by using temporary measures, planned in advance but

only put into effect during the emergency.

The destructive power of tropical cyclones is manifested by strong winds,

flooding and storm surges. Any disaster prevention and preparedness system must

include warnings and protective measures against each of these effects. Winds are a

fundamental property of tropical cyclones, whilst flooding and storm surges may be a

consequence of tropical cyclones but also of other natural events. The principal

preventive measures employed to mitigate the destructive and injurious effects of

tropical cyclones involve the introduction of building design and construction

standards aimed at improved resistance to the damaging effects of wind and water.

Disaster prevention measures attempt to lessen the impact of flooding or storm

surge on the social and economic conditions of human settlements in floodplains or

low lying coastal areas. The range of preventive controls adopted to protect

development on floodplains includes both structural measures such as channel

modifications, flood detention storages and levees which are designed to reduce the

incidence or extent of flooding, and non-structural measures such as flood insurance,

flood zoning restrictions, land-use management, economic incentives, public

information and community education. Non-structural measures are intended to

modify flood susceptibility and flood impact. The range of measures available to

protect against the effects of flooding is much wider than that available to reduce the

impact of tropical cyclones.

Preventative measures to protect low-lying coastal areas against damage from

tidal inundation also include structural and non-structural measures. The principal

33

structural measures involve the construction of embankments capable of withstanding

the anticipated storm surge heights and forces. Non-structural measures employ land-

use zoning and controls over occupation in high hazard areas. Building controls are

also imposed to restrict building on vulnerable areas. These controls require that flood

heights are set at safe elevation above a given datum.

The selection of the best mix of measures to prevent the occurrence of future

flood or storm surge disaster will be based on the consideration of all the available

structural and non-structural options. The optimal mix of measures will be based on

risk analysis and the economic performance of the overall scheme. Consideration of

social and environmental factors in addition to the legislative and legal constructions

should be included in the planning process.

Disaster preparedness is seen as that action taken when the occurrence of a

tropical cyclone, flood or storm surge threatens to become a disaster. Preparedness

activities are designed to reduce social disruption and losses to existing property and

are an essential component of overall disaster planning. They can serve in the absence

of more permanent measures to reduce the threat to loss of life and property.9

The main types of disaster preparedness include:

� Forecasting and warning systems;

� Evacuation from affected areas;

� Flood fighting

� Flood relief;

� Cyclone shelters.

Depending on the size of the drainage basin, the length of river and the time of

concentration of floodwater in the main channel, flood forecasts and warnings may be

issued well in advance of the arrival of the flood crest on large rivers. Flash floods

34

originating on small catchments present special problems and usually require some

form of forecasting based on rainfall estimates.

Although the forecasts for cyclones and floods may be accurate and timely they

may have little or no effects on the intended recipients if the warning system for

dissemination of the forecast is inadequate. Each agency responsible for emergency

operations should receive prompt forecasts and warnings of the changing

circumstances so that action needed to meet the emergency can be achieved.

Dissemination of forecasts requires an effective communication system based on

radio broadcasts, telephone and special warning systems. The evacuation of people

from a potential or actual disaster area is one of the most important elements of

disaster mitigation. Careful planning is necessary for the efficient evacuation and

relief of flood victims. To be effective the plan should define hazardous areas and

potential dangers. However, the difficulty in evacuating victims and property can be

increased if escape routes cannot cope with the traffic volume, if evacuation services

cannot be contacted or suitable evacuation equipment such as trucks, boats and

helicopters are not available.

Flood fighting can be defined as the taking of precautionary measures against

disaster at times of flood or storm-surge. These measures should aim to prevent

damage or to minimize its extent to protect life and property and in general, to ensure

the safety of the population. Successful flood fighting depends upon good

organization, thorough advance planning, well- trained personnel and the effective

coordination of operations at local, provincial and national levels. The planning

should cover all those who will be involved, the flood-fighting corps, municipality,

town or village officers, and the general public, to the regional and central

government. It involves the construction of temporary controls to exclude floodwater

from protected areas or the strengthening of existing structures to ensure protection.10

35

The main aim of relief is to provide immediate assistance to overcome

personal hardship and distress, including essential repairs to houses and the repair and

replacement of essential items of furniture and personal effects. Relief should include

the reception and care of evacuated victims, the provision of medical services and

similar activities.

This research emerges with this background of social exclusion in disaster

management in order to pace challenges of natural disasters area prone to such

disaster. This research attempts to make a comprehensive analysis of the social

structure of coastal communities, the extent of social exclusion and marginalization

that have taken place as a result of natural disasters with special reference to tsunami

and its impact on social life in coastal area. In addition, this research would attempt to

expose the community preparedness in the form of suggesting an action plan in

disaster management towards influencing policies and programmes.

36

CHAPTER-II

NATURAL DISASTERS: THE SCENARIO

The world health organization/emergency and humanitarian action department

define disasters as, “any occurrence that causes damage, ecological disruption, loss of

human life or deterioration of health and health service on a scale sufficient to warn

an extraordinary response from outside the affected community area”. Disasters are

classified as human made non-natural and natural. Natural disasters are environmental

events, not (directly) human made, such as volcanic eruption, earthquake, floods,

cyclones or more long term epidemics, drought, famine (catastrophic food shortage).

Human made or technological disaster are primarily caused by hardware failure and

human error resulting in toxic emissions for example explosion and transport accident

on setting a chemical spill, leading to insidious air, water and soil pollution and food

contamination.

Natural disaster – A Global Challenge

During the past four decades, natural hazards such as earthquakes, droughts,

floods, storms, and tropical cyclones, wild land fires and volcanic eruptions have

caused major loss of human lives and livelihoods, the destruction of economic and

social infrastructure as well as environmental damages. Economic losses have

increased almost ten times during this period. In the last 30 years, the number of

people directly affected has risen by more than tenfold to approximately USD 70

billion per year. Natural disaster in developing countries often wipes out a large

proportion of annual gross domestic product. In addition to the projected estimation

of 1, 00,000 many lives are lost every year due to natural hazards. The global cost of

natural disasters is anticipated to top $300 billion annually by the year of 2050, if the

likely impact of climate change is not countered with aggressive disaster reduction

37

measures. While no country in the world is entirely safe lack of capacity to limit the

impact of hazards remains a major burden for developing countries. An estimated

97% of natural disaster related deaths each year occur in developing countries and

although smaller in absolute figures, the percentage of economic loss in relation to the

Gross National Product (GNP) in developing countries far exceeds in the ones in

developed countries.

Natural disaster occurs when there is sudden change in the systems and

processes within the physical environment and is classified according to their origin in

the exosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere and biosphere Cataclysms of nature that took

place before man’s appearance on earth and still occurs in uninhibited areas of the

world not disasters. A host of regulations to enforce maximum standards of public

safety has come as a result of past calamities and yet each year bring its shocking toll

of human life.

The general assembly of the United Nations organization insists “disastrous

efforts could be avoided or at least reduced through scientific understanding of the

nature cause frequency, magnitude and area of influence of natural phenomena.

Environment around us is deeply attended by the development process whether based

on local knowledge or that acquired from outside. These two i.e. environment and

development also affect our lives. Sometimes the degree to which the population at

risk is made more vulnerable to hazards thereby making them less capable of

mitigating the effect on their own.

There has been a rapid increase in the exposure to many natural hazards in the

second half of the twentieth century. It is difficult for people to change their behavior

to reduce risk from hazards that few have ever witnessed. Although many acts of

nature cannot be predicted and controlled better knowledge about these hazards can at

38

least reduce the extent of damage. People could be more vigilant and prepared to face

the natural disaster and their effects. Human take risks in life; they also adapt to

varying environmental hazards accounted a disaster when the proportion and that it

causes mass destruction and loss of life. In recent years however, the development

community has been making the links between disasters and development. This

evaluation would be inevitable when one concedes the vast majority of causalities

caused by natural disasters in the world’s poor countries,

World and Natural Disasters

A disaster strikes, mostly it is hazardous and sometimes it is man-made; the

entire world suffers from various disasters arising from the interplay of human

activities and natural hazards. Major synthesis of the occurrences and impact of the

major natural disaster in the world over in the last few decades shows a growing trend

both in terms of casualties as well as property damages. With the rapid increase in the

densities of population and higher concentration of value in cases exposed to such

catastrophes, this trend of higher losses is expected to continue.

It has been estimated that the world endures on an average about 1, 00, 000,

thunderstorm, thousands of floods, hundreds of landslides earthquakes and series of

cyclones and volcanic eruptions every year. All of them are obviously not equally

harmful depending upon the location of such occurrences and the intensity the natural

hazards become natural disasters. For example, in the twentieth century, 30 major

natural disasters took place in the world. Of these, there were 17 earthquakes 10

cyclones, 2 floods and 1 volcanic eruption

Tsunami in the History of the World

These powerful water waves have historically caused significant damage to

coastal communities throughout the world before 2000 years. Some parts of the

39

Tamil Nadu namely first Tamil Sangam in South Madurai, Second Tamil Sangam in

Kabadapuram and Poompugar were immersed in the sea by the tsunami. It is reported

that since 1900 to this day there are 790 times tsunami took place in the Pacific

Ocean.

Some of the Deadliest Tsunamis

650 AD – 1600 AD: Between the period of 650 AD – 1600 AD Northern Coastal area

of Greek was swallowed by the 100 – 150 meter killer tsunami waves due to the

volcano blast in the island of Sandrine.

July 02, 365: Tsunami waves shook the eastern Mediterranean and killed thousands

of residents of Alexandria in Egypt.

November 1755: After a colossal earthquake that destroyed Lisbon, Portugal and

rocked much of Europe a tsunami ensued that killed more than 60,000 people.

August 13, 1868: In China, 25,000 people were washed out by the killer Tsunami.

August 27, 1883: Eruptions from the Krakatoa volcano fueled a tsunami that

drowned 36,000 people in the Indonesian islands of western Java and Southern

Sumatra. The waves were so powerful that they pushed coral blocks as large as 1000

tonnes on the shore.

August 27, 1893: Islands of Java were affected highly and lost nearly 45,000 of their

population due to the tsunami.

June 15, 1896: Sea waves as high as 30 meters rose spawned by an earthquake and

swept the east coast of Japan killing about 27,000 people.

World’s worst natural disaster since 1900

The following is a list of some of the worst natural calamities to strike the

world since 1900. Earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, tsunamis, cyclones, hurricanes and

others form clearly this natural phenomena. This list is also limited disasters to

40

since1900 an arbitrary cut – off to be sure – but one made to reflect the so called

“Modern Day” disaster only. The death totals from disasters in the large-distant past

are, at best rough estimate and finally by “worst” we mean the death list is not the

costliest. So the list excludes 1992’s hurricanes Andrew, which caused an estimated $

25 billion US in damages in Florida and Louisiana, but left “only” 26 people dead.

Number of disasters in South East Asian Countries since 1960

Country 1960 – 69 1970 – 79 1980 – 89

India 34 102 172

Bangladesh 18 37 77

Indonesia 20 46 88

Myanmer 10 10 24

Nepal 07 08 19

Sri Lanka 05 08 25

Thailand 04 05 25

Total 98 216 430

Source: computed

Earthquakes/Tsunamis (with 1, 00,000 deaths –or more)

� December 28, 1908 – southern Italy was ravaged by a 7.2 magnitude quake

that triggered a tsunami that hit the regions Catabriarea killing 1, 23,000.

� December 16, 1920 – China was also the site for the world’s third deadliest

quake of the 20th century. An estimated 2, 00,000 died when a magnitude 8.6

temblor hit Hansu, triggering massive landslides.

� September 1, 1923 – a third of Tokyo and most of Yoko harms were leveled

when a magnitude 8.3 earthquake shook and ravaged much of Tokyo.

� May 5, 1948 – a magnitude 7.9 quake hit China, killed 2,00,000 people.

41

� October 5, 1948 – more than 1, 10,000 were killed when a 7.3 quake rolled

through the area around Ashgeb at in Turkmenistan.

� July 28. 1976 – The world’s most devastating quake of the 20th century

(magnitude 7.8) hit the sleeping city of Tang Han, in northeast China. The

official death total was 2, 42,000 but some unofficial estimates put the actual

number of the death as high as 6, 55,000.

� December 26. 2004 – A magnitude 9.0 quake started off the coast Sumatra,

triggering tsunami that swept through the coastal region of a dozen countries

bordering the Indian Ocean. More than 1.56.000 died and thousands more are

still missing.

Volcanic Eruption.

� May 8, 1902 –Erupted on the Caribbean Island of St. Pierre; up to 40,000

were killed.

� No 13-14, 1985 – at least 25,000 were killed near American Colombia when

the Nevada del Ruiz volcano erupted, triggering mudslides.

� July 15, 1991 – at Pinatubo on Luzon Island in the Philippines the volcano

erupted, blanketing 750 sq/kms ; more than 800 died.

Hurricanes/Cyclone/Floods.

1 July –August 1931 – massive flooding of China’s Yangtze River led to

more than three million deaths from disease and starvation.

2 Nov.13.1970 – a cyclone in the Ganges delta killed at least 30,000 in

Bangladesh.

3 August 1971 – an estimated 1, 00,000 died when heavy rain led to

severe flooding around Hanoi in what was then North Vietnam.

42

4 05, August 1975 – at least 85,000 were killed along the Yangtze River

in China when more than 60 dams failed following a series of storms

causing widespread flooding and famine. This disaster was kept secret

by the Chinese government for 20 years.

5 01, July 1991 – cyclones triggered flooding Bangladesh that killed.

6 26, Oct – Nov 1998 – Hurricane Mitch was the deadliest hurricane to

hit the Americans. It killed 11,000 in Honduras and Nicaragua and left

2.5 million homeless.

Number of people killed and affected per decade by natural disasters in the

world.

Types of

event

1960s and 1970s

1960-1969 1970-1979

No. of

persons

killed

No .of persons

Affected

No. of persons

killed

No. of persons

Affected

Drought 1010 1,85,00,000 23110 2,44,00,000

Flood 2370 52,00,000 4680 1,54,00,000

Cyclone 10750 25,00,000 34,360 28,00,000

Earthquake 5250 2,00,000 38,970 12,00,000

Other Disaster 2890 2,00,000 12,960 5,00,000

source:http://www.unisdr.drg/2002

Types of

event

1980s and 1989s

1980-1989 1990-1999

No. of.

Events

No. of

persons

killed

No .of

persons

Affected

No. of.

Events

No. of

persons

killed

No. of

persons

Affected

Flood slide 699 67330 543376 939 103150 1429177

Wind storm 670 43923 138453 784 209526 258622

Earthquake 292 55794 31629 226 101873 17189

Volcano 40 24972 701 51 975 2085

Others 541 610961 740468 744 377477 253790

source: http://www.unisdr.drg/2002

43

Types of event 2000-2001

No. of. Events No. of persons

killed

No .of persons

Affected

Flood slide 235 8170 66

Wind storm 133 1553 17

earthquake 38 21389 21

volcano 6 0 124

Others 273 12169 189

source:http://www.unisdr.drg/2002

Damages of natural disaster in the world (2002-2005)

Year No. of Events

Report

Death Total Affected People

(in) Million

Economic Damages

(in) Billion

2002 - 24500 608 Us$. 58.3

2003 700 76806 255 Us$. 56

2004 305 244500 150 Us$ 92.5

2005 360 91900 157 Us$ 159

Source: http://www.redcross.ca/2006

17 individual disasters since 1949 have each killed over 10,000 people

globally and despite development process and advances in the field of service an earth

scan study revealed six time more people died on account of disasters every year

during the decade of 1970s even while the number of disaster went up by only 50

percent.

44

A Global List of Some Historical Tsunami Deaths

Year Place Number of lives

lost

1692 Port Royal, Jamaica 3000

1703 Tsunamis in Honshu, Japan following a large

earthquake

5000

1707 38 foot Tsunami, Japan 30,000

1741 Following Volcanic eruptions 30 feet wave in Japan 1400

1753 Combine effect of an earthquake and Tsunami in

Lisbon, Portugal

50,000

1783 A Tsunami in Italy 30,000

1868 Tsunami Chile and Hawaii More than 25000

1883 Krakatoa Volcanic explosion and Tsunami Indonesia 36,000

1896 Tsunami Sanrika, Japan 27,000

1933 Tsunami, sanrika Japan 3000

1946 32 foot high waves in Hilo, Hawaii 159

1960 Along the coast of Chile Approx. 2000 (+3000 person

missing).

1946 Honsu, Japan Earthquake Spawan Tsunami 2000

1964 195 foot waves engulf Kodiak, Alaska after the Good

Friday Earthquake

131

1976 Philippines 8000

1977 Indonesia 189

1979 Indonesia 540

1979 New Guinea 100

1979 Columbia 500

1983 Sea of Japan Approx. 100

1998 Papua new Guinea ----------

2004 Indonesia, India, Srilanga 10,749and 5460

missing

45

Natural Disasters in the Central Asian Region

In the Central Asian countries, during 1991-2001, around 2,500 people were

killed and 5.5 million (10% of the total population) were affected by natural disasters

in Tajikistan, Kyrgyz Republic, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Turkmenistan.

Tajikistan is the most affected central Asian country in terms of disasters,

level of damage and loss of life. Every year Tajikistan experiences 50,000 landslides,

5,000 tremors and earthquakes, and hundreds of avalanches and debris flows.

According to CRED database, during 1991-2001 over 66,000 people were made

homeless due to natural disasters. The 2003 United Nations Consolidated Appeal for

Tajikistan identified disaster response as a priority area because during the first 9

months of 2002, 65 small-and medium-scale natural disasters affected 200,000

people. The most common were floods, earthquakes, mudslides, and landslides. The

floods in southern Tajikistan in 1992 that killed 1,300 persons and resulted in 90%

loss of gross domestic product that year are indicative of the extent of destruction of

life, property, and natural resources that individual disasters in that country can cause.

The Kyrgyz Republic is characterised by frequent small or mid-scale disasters,

low levels of awareness and preparedness, and inadequate response capacity. In 2001-

2002, the Ministry of Emergencies and Ecology recorded 784 floods, 91 landslides,

37 avalanches, 78 earthquakes, and nearly 10,000 earth tremors. Seepage from more

than 20 nuclear waste storage sites in Mailuu-suu District in Jalalabad is a permanent

and large-scale threat. More than 1,200 natural disasters were registered during 1992-

1999, killing more than 400 people and damaging more than 50,000 houses, 222

schools, and 127 health care facilities, as well as roads, electricity transmission lines,

water facilities, and others. Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan are the least vulnerable to

natural disasters and best able to respond without external assistance.

46

The Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region in the People’s Republic of China is

subject to frequent natural disasters. In 2003 alone, there were 12 earthquakes

measuring five or above on the Richter scale, killing 289 people with over 2 billion

yuan (about US$240 million) in economic loss. In the same year, spring sandstorms

led to a drop in farm yields, with almost no harvest in some places. Storms and hail in

the summer months affected 1.8 million people with a loss of 36 lives. As well, there

were many floods and landslides. Mohgolia had several years of drought and mass

deaths of livestock beginning in 1999. Other sources of disaster in recent years

include blizzareds and heavy snowfalls, dust storms, floods, earthquake, and forest

and steppe fires. The United Nations Development Programme has been assisting the

Government strengthen its disaster management system; change the focus from a

military civil-defense approach to a civilian-led mitigation and management

approach; and create partnerships between government, donors, nongovernment

organisations for cooperation, coordination, and allocation of resources for disaster

mitigation.

ADB Assistance in Disaster Mitigation and Recovery

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) adopted a policy on disaster rehabilitation

assistance in 1987 for small Developing Member Countries (DMCs) and broadened

and extended this to all DMCs in 1989. The rationale for assistance was to provide

timely interventions that would enable an affected DMC maintain its development

momentum. The policy was reviewed in 2002. Analyses showed that three main

factors are crucial for project effectiveness:

♣ Good project design;

♣ Effective operation and maintenance of mitigation structures; and

47

♣ Strong institutional development to support structural and preventive

measures, e.g., increased disaster awareness, community preparedness, early

warning systems, effective land-use planning, and sound and enforceable

building codes.

Such measures should be part of the core design of natural disaster mitigation

projects and should be integrated into country strategies and programs.

A new policy- the Disaster and Emergency Assistance Policy-was adopted in

2004, which takes a more proactive stance as described in the text. ADB assistance

for emergency rehabilitation and disaster mitigation, including conflict and epidemic

situations as well as natural disasters, totaled some $3.9 billion during 1987-2005.

This amount comprised 22 project preparatory assistance for a total of $15

million; 55 advisory and operational technical assistance, including 14 regional

technical assistance (RET As), for a total of $48 million; 26 grants for a total of $954

million; and 52 loans, mostly in the category of “multisector”, totaling $2,903 million.

Impact of disasters

The impact of disaster is felt differentially within societies, and those most

socially excluded and economically insecure bear a disproportionate burden. The

impact of disaster also varies between women and men.

Indian Scenario

India is a disaster-prone country. It has already faced the largest number of

disasters till now and enrolled 31 major earthquakes.

Natural disasters are common due to the vast variation of geographical terrain

and climatic conditions of this region. India has 2.4% of world land area being the 7th

largest country with 15% of world’s total population and characterised density of 273

persons per square kilometer. This population density causes destruction in both

ways i.e., social disruption and human destruction.

48

India is the most flood-prone country in the world. 56.3% of its total area

amounts to 3.3 million square km as vulnerable to seismic activities. The entire

northern part of the Indian subcontinent from Hindukush to Himalayas lies in earth

quake-prone belt of violent subterranean volcanic activities. From Kashmir to the

Northeast, the geographical process of rock formulation and uplift makes the area

earthquake-prone, morbidity and mortality due to earthquake and depends upon

magnitude, intensity focal depth, distance from epicenter and other parameters.

India’s 5700 km long coast line is vulnerable to typical cyclone. The havoc caused by

cyclones is mostly due to strong winds accompanied by cyclones torrential rains, tidal

waves and the resultant inundation. Every year, 5-6 cyclones strike India out of

which 2-3 are severe resulting in economic loss. Most of the cyclones occur in the

Bay of Bengal compared to Arabian Sea in the ratio of 4:1. Many are human-made.

And the number is increasing day by day. The most human made disaster in India is

the Bhopal gas tragedy of 3rd December, 1984. Other constitutes train accidents, air

craft crashes, fire, mine, industrial and chemical disasters.

General causes of Natural Disaster

• While some of these occurrences are exclusively of natural origin eg.

Volcanic eruptions;

• Others are due to a combination of both natural and human factors eg:

landslides;

• Rapid population growth is accelerating vulnerability to disasters as

settlements encroach into disaster-prone areas and this will ultimately cause

risk to human lives;

• Vulnerability of disasters has increased due to rapid urbanization

environment degradation and lack of proper planning and preparedness.

49

Major Natural Disasters in India

Year Type Place Death

2004 Tsunami A.P, T.N., A&N Islands,

Kerala, Pondicherry

10,749 and 5460 missing

2004 Flood Assam, Bihar, Gujarat N.A.

2001 Earthquake Buhl - Gujarat 16,480 killed and 1, 44,927

injured.

1999 Fire Delhi 32 died and 100 injured

1999 Super Cyclone Orissa 20,000 died

1993 Earthquake Latur - Maharashtra 8000 died and 14,000 injured.

1991 Earthquake Garhwal - Uttaranchal 1000 died.

1984 Mic Gas Bhopal-Madhya Pradesh 3,800 died.

Source: Computed.

The damages due to natural disaster:

Sharad Powar rightly remarked that disaster management in an all

comprehensive area where everyone has a duty to perform. The eternal preparedness

has to start at individual, family, community, district, and state, national and regional

level. The challenges before us today are to have properties. The knowledge of

science and technology and people’s wisdom should be incorporated in mitigating the

impact of disasters. Safety culture should be taken up in a mission mode. Adequate

and relevant literature has to be prepared, made available and right information and

awareness creation has to be created at all levels especially in the vulnerable areas.

50

Damage due to natural disaster in India:

Year

People

affected

(in lakhs)

Houses and

buildings, partially

or totally damaged

Amount of

property

damages/loss

(Crores)

1965 595.5 2449.878 40.06

1966 550.0 2049.277 30.74

1967 438.4 2919.277 20.57

1968 101.5 242.553 40.63

1990 90.1 782.343 20.41

1990 31.7 1019.930 10.71

1992 342.7 570.696 10.90

1993 190.9 1529.916 20.05

1994 626.5 1051.223 50.80

1995 235.3 2088.335 10.83

1996 549.9 2376.693 40.73

1997 443.8 1103.549 50.43

1998 521.7 1563.405 NA

1999 501.7 3104.064 1020.97

2000 594.34 2736.355 800.00

2001 788.19 864.878 12000.00

Source: Annual Report, NDM Division, Ministry of Agriculture.

III. Damage caused by Tsunami

The feedback from the district collectors shows districts namely Chennai,

Kanchipuram, Tiruvallur, Cuddalore, Villupuram, Nagapattinam, Tiruvarur,

Thanjavur, Kanniyakumary, Tuticurin, Tirunelveli, Ramanathapuram and

Puthukottai have borne the brunt of tsunami covering 373 coastal village/kuppam.

51

about 8.9 lakh people have been affected. 124227 houses are reported to have been

damaged with Nagapattinam district topping the list with 63,860 houses located in 73

villages. Enumeration houses damaged still as on and the final figure may go up to

1.50 lakhs Similarly the number of families who have lost their livelihood through

their houses not been damaged is also expected to be around 1.50 lakhs. Most of the

fishermen have lost not only their dwellings near the sea but have also been deprived

of their catamarans, vallums, mechanized boat etc. 3,324 persons have suffered

injuries. Sizeable number of tourists and devotees who were visiting Velankanni

Church in Nagapattinan district are reported have been swallowed by the tsunami

killer waves. The district-wise details of loss on 02.01.2005.are as fallows

District-wise of loss of lives

Damage caused to mechanized boats, country boats, catamarams,

nets, engines, fishing harbour etc.

1054.06 crores

Damage caused by sea erosion and inundation of Nagapattinam

district.

449.00 crores

Damage caused to Panchayat and panchayat Union roads, water

supply and street light arrangements, panchayat offices, noon meal

centres, panchayat school buildings, etc.

255.61 crores

Damage caused to highways road and Bridges. 380.64 crores

Damage caused to minor ports at Cuddalore, Nagapattinam and

Colachal.

74.70 crores

Damage caused to government building maintained by P.W.D. 8.50 crores

Damage caused to Tamil Nadu Electricity Board installations. 16.93 crores

Damage caused to water supply systems like infiltration wells, open

wells bore wells, etc. maintained by TWAD.

25.00 crores

Damage caused to Beach Resorts and hotels maintained by Tamil

Nadu Tourism Development Corporation

4.48 crores

Damage caused to ferry services run by Poombukar shipping

Corporation at Kanyakumari.

1.04 crores

52

Damage caused to godowns run by Tamil Nadu Warehousing

Corporation.

0.27 crores

Damage caused to Salt Corporation. 1.50 crores

Damage caused to Anganwadi Centres 1.41 crores

Damage caused to protected monuments of Tamil Nadu

Archaeological Department.

1.00 crores

Damage caused to foodgrains stored in the godowns of Tamil Nadu

Civil Supplies Corporation at Port godown Nagapattinam.

2.44 crores.

Damage caused to text books stocked in Text book Society godowns

at Nagapattinam.

7.50 crores

In addition to the loss of economy due to suspension of fishing activities all

along the coast line ran to several thousand crores.

Social and Economic Consequences

Loss of the ability to take care of the family may cause adjustment difficulties

for some men, especially those with more traditional gender role norms; others may

view received financial aid as a stigma and feel challenged in their role as

breadwinners.

Women may find themselves burdened with even greater responsibilities than

before. Post disaster “fight of men” often occurs, leaving women as sole earners. This

phenomenon has been observed in Miami, rural Bangladesh, the Caribbean, and

Brazil where it’s reported then men abandoned women and families and used the

relief aid for themselves.

At the same time, lower literacy level of the ownership land and other

productive assets may leave women on the verge of destitution.

EARTHQUAKE OCCURRENCES

India has large part of its land area liable to wide range of probable maximum

seismic intensities where shallow earthquake of a magnitude of 5.0 or more on rector

53

scale, that been known to occur in the historical part recorded in the last 100 years.

IMD has prepared a catalogue of all such known earthquakes which is continually

updated. The largest earthquake magnitude in India has been 8.7 which has been so

intense that the rivers changed their courses, ground evaluation got changed

permanently and stones were thrown upward. A list of better known damaging

earthquake in India.

List of some significant earthquake in India

Date location magnitude

M>6

1989 Jun 16 Kutch, Gujarat 8.0

1869 Jan 10 Near Cacher, Assam 7.5

1885 May 30 Sopor, J&k 7.0

1897 Jun 12 Shillon-Gplateau 8.7

1905 Apr 04 Kangra, H.P 8.0

1918 Jul 08 Srimangak, Assam 7.6

1930 Jul 02 Dhubri, Assam 7.1

1934 Jan 15 Bihar-Nepal Border 8.3

1941 Jun 26 Andaman Islands 8.1

1943 Oct 23 Assam 7.2

1950 Aug 15 Arunachal Pradesh China Border 8.5

1956 Jul 21 Anjar, Gujarat 7.0

1967 Dec 10 Koyna, Maharashtra 6.5

1975 Jan 19 Kinnaur, HP 6.2

1988 Aug 06 Manipur-Myanmar Border 6.6

1988 Aug 21 Bihar-Nepal Border 6.4

1991 Oct 20 Uttarkashi, UP Hills 6.6

1993 Sep 30 Latur-Osmanabad, 6.3

1997 May 22 Jabalpur, MP 6.0

1999 Mar 29 Chamoli Dist, UP 6.8

2001 Jan, 26 Gujarat 6.9

Source: GOI, Ministry of Home Affairs.

54

Case of Latur and Osmanabad

An earth quake of moderate magnitude of 6.4(on Richter Scale) struck the

Marathwada region of Marathwada state in September 1993.In all, eight districts in

Maharashtra and three districts in Karnataka have been affected. However, the

severely affected areas were mainly the Latur and Osmanabad districts of

Maharashtra. The total area affected due to this earthquake was about 52,000 sq. km.

Besides the housing, other infrastructural facilities also received severe damages. The

infrastructural losses incurred in the two affected districts of Latur and Osmanabad.

Latur Earthquake-The incident took place on 30 September 1993 at 3:56a.m

.when a killer earthquake struck them: Chakraborty in his article. “Disaster

Management: A Case Study of Latur Earthquake” in Prashasanika.July-Dec.1997,

observes that: the epicenter of the earthquake was in Osmanabad district. Umarga

nearest to Sholapur. If a radius would have been drawn it was of 25 km around

Killari. This part was the worst hit. A natural disaster is a catastrophe which could

well be felt by the amount of destruction caused by low roofed huts made of brick and

stone which was the main reason, for they could not keep themselves intact and resist

the devastating quake.

Responses to Trauma and Disaster

The behavioral and psychological responses seen in disasters are not random.

They frequently have a predictable structure and time course. For most individuals,

post-traumatic psychiatric symptoms are transitory. For some, however, the effects of

a disaster linger long after its occurrence, rekindled by new experience that reminds

the persons of the past traumatic event. The rainstorm can become the reminder of a

flood; the flash of lighting and the crash of thunder, the reminder of an explosion; a

bumpy ride in an aero plane, the reminder of a plane crash; and a small earth tremor,

55

the reminder of a major earthquake. Even normal life events can cause anxiety and

bring to mind destroyed home or demise of loved ones. Although exposure to disaster

and other trauma has been associated with liability that can persist for decades, the

effects of traumatic events are not exclusively bad. For some people, trauma and loss

facilitate more toward health. A traumatic experience can become the centre around

which a victim reorganizes a previously disorganized life reorienting values and

goals.

Common Emotional/Behavioral states during first 24 hrs

• Fear

• Running around

• Worry

• Leaving the place

• Sadness

• Crying

• Fear of entering building

• Palpitations

• Inability to think

Emotional/Behavioral states after 1 week

• Fear

• Thought about future

• Loss of sleep

• Sadness

• Hope

• Weeping

• Remembering goal

56

Emotional/Behavioral states after 20 days:

• Fear

• Relief measure

• Thought about future

• Brotherhood

• Worry

• Confusion

• Nature’s play

• Collective efforts

Common psychiatric responses to disaster

Psychiatric diagnosis

• Organic mental disorders secondary to head injury, toxic exposure, illness,

and dehydration

• Acute stress disorder

• Adjustment disorder

• Substance use disorders

• Major depression

• Post-traumatic stress disorder

• Generalized anxiety disorder

• Psychological factors affecting physical disease (in the injured)

Psychological/Behavioral responses

• Grief reactions and other normal responses to an abnormal event

• Family violence

57

Risk factors of post-disaster psychiatric symptoms

• The severity of a disaster is perhaps that single best predictor of both the

probability and the frequency of post-disaster psychiatric illness.

• Physical injury – the number of injured and type of injury is one indicator of

the severity of a disaster.

• Physical injury also appears to increase the risk of psychiatric disorders.

Psychiatric disorder

Symptoms begin within 4 weeks of a traumatic event and last between 2 days

and 4 weeks. The symptoms cannot be due to the direct effects of a substance, a

general medical condition, or exacerbation of a psychiatric disorder present before

exposure to the event.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

PTSD studied both natural and human-made disasters. The diagnosis of PTSD

applies to a similar constellation of symptoms if the symptoms persist longer than one

month or if the onset of symptoms begins later than one month after the traumatic

event.

Other psychiatric illness and physical disease:

Often overlooked after a disaster are the psychiatric disorders attributable to

head trauma and metabolic disturbance following crash injuries and burns co-

occurring psychological symptoms frequently seen in injured victims who may be

dealing with the stress of their injury, the loss of family members, and an absence of

resources and social supports with which to plan recovery. Since most studies

indicate a high rate of psychiatric disorder in the physically injured a practice

consultation liaison plan is a necessary part of a hospital emergency response plan.

58

Mediating factors to disaster response

To understand the nature and degree of trauma sustained by patients, it is also

useful to examine the mediating characteristics of disasters along the following

dimensions:

• Threat

• Physical harm or injury

• Exposure to grotesque, violent loss of a loved one

• Witnessing or learning of violence to a loved one

• Learning of exposure to a noxious agent

Psychological and physiological responses to disaster

Stress mediators

• Individual developmental history

• Pre-existing illness

• Previous exposure social supports

• Socio-cultural context

• Meaning

• Appraisal

Health outcome

• Major depression

• Generalized anxiety disorder

• Substance abuse

• Family violence

• Sleep disturbance

• Somatization

• Adjustment disorders

59

Pre-Disaster Action is Profitable than Post-disaster Reaction

The shocking memories of Bhopal Gas Tragedy of 1984, the Latur earthquake

in 1993, Gujarat earthquake of 2001 and the tsunami calamity of 2004 have not faded

from our mind. Those killers had incapacitated tens of thousands of people and

destroyed properties worth crores of rupees. Throughout the history, the violent side

of nature has manifested itself in destructive phenomena such as floods, volcanic

eruption, severe storms, wild fire, earthquake and tidal waves. Disasters and risks are

part of our life and they will continue to threaten, kill and destroy. Disasters are not

always entirely ‘natural’ on the one hand natural forces are at work on a planet whose

environment is being altered day after day by human kind. Floods are made more

severe by deforestation; global warming more preoccupying by the unchecked

emission of green house gases; then came new disasters that were not of natural origin

but were no less dramatic such as the radioactive cloud that blew from Chernobyl, the

green house effect and the hole in the ozone layer. Human instigated disasters like

terrorism too take a heavy toll globally.

Until a few decades ago humankind seemed to be particularly helpless in the

face of earthquakes, cyclones and volcanic eruptions. It was impossible to predict

when they would happen and what their effects would be. Human intellect and

determination could only bow to divine caprice. The good news is that disaster

reduction is both possible and feasible. While we cannot prevent an earthquake or a

tsunami from occurring, we can use scientific knowledge and technical know-how

and disseminate early warning of those disasters and organize proper community

response to such warning.

Disaster prevention measures cost less than relief and reconstruction

expenditure yet many decision-making tends to focus on relief and treat disaster

60

situation in a ad hock way. When they are presented with them today most typical

strategies are crisis oriented. Resources spent on relief and recoveries are more than

resource spent on prevention. It is high time to a shift is from post disaster reaction to

pre-disaster action

Disasters do not recognise international boundaries nor does any nation have

all the knowledge of material resources needed to cope with them. Only through

international cooperation will significant progress be made, especially in developing

countries. With limited resources and few professional workers dealing with disaster

it require co-operation between may discussion plains and between the public and

private sectors. Disaster management demands as many hands as possible working

like a team of huskies – separate but together. Mitigation of natural disasters in the

form of environmental protection preservation of biodiversity, prevention of disease

education and dissemination of knowledge and equitable economic growth must be

priorities on the agenda of a civilization and human global society of the 21st century.

Science can contribute to all these.

Out of the primary impact areas of disaster is health – both physical and

psychological. It is also one of the most underrated. Health consequences vary

according to the type of the disaster. At one hand of the spectrum are vector-borne

epidemics and waterborne disasters, drowning injuries etc., at the other hand are the

psychological consequences of disaster. Any day prevention is better than cure. When

a disaster strikes at one place on the global, other place should stay vigilant. It is an

old wise caution that “when our neighbor’s house is on fire we have to take care of

our own.”

61

Emergency and Disaster Management

India has been traditionally vulnerable to natural disasters on account of its

unique geo-climatic conditions. Floods, droughts, cyclones, earthquakes and

landslides have been recurrent phenomena. About 60% of the landmass is prone to

earthquakes of various intensities; over 40 million hectares are prone to floods; about

8% of the total area is prone to cyclones and 68% of the area is susceptible to drought.

In the decade 1990-2000, an average of about 4344 people lost their lives and about

30 million people were affected by disasters every year. The loss in terms of private,

community and public assets has been astronomical.

At the global level, there has been considerable concern over natural disasters.

Even as substantial scientific and material progress is made, the loss of lives and

property due to disasters has not decreased. In fact, the human toll and economic

losses have mounted. It was in this background that the United Nations General

Assembly, in 1989, declared the decade 1990-2000 as the International Decade for

Natural Disaster Reduction with the objective to reduce loss of lives and property and

restrict socio-economic damage through concerted international action, especially in

developing countries.

The super cyclone in Orissa in October, 1999 and the Bhuj earthquake in

Gujarat in January, 2001 underscored the need to adopt a multi dimensional

endeavour involving diverse scientific, engineering, financial and social processes; as

well as the need to adopt multi disciplinary and multi sectoral approach and

incorporation of risk reduction in the developmental plans and strategies.

Over the past couple of years, the Government of India have brought about a

paradigm shift in the approach to disaster management. The new approach proceeds

from the conviction that development cannot be sustainable unless disaster mitigation

62

is built into the development process. Another corner stone of the approach is that

mitigation has to be multidisciplinary spanning across all sectors of development. The

new policy also emanates from the belief that investments in mitigation are much

more cost effective than expenditure on relief and rehabilitation. Disaster

management occupies an important place in this country’s policy framework as it is

the poor and the under-privileged who are worst affected on account of

calamities/disasters.

The steps being taken by the Government emanate from the approach outlined

above. The approach has been translated into a national Disaster Framework [a

roadmap] covering institutional mechanisms, disaster prevention strategy, early

warning system, disaster mitigation, preparedness and response and human resource

development. The expected inputs, areas of intervention and agencies to be involved

at the National, State and district levels have been identified and listed in the

roadmap. This roadmap has been shared with all the State Governments and Union

Territory Administrations. Ministries and Departments of Government of India, and

the State Government /UT Administrations have been advised to develop their

respective roadmaps taking the national roadmap as a broad guideline. There is,

therefore, now a common strategy underpinning the action being taken by all the

participating organizations / stakeholders.

The changed approach is being put into effect through:

(a) Institutional changes

(b) Enunciation of policy

(c) legal and techno-legal framework

(d) Mainstreaming Mitigation into Development process

(e) Funding mechanism

63

(f) Specific schemes addressing mitigation

(g) Preparedness measures

(h) Capacity building

(i) Human Resource Development and, above all, community participation.

These are detailed in the following chapters.

Natural Disaster and Disaster Management in India

Asia is a continent most prone to natural disaster. It is followed by Latin

America, Africa Europe and Australia. Human settlement in India have been subject

to vagaries of natural disaster caused by floods that perennially occur, cyclone dust

storm which are seasonal features and earthquake. Being a vast country India has been

prone to recurrent natural calamities from time to time which have deliberated the

agricultural and industrial economy and posed grave problems of relief and

rehabilitation. In India out of 31 States it’s 24 States are vulnerable to natural disasters

like drought, flood, cyclone and earthquake. Only one State (West Bengal) has faced

all types of disaste; rsix States have faced three types of disaster affecting the country

at the same time in different geographical regions. Disasters stemming from these

hazards kill thousands of people and cause huge economic losses

Disaster Management in India

As India is often confronted with natural disasters and calamities of grave

nature such as earthquakes, flood cyclone etc. every time the State machinery is found

unprepared for the task of disaster management such as the Latur earthquake (1993)

cyclone of Orissa (1999) Bhuj earthquake (2001) and the worst flood in Eastern India.

These grim reminders should have led the policy towards creation of disaster

management committee long back and should have enlarged the National Calamity

Fund (NCF) on have priority basis. Though late it augurs well that Union Government

64

decided to constitute the NCF. The Govt. has also finally set up a 35 member

committee headed by the Prime Minister.

The general recommendations regarding natural disaster mitigation and

preparedness Programme can be summarized as follows:

• Mismanagement of natural resources is the main cause behind most of the

environmental degradation and natural disaster. Linkages between

environment, natural disasters and development have to be clearly established

to mitigate disaster and to improve environment.

• The main thrust should be shift from disaster relief to disaster prevention. All

developmental projects in vulnerable areas should be linked with and used to

the maximum extent possible for disaster mitigation. Development projects

having the potential to aggravate or cause hazards should be studied very

carefully and so formulated as to minimize this adverse effects in this regard.

• States should develop area-specific hazard specific advance mitigation plans.

Some funds from central resources may be allocated for mitigation and

preparedness plans. States should provide strong and stable administrative

setup for disaster management preparedness and relief.

• The economic impact of natural disaster should receive adequate attention

and cost benefit analysis should incorporate probable disaster events and for

mitigation programmes to be undertaken in the disaster prone area.

• National centre for Information Research and Training for disaster

management should be established which should also function as a nodal

institution for training and research in the area of disaster management.

The east coast of India which experienced extensive havoc and loss of life,

was lying just in the line of ‘Tsunami’ the grant tidal waves caused by a devastating

65

earthquake in the Indian Ocean. Whenever an earthquake occurs on land, the seismic

energy released by it normally travels in waves resulting in damage to building and

other structure. But the seismic energy released by the earthquake in oceans causes

‘Tsunami’ which travels thousands of kilometers. Tsunamis hit the obstacles that

come along their path with great ferocity and the east coast was the first obstacle

which the huge tidal waves encountered, causing destruction all along. This was the

first time that so many people were killed in the country by Tsunami caused by an

earthquake.

• Charles Mecrecy, the earthquake is shallow land is located under or very

close to the sea, and its magnitude exceeds a predetermined threshold; a

warning is issued based on there being the potential that a destructive tsunami

was generated. Tsunami competition is based on 30 to 50 independent

measurements in the time level of 25 minutes or less. After the first

indication that an earthquake may have triggered a tsunami, it is necessary to

wait until a potential tsunami reaches the nearness sea level sought to confirm

or deny its existence and being to evaluate its character.

• As the tsunami approaches the shore and the depth decreases the waves slow

down but become higher. The last stage of evaluation where tsunami comes

to shore as the breaking wave a wall of water or a tide-like flood is created

although waves two to three meters high are sufficient to cause damage.

• According to the tsunami rehabilitation in Tamil Nadu the NGOs received

partnership assistance from a number of international agencies and it was

reported during the period from January to June 2005, about 650 NGOs have

participated in tsunami relief operation in the State (Salagrama,v) in during

much of provision of FRP boats and formation of SHGs for women and

66

strengthening the existing ones. The corporate sector supported the tsunami

relief operations by directly contributing US$ million and through

contributions to PM relief fund (US$ 92 Million).

The Disaster impact on Communities and Challenges for a Critical Response

queries if one should wait to eradicate poverty before addressing the specific impact

of disaster. Some scholars prefer to study the “particular practices” that make one

segment of the poor differently vulnerable. Other scholars want to understand the

reasons for those “particular practices”. However, the care of the vulnerability

analysis is a closer look at the elements of their everyday life that make people

vulnerable to disaster. One may study the local historical and geographical variations

in culture, or ethnicity, gender, science and technology, and other such factors.

POLICY FRAMEWORK

The institutional and policy mechanisms for carrying out response, relief and

rehabilitation have been well-established since independence. These mechanisms

have proved to be robust and effective insofar as response, relief and rehabilitation are

concerned. The changed policy/approach, however, mandates a priority to pre-disaster

aspects of mitigation, prevention and preparedness and new institutional mechanisms

are being put in place to address the policy change.

Mitigation, preparedness and response are multi-disciplinary functions,

involving a number of Ministries / Departments. Institutional mechanisms which

would facilitate this inter-disciplinary approach are being put in place. It is proposed

to create Disaster Management Authorities, both at the National and State levels, with

representatives from the relevant Ministries / Departments to bring about this

coordinated and multi-disciplinary forum with experts covering a large number of

branches.

67

DISASTER MANGEMENT POLICY

Disaster management is a multidisciplinary forum activity involving a number

of Departments/ agencies spanning across all sectors of development. Where a

number of Departments / agencies are involved, it is essential to have a policy in

place, as it serves as a framework for action to all the relevant departments/ agencies.

A National Policy on disaster management has been drafted, and is in the

process of consultations. In the line with the changed focus, the Policy proposes to

integrate disaster mitigation into development planning. The Policy shall address all

spheres of Central Government activity and shall enjoin upon all existing sectoral

policies. The broad objectives of the policy are to minimize the loss of lives and

social, private and community assets because of natural or man-made disasters and

contribute to sustainable development and better standards of living for all, more

specifically for the poor and vulnerable section by ensuring that the development

gains are not lost through natural calamities / disaster.

Implication for disaster relief programs and policies

� Pre-disaster activities such as hazards mapping and vulnerability analysis

should be integrated with gender concentration. At a minimum, this would

involve taking into account:

� The difference in vulnerability to and impact of disaster in women and man:

and

� How their roles and status affect disaster-relief and recovery

Community-based disaster preparedness project and disaster training and

education program should address their respective needs and concerns.

Information collected through rapid assessments of health status and health

needs and disaster situation should be sex-disaggregated and include a gender

68

analysis. Information is required on productivity and mental health needs, in addition

to information on communicable disease and on malnutrition.

Basic health service provided as part of emergency relief should likewise cater

to women’s and men’s different needs and be provided in a gender-sensitive manner.

Disadvantaged groups such as women and men with disabilities and women

victimized relation should be identified as special-risk population for disaster relief

and recovery services. It may be useful to work with community organizations to

identify these groups.

Gender training of emergency managers and health service providers should

become an integral part of staff training in all organizations and agencies involved in

disaster-relief. The initiative for gender mainstreaming the Coordinated Appeals

Process (CAP), a tool for United Nations coordination and programming for

humanitarian assistance at the international level, needs consciously to address health

issues from a gender perspective.

Disaster Management Act

The States have been advised to enact Disaster Management Acts. These Acts

provide for adequate powers to authorities for coordinating mitigation, preparedness

and response as well as for mitigation / prevention measures required to be

undertaken. Two States Gujarat and Bihar have already enacted such a law. Other

States are in the process.

Disaster Management Code

In line with the changed approach, the State Governments have also been

advised to convert to their Relief Codes into Disaster Management Codes by building

into it the process necessary for drawing up disaster management and mitigation plans

as well as elements of preparedness apart from response and relief. A Committee

69

constituted under the Executive Director, National Institute of Disaster Management

has drafted a Model Disaster Management Code which is being circulated to the

States so as to assist them in this process. Some States have constituted committees to

revise the codes as per GOI guidelines. The revised codes will ensure that the process

of drawing up disaster management plans and mitigation and preparedness measures

get institutionalized.

Mainstreaming Disaster Management into Development

The Government of India has adopted mitigation and prevention as essential

components of their development strategy. The recent Five Year Plan document has a

detailed chapter on disaster management. The plan emphasizes the fact that

development cannot be sustainable without mitigation being built into developmental

process. Each state is supposed to prepare a plan scheme for disaster mitigation in

accordance with the approach outlined in the plan. In brief, mitigation is being

mainstreamed into development planning.

Flood Preparedness and Response

In order to respond effectively to floods, Ministry of Home Affairs have

initiated National Disaster Risk Management Programme in all the flood-prone States.

Assistance is being provided to the States to draw up disaster management plans at the

State, District, Block / Taluk and village levels. Awareness generation campaigns to

sensitize all the stakeholders on the need for flood preparedness and mitigation

measures have been launched elected representatives and officials are being trained in

flood disaster management under the programme. Bihar, Orissa, West Bengal, Assam

and Utter Pradesh are among the 17 multi-hazard prone States where this programme

is being implemented with assistance from UNDP, USAID and European

Commission.

70

Awareness Generation

Recognising the awareness about vulnerabilities is a sine qua non for inducing

a mindset of disaster prevention, mitigation and preparedness, the Government has

initiated a nation-wide awareness generation campaign as part of its overall disaster

risk management strategy. In order to devise an effective and holistic campaign, a

steering committee for mass media campaign has been constituted at the national level

with due representation of experts from diverse streams of communication. The

Committee has formulated a campaign strategy aimed at changing peoples’ perception

of natural hazards and has consulted the agencies and experts associated with

advertising and media to instill a culture of safety against natural hazards.

Apart from the use of print and electronic media, it is proposed to utilize

places with high public visibility viz. Hospitals, Schools, Railway stations and Bus

terminals, Airports and Post Offices, commercial complexes and municipality offices

etc. to make people aware of their vulnerabilities and promote creation of a safe living

environment.

A novel method being tried is the use of government stationery viz. postal

letters, bank stationery, railway tickets, airline boarding cards and tickets etc. for

disseminating the message of disaster risk reduction. Slogans and messages for this

purpose have already been developed and have been communicated to concerned

Ministries/agencies of printing and dissemination. The mass media campaign will

help build the knowledge, attitude and skills of the people in vulnerability reduction

and sustainable disaster risk management measures.

Information, Education and Communication

In order to assist the State Government in capacity building and awareness

generation activities and to learn from past experiences including sharing of best

71

practices, the Ministry of Home Affairs has compiled / prepared a set of resource

materials developed by various organizations / institutions to be replicated and

disseminated by State Governments based on their vulnerabilities after translating it

into the local languages. The voluminous material which runs into about 10,000 pages

has been divided into 4 broad sections in 7 volumes. These sections cover planning to

cope with disasters; education and training; construction toolkit; and information,

education and communication toolkit including multi-media resources on disaster

mitigation and preparedness.

The Planning section contains material for analyzing a community’s risk,

development of preparedness mitigation and disaster management plans, coordinating

available resources and implementing measures for risk reduction. Model bye-laws,

DM Policy, Act and model health sector plan have also been included. Education and

Training includes material for capacity building and upgradation of skills of policy

makers, administrators, trainers, engineers etc. in planning for and mitigating natural

disasters. Basic and detailed training modules in disaster preparedness have been

incorporated along with training methodologies for trainers, for community

preparedness and manuals for training at district, block, panchayat and village levels.

For creating a disaster- resistant building environment, the construction toolkit

addresses the issue of seismic resistant construction and retrofitting of existing

buildings. BIS codes, manuals and guidelines for RCC, masonry and other

construction methodologies as also for repair and retrofitting of masonry and low-rise

buildings have been included.

The IEC material seeks to generate awareness to induce mitigation and

preparedness measures for risk reduction. Material and strategies used by various

states and international organizations, including tips on different hazards, have been

72

incorporated along with multi-media CDs on disasters. The material has been

disseminated to all the State Governments/ UT Administrations with the request to

have the relevant material, based on the vulnerability of each district, culled out,

translated into local languages and disseminate widely down to the village level.

Emergency Support Functional Plans

It is seen that the relevant departments start constituting teams/mobilizing

resources only after the crisis/disaster has struck, leading to delays. The relevant

departments/ agencies have been asked to draw up Emergency Support Function

(ESF) Plans and constitute response teams and designate resources in advance so that

response is not delayed. Ministries/departments have drawn up their ESF Plan and

communicated it to MHA. States have also been asked to take similar steps. Similarly

States have been advised to finalize pre-contract/agreement for all disaster relief items

so as to avoid delays in procuring relief items after disaster situations.

Disaster management requires multi-disciplinary and proactive approach.

Besides various measures for putting in place institutional and policy framework,

disaster prevention, mitigation and preparedness initiatives being taken by the Central

and State Governments, the community, civil society organizations and media also

have a key role to play in achieving moving together, towards a safer India. The

message being put across is that, in order to move towards safer and sustainable

national development, development projects should be sensitive towards disaster

mitigation.

Our mission is vulnerability reduction to all types of hazards, be it natural or

manmade. This is not an easy task to achieve, keeping in view the vast population,

and the multiple natural hazards to which this country is exposed. However, if we are

firm in our conviction and resolve that the Government and the people of this country

73

are not prepared to pay the price in terms of massive casualties and economic losses,

the task, though difficult, is achievable and we shall achieve it.

We have taken the first few but significant steps towards vulnerability

reduction, putting in place prevention and mitigation measures and preparedness for a

rapid and professional response. With a massive awareness generation campaign and

building up of capabilities as well as institutionalization of the entire mechanism

through a techno legal and techno financial framework, we are gradually moving in

the direction.

The various prevention, mitigation measures outlined above are aimed at

building up the capabilities of the communities, voluntary organizations and

Government functionaries at all levels. Particular stress is being laid on ensuring that

these measures are institutionalized considering the vast population and the

geographical area of the country. This is a major task being undertaken by the

Government to put in place mitigation measures for vulnerability reduction.

Impact of Natural Disaster

They have multi-dimensional effects on several sectors of personal, social,

economic and the like.

Direct losses: Damages to building, contents motor vehicles, persons or

infrastructure costs of clearing up, loss mitigation and disposal.

Indirect losses: Damage resulting from business interruption and power

failure, costs of transportation, detours assistance, storage accommodation drinking

water supply and communication.

Intangible losses: Detours of tailbacks on the journey to work, psychological

impairments, and losses of intangible values or moving out of the area at risk:

74

• Natural disaster have generally meant mere destructive of human habitation

over large area causing injury, loss of life, property and disruptions of social,

economic and ecological life.

• Children and women too are more than potential victims of natural disaster.

• It creates physical health problems such as fever, diarrhea, cholera, etc. and

psychological problems for the victims. when the affected people realize the

gravity of the situation they go into depression and develop panic and anxiety

because of the traumatic experience

• One result of disaster can be degradation of productive lands;

• The capital assets and other resources are severely affected by it;

• National hazardous events can cause destruction of transport, buildings and

infrastructure including homes, schools hospitals, factories, temples, water

supply lines and sanitary pipelines, power supplies and communication links;

• Its subsequent effect on health is due to the lack of clean drinking water and

food, the spread of disease and exposure to the elements;

• It can also contribute to economic instability and to an atmosphere of

uncertainty;

• Another important impact that natural disasters have on developing countries

is that funds targeted for development are reallocated to finance relief and

reconstruction efforts, jeopardizing long-term development goals;

• In the aftermath of a disaster, a government will be obliged to meet potential

budgetary pressures by increasing the money supply;

• Natural disaster has been considered a tragic interruption to the development

process. Lives are lost; social networks are disrupted; and capital investment

is destroyed. When development plans are laid and disaster strikes,

75

development funds are diverted to meet the emergency. Additional aid is

directed to relief and reconstruction needs to get the country ‘back on track’

towards economic and social development;

• It create some indirect impact such as the fall of production of goods and

services, transport, labour supplies or markets, loss of income due to

unemployment, financial crises of the poor and increased cost of goods and

services, etc.

• It severely affects country’s tourism.

Relief Work

Relief work means the immediate help to release people from the sudden

incidents providing all the basic and immediate things that they deserve. In other

words, it is the immediate assistance based on their need.

Rehabilitation work

Rehabilitation work implies later help that should be provided to restart their

normal life. It also provides needed materials to begin their normal life. In other

words, it is the secondary assistance which should help the affected to commence a

new life after the loss.

Tsunami Vulnerability Assessment

The exposure inventory on vulnerability to tsunami impact on natural

environment will need to be developed for shores and harbours. Potential damage is

related to the hydrological controls of wave action (surging), flooding and debris

deposition, and consequent geotechnical controls to damage by liquefaction, cracking

and slumping. These result in structural damage to buildings, water damage to

contents, flooding damage to infrastructure (roads, bridges, water supply, sewerage,

wharves, sea-walls), damage to navigational aids and reef damage. There is the

76

potential for “seiching” in the shallow harbor areas where, alternately (from the

tsunami waves), water is drained from the harbor and then flooded to depths greater

than high tide levels. This has the potential for threat to human life (death and injury)

from people collecting fish from the harbor seafloor. In the harbor, waves are a threat

to shipping (sinking, striking wharves) and fishermen (drowning).

The vulnerability assessment is expressed as details of elements of the built,

natural and human environments vulnerable to potential tsunami-related damage.

These need to be considered in terms of the Tsunami Hazard Zones for the terrestrial

environments around the shores and the marine environments.

Tsunami Risk Assessment

By integrating the hazard and vulnerability assessments, the tsunami risk

assessment is to be developed in terms of zonation and inundation maps and

associated affects.

Practical Applications

The key factors to reduce potential losses due to tsunami are awareness and

preparedness. The practical applications of this tsunami risk assessment, in both

quantitative and qualitative terms, for implementation of mitigation strategies for the

terrestrial and marine environments include:

1. Building Codes (potential damage due to wave action and flooding)

2. GIS Mapping

3. Land-Use Planning (taking note of wave action & flooding)

4. Disaster Planning (in identified hazard zones)

5. Emergency Management

6. Emergency Personnel Training (necessary aspects relevant to marine

situations)

77

7. Rescue and Response (marine situations related to shipping) (cargo,

tourist, inter-islands fishing community, recreational boating)

8. Insurance Needs

9. Community Education

10. Simulated Tsunami Exercises

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS

Effective response by national health authorities cannot be impromptu. Ministries

of health that neglected to invest in capacity building before emergencies have

generally experienced serious difficulties in exercising their technical and political

leadership in the immediate aftermath of a disaster. Disaster preparedness is

primarily a matter of building institutional capacity and human recourses, not one of

investing heavily in the advance technology and equipment.

Building local coping capacity is one of the most cost-effective ways to improve the

quality of the national response and the external intervention.

Disaster preparedness is not merely having disaster plan written by experts.

It must involve the following:

� Identifying vulnerability to natural or other hazards; The health sector should

seek information and collaborate with other sectors and institutions (civil

protection, meteorology, environment, geology) that have the primary

responsibility for collecting and analyzing this information.

� Building simple and realistic health scenarios of possible and probable

occurrences; It is challenging enough to prepare for a moderate-size disaster;

building and sustaining a culture of fear based on unrealistic worst-case

scenario may serve the corporate interest of the disaster community but not

the interests of the public at large.

78

� Initiating a participative process among the main sectors to develop a basic

plan that outlines the responsibilities of each participant in the health sector

(key departments of the ministry of health, medical crops of the armed forces,

private sector, NGOs, UN agencies, and donors) on what are the possible

overlaps or gaps and building a consensus-not the paper plan itself. Disaster

often presents problems that are unforeseen in the most detailed plans.

� Managing a close collaboration with these main actors. A good coordinator is

one who appreciates and adapts to the strengths and weaknesses of other

institutions. Stability is essential. Changing the key emergency staff members

during a disaster situation or when a new administration or minister takes

over have occasionally complicated the tasks

� Sensitizing and training the first health responders and managers to face the

special challenges of responding to disasters; Participation of external actors

(UN agencies, donors, or NGOs) in designing and implementing the training

is critical. The incorporation of disaster management in the academic

curriculum of medical, nursing, and public health schools should complement

the on-the-job training programs of the ministry of health, UN agencies, and

NGOs Well-designed disaster management training programs will improve

the management of daily medical emergencies and accidents as well.

Range of Tsunami in Tamil Nadu

A very severe earthquake to the magnitude of 8.9 Richter scale struck northern

Sumatra Indonesia at 06.28 a.m. IST. The earthquake was felt widely along the east

coast of India.

The calamity which struck the Tamil Nadu coast on 26.12.2004 was

unpredicted in its suddenness and ferocity. It was also widespread in scale affecting

79

villages and down all along the coast line. A calamity of this nature has never been

known; the toll was enormous and lakhs of people have been rendered homeless. It

has totally damaged the coastal economy throughout Tamil Nadu. Fishermen have

been devastated losing their near and dear ones, home, possessions and livelihood.

Fisher men tourists and people living on the caravanned coast were unaware and

unprepared for the waves that rose as high as six meters (20 feet) throughout the

Indian Ocean. The serving sea water flooded the coastal villages in 12 coastal districts

in Tamil Nadu.

District-wise loss of lives

Sl.No. District No. of persons died

1 Chennai 206

2 Kancheepuram 125

3 Tiruvallur 28

4 Cuddalore 603

5 Villupuram 47

6 Nagapattinam 5995

7 Tiruvarur 12

8 Tanjore 24

9 Kanyakumari 817

10 Thoothukudi 4

11 Tiunelveli 3

12 Ramanathapuram 6

13 Pudukottai 15

Total 7885

Source: Govt.of Tamilnadu statistics

80

Relief and Rehabilitation work in Tamil Nadu.

In addition to Government’s efforts voluntary organizations at the

international and national and local level have also started relief operations. The field

officers of the State Board visited the tsunami affected areas and submitted project

proposals for the relief work to be undertaken. Centre for Rural Education and

Economic Development (CREED), and HEART in Cuddalore District, Avvai Village

Welfare Society and Bharathi Women Development Centre in Nagapattinam District,

Centre of Social Reconstruction, Family Planning Association of India, Power, PURA

and Palmyrah Workers Development Society in Kanyakumari District are some of the

aided NGOs who are actively involved in relief work. The NGOs who run short stay

homes in these coastal districts have given shelter to women and children affected by

the tsunami.

The Central Social Welfare Board, based on the Project submitted by the State

Board had sanctioned 10 crèches, 200 awareness generation programme camps and

Rs.1,34,200 for the post disaster counseling services to the tsunami victims. The

Chairperson, Tamil Nadu Social Welfare Board visited the tsunami affected areas and

consoled the victims; Also convened meetings of NGOs and district officials in

Cuddalore and Kanyakumari and discussed the relief measures. As the next step,

outfield officers were also deputed to the tsunami affected districts to guide the NGOs

engaged in the relief work.

Psychological Counseling

To give psychological counseling and for the emotional bounding of people

who had suffered such sudden and extreme distress, a team of doctors from the

National Institute of Mental Health (NIMHANS) a leading institute of mental health

in India also came here to train psychological counselors who were placed in the

81

Marmata – Gruhas. The team of doctors from NIMHANS including doctors of world

repute prepared an information manual for psychological care of victims of the super

cyclone. This was published very quickly in book form to expedite the effort. This

wide dissemination of expert advice on psychological care provided significant help

in the emotional healing of victims of super cyclone particularly the vulnerable

groups.

* Families tracing of children separated from their families in the cyclone

were rendered assistance, so that wherever possible they could be united with their

families.

* The government was urged to declare the VGs among cyclone victims as

below poverty line families. The government was also urged to lock up the ex-gratia

in the form of fixed deposits for orphans and widows.

* It was decided to ensure that the VGs got rightful compensation and it was

to be properly utilized for their long-term welfare careful efforts made. Services of a

law firm were also used for this purpose in order to ensure justice regarding

ownership of land, housing and other assets. Although some cases of ex-gratia

payments being spent in conspicuous consumption could not be avoided, on the whole

the effort was to ensure that in particular the vulnerable groups had ex-gratia

payments in safe long-time deposits while they continued to get the interest payments

on the deposits to meet their immediate needs.

* Special efforts were made to ensure that unscrupulous persons who suddenly

claimed to be the relatives of orphaned children did not get the opportunity to corner

their compensation payment. As several victims originally belonged to Midnapore

region of Bengal some men even appeared from there insisting that they were

relatives even though the children refused to recognize them as so. It is clear from

82

this experience that a lot of caution has to be taken to protect long term life-support

resources of victims from such adventurers.

* One of the most interesting aspects of SA is how the concept of new family

ties evolved and was implemented. In the initial phase as the extreme distress of a

large number of widows orphans and the aged without family became the major

concern a lot of thought was given to how some widows, orphans and aged persons

can come together to start new families which to some extent will meet the special

needs of all of them. Beautiful as the idea looks it cannot obviously be forced on

anyone and its acceptance cannot even be speeded up. Of course, Marmata – Gruhas

provided a very good opportunity for various vulnerable groups to meet each other

and explore the possibilities. Just to make this exploration possible the idea of well-

run community based Marmata – Gruha is a splendid one apart from their other users.

As things turned out bonding of new families were actually formed in the

Marmata – Gruhas but not to the extent was expected at one stage. Other affected

persons went to their relatives or remained more or less in the same family unit as

before. But even though the bondings for the emergence of new families have been

somewhat less than what was expected earlier even the extent to which this has

happened is very heartwarming.

* A project that is aimed mainly at vulnerable groups also runs the risk of

getting alienated from the wider community. If the organizers are not careful they

may end up with a situation where other members of the village community say,

“Well they may be doing good work for widows and orphans but they don’t have

anything to do with us”.

* SA tried from the very beginning to bridge this gap between ‘us’ and ‘them’.

SA did not say we have come here to help widows and orphans. As the village

83

community cannot help them. Instead SA said – only the village community can help

its windows and orphans but as everyone has been so badly divested by floods we

have come here to assist the village community for some time so that it can take

immediate care of widows and orphans later after we have left it is of course the

village community which will look after the vulnerable group on a permanent basis.

84

CHAPTER-III

REVIEW OF LITERATURE

Empirical investigation on social exclusion, community participation in disaster

management is of recent origin in Indian context. However studies on disaster

management with focus on such disaster as flood, earthquake and cyclone based

devastations at international levels are available. Again studies with specific focus on

tsunami are scanty. These limited studies provided the necessary background for

understanding the concept, vulnerability, occurrences, impact, response etc. in the

context of the country concerned. A brief review of previous studies done in this area

is vital and the following are the glimpses of researches undertaken on disaster

management.

The larger mega thrust earthquakes occurred in 1868 (Peru, Nazca plate and

South American Plate); 1812 (Venezuela, Caribbean Plate and South American Plate)

and 1700 (cascadia Earthquake, western US and Canada, Juan de Fuca Plate). All

believed that to have been of greater magnitude 9, but no accurate measurements were

available in those days.

The earthquake was usually large, in geographical extent. As estimated 1200

km (750 mi) of fault line slipped about 15 m (50 ft) along the subduction zone where

the India Plate dives under the Burma Plate. The slip did not happen instantaneously

but took place in two phases over a period of several minutes. Seismographic and

acoustic data indicate that the first phase involved the formation of a rupture about

400 km (250 mi) long and 100 km (60 mi) wide, located 30 km (19 mi) beneath the

sea bed – the longest known rupture ever known to have been caused by an

earthquake. The rupture proceeded at a speed of about 2.8 km/s (1.7 mi/s) or 10,000

km/h (6,300 mph), beginning off the coast of Aceh and proceeding north-westerly

85

over a period of about 100 seconds. A pause of about another 100 seconds took place

before the rupture continued. Northern rupture occurred more slowly than in the

south, at about 2.1 km/s (4,700 mph), continuing north for another five minutes to

strike-slip (the two plates push past one another in opposite directions) thus reducing

the speed of the water displacement and so reducing the size of the tsunami that hit

the northern part of the Indian Ocean.

The Indian Plate is part of the Great Indo-Australian Plate, which underlies the

Indian Ocean and Bay of Bengal, and is drifting north east at an average of 6 cm/a (2

inches per year). The Indian Plate meets the Australasian Plate (which is considered a

portion of the great Eurasian Plate) at the Sunday Trench. At this point the Indian

Plate subducts the Burma Plate, which carries the Nicobar Island, the Andaman Island

and northern Sumatra. The India Plate slips deeper and deeper beneath the Burma

Plate until the increasing temperature and pressure drive volatiles out of the

subducting plate.

Numerous aftershocks were reported off the Andaman Islands, the Nicobar

Islands and the region of the original epicenter in the hours and days that followed.

The largest aftershock of magnitude 8.7 was located off the Sumatran island of Nias.

Other aftershocks of up to magnitude 6.6 continue to shake the region on a daily

basis.

Thwaites’ (1900) analysis of the evolution and interpretation of Huron

tradition reveal the origin of an understanding of earthquake its date, size, and

location. The study aimed at correcting the misinterpretation of the original tradition

and suggests the statement thought to be in better accord with Le Jeune's Relation:

1900, the earthquakes recorded with a greater magnitude were the 1960 Great

Chilean Earthquake (magnitude 9.5), the 1964 Good Friday Earthquake in Prince

86

William Sound (9.2), and the March 9, 1957 earthquake in the Andrean Islands (9.1).

The only other recorded earthquake of magnitude 9.0 was in 1952 off the south east

coast of Kamchatka (see Top 10 earthquakes). Each of these mega thrust earthquakes

also spanned tsunami (in the Pacific Ocean), but the death toll from these was

significantly lower; a few thousand for the worst one, probably because of the lower

population density along the coasts near affected areas and the greater distances to

more populated coasts.

The UNDP, in the aftermath of the earthquake in Gujarat, during May to

August 2001, in the Patan and Surendra Nagar districts, in association with the All

India Disaster Mitigation Institute (Ahmadabad), sought to improve the disaster

preparedness through participatory mapping and action planning cycles, creating

awareness on family disaster preparedness, cyclone preparedness, community-based

disaster management, etc.

According to Reinsurance Company (2001) ‘MunichRe’ coast associated

with natural disasters have gone up 14 fold since the 1950s. Each year from1991 to

2000, an average of 211 million people were killed or affected by natural disasters –

seven times greater than the figure for those killed or affected by conflict. Towards

the end of the 1990s, the world counted some 25 million ‘environmental refugees’-

for the first time more people had fled natural hazards than conflict.

S.L.Goel et al (2001) explain the history of disasters and their occurrence in

India, especially Gujarat Tragedy. Their study also reveals the truth about the

strategies taken by the Government of India after the tragedy. He also explained that

there is no sufficient development in science and technology to warn about the

occurrence of tragedy and rehabilitation and health management.

87

Prafullakumar’s (2004) study on the fisher women of Chandrabhaga, India

reveals that the fisher folk play a crucial role in the development of Orissa and has

ample resources for development of fisheries. It has a continental shelf area of 25,000

forming 8% and 4.5% of country’s total coast line and continental shell, respectively.

It provides a source of livelihood to the fishermen of Orissa. Further the author

described the changing roles of women from fishing to household. Directly engaged

in what may be narrowly defined as a fishing they always participated in a number of

fish related activities not all of which were necessarily paid and which supplemented

the average household earning capacity. In dealing with daily work of fisher-women

they do hard physical labour in order to supplement the family income, they carry

baskets of fish on their head from fish lending place to the vehicle accessible place.

Alongwith fish processing-marketing they also supply dried fish to nearby village and

markets.

The Former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu (2004) expressed her views about

Tsunami “It is a calamity of unprecedented nature and everything has been smashed

to smithereens within a matters of 20 minutes during my aerial inspection both in

Chennai and Coastal districts. I could see houses collapsed, bodies and fishing boats

stream miles away from the seashore and she also said that, though the sea water

suddenly entered the land after termers, the water started receding and she went on to

ask the people not to panic as there was a possibility of sea water inundating areas

again and she highlighted the extreme suffering of the fishermen who had lost their

kith and kin; she expressed condolences to the bereaved families.

Shahin Sultana et al (2004) discussed the role of social work in rehabilitating

women and children in the tsunami tragedy and hence, the social worker would play

the role of a counselor to assist adapted people during such natural disasters and other

calamities.

88

A study conducted by Shahin Sultana et.al.(2004) on role of social

workers option natural , women are subject to various health challenges and work

stress while managing the entire family. Now the problems have doubled; some have

either lost their children or their husbands hence the problem before them is

enormous. The social worker has a Vidal social role to play in rehabilitation.

Hema Malini et.al (2004): The tour sets of satellite sensor pertaining to the

recent years from 1992 – 2001 in conjunction with the topographic maps of the 1976

of the Godavari delta region revealed conspicuous shoreline changes, especially at the

distributor months of Nilareva, hautami and vasishta. There is no discernible change

at the month of the fourth distributing i.e., vainateyam. The shore zone near the

month of nilareva, which is the terminal branch of nautami in the northern part of the

delta front coast, is subjected to spectacular change during the period under study.

Yenger (2004) described the last tsunami that hit the Indian sub-continent

caused by an earthquake of 6.5 to 6.7 off the mekhrn coast. Pusni town, an important

trading post was destroyed. In Karachi more than 400km away, the port was damaged,

and there was loss of life and damage to property. The surging water caused damage

even in Mumbai about 1000km away. The high waves created tangible effect in

Kuruvar in Karnataka, about 1600 km away.

Chadha (2004) explained that the earthquakes occurring on land do not cause

death directly as the buildings that collapse do. Similarly, earthquake that occur in the

sea do not create killer tsunamis that are precluded by them as do shallow focus

earthquakes measuring 6.5 cause tsunami. But such tsunami will die out after some

distance. The vast extent of the Indian Ocean posed little challenge to the movement

of the killer tsunami reaching a distance of 2000 km. To hit the Indian coast was not

difficult for giant tsunamis that can travel as far as 5000km. through this way.

89

The 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake came just three days after a magnitude 8.1

earthquake in an uninhabited region in west of New Zealand’s sub-Antarctic

Auckland Island and north of Australia’s Macquaric Island. This is unusual, since

earthquake of magnitude 8 or more occur only about once a year on an average. Some

seismologists have speculated about a connection between these two earthquakes,

saying that the former one might have been a catalyst to the Indian Ocean earthquake,

as the two quakes happened on opposite sides of the Indo-Australian plate (a 6.5

earthquake occurred on 19 February, 2005 off Sulawesi at the other end of the

Indonesian island chain). However, the US Geological Survey sees no evidence of a

causal relationship. Coincidentally the earthquake struck almost exactly one year (to

the hour) after magnitude 6.6 earthquakes killed an estimated 30,000 people in the

city of Bam in Iran. Owing to subsequent aftershocks, the energy released by the

original earthquake continued to make its presence felt well after the event. A week

after the earthquake, its reverberations could still be measured, providing valuable

scientific data about the earth’s interior. An earthquake of magnitude 8.7 was reported

shortly at 16:09:37 UTC (23:09:37 local time) on March 28, 2005 approximately at

the same location (see 2005 Sumatran earthquake). It is likely that this was due to

very large aftershocks of the original earthquake. This earthquake had strong

aftershocks of its own, including magnitude 6.0 and 6.1 quakes. At 8.7, it ranks as the

7th largest earthquake since 1900.

An earthquake magnitude 6.7 struck on 10 April at 1729 local time 91029

GMT about 120 km (75 mi) south-west to the city of Padang. (BBC NEWS: Sumatra

shaken by new earthquake also see Wikinews). Some scientists warn that geological

stresses caused by the recent quakes may even have increased the possibility that the

Lake Toba supervolcano could erupt. According to the Toba catastrophe theory, this

90

could threaten human life on earth. Some scientists confirm that the December quake

has activated Leuser Mountain, a volcano in Aceh province along the same range of

peaks as Talang, while the 2005 sumatran earthquake had sparked activity in Lake

Toba, an ancient crater in Sumatra coincidentally, Mount Talang has since erupted

and is now on top alert.

The People’s Republic of China (PRC) has since constituted a state Disaster

Reduction Commission. (January 2005)

Legal frame work Each country has its own decrees, acts, and laws that serve

as legal basis for disaster management. Hazard/Risk Mapping. Most countries have

risk maps. Those in the Central Asian countries were prepared during the soviet era,

but their scale is not suitable for risk management activities. Most of these maps are

outdated. Structural Measures: In the Central Asian countries, many protective

structures remain soviet era-such as dams, disks for flood protection, and sediment

control devise. These structures lack maintenance, which not only decreases their

protective value but also can amplify a disaster when they collapse. Disaster

Preparedness Plans. Countries in the region have made different levels of progress

in developing disaster preparedness plans. The PRC has a capacity-building program

and is making safe storage sites for waste products from metal processing.

Community Involvement: General awareness for natural disasters, preparedness, and

mitigation is very low. In the PRC, a community-based disaster reduction outreach

campaign has been launched.

Rehabilitation measures by Government of Tamil Nadu (2005) it is stated

that out of Rs.65crore sanctioned for replacement of gill nets for vellums and

catamarans, and repair/rebuilding of vellums and catamarans, a sum of Rs.45.22crore

has been disbursed (up to 08.04.2005). The Government sanctioned Rs.78 lakhs for

91

repairing 1560 out Board meters/ in Board engines which have been damaged during

tsunami at the rate of Rs.5000 per engine. The Government has also sanctioned

Rs.395.56 crore for replacement of fully damaged/lost wooden/ catamarans/

mechanized boats and for repairs so a Rs.37.02crore has been disbursed for

fully/partly damaged mechanized fishing boats and Rs.30.71crore has been disbursed

for replacement of wooden/FRP catamarans (up to 08.04.2005).

Nagaraja (2005) has observed that “like any other disasters there were a lot

of injured people so that a massive effort in medical attention was required. All

disasters result in a significant degree of psychological trauma that makes the

recovery takes much longer. They can have problem in establishing a pattern of life,

getting proper sleep, concentrating on any thing and even develop a guilt complex that

they survived while other were dead. If it is very severe, some can also become

suicidal. It is a natural emotional situation. It is not psychiatric but a psychological

problem that is why meditations. What is required is a healing touch. The major fear

of entire communities is that the disaster (tsunami) will occur again and hence the

community is always in a state of tension they have to be convinced that it would not

occur all the time.

The prevention/protection and mitigation from risk of tsunami disaster

(2005) report reveals the Indian coastal belt has not required many tsunamis in the

past. Waves accompanying earthquake activity have been reported over the North Bay

of Bengal. During an earthquake in 1881 with its epicenter near the concept of the

Bay of Bangal, tsunamis were reported. The earthquake of 1941 in Bay of Bengal

caused some damage in Andaman region; during the earthquake of 1819 and 1845

near Kutch, about 2 meters from Mumbai where boats were swept away from their

mooring and casualties occurred. The report said that the coastal region of Gujarat is

92

vulnerable to tsunami from great earthquakes in Mekram coast. Two potential have

Andaman to Sumatra region.

Shahin Sultana et al. (2005): have critically assessed the role of social

worker in rehabilitating women and children in the tsunami tragedy. Special attention

is needed to reach out to these communities as there are chances of discrimination by

the non-victims. They require special counseling to equip them to face the two fold

tragedy – discrimination besides the tsunami tragedy. The children have to be

watched out for health care and the social worker can ensure these families are not left

out in the counseling process.

Geeta Raj (2005) makes a narration on the result of 26th December 2004.

People of Port Blair will never be able to forget the Sunday morning when the earth

shook and everything seemed to come to a standstill. All around there was a

frightening vibration. It was 6.30 in the morning and people who were sleeping ran

out suddenly to the streets in a state in of shock. The Christmas festivities of the

previous evening were forgotten. Nobody was aware of the greater danger which lay

ahead to them.

Bharat Dogra (2005) describes about the rehabilitation the victims of the

widows and orphans. When the super cyclone struck Mahava village of Erasma block

(Jakatingpure village in Orisa) a gie did not know what had happened. She was swept

by the various waves and carried away as much as twelve kilometers. It was a miracle

that she survived and later managed to find her way back to her village.

Madhu Sekar’s (2005) discussion reveals that tsunami comes from the

Japanese language ‘Tsu’ means harbour and ‘nami’ waves. It can be generated by any

disturbance that displaces a large mass of water such as an earthquake, landslide,

volcanic eruptions, explosions, or meteor impact. They can the inundate coastline

93

causing devastating cause in to property and live. They can be generated when the

sea floor abruptly caves in and vertically displaces the overlying water. Large vertical

movements or the earth’s crust can occur at the plate boundaries. When the dense

oceanic plates slip under continental plates in a process known as subduction, the

resultant quakes generate tsunami.

Vijay Agarwal et al. (2005) viewed that recent tsunami of 26 Dec.2004 which

affected large parts of East Coast and Andaman and Nicobar Islands is unique in term

of its rarity and severity. One of the key elements of managing such a disaster is the

forewarning and likely impact in terms of coastal surge and inundation. This calls for

working with appropriate ocean models pertinent to the event. Currently India is

working on a comprehensive model to simulate and predict tidal movement for Ocean

wave propagation and prediction of ocean-air interactions. The surge build up in the

coastal regions is the final outcome or the whole exercise. Tidal Ocean Atmospheric

Surge and Tsunami Simulations (TOASTS) model is currently under extensive

testing.

Parvinder Chawla (2005) gives a detailed description of the nature, causes

and the effect of tsunami He also cites that when tsunami reaches the seashore, its

height increases. At the same time, another part of the waves are migrating towards

to the seashore. The signs and symptoms of tsunami is the change in the water level

of the sea.

Abdul Kalam’s (2005) notion on the human innovations to face any disaster

reveals that science and technology could help us to prevent necessary along with

disaster. The urgent need for setting up of tsunami warning system is also mentioned

people’s movement to handle the disasters in future..

94

Women from fishing households were never directly engaged in what may be

narrowly defined as fishing. They always participated in a number of fish related

activities not all of which were necessarily paid and which supplemented the average

household earning capacity. Unfortunately there is hardly a census or survey that has

adequately captured the full extent of work participation by women from the fishing

households. This is true today as it was a generation ago from the micro level

information. It appears that women’s work participation may increase considerably in

the two sahis (hamlets) of Chandrabhaga fisher community.

Ravender banyal. (2005) states whenever the natural disaster strikes, it leads

to the mixing-up of science with pseudoscience, facts with fiction and professional

with novice. Although literacy level in India has crossed the 60% mark an appalling

amount of pseudoscience has been generated as a by product of this information age.

Scientific literacy still remains an elusive goal to be achieved. Media has to take

significant share of blame for promoting and reinserting pseudoscientific beliefs in the

society. It is just that people today get to know about mere earthquakes due to better

communication and increased awareness about natural disasters and also because

previously uninhabited or poorly inhabited regions are now cluttered with more

people around to feel the event.

Sudhir Jain (2005) analyses the great mega thrust of Sumatra Earthquake

and Tsunami on 26, Dec.2004 at 06:28:53 a.m.IST it was the most devastating

tsunami in the known history. The deadly tsunami waves lashed low-lying towns

adjoining the coastline of eleven countries causing more than 1, 50,000 deaths. Closet

Indian landmarks to the epicenter are Andaman and Nicobar Islands over a narrow

area of about 800km in the Bay of Bengal. The maximum in this area (on the MSK

Scale) along the Andaman and Nicobar Islands may be placed at VII mainland Indian

95

coast at V. It resulted in the death of over 10,000 persons in India with over 5,600

persons missing. Extensive devastation of the built environment occurred across the

populated Andaman and Nicobar Islands and the coastal areas of Andhra Pradesh,

Tamil Nadu and Kerala along the mainland coastline of India. Tsunami created giant

waves as high as 10 – 12m in several instances. Objects were found on top of the

trees after the tsunami, Buildings constructed on the coast were washed away by the

great waves. In general, constructions in circular plane (e.g. circular water tanks, light

house) did better under the onslaught of tsunami as the water could easily flow around

such objects.

Santosh Srinivasan (2005): The tsunami washed out the houses of many

fishermen in the coast. It was the fiber boat and catamaran users who were the most

affected the since they lived mostly in small huts closer to the sea. These houses were

all totally washed out. But they were provided with temporary shelters by both the

government and non-governmental organizations within 10 days after the waves

struck. The organizations compromised on planning and quality of the shelters. The

most common type is the bitumen-cardboard mix used for making these shelters.

While constructing these none of the organizations seem to have thought that the

people may have to stay in these shelters for a considerable amount of time. These

shelters were totally unfit for the summer in these villages. During the month of April

and May it was a common sight in all villages to see women and children sitting

under the trees to escape the heat inside the shelter. Due to the severe heat the

bitumen melted in many of the shelters.

Krishna (2005): examined the vulnerability to coastal hazards along the

Indian coast. The following elements need to be considered for preparedness: a)

awareness about (1) evolution of a hazard based on past experience and its frequency

96

of occurrence, and (2) distribution of the magnitude of past hazardous events; ii)

appreciation (quantitative as far as possible) of vulnerability to a hazard; iii) ability to

predict either deterministically or stochastically; iv) response readiness before and

after hazards(ous) events; and (v) education at all levels.

Madhu Sekar‘s (2005): discussion reveals that disaster can result from

meteorological phenomena such as typhoons and hurricanes, sheet flooding, marine

and drive based floods. Geological processes like volcanic eruptions, earthquakes and

tsunami can cause havocs. Climatic phenomena such as the El Nino Southern

Oscillation that result in a lowering of mean sea level in the east of the region. Failure

of the monsoon rains in India and drought in Indonesia and Australia would be

hazardous to human settlements and the life in general.

Sebastian Ousepparampil’s (2005) discussion reveals that it was due

to the giant tidal waves (tsunami) which lashed the Indian coast on 26, Dec.2004,

following the earthquake in the seabed of the Indonesian coast killed more than

13,000 people were killed and hundreds were homeless in India. It affected the Indian

coastal States and among them the worst hit are Andaman and Nicrobar Islands,

Tamil Nadu, Pondicherry, Kerala and Andhra Pradesh. The calamity was

unprecedented in its suddenness, ferocity and loss to coastal economy. It totally

wrecked the lives of fishermen and farmers along the coast.

Krishna’s (2005) on the tsunami on 26th December, 2004 reveals that over

7000 km long coastline were exposed to hazards and that we are not prepared to face

all of them. Preparedness to guard as against hazards requires implementation of

scientifically associated techonology.

Sebastian Ousepparampil (2006) observed that the catholic Health

Association of India (CHAI) and the Sister Doctor’s Forum of India (SDFI) together

97

responded to the situation immediately. A team of our sister-doctors, four

professional social workers, 8 nurse and one logistic personnel reached the worst

affected district of Nagapattinam on the evening of 26th December, 2004 to render

medical relief. The team camped at Velankanni providing medical and mental health

care for the affected people through mobile clinic, visits to the existing relief camps

and counseling. Affected people from over 28 villages were provided with health

services

WISTA OCEAN WEALTH reveals that the Ocean exploration about to

achieve its mission NOAA has been implementing a programme of ocean exploration

through interdisciplinary expeditions. These have resulted in a wide variety of

impetrated discoveries including active submarine volcanoes, unsuspected ecosystems

in extreme environment, living and non-living marine resources and even historical

shipwrecks in a recently led series of expedition to the Atlantic Ocean in such as the

“lost city of Atlantis” for the first time NOAA exercised “Telepresence Technology”

in less than two seconds. That traveled from 620 meters below sea level to the

NOAA research.

Avanish Kumar (2006) viewed that during the past four decades natural

disasters such as earthquakes, droughts, floods, storms and tropical cyclones wild land

fires, and volcanic eruptions had caused major loss of human lives and livelihoods.

The destruction of economic and social infrastructure as well as environmental

damages, economic losses had increased almost ten times during this period. He

emphasized the need for public participation on how to reduce vulnerability to

hazards. This involves programmes related to formal and non-formal education and

multi-disciplinary professional training. Needless to say those media and school

systems around the world have a crucial role to play. Efficiency can be optimized via

98

exchange of experiences amongst countries and constructive dialogue amongst

stakeholders via participatory processes, prioritization of tasks in the various, phases

of disaster management (prevention, preparedness, response rehabilitation and

recovery) has to be agreed upon to cope with such a situation.

Uthaikumar (2006) stated that the disaster education may include

components namely providing disaster preparedness information and offering hands

on training to deal with disaster. This educational end should be a tool to create an

awareness of disaster with basic information about various types of disaster. In the

recent tsunami all the primitive tribes in the Andaman and Nicobar Island such as the

sentinels shompens and the holschu were unaffected due to the informal early warning

system. To inform the coastal communities about cyclone earthquakes, tsunamis

thunder forms etc…community public address system should be installed for quick

communication. It should also contain action tips that should prepare the people for

all the three “before-during –after” stages of a disaster strike. He also emphasized

some kind of early warning system to inform the coastal community about cyclones

tornadoes, earthquakes, tsunamis, thunderstorms etc if needed. Community public

address system for the quick communication mid-way safe-havens (large halls, toilets,

communication, facilities etc.) are also required for the fishing community some kms

away from their village (not too for, not too near could also be created).

The Department of Environment (2007) global warming as a

climate change refers to a statistically significant variation in either the mean state of

the climate on in it’ variability persisting for an extended period. Climate change may

be due to natural internal processor or external forcing, or persistent anthropogenic

changes in the composition of the atmosphere or in land use.

99

Prakash et..al (2007): hold the opinion that any disaster is a second major

problem after war. Millions of people are affected yearly which cost around 50000

million US dollars/year and result in approximately 25, 0000 deaths per year; 20

major disasters strike the world yearly. Most of them are floods, cyclones and

earthquakes Global statistics has projected the occurrences that reveal “over three

decades the impact of disaster has significantly increased”.

Sebastian Ousepparampil’s (2007) has shocking memories of Bhopal gas

tragedy of 1984, the later earthquake of 1993, and Gujarat earthquake of 2004 They

had the faded from our mind. Those disasters killed and incapacitated tens of

thousands of people and destroyed properties worth crores of rupees. .

Sanjay Srivastava et al. (2007) opine disaster risk reduction being h

information communication technologies (ICTs) that have emerged over the last two

decades lend them to gather possibilities of integration of different communication

system. The interpretability of various communication systems including internet,

mobile phone, fax, e-mail, radio and television are reaching out rapidly to large cross-

sections of the people including the fishing communities. The community-owned

approach has to be considered as a bottom-up strategy for absorption of high-end

technologies like space technology. For environmentally sustainable and socially

equitable development has implemented a variety of programmes in coastal system on

biodiversity and biotechnology, ecotechnology and sustainable agriculture education

communication training and capacity building.

Radha et.al (2008) perceived that after tsunami the administration was very

conscious and gave priority to reach women and children by its relief and

rehabilitation efforts. Even though a large portion of funds is utilized in the areas of

infrastructure development and livelihood equipments the District Collector motivated

100

the administration to concentrate on rehabilitating the children who lost their parents.

Social Welfare Department in Nagapattinam District has been running an orphanage

for the accommodation of 85 children aged 5-18 years. In service home at Sirkali,19

children aged 14 years and above are nurtured with parental care by the Department.

The fisheries department in Nagapattinam district played a vital role in

identifying actual losses of livelihood equipment for fisher folk in tsunami affected

village. By this systematic exercise, the Department found that 18,399 fisherman had

lost their fishing vessels and prepared a package to distribute new equipments for the

amount of Rs.5339.88lakhs. To safeguard the distributed rupees so far 664 boats have

been insured by the district administration.

Chawla, (2008) Tsunami waves typically radiate in the direction opposite to

the seismic disturbance. In case of Sumatra quake (December-26, 2004). The seismic

disturbance was from and north to south beneath the ocean floor. While the tsunamis

are distinguished from normal coastal surf by their great length and speed a single

wave in a Tsunami series might be 160 km long and race across the ocean at 965

kmph. When it approaches a coast line the wave slows dramatically, but it also right

rises to great heights because the enormous volume of water piles up in shallow

coastal bays unlike sand, which is generated by wind and the gravitational tag of the

moon and other celestial bodies. Tsunami does not break on the coast line every few

seconds. Because of the size, it might take an hour for another one to arrive, some

Tsunami’s appear as a tide that does not stop rising while others are turbulent and

savagely chew up the coast without instrumentation. So little is known is about this

tsunami that researches must wait for eyewitness accounts to determine its

characteristics. In the hours following an earthquake tsunamis evenly lose their

family to irrigation over the rough ocean bottom or simply as the waves spread at over

the ocean’s enormous surface. .

101

Murty, Vice-resident of the Tsunami Society observes, the total energy of the

tsunami waves was about five macerations of TNT (20 Perijoules). This is more than

twice the total explosive energy used during all of World War II (including the two

atomic bombs), but still a couple of orders of magnitude less than the energy released

in the earthquake itself. In many places the waves reached as far as 2 km mi) inland.

The review of studies make amply clear that only few attempts had been made on

social exclusion, community preparedness in disaster management with reference to

coastal areas. As natural disaster is sudden in its occurrence the coastal community

life is marked by uncertainties and very many risks. Since the EWS based community

preparedness is not in place to predict the disaster and protect the people in coastal

areas, it provided the necessary research gap and need for preparation of an action

plan in this regard based upon the social structure, circumstance leading to

occurrence, extent of social exclusions and marginalistion as a result of natural

disasters, etc. and a Plan of action for community’s preparedness in disaster

management.

102

CHAPTER-IV

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

Statement of the Problem

Natural disasters occur at any time without warning and they are considered

more dangerous than the manmade Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD). The

scientific tradition had continued with the array of scholars increasingly showing

interests in these subjects of study from the early period onwards. Aristotle (384-322

BC) believed that all matters are combinations of five elements-earths, water, air, fire

and celestial bodies like stars, sun etc. Thomas Hobbes (1558-1679) the philosopher

and atheist, who had ridiculed the theological cosmography of the under world stated

water and air inside earth were responsible for earth quake. Isaac Newton (1642 –

1727) had concluded in his study that “earth by heat becomes fire and cold returns to

earth”. His great discovery on gravitational energy was published in 1887 that helped

advance the study relating to earthquakes and other natural disasters in the world.

The evolution of this type of thoughts on natural disasters in the universe had

contributed to the progressive expansion of knowledge on the earth and its

phenomenal activities in the 20th century and thereafter.

The significance of natural disasters in today’s environment sometimes comes

under question why do we need to bother so much? After all, disaster has been with

us long as recorded in history and presumably even longer. Generations of people

have had to withstand many disasters. They have suffered the consequences and

recovered from them and life has continued on. Basically this is true. However, there

are certain factors which need to be considered in relation to the modern challenges,

as people are to involve in disaster management.

103

A natural phenomenon such as earthquake, cyclone, volcanic eruption,

tsunami, wildfire, flood, landslide and drought still persists. So do their basic

manmade counterparts, such as major accidents. These natural disasters continue to

cause the grievances like human casualties, economic and social loss and damage to

the environment. It is certainly true that we have learned to cope with these problems

to some extent. But we have neither eliminated nor contained them, so we may have

to modify their effects in various ways; they continue to inflict unacceptable pressures

on the population which is marked by a total subsistence of life.

India has been suffering from frequent multiple hazards and recognition of this

fact has resulted in the establishment of a well defined organization system at the

Centre and the State levels for response and relief management in the event of

occurrence of any kind of a disaster. Disasters are as inevitable as death. They have a

multidimensional effect on several sectors, personal, social, economic and the like.

They have a crippling effect on the economy and the infrastructure of the country.

Disasters not only undermine development efforts and lead to wastage of scarce

resources, but also put back development by destroying initiatives. The direct effect

of disasters on economy is damage to infrastructure – crops and productive assets of

the local population besides huge financial burden of relief and rescue operations.

Indirectly, disasters also lead to decline in production, loss of income due to

unemployment and indebtedness of the poor and increased cost of goods and services

etc.

The impact of natural disasters is colossal which affects the social life of

people, their habitat, property, animals etc. The response to such a colossal

destruction of humanity, animals, property has been a burden to the society which is

faced with extinction of all kinds. This calls for a system of natural disasters

104

preparedness to control and minimize the severity of the impact of such natural

disasters particularly in the coastal regions of our country. This necessitates the

community’s participation in disaster preparedness. Though not many studies on

natural disasters and community preparedness from the sociological dimension

available, few haphazard attempts were made in isolated areas, to understand the

magnitude of the problems faced by the communities vulnerable to such disasters.

Therefore, this study emerges from this background to undertake a comprehensive

study to measure systematically the extent of social exclusions, community

preparedness in disaster management, and the life risks of the communities living in

the coastal areas in Tamil Nadu in the absence of early warning system to face the

challenges of natural disasters with special reference to Tsunami.

Significance of the study

This study makes a systematic attempt to analyse the circumstances lead to

that tsunami extent of social exclusion as a result of disasters in such areas vulnerable

to frequent occurrence natural disasters like flood, cyclone, tsunami, etc. Yet another

dimension covered under the study proposed is to make an assessment of the nature of

marginalisation as a result of such disasters. The study is expected to come out with a

comprehensive plan of action towards disaster preparedness with community

participation and disaster management activities. Such a study would be highly

helpful in the policy formulation and programme planning towards the relief and

rehabilitation activities as well as creation of early warning system for natural

disasters. The findings and the plan of action expected from the study would be

useful for undertaking development activities by GOs and NGOs as well as the

international development and funding agencies.

105

(iii) Objectives

The following objectives have been formulated for this study:

1. To make a comprehensive analysis of the social structure of the coastal

communities in the study area.

2. To expose the extent of social exclusions and marginalistion as a result of

natural disasters with reference to people living in the tsunami affected

coastal areas.

3. To expose the circumstances leading to occurrence of various types of

natural disasters and their risky social life in the coastal areas.

4. To elicit community’s preparedness in disaster management with

particular reference to tsunami affected coastal areas.

5. To suggest suitable measures and a plan of action for community’s

preparedness and disaster management in the tsunami affected areas.

(iv) Methodology

Selection of the Study Area

This study has been undertaken in two tsunami affected coastal districts of

Tamil Nadu namely Cuddalore and Kanyakumari. In addition to primary data

collected structured interview schedule, case studies and focused group discussions

were also carried out in the tsunami affected areas in the neighborhood of the study

area.

Sampling Design

Purposive sampling procedure was adopted to conduct the structured

interviews in the study areas.

Selection of Respondents

The respondents were selected based upon the list of the victims of tsunami

from Government records.

106

Tools of Data Collection

A suitable interview schedule was constructed by incorporating the objectives

of the study. In addition to case studies, focus group discussions, observation

technique were also adopted as supplementary methods in this research.

Scope of the Study

The study is focused on the social exclusion and the effect of disaster and

management in the coastal communities occurred as a result of tsunami –

a natural disaster that took place recently in the coastal districts in Tamil Nadu.

Sources of Data

Primary Data

Primary data were collected from the respondents by means of personal

interview schedule.

Secondary Data

Relevant secondary data on the topic were collected from published sources

such as Reports, Websites, Newspapers, Books, and Periodicals etc.

Research Design

The Research Design adopted for this study was Descriptive cum Diagnostic

Design with an overtone of ex post facto description.

Data Processing Technique

Primary data collected from the respondents were statistically processed

through application of simple statistical tools and techniques, like averages and

percentages for the analyses and interpretations.

Reference period

The reference period of this research was 2007-2009 with ex post facto

description since tsunami struck in coastal district of Tamil Nadu in 2004.

107

CHAPTER-V

DATA ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION

This chapter is devoted to the analysis and discussion of primary data

collected from the study area. It is divided in to five subsections focusing on a specific

aspect of the study. The first subsection deals with Socio Economic Profile of the

respondents, the second subsection deals Social Structure of the study area, in the

third subsection Circumstances Leading to the Occurrence of various types of natural

disasters is presented, the fourth subsection deals with the Natural Disaster and Risks

in Social Life, fifth subsection presents Community Preparedness and Disaster

Management

Tables are presented logically by merging relevant variables in consonance

with the objectives of the study. Percentage and averages are used to analyse the

available data and accordingly interpretations are made based upon the primary data

collected from the respondents in Cuddalore and Kanyakumari districts. The five

subsections focusing on various aspects of the study are presented hereunder. The

figures in parentheses appearing in every table indicate percentage.

108

5.1. SOCIO ECONOMIC PROFILE OF THE RESPONDENTS

Table-5.1.1

Personal Particulars Age and Sex – Wise Distribution

District Total

5.1.1.1 Kanyakumari Cuddalore

Sex Male 65 77 142

32.5% 38.5% 71.0%

Female 35 23 58

917.5% 11.5% 29.0%

5.1.1.2 24-31 29 22 51

Age 14.5% 11.0% 25.5%

32-39 33 38 71

16.5% 19.0% 35.5%

40-47 30 27 57

15.0% 13.5% 28.5%

48-55 8 13 21

4.0% 6.5% 10.5%

Total 100 100 200

50.0% 50.0% 100.0%

The above table 5.1.1shows the personal particulars of the respondents.

The sex wise distribution of the respondents depicts that majority (71%) is

males compared to (29%) females. In a district wise comparison Cuddalore district

has more number of (77) males than Kanyakumari district (65).

Table 5.1.2 reveals that age of the respondents was classified into four sub

groups. (64%) belonged to the age group of 32-47. In the district wise comparison,

Cuddalore district have more respondents (65%) in the age group of 48-55 than

Kanyakumari (4%) Median age of the respondents in both the districts is 38. It’s

found that median age of the respondent is (38)

Therefore it is concluded that, a significant majority of the respondents are

males and of the total, majority of them belonged to the age group of 32-47.

109

Table-5.1.2

Religion & Community Identity

5.1.2.1 District Total

Kanyakumari Cuddalore

Hindu 0 100 100

.0% 50.0% 50.0%

Christian 100 0 100

50.0% .0% 50.0%

5.1.2.2

MBC 100 100 200

50.0% 50.0% 100.0%

Total 100 100 200

50.0% 50.0% 100.0%

Table 5.1.2 reveals Religion and Community distribution of the

respondents.

5.1.2.1 Shows that all the respondents are (100%) in the districts of

Kanyakumari and Cuddalore districts belong Christian and Hindu religion

respectively.

5.1.2.2 reveals that the entire respondents are (100%) MBC

(Mukkuvar) in Kanyakumari district, Rajaparvathakulam and Christen

Chettiyar in Cuddalore district.

It is found from the table all the respondents engaged in fishing and

allied activities are from most backward communities.

110

Table-5.1.3

Educational and Occupational Status

5.1.3.1 District Total

Education Kanyakumari Cuddalore

Illiterate 75 79 154

37.5% 39.5% 77.%

Primary 15 8 23

7.5% 4.% 11.5%

Secondary 6 11 17

3.% 5.5% 8.5%

Higher Secondary 4 2 6

2.0% 1.0% 3.0%

5.1.3.2

Occupation

Fishing 94 89 183

47.0% 44.5% 91.5%

Agriculture 6 0 6

3% .0% 3.0%

Business (other than fishing) --- 11 11

5.5% 5.5%

Total 100 100 200

50.0% 50.0% 100.0%

111

Table 5.1.3. reveals the educational and occupational status of the respondents

in the study district

5.1.3.1. shows that the majority (77%) of respondents in Kanyakumari and

Cuddalore districts are illiterates followed by 11.5% of the total respondents who

have pursued education up to primary level.

5.1.3.2 reveals that the occupational (94%) status of respondents in

Kanyakumari district involves fishing occupation similarly (89%) of respondent are

doing the same work in the Cuddalore district.

Therefore, it is concluded that majority of the respondents from both districts

are illiterate and significant number of the respondents are involved in fishing as

primary occupation. The low educational status of the respondents is associated with

the coastal occupation namely fishing.

112

Table-5.1.4

Structure of Family

5.1.4 District Total

Structure of Family

Kanyakumari Cuddalore

Nuclear 85 79 164

42.5% 39.5% 82.0%

Joint 15 21 36

7.5% 10.5% 18.0%

Total 100 100 200

50.0% 50.0% 100.0%

Table 5.1.4 reveals the Structure of Family; a vast majority (82%) of the

respondent is living in nuclear family. In district wise comparison Kanyakumari

district has number of (85) nuclear family compared to Cuddalore district (79).

Therefore it is concluded that both in the districts all the respondents are

married and majority of the respondents live in the nuclear family. The coastal social

structure reveals the nuclear family as the forwarded type.

113

Table 5.1.5

Nature and Ownership of House after Tsunami

District Total

5.1.5.1 Kanyakumari Cuddalore

Nature of house

Pucca 100 100 200

50.0% 50.0% 100.0%

Total 100 100 200

50.0% 50.0% 100.0%

5.1.5.2

Ownership of house Government 58 0 58

29.0% .0% 29.0%

Funding Agency 42 0 42

21.0% .0% 21.0%

PMSSS 0 70 70

.0% 35.0% 35.0%

World vision 0 30 30

.0% 15.0% 15.0%

Total 100 100 200

50.0% 50.0% 100.0%

Table 5.1.5 reveals that the nature and ownership of house of respondent in the

two districts.

The of house wise distributions (5.1.5.1) of the respondent depict that majority

(100%) live in pucca houses in both the districts.

The details of ownership of house shows (5.1.5.2) of the houses were

classified the sub groups. 70% of houses were constructed by PMSSS (Pondicherry

Multi Purpose Social Service Society) in Cuddalore districts and the majority (58%)

of houses constructed by Government in Kanyakumari district.

Therefore it is concluded that, all the respondents’ house are pucca and

majority of the houses are built by the PMSSS (Pondicherry Multi Purpose Social

Service Society).

114

Table- 5.1.6

Re marriage- Before and After Tsunami

District Total

5.1.6.1 Kanyakumari Cuddalore

Before Tsunami Yes

64 46 110

32.0% 23.0% 55.0%

No

36 54 90

18.0% 27.0% 45.0%

5.1.6.2

After Tsunami Yes

68 62 130

34.0% 31.0% 65.0%

No

32 38 70

16.0% 19.0% 35.0%

Total

100

50.0%

100

50.0%

200

100.0%

Table 5.1.6 reveals details of remarriage before and after Tsunami in the study

districts.

5.1.7.1 indicates that majority (55%) of respondents got married before

Tsunami. In district wise comparison in Kanyakumari district more number (64) of

respondent had got married before Tsunami than Cuddalore district (46).

5.1.7.6 indicates the majority (65%) of respondents got married after Tsunami

because of the death of the spouse in tsunami. In district wise comparison

Kanyakumari district more number (68) of people say that they got married after

tsunami than Cuddalore district (62)

Therefore, it is concluded that significant number of the respondent re-married

before tsunami in Kanyakumari district and majority of the respondents got married

after tsunami in Cuddalore district.

115

Table- 5.1.7

Dowry Practices

District Total

Kanyakumari Cuddalore

5.1.7.1 Yes 88 84 172

Dowry practice 44.0% 42.0% 86.0%

No 12 16 28

6.0% 8.0% 14.0%

5.1.7.2

Kinds of dowry Cash/vessels/money 22 38 60

11.0% 19.5% 30%

Gold/money/vessels/two wheeler 40 29 69

20.0% 14.5% 34.5%

Vessels/electronic goods/house 23 13 36

11.5% 6.5% 18.0%

House hold goods 3 4 7

1.5% 2.0% 3.5%

12 11 28

6.0% 8.0% 14.5%

Total 100 100 200

50.0% 50.0% 100.0%

Table 5.1.7 shows the dowry practices among the respondents. It reveals that

the majority (86%) of respondents opted for that dowry practice. The practice of

dowry in marriages is as a result of gender inequality which is attested by the status of

women. In a district wise comparison Kanyakumari district has more number (88) of

people in favor of dowry one involved than Cuddalore district (84).

5.1.7.2 shows that nearly (35%) of respondent have reported that the forms of

dowry are gold/vessels/two wheeler/money. followed by (33%) of the respondent who

opted for cash/vessels is.

It is concluded that dowry practices are widely prevalent during marriage

among respondents in the study district. And more number of respondents reported

that the dowry materials are gold/vessels/two wheeler/money.

116

Table- 5.1.8

Monthly Income of the Family

5.1.8.1

Expenses District Total Percent

Kanyakumari Cuddalore

<4000 5 0 5 2.5%

4000-8000 80 9 89 44.5%

>8000 15 91 106 53.0%

Total 100 100 200 100.0%

Median income – Kanyakumari- 6500

- Cuddalore -15000

Table 5.1.8 indicates family’s monthly income of the respondents.

Table-5.1.8.1 reveals that the majority (53. %) of the respondent earn a

monthly income of Rs.>8000. In district wise comparison Cuddalore district more

number (91) of people monthly income above 8000 than Kanyakumary district (5)

Therefore it’s concluded that the majority of the respondents are having a

monthly income of Rs.8000 and above.

117

Table- 5.1.9

Family Monthly Expenditure of the respondent

5.1.9.1

Income District Total Percent

Kanyakumari Cuddalore

<5000 0 0 0 0.0%

5000-10000 90 6 96 48.0%

10001- 15000 10 94 104 52.0%

Total 100

50.0%

100

50.0%

200

100.0%

100

50.0%

Median Expenditure – Kanyakumari – 6682

- Cuddalore - 6367

The above table 5.1.9.1 indicates family monthly expenditure of the respondent.

It shows that the majority (52.0%) of the respondent have reported that the monthly

expenditure is 10,001-15,000. In district wise comparison Cuddalore district for more

number (94) monthly expenditure 10,001-15,000 while Kanyakumari district

respondents family spent Rs.5, 000-10,000, per month

Therefore it’s concluded that the majority the respondents have reported that

the monthly expenditure is Rs.10001-15000/- per month

118

5.2. SOCIAL STRUCTURE

Table-5.2.1

Caste Based Organization

District Total

5.2.1.1 Kanyakumari Cuddaloure

How many castes in

your village

One 87 12 99

43.5% 6.0% 49.5%

Two 13 88 101

6.5% 44.0% 50.5%

5.2.1.2 Yes 70 24 94

Caste based

organisation in your

village

35.0% 12.0% 47.0%

No

30 76 106

15.0% 38.0% 53.0%

5.2.1.3 Some Voluntary work In Village 31 12 43

If yes what is role of

the organisation

15.5% 6.0% 21.5%

Help people development 28 9 37

14.0% 4.5% 18.5%

To show out the community

power 11 0 11

5.5% .0% 5.5%

No idea 30 79 109

15.0% 39..5% 54.5%

Total 100 100 200

50.0% 50.0% 100.0%

119

Table 5.2.1 reveals the caste based organization of the respondents. It indicates

that the majority (88%) of the respondents fallow two caste system

(Rajparvathakulam, MeenavaChettiyar) in Cuddalore district followed by (87%) of

respondent opting for one caste (Christian-mukkuvas) in Kanyakumari district.

5.2.1.2 indicates that the majority (76%) of respondent have no caste based

organization in the Cuddalore district and followed by (70%) of respondent having

caste based organization in the Kanyakumari District.

5.2.1.3 shows that the majority (54%) of respondents say that no role for the

organization in the study area. In a district wise comparison in Cuddalore districts

more number (79) of respondent opined that had a role the caste organization in the

village than are respondents of Kanyakumari district (30).

120

Table-5.2.2

Respondent Involvement in Caste- Based Occupation

5.2.2.1 District Total

Kanyakumari Cuddalore

Practice of caste based

occupation

Yes 69 88 157

34.5% 44.0% 78.5%

No 31 12 43

15.5% 6.0% 21.5%

5.2.2.2

Type of occupation Fishing

Only 69 88 157

34.5% 44.0% 78.5%

Other than

fishing 31 12 43

15.5% 6.0% 21.5%

Total 100 100 200

50.0% 50.0% 100.0%

The above table 5.2.2.1 shows that the caste and types of occupation of the

respondents. It reveals that the majority (79%) of respondents are involved in caste

based occupation. In district wise comparison Cuddalore district has more number

(88%) belonging to Hindu, (Rajaparvathakulam, Meenava chettiyar engaged in caste

based occupation than Kanyakumari district (69%) (Christian – Mukkuvar).

5.2.2.2 shows the types of occupation of the respondents. The majority (79%)

of respondents are engaged in fishing only. In district-wise comparison Cuddalore

district has more number of respondents engaged (88) in fishing only than

Kanyakumari (69) namely Hindu Padayachi

Therefore it is concluded that, a significant majority of the respondents are

involved in caste based occupation in the study area and the majority of respondents

are engaged only in fishing in the study districts.

121

Table- 5.2.3

Caste Disparity in the Study District

District Total

5.2.3.1 Kanyakumari Cuddalore

Caste Disparity Yes 14 39 53

7.0% 19.5% 26.5%

No 86 61 147

43.0% 30.5% 73.5%

5.2.3.2

Type of Disparity No 86 61 147

43.0% 30.5% 73.5%

Rich & Poor 13 37 50

6.5% 18.5% 25.0%

Caste inequality 1 2 3

.5% 1.0% 1.5%

Total 100 100 200

50.0% 50.0% 100.0%

The above table 5.2.3 shows the prevalence of caste disparity in the study

district.

5.2.3.1 indicates that the majority (74%) of people say that there was no caste

disparity in the study districts. In a district wise comparison Kanyakumari district has

more number (86) denying caste disparity than Cuddalore district (61).

5.2.3.2 Shows that the majority (74%) of respondents say that there was at no

caste disparity between the castes. In district wise comparison Kanyakumari district

more number (86) of respondents deny disparity in Cuddalore district (61).

Therefore, it is significant that majority of the respondents opined that

there is no caste disparity.

122

Table-5.2.4

Religious Practices

5.2.4.1 District Total

Kanyakumari Cuddalore

Religious practice Christian based 100 0 100

50.0% .0% 50.0%

Hindu based 0 100 100

.0% 50.0% 50.0%

5.2.4.2

Attend other religious festival Yes 57 48 105

28.5% 24.0% 52.5%

No 43 52 95

5.2.4.3 21.5% 26.0% 47.5%

Celebration of other religious festival Yes 21 31 52

10.5% 15.5% 44.0%

No 79 69 148

39.5% 34.5% 74.0%

Total 100 100 200

50.0% 50.0% 100.0%

123

The above table 5.2.4 reveals that religious practices of the respondents.

5.2.4.1 Indicates that all the respondents adopted (100%) Christian and Hindu

religion based practices in the district of Kanyakumari and Cuddalore respectively.

5.2.4.2 shows that majority (53%) of the respondent attended other religious

festivals. In district-wise comparison Kanyakumari district has more number (57)

attending other religious festivals than Cuddalore district (48).

5.2.4.3 reveals that the majority of the (74%) people don of observe other

religious ceremonious and festivals. In a district wise comparison Kanyakumari

district has more number (79) not celebrating other religious functions than Cuddalore

district (69).

Therefore it is concluded that a significant number of the respondents follow

Christian and Hindu religious practices in study districts and majority of the

respondents are attending other religious festivals and majority of respondents are not

celebrating the other religious festivals.

124

Table-5.2.5

Religious Discrimination

District Total

5.2.5. Kanyakumari Cuddalore

Any religious discrimination Yes 15 53 68

7.5% 26.5% 34.0%

No 85 47 132

42.5% 23.5% 66.0%

Total 100 100 200

50.0% 50.0% 100.0%

Table 5.2.5 shows that the majority (68%) of the respondents deny any

religious discrimination in the study area. In district wise comparison Kanyakumari

district has more number of respondents (85) denying religious problems in the area

than Cuddalore district (47).

Therefore it is understood from the table that there is no discrimination based

on religion.

125

Table-5.2.6

Religious Problem

District Total

5.2.6.1 Kanyakumari Cuddalore

Religious problem arose in your area

Yes

24 44 68

12.0% 22.0% 34.0% No 76 56 132 38.0% 28.0% 66.0% 5.2.6.2

Religious Domination

Yes 89 92 181

44.5% 46.0% 90.5% No 11 42 53 5.5% 21.0% 26.5% 5.2.6.3

Practice of Religious Conversion

Yes 5 3 8

2.5% 1.5% 4.0% No 95 97 192 47.5% 48.5% 96.0% 5.2.6.4

if yes details

Not Happened So Far 0 0 0

.0% 0% 0% No Idea 0 0 0 .0% 0% 0% No conversion 95 97 192 47.5% 48.5% 96.0% One Hindu man converted to

Christianity 5 3 8

2.5% 1.5% 4.%

Total 100 100 200

50.0% 50.0% 100.0%

126

Table 5.2.6 reveals that religious problems in the study area

5.2.6.1 indicates that the majority (66%) of the respondents are reported of no

religious problems in the area. In district wise comparison Kanyakumari district has

more number (76) of respondent denying any religious problem in the village than

Cuddalore district (56)

5.2.6.2 shows that the majority (90.5%) of respondents reported that religious

domination there in the study districts because Kanyakumari district has Christian

domination and Cuddalore district had Hindu domination.

5.2.6.3 indicates that majority (96%) of the respondents reported of no religious

conversion in the study area.

5.2.6.4 reveals that majority (96%) of the respondent reported of no religious

conversion in the study area.

It is concluded that the majority of the respondents reported of no religious

problems in the study area and more respondent is reported that religious domination

is there in the study districts because Kanyakumari district had Christian domination

and Cuddalore district has Hindu religion domination and majority of the respondents

reported of no religious conversion in the study area.

127

Table-5.2.7

Celebration of Village Functions

District Total

5.2.7.1 Kanyakumari Cuddalore

celebrating

village function

Yes 100 60 160

50.0% 30.0% 80.0%

No 0 40 40

.0% 20.0% 20.0%

5.2.7.2

What type of

function

Mary Madha Function 58 0 58

29.0% 0% 29.0%

Holy Micheal Adhi Dudhar 30 0 30

15% .0% 15%

Holy Antony Festival 12 0 12

6% .0% 6%

All Hindu festival 0 100 100

.0% 50.0% 50.0%

Total 100 100 200

50.0% 50.0% 100.0%

128

5.2.7 reveals the celebration of function by the respondent village and their

types in the study districts

5.2.7.1 reveals that the majority of (80%) the respondents celebrate village

functions. In district wise comparison in Kanyakumari district the people are (100%)

celebrating village functions and then the in Cuddalore district (60%).

5.2.7.2 shows that the majority (100%) of the respondents celebrate all the

Hindu festivals in Cuddalore districts. In Kanyakumari district also (100%)

respondents celebrate all Christian function namely Mary Matha function, Holy

MichealAdhiDudhar, Holy Antony festival and all the respondents (100%) celebrate

to the festivals in the district of Kanyakumari

It is concluded that majority of the people are celebrate village functions and

all the people celebrate the Christian and Hindu functions in the study districts and all

the respondents are celebrating all the functions.

129

Table-5.2.8

Village Meeting and Social Organization

District Total

5.2.8.1 Kanyakumari Cuddalore

Engagement in village meeting Yes 5 8 13

2.5% 4.0% 6.5%

No 95 92 187

47.5% 46.0% 92.5%

5.2.8.2

Social organization working in your

village

Yes 61 67 128

30.5% 33.5% 64.0%

No 39 33 72

19.5% 16.5% 36.0%

Total 100 100 200

50.0% 50.0% 100.0%

5.2.8 detail that village meeting and social organization working in the study

area.

5.2.8.1 reveals that the majority of (93%) respondents do not involve

themselves in any village meeting in their area

5.2.8.2 shows that the majority of (64%) respondents know of the social

organization working in their village. In a district wise comparison Cuddalore district

has more number (67%) of social organization working than Kanyakumari district

(61%).

It is concluded that, none of the respondents are engaged in any village

meeting and majority of the respondents are involved in social organization working

in their village.

130

Table- 5.2.9

Role of SHG

District Total

5.2.9.1 Kanyakumari Cuddalore

SHG in your village Yes 78 70 148

39.0% 35.0% 74.0%

No 22 30 52

11.0% 15.0% 26.0%

5.2.9.2

Role of SHG For Women

Development and self

employment

65 69 134

32.5% 34.5% 67.0%

Loan Facilities 13 1 14

6.5% .5% 7.0%

No 22 30 52

11.0% 15.0% 26.0%

Total 100 100 200

50.0% 50.0% 100.0%

Table 5.2.9 reveals the function of SHG’s and their role.

5.2.9. shows that the majority (74%) of the respondents reported that SHG’s

are working in their village.

5.2.9.2 reveals that the majority of (67%) respondents say that it helps

women’s development and create self employment for women. In district wise

comparison in Cuddalore district a number of (69%) respondents mentioned that it is

for women’s development as well as to create self employment than Kanyakumari

district (65%).

Therefore it is concluded that a significant majority of the respondents say that

SHGs work effectively in the study districts. The majority of the respondents are

aware that SHG work for women development and create self employment.

131

Table- 5.2.10

Role of Village Youth Club

District Total

5.2.10.1 Kanyakumari Cuddalore

Youth club in

village

Yes 67 48 115

34.0% 24.0% 58.0%

No 33 52 85

16.5% 26.0% 42.5%

5.2.10.2

Role of youth

club &

Organization

Some Voluntary Work In

Festival Time 30 22 52

15.0% 11.0% 26.%

Help the People In Difficult

Condition 20 12 32

10.0% 22.0% 16.0%

Group Work For Village

Development 17 14 31

8.5% 12.0% 15.5%

Total 100 100 200

50.0% 50.0% 100.0%

132

Table 5.2.10 reveals the arrangement of village youth club and its role for the

respondents in the study district.

Table 5.2.10.1 indicates that (58%) of respondent know youth club is working

in the study district. In district wise comparison Kanyakumari district has got more

(67) number and reported that youth club is available in Kanyakumari district than

Cuddalore district (48)

Table 5.2.10.2 reveals that (26%) of respondent are aware that youth club does

voluntary work during festival time. In district wise comparison Kanyakumari district

has got more (30) number of respondents and reported that they help people in

difficult condition than Kanyakumari district (22)

Therefore it is concluded that majority of the respondents are aware that the

youth clubs and working in the village. And more number feel that youth clubs do

some voluntary work during festival time

133

Table-5.2.11

Role of Politics in Study Villages

District Total

5.2.11.1 Kanyakumari Cuddalore

Number of

political leaders

in village

Christian1-2 100 0 100

50.0% .0% 50.0%

Hindu -1 0 100 100

.0% 50.0% 50.0%

5.2.11.2

Role of political

parties in local

government

Working for the village development

52 65 117

26.0% 32.5% 58.5%

Working for the people development 30 34 64

15.0% 17.0% 32.0%

Announce govt. planning to people 16 1 17

8.0% .5% 8.5%

Recommended to the govt. to loan for

the SHG women 2 0 2

1.0% .0% 1.0%

Total 100 100 200

50.0% 50.0% 100.0%

134

Table 5.2.11 reveals role of politics in village life in study area.

Table 5.2.11.1 shows that while more than one Christian leader in

Kanyakumari district participates in politics, only one found among Hindus in

Cuddalore district.

Table 5.2.11.2 indicates that the majority (59%) of respondents say that they

are working for village development. In district wise comparison in Cuddalore district

more number (65) of respondents feel the political party working for village

development than Kanyakumari district (52).

The entire respondents are aware that two Christian leaders and one Hindu

leader in district of Kanyakumari and Cuddalore respectively are involved in polities

Majority of the respondents feel that they are working for village development.

135

Table-5.2.12

Popular Political Party & the Relationship of Caste-Class

District Total

5.2.12.1 Kanyakumari Cuddalore

Popular political party in the area DMK 50 62 112

25.0% 31.0% 56.0%

AIADMK 46 38 84

23.0% 19.0% 42.0%

DMDK 4 0 4

2.0% .0% 2.0%

The relationship of caste-class Good 61 55 116

5.2.12.2 30.5% 27.5% 58.0%

Normal 37 45 82

18.5% 22.5% 41.0%

Bad 2 0 2

1.0% .0% 1.0%

Total 100 100 200

50.0% 50.0% 100.0%

136

Table 5.2.12 details the popular political parties and caste-class relationship in

the study districts.

5.2.12.1 indicates the political party wise distribution of the respondents. The

majority of (56%) respondents belong to DMK. Cuddalore district itself 62 belong to

DMK followed by 42% of the total respondents belong in to the AIADMK party. In

district-wise comparison more respondents belong to DMK, followed by AIADMK,

and DMDK in both districts.

5.2.12.2 shows that nearly three-fifth (58%) of the total respondents reported

that the caste-class relationship is good. In district-wise comparison in Kanyakumari

district more number (61) reported that caste-class relationship is those in good than

those in Cuddalore district (55).

Therefore it is obvious that the majority of respondents belonged to DMK

party and majority of respondents reported that caste-class relationship was good.

137

Table-5.2.13

Number of Days Stay in Sea for Fishing

District Total

5.2.13 Kanyakumari Cuddalore

Stay in sea for fishing One day 75 9 84

37.5% 4.5% 42.0%

Two days 25 88 113

12.5% 44.0% 56.5%

Three days 0 3 3

.0% 1.5% 1.5%

Total 100 100 200

50.0% 50.0% 100.0%

Table 5.2.13 indicates the number of days used for fishing into the sea by the

respondents in the study districts.

5.2.13.1 reveals that the majority (56.5%) of the total respondents stay for two

days in the sea for fishing. In district-wise comparison Cuddalore district more

number (88) reported of staying in the sea for two days than Kanyakumari district

(25).

It is concluded that while the respondents of Kanyakumari district stay one

day in sea for fishing, two days are spent by Cuddalore district respondents for

fishing.

138

Table-5.2.14

Employment Pattern in the Study Districts

5.2.14.1 District Total

Kanyakumari Cuddalore

More employment

(season)

September-March 22 8 30

11.0% 4.0% 15.0%

March-April 67 22 89

33.5% 11.0% 44.5%

April-May 11 15 26

5.5% 7.5% 13.0%

July-March 0 55 55

.0% 27.5% 27.5%

5.2.14.2

Poor employment (off

season)

June- September 87 20 107

43.5% 10.0% 53.5%

September-October 13 1 14

6.5% .5% 7.0%

January-February 0 79 79

.0% 39.5% 39.5%

Total 100 100 200

50.0% 50.0% 100.0%

139

Table 5.2.14 reveals the employment pattern of the respondents in the study

districts.

5.2.14.1 shows that nearly half (44.5%) of the total respondents reported that

March to April offer more employment followed by 27.5% of respondents who

reported July to march.

5.2.14.2 indicates that more than a half (53.5%) of the respondents reported

June to September is the poor employment months. In district-wise comparison in

Kanyakumari district more (87) number say that June to September is the poor

employment months than those in Cuddalore district (77).

It is concluded that better employment opportunity prevails from March to

April to the respondents while June to September stands as off season for fishing in

the study districts.

140

Table-5.2.15

Type of Fish Catches by the Respondents

District Total

5.2.15 Kanyakumari Cuddalor

Type of fish catch Vilangu fish 35 6 41

17.5% 3.0% 20.5%

Valzh fish 53 6 59

26.5% 3.0% 29.5%

Eral fish 12 1 13

6.0% .5% 6.5%

Paarai 0 35 35

.0% 17.5% 17.5%

Kanagkaththa 0 34 34

.0% 17.0% 17.0%

Maththi 0 18 18

.0% 9.0% 9.0%

Total 100 100 200

50.0% 50.0% 100.0%

Table 5.2.15 reveals the types of fish caught by the respondents in the study

districts.

5.2.15. indicates that nearly 30% of the total respondents catch valzh fishes.

However, the fish caught by the respondents in the study districts ranged from vilangu

to maththi. In district-wise comparison in Kanyakumari district more (53) number

reported of valngu than those in Cuddalore district (6).

Therefore, it a noted that more respondents catch the valzh fish because it is

easily available.

141

Table- 5.2.16

Mode for Fish Exporting in the Study Districts

5.2.16.1 District Total

Kanyakumari Cuddalore

Did you export fish Yes 100 100 200

50.0% 50.0% 100.0%

5.2.16.2

If yes through whom Fisher man market 59 0 59

29.5% .0% 29.5%

Contractor 39 100 139

19.5% 50.0% 69.5%

Individual selling 1 0 1

.5% .0% .5%

Local market 1 0 1

.5% .0% .5%

Total 100 100 200

50.0% 50.0% 100.0%

Table 5.2.16 indicates the fish exporting mode in the study districts.

5.2.16.1 It is found that all the (100%) respondents of both districts are

exporting fish.

5.2.16.2 reveals that nearly 70% of the total respondents export fish through

contractors while another 29.5% of the total through fishermen markets. In district-

wise comparison, all the respondents of Cuddalore district exports fish with the help

of contractors whereas about three-fifth (59) of the respondents of Kanyakumari

district approach fishermen markets.

It is concluded that all the (100%) respondents are exporting fish in both the

districts and majority of them export through contractors.

142

Table-5.2.17

Dry Fish Export in Study Districts

District Total

Kanyakumari Cuddalore

Yes 97 83 180

48.5% 41.5% 90.0%

No 3 17 20

1.5% 8.5% 10.0%

Total 100 100 200

50.0% 50.0% 100.0%

Table – 5.2.17. indicates the export of dry fish from the study districts. It

reveals that a vast majority (90%) of the respondents of both districts are exporting

dry fish. In district wise comparison in Kanyakumari district more (97) number are

exporting the dry fish than those in Cuddalore district (83). It is clear that majority of

the respondents in the study districts are exporting dry fish.

143

Table - 5.2.18

Method for the Preservation of Dry Fish

District Total

5.2.18.1 Kanyakumari Cuddalore

Method of preserving

dry fish

Dip In The Salt 100 100 200

50.0% 50.0% 100.0%

5.2.18.2

During rainy season Not preserving in rainy

season 38 44 82

19.0% 22.0% 41.0%

Save in plastic cover 62 56 118

31.0% 28.0% 59.0%

Total 100 100 200

50.0% 50.0% 100.0%

Table-5.2.18 indicates the method followed by the respondents for preserving

dry fish.

5.2.18.1 shows that all the respondents of both the study districts (100%)

reported that dipping in salt is a method of preserving the dry fish.

5.2.18.2 reveals that of the total 59% use plastic covers to preserve the dry fish

during rainy season. However, the remaining 41% of the total are not ready to keep

dry fish even if they know the method of dry fish preservation.

Therefore it is concluded that dipping fishes into salt is a preservation method

for the respondents of both the districts. However, two-fifth (41%) of the total

respondents are not interested in preserving dry fishes during rainy seasons.

144

Table- 5.2.19

Place for Marketing Fish

5.2.19.1 District Total

Place for marketing fish

Kanyakumari Cuddalore

Nagerkoil fisher man

marketing 100 0 100

50.0% .0% 50.0%

Local coastal area 0 100 55

.0% 50. 0% 50.0%

Total 100 100 200

50.0% 50.0% 100.0%

Table-5.2.19. indicates the respondents’ choice of place for marketing fish in the

study districts. The table reveals that all the respondents of Kanyakumari district sold

fish through fishermen marketing, located at Nagercoil – the head quarter of the

district while the respondents of Cuddalore district at their place itself.

Hence, it is found that the fishermen of Kanyakumari district have

accessibility to marketing facilities while Cuddalore district is not.

145

Table- 5.2.20

Role of Women Before and After Fishing

District Total

5.2.20.1 Kanyakumari Cuddalore

Role of women Helping the husband 52 38 90

26.0% 19.0% 45.0%

Helping in fish selling 48 62 110

24.0% 42.0% 55.0%

5.2.20.2

Women involved

sea food

Yes 69 65 134

34.5% 32.5% 67.0%

No 31 35 66

15.5% 17.5% 33.0%

5.2.20.3

Equal rights to

women

Yes 69 64 133

34.5% 32.0% 66.5%

No 31 36 67

15.5% 18.0% 33.5%

Total 100 100 200

50.0% 50.0% 100.0%

146

Table 5.2.20 shows the role of women before and after fishing respondent.

5.2.20.1 indicates that more than half (55%) of the total respondents availed

of women for helping in fish selling while the remaining (45%) help their husband in

preparation for fishing. In district-wise comparison in Cuddalore district more (62)

respondents are reported that women are helpful in selling the fish than there in

Kanyakumari district (48).

5.2.20.2 indicates that the majority (67%) of the total respondents reported that

their women involve themselves in preparation of the sea food. In district wise

comparison in Kanyakumari district more (69) number say that women are involved

in the preparation of sea food than those Cuddalore district (65).

5.2.20.3 Reveals that the majority (66.5%) of the respondent give equal right to

women even though the coastal community is uneducated.

It is concluded that the majority of the women help in fish selling and are

involved in the preparation of sea food and majority of the total respondents treat

women equally on par with men.

147

5.3 CIRCUMSTANCES LEADING TO OCCURRENCE OF VARIOUS TYPES

OF NATURAL DISASTERS

Table- 5.3.1

Celebration of Coastal Festival

District Total

5.3.1.1 Kanyakumari Cuddalore

Celebration of coastal festival Yes 71 69 140

35.5% 34.5% 70.0%

No 29 31 60

14.5% 15.5% 30.0%

5.3.1.2

Participation of non coastal people Yes 66 45 111

33.0% 22.5% 55.5%

No 34 55 89

17.0% 27.5% 44.5%

Total 100 100 200

50.0% 50.0% 100.0%

Table 5.3.1 reveals the respondents’ celebration of coastal festivals in the

study districts.

5.3.1.1 indicates that nearly three-fourths (70%) of the total respondents

celebrate coastal festivals while the remaining 30% do not. In district-wise

comparison in Kanyakumari district more number (71) celebrates coastal festivals

than in Cuddalore district (69).

5.3.1.2 indicates that more than half of the total (55.5%) respondents ensure

the participation of non-coastal people in their coastal and related festivals. However,

the remaining proportion (44.5%) maintains themselves as closed group. In district-

wise comparison the participation of non-coastal people found to be more in

Kanyakumari district than in Cuddalore district.

Therefore, it is concluded that majority of respondents of both districts

celebrate coastal festivals and majority of them reported that such festivals are

attended by non-coastal people.

148

Table-5.3.2

Risks Faced by the Respondents in Fishing

District Total

5.3.2.1 Kanyakumari Cuddalore

Aware of the risks in fishing Yes 76 58 134

38.0% 29.0% 67.0%

No 24 42 66

12.0% 21.0% 33.0%

5.3.2.2

Risks faced during fishing Big waves 55 55 110

27.5% 27.5% 55.0%

Rain 36 21 57

18.0% 10.5% 28.5%

Cyclone 8 24 32

4.0% 12.0% 16.0%

Big fish 1 0 1

.5% .0% .5%

Total 100 100 200

50.0% 50.0% 100.0%

Table 5.3.2 indicates the risks faced by the respondent in fishing.

5.3.2.1 Reveals that the majority (67%) of the respondent have reported that

they are aware of the risks in fishing. In district wise comparison in Kanyakumari

district more number (76) of respondents are aware of the risks in fishing than

Cuddalore district(58)

5.3.2.2 indicates that (55%) of respondents faced risk from big waves, followed

by (28.5%) facing from rain and (16%) respondents reported risk faced by cyclone.

It is concluded that the majority of the respondents are aware of the risks in

fishing and all of them are facing risk from big waves, rain, cyclone and even larger

fishes.

149

Table-5.3.3

Voting Pattern

District Total

5.3.3.1 Kanyakumari Cuddalore

Poll vote for the

election

Yes 74 65 139

37.0% 32.5% 69.5%

No 26 35 61

13.0% 17.5% 30.5%

5.3.3.2

Electing the leader Party-based 78 77 155

39.0% 38.5% 77.5%

Religion-based 21 23 44

10.5% 11.5% 22.0%

Community-

based 1 0 1

.5% .0% .5%

Total 100 100 200

50.0% 50.0% 100.0%

Table-5.3.3 indicates the respondent voting behavior in the study district

5.3.3.1 shows that the majority (69.5%) of the respondents reported that they

vote in the election time. In district wise comparisons in Kanyakumari district more

respondents (74) vote in the election time than the Cuddalore (65) respondent.

5.3.3.2 reveals that a large majority of the respondents (77.5%) cast their vote for

the party to which they belong followed by religion (22.5%) and community – based

voting

It is concluded that the majority of the respondents vote in the election time

and majority of the respondents cast their vote for the party to which they belong.

150

Table 5.3.4

Exclusion

District Total

5.3.4.1 Kanyakumari Cuddalore

Exclusion from community Yes 15 35 50

7.5% 17.5% 25.0%

No 85 65 150

42.5% 32.5% 75.0%

5.3.4.2

Exclusion from religion Yes 17 27 44

8.5% 13.5% 22.0%

No 83 73 156

41.5% 36.5% 78.0%

5.3.4.3

Exclusion from giving wages Yes 10 23 33

5.0% 11.5% 16.5%

No 90 77 167

45.0% 38.5% 83.5%

Total 100 100 200

50.0% 50.0% 100.0%

151

Table 5.3.4 shows the exclusion of the respondents from their community.

5.3.4.1 reveals that the majority (75 %) of respondents have reported that there

has been no exclusion from the community. In the district wise comparison 85 out of

100 respondent of Kanyakumari district stated that there is no exclusion of them from

their community. whereas in Cuddlore district it is 65 only out of the total.

5.3.4.2. indicates that a total of 78% respondents are not excluded from their

religion. In district-wise comparison while 83 respondents of Kanyakumari district

said no to exclusion from their religion, 73 in Cuddalore district said that there has

been no exclusion.

It is found form table 5.3.4.3 that 83.5 % of the respondents are not excluded

from giving wages. In district-wise comparison 90 out of 100 respondents of

Kanyakumari district danced their exclusion from providing wages while the 77 in

Cuddalore district accepted exclusion

Hence, it is concluded that a vast majority of the respondents of the study

districts are not excluded from their community, religion and never been subjected to

exploitation in terms of wages.

152

Table-5.3.5

Criteria for Exclusion

District Total

5.3.5.1 Kanyakumari Cuddalore

Excluded people

in your area

Poor people 3 2 5

1.5% 1% 2.5%

Low caste people 4 16 20

2.0% 8.0% 10.0%

No body excluded 93 82 175

46.5% 42.0% 87.5%

Total 100 100 200

50.0% 50.0% 100.0%

Table - 5.3.5 shows the particulars about the people excluded from the

community in the study districts.

5.3.5.1 reveals that the majority of the respondents (87.5 %) reported that

nobody was excluded in the study area. In district wise comparison in Kanyakumari

district more (93) number of respondents reported that nobody has been excluded

from their community than there in Cuddlore district (82).

Therefore it is concluded that nobody was excluded in the study area based on

any status.

153

Table- 5.3.6

Separation by Class Consciousness

District Total

5.3.6.1 Kanyakumari Cuddalore

Separation of rich and poor Yes 14 37 51

7.0% 18.5% 25.5%

No 86 63 149

43.0% 31.5% 74.5%

5.3.6.2

if yes reason Low class 1 15 16

5% 7.5% 8.0%

Poor employment 9 14 23

4.5% 7.0% 11.5%

House based 4 2 6

2.0% 1.0% 3.0%

Property based 0 6 6

.0% 3.0% 3.0%

86 63 149

43.0% 31.5% 74.5%

Total 100 100 200

50.0% 50.0% 100.0%

Table 5.3.6 shows the respondents’ separation by class consciousness.

5.3.6.1 reveals that nearly three-fourth (74.5%) of the respondents are not

separated by class consciousness in the study districts. In district wise comparison 86

out of 100 respondents reported that they are not discriminated by any form of class

consciousness. However, this is reported by only 63 respondents of Cuddalore district.

Therefore it is concluded that the majority of the respondents are not

segregated from the rich.

154

Table-5.3.7

Exploitation by Boat Owner & Money Lender

District Total

5.3.7.1 Kanyakumari Cuddalore

Exploitation by boat owners Yes 18 37 55

9.0% 18.5% 27.5%

No 82 63 145

41.0% 31.5% 72.5%

5.3.7.2

Exploitation by

moneylenders

Yes 73 39 112

36.5% 19.5% 56.0%

No 27 61 88

13.5% 30.5% 44.0%

5.3.7.3

Reason for exploitation More interest low

income 26 20 46

13.0% 10.0% 23.0%

Meter interest 31 19 50

15.5% 9.5% 25.0%

27 61 88

13.5% 30.5% 44.0%

Over interest 16 0 16

8.0% .0% 8.0%

Total 100 100 200

50.0% 50.0% 100.0%

155

Table 5.3.7 shows the prevalence of exploitation by boat owners and money

lenders in the study districts.

5.3.7.1 reveals that the majority of (73%) of respondent reported that there is

no exploitation by boat owners. In district-wise comparison Kanyakumari district

greater number (82) of respondents are not exploited by boat owners than in

Cuddalore district (63).

5.3.7.2 indicates that nearly three-fifths (56%) of the total respondents

reported that they are exploited by the money lenders. In district-wise comparison

Kanyakumari district more respondents (73) respondent positively while in Cuddalore

district it was 39 only.

5.3.7.3 shows that nearly (44%) of respondents have no idea about this and

nearly (25%) of the respondents reported meter interest claimed by the moneylenders

and (23%) of the respondents feel more interest and low benefit to the people.

It is found that the majority of the respondents are not subject to exploitation by

their boat owners, whereas, most of the respondents of the study districts, especially

in the Kanyakumari district, are exploited by moneylenders by charging meter /over

interest.

156

Table- 5.3.8

Exploitation from Government Officials

5.3.8.1 District Total

Kanyakumari Cuddalore

Exploitation from

the government

officials

Yes

39 49 88

19.5% 24.5% 44.0%

No 61 51 112

30.5% 25.5% 56.0%

5. 3.8.2

if yes what ways 61 51 113

30.5% 25.5% 56.5%

Delay to give relief 34 45 78

17% 22.5% 39.0%

Distribution of relief

materials 5 4 9

2.5% 2.0% 4.5%

Total 100 200

50.0% 50.0% 100.0%

Table 5.3.8 indicates the prevalence of exploitation by the government officers

in the study area.

5.3.8.1 reveals that 56% of respondents feel that they are not exploited by

government officers. In district-wise comparison those in Cuddalore district

experience more exploitation (49) than there in Kanyakumari district (39).

5.3.8.2 reveals that nearly 39 per cent of the total respondents reported delay

in giving the relief by government officers.

It is understood from the table that the majority of respondents reported that

no grave exploitation by government officers but many reported delay in giving relief

by government officers.

157

Table-5.3.9

Measures to Avoid Exclusion in Future and GOs / NGOs

District Total

5.3.9.1 Kanyakumari Cuddalore

How can to prevent

exclusion in future

Equal power to the people 57 51 108

28.5% 25.5% 54.0%

Equal employment 39 46 85

19.5% 23.0% 42.5%

Nothing to be done 4 3 7

2.0% 1.5% 3.5%

5.3.9.2

What is the role of

GOs and NGOs to

avoid exclusion

Equal rights to people

51 51 102

25.5% 25.5% 51.0%

Improve the economic status 40 43 83

20.0% 21.5% 41.5%

Create awareness about equal

things 9 6 15

4.5% 3.0% 7.5%

Total 100 100 200

50.0% 50.0% 100.0%

158

Table 5.3.9 reveals the respondents’ opinion to avoid exclusion from their

community in future.

5.3.9.1 reveals that the majority of (54%) respondents opined that equal

power and status to the people alone will solve exclusion in future. In district-wise

comparison more respondents of Kanyakumari district (57) expressed this than those

in Cuddalore district (51).

5.3.9.2 indicates that half of the (51%) total respondents reported that to avoid

exclusion equal rights have to be given to the people. whereas another 41.5% of the

total opined economic mobility would prevent exclusion.

It is understood from the table that the majority of the respondents opined that

improvement in social and economic conditions alone would prevent exclusion in

future.

159

Table-5.3.10

Respondents’ perception forwards distribution of Relief and rehabilitation

District Total

5.3.10.1 Kanyakumari Cuddalor

Improper

distribution of

relief material

Yes

73 60 133

36.5% 30.0% 66.5%

No 27 40 67

13.5% 20.0% 33.5%

5.3.10.2

if yes reason corruption from village leaders 35 29 64

17.5% 14.5% 32.0%

Benefits given only to village

Leaders relatives 38 31 69

19.0% 15.5% 34.5%

No 27 40 67

13.5% 20.0% 33.5%

Total 100 100 200

50.0% 50.0% 100.0%

Table 5.3.10. reveals the respondents’ perception towards the distribution of

relief materials and rehabilitation to them.

5.3.10.1 indicates that the majority of (66.5%) the respondents did not get the

relief materials properly. In a district-wise comparison in Kanyakumari district more

number (73) got relief material improperly than in Cuddalore district (60).

5.3.10.2 indicates that nearly 35% of the respondents reported the relief

materials only benefited relatives of the village leaders and nearly (32%) of

respondents reported some amount of corruption among village leaders.

Therefore, it is concluded that the majority of the respondents got relief

materials improperly while the remaining have no idea about the distribution of relief

and rehabilitation.

160

5.3.11

Corruption during Distribution

District Total

5.3.11.1 Kanyakumari Cuddalore

Any corruption during distribution Yes 62 34 96

31.0% 17.0% 48.0%

No 38 66 104

19.0% 33.0% 52.0%

5.3.11.2

if yes who was involved Some village VIP 33 16 49

16.5% 8.0% 24.5%

Priest’s relatives 26 0 26

13.0% 0.% 13.0%

No corruption 38 66 104

19.0% 33.0% 52.0%

Panchayat members 2 8 10

1.0% 4.0% 5.0%

Political parties 1 10 11

.5% 5.0% 5.5%

Total 100 100 200

50.0% 50.0% 100.0%

161

Table 5.3.11 shows the prevalence of corruption during distribution of the relief

materials to the respondents.

5.3.11.1 seveals that only 52% of the respondents reported that no corruption in

the distribution, while others (48%) said ‘yes’.

5.3.11.2 Indicates that majority (52%) of respondents expressed they had no

idea about who was involved in corruption. While the remaining (48%) reported that

corruption occurs due to involvement of village leaders (24.5%), relatives of priests

(13%), political members (5.5%) and panchayat members (5 %). In district-wise

comparison in Kanyakumari district more number (33) pointed a village leaders are

than Cuddalore district (16).

Therefore, it is concluded that that there was no corruption during the

distribution and majority of respondents had no idea about who were involved in

corruption. However, the interference of village leaders, and their relatives and

members of political parties and panchayat was a sore point in the study area.

162

Table-5.3.12

Occurrence of Violence during the Relief Distribution

5.3.12.1 District Total

Kanyakumari Cuddalore

was there any violence during the relief Yes 63 47 110

31.5% 23.5% 55.0%

No 37 53 90

18.5% 26.5% 45.0%

Total 100 100 200

50.0% 50.0% 100.0%

Table (5.3.12) indicates the occurrence of violence during the distribution of

relief materials to the respondents in the study districts.

5.3.12.1 reveals that more than half (55%) of the respondents reported that

violence was is there at the time of distribution of relief. In a district-wise comparison

Kanyakumari district reported more (63) violence than Cuddalore district (47).

It is concluded that violence was there at the time of distribution of relief

materials.

163

Table-5.3.13

Distribution of House to Real Victims

District Total

5.3.13.1 Kanyakumari Cuddalor

genuine victims got the house Yes 72 62 134

36.0% 31.0% 67.0%

No 28 38 66

14.0% 19.0% 33.0%

5.3.13.2

if no what is the reason Got house telling lie 19 34 53

9.5% 17.0% 26.5%

non victims got benefits 9 4 13

4.5% 2.0% 6.5%

72 62 134

36.0% 31.0% 67.0%

Total 100 100 200

50.0% 50.0% 100.0%

Table 5.3.13 indicates distribution of house to genuine victims in the study

districts.

5.3.13.1 reveals that only two-third (67%) of the total respondents were

provided with the house in the study districts. In a district-wise comparison in

Kanyakumari district more number (72) got the house than Cuddalore district (62).

Therefore, it is concluded that the majority of the respondent-victims were

provided houses in the study districts.

164

Table- 5.3.14

Respondents’ Satisfaction on the Quality of the House

District Total

5.3.14.1 Kanyakumari Cuddalore

Satisfaction with

the quality of the

house

Yes

57 58 115

28.5% 29.0% 57.5%

No 43 42 85

21.5% 21.0% 42.5%

5.3.14.2

if no what is the

reason

Not much of

good 31 35 66

15.5% 17.5% 33.0%

Water leak 7 7 14

3.5% 3.5% 7.0%

Cracks in

Building 4 0 4

2.0% .0% 2.0%

Building not

strong 2 0 2

1.0% .0% 1.0%

57 58 115

28.5% 29.0% 57.0%

Total 100 100 200

50.0% 50.0% 100.0%

165

Table 5.3.14 indicates the respondents’ perception towards the quality of the

house provided to them in the study districts.

5.3.14.1 shows the reason for the respondents’ dissatisfaction. Their houses are

not good (33%), leakage of water from the roof (7%), cracks in the walls (2%), and

were not strong (1%).

5.3.14.2 Indicates that the majority (57%) of the respondents reported that they

were satisfied with the quality of the house and nearly (33%) of the respondents were

not satisfied.

So it is understood from the table that about three-fifth of the total are satisfied

about the quality of the house while the remaining expressed their dissatisfaction and

reported various reasons for this.

166

Table-5.3.15

Respondents’ Satisfaction on the Quality of Boat & Net

5.3.15.1 District Total

Kanyakumari Cuddalore

Are you satisfied with the quality of

boat & net

Yes 70 67 137

35.0% 33.5% 68.5%

No 30 33 63

15.0% 16.5% 31.5%

5.3.15.2

If no what is the defect Not much of good 19 26 45

9.5% 13.0% 22.5%

It is very low cost 4 7 11

2.0% 3.5% 5.5%

No lifelong

usefulness 7 0 7

3.5% .0% 3.5%

0 70 67 137

35.0% 33.5% 68.5%

Total 100 100 200

50.0% 50.0% 100.0%

167

Table 5.3.15 reveals the respondents’ perception towards the quality of the

Boat and Net.

5.3.15.1 indicates that about 69% of the total respondents were satisfied with

the quality of boats and nets because before tsunami the boat owned by them were not

good. After tsunami they have got good nets and boat with some facilities which

were not in use previously. In a district-wise comparison in Kanyakumari district

more (70) respondents reported their satisfaction towards boat and net than Cuddalore

district (67).

5.3.15.2 indicates that of the total respondents (63) expressed their

dissatisfaction (23%) and worries about the quality of the boat while another (6%) of

the total mentioned the low cost of the boat, and (4%) the remaining opined that it

was not usable.

Therefore, it is concluded that more than two-third of the total respondents are

satisfied about the quality of the boat and while the remaining expressed their

dissatisfaction due to various reasons.

168

5.4. NATURAL DISASTER AND RISKS IN SOCIAL LIFE

Table-5.4.1

Natural Disaster

5.4.1.1 District Total

Kanyakumari Cuddalore

Knowledge on the natural disaster Yes 77 71 148

38.5% 35.5% 74.0%

No 23 29 52

11.5% 14.5% 26.0%

5.4.1.2

Frequent disaster Cyclone 56 66 122

28.0% 33.0% 61.0%

Flood 34 32 66

17.0% 16.0% 33.0%

Whirl wind 10 2 12

5.0% 1.0% 6.0%

Total 100 100 200

50.0% 50.0%

100.0

%

169

Table 5.4.1 reveals the disasters in the study area.

5.4.1.1 Indicates that the majority (74%) of the respondents have knowledge of the

natural disaster. In a district-wise comparison Kanyakumari district more (77)

respondent reported having knowledge about the natural disaster than in Cuddalore

district (71).

5.4.1.2 presents that majority (61%) of the respondents reported that cyclone is

frequently affecting their area followed by flood (33%), and whirl wind (6%). In a

district-wise comparison 66 respondents of Kanyakumari district reported that the

cyclone is the frequently affecting disaster than Cuddalore district respondents (56).

Therefore is concluded that majority of the respondents have knowledge about

the natural disasters and it is found that the cyclone is the frequently occurring

disaster in the coastal areas of the study districts.

170

Table- 5.4.2

Respondents’ Perception of the Impact of Depression in

Coastal Areas

5.4.2.1 District Total

Kanyakumari Cuddalore

Impact of depression in the coastal areas Climate change 53 62 115

26.5% 31.0% 57.5%

High waves 46 32 78

23.0% 16.0% 39.0%

Sea depression 1 6 7

.5% 3.0% 3.5%

5.4.2.2

How normality was affected during

times of natural disaster

Not doing regular

work 52 58 110

26.0% 29.0% 55.0%

Most affected

normal life 43 34 77

21.5% 17.0% 38.5%

loss of income 5 8 13

2.5% 4.0% 6.5%

Total 100 100 200

50.0% 50.0% 100.0%

Table 5.4.2 reveals the respondents’ perception of the impact of depression in

Coastal areas

5.4.2.1 presents that 57.5% of the total respondents reported that the climate

change is the result of depression in coastal areas whereas another 38.5% of the total

stated that high waves are the reason for depression in their areas.

5.4.2.2 indicates that 55% of the respondent gave priority to the fact that

natural disasters affected their normal work pattern. The district wise comparison

reveals that this was felt by more number of respondents in Kanniyakumari district

that those in Cuddalore district.

171

Table- 5.4.3

Prevention and Control Activities for Natural Disaster by GOs/NGOs

District Total

5.4.3.1 Kanyakumari Cuddalore

Prevention and

control facilities

(information)

Run away from the sea 32 39 71

16.0% 19.5% 35.5%

one to one oral announcement 58 51 109

29.0% 25.5% 54.5%

Immediately escape from the

place 10 10 20

5.0% 5.0% 10.0%

5.4.3.2

Prevention and

control activities

by GO/NGO

Giving safety shelter 57 54 111

28.5% 27.0% 55.5%

Providing medicines 36 37 73

18.0% 18.5% 36.5%

Counseling about disaster

7 9 16

3.5% 4.5% 8.0%

Total 100 100 200

50.0% 50.0% 100.0%

172

Table 5.4.3 reveals the prevention and control activities of GOs/NGOs during

time of disaster in coastal area

5.4.3.1 reveals that the majority 55% of respondents reported that they

announce individuals orally in the villages, where as nearly 36% of respondents run

away from the sea shores.

Table 5.4.3.2 indicates that the 56% respondents reported that GO/NGOs

provided safety shelter to the affected people. In district-wise comparison

Kanyakumari district more number (57) reported provision of safety shelter than

Cuddalore district (54).

So it is noted that majority of people give individual warning through oral

announcement about disaster and majority of respondents reported that GOs/NGOs

provide safety shelter for prevention and control activities in the area.

173

Table-5.4.4

Type of Destruction, Relief and Rehabilitation Measures / Activities

5.4.4.1 District Total

Kanyakumari Cuddalore

Destruction occurs as a

result of Flood Disaster

Flood 46 43 89

23.0% 21.5% 44.5%

sea aeration 37 44 81

18.5% 22.0% 40.5%

suddenly rain coming 11 13 24

5.5% 6.5% 12.0%

Over sun light 6 0 6

3.0% .0% 3.0%

5.4.4.2

Relief and

rehabilitation

measures/activities by

GO/NGOs

House & Money, food, cloth,

medicine given by GOs / NGOs 83 75 158

39.5% 37.5% 79%

NGOs give cloth only 13 18 31

6.5% 9.0% 15.5%

GO give house only 0 7 7

.0% 3.5% 3.5%

GOs/NGOs give all help 4 0 4

2.0% .0% 2.0%

Total 100 100 200

50.0% 50.0% 100.0%

174

Table 5.4.4 reveals the types of destruction and relief rehabilitation activities.

Table 5.4.4.1 indicates that nearly (45%) of respondent affected by destruction

due to the flood viewed it a normally occurring as a result of natural disaster and

(41%) of respondents reported that the destruction comes from sea aeration. Because

through sea aeration water enters into the villages which affect fishing.

5.4.4.2 Indicates that the majority (79%) of the respondents got house, money,

food, clothes, and medicines given by GO/NGOs for relief and rehabilitations. In

district-wise comparison Kanyakumari district (88) respondent got relief materials

than in Cuddalore district (75) respondents.

It is noted that the majority of respondents reported that they were affected

more frequently by disasters like flood and majority of respondent got the relief

materials from GOs/NGOs.

175

Table-5.4.5

Warning Systems

District Total

5.4.5.1 Kanyakumari Cuddalore

At the time of heavy

storm/cyclone

Returned 60 45 105

30.0% 22.5% 52.5%

Not returned 28 55 83

14.0% 27.5% 41.5%

Delayed 12 0 12

6.0% .0% 6.0%

5.4.5.2

Source of warning

message

Through media 56 54 110

28.0% 27.0% 55.0%

Through Mobile 42 26 68

21.0% 13.0% 34.0%

Church bell 2 0 2

1.0% .0% 1.0%

Through police 0 20 20

.0% 10.0% 10.0%

5.4.5.3

You have radio with you No 33 47 80

16.5% 23.5% 40.0%

Some times 40 53 93

20.0% 26.5% 46.5%

Yes 27 0 27

13.5% .0% 13.5%

Total

100

50.0%

100

50.0%

200

100.00%

176

Table 5.4.5 presents the safety and warning systems of the respondents.

5.4.5.1 presents that nearly 53% of the respondents returned immediately at

the time of heavy storm/cyclone in district wise comparison Kanyakumari district

more number (60) reported that they returned immediately at the time of heavy

storm/cyclone than those in Cuddalore district (45)

According to table 5.4.5.2 more than half of the 55% total respondent received

warning through mobile phones, while 20% of the total from police.

It is found from the table 5.4.5.3 that of the total respondent 47% of them

possess radio while another 40% of the totals do not. Only 14% of the total is with

radio and use at all the time.

It is concluded that most of the respondents receive warning through media

and mobile phone and a small proportion of the total have radio with them for the

purpose of alerts.

177

Table- 5.4.6

Life Saving Warning System at the Time of Natural Disaster

District Total

5.4.6.1 Kanyakumari Cuddalore

during disaster how

do save your life

Running to safety

place 50 39 89

25.0% 19.5% 44.5%

Running away from

sea 23 44 67

11.5% 22.0% 33.5%

Running high place 27 17 44

13.5% 8.5% 22.0%

5.4.6.2

Warning system Church bell 51 0 51

25.5% 0% 25.5%

Radio 27 34 61

13.5% 17.0% 30.0%

Orally shouting in

street 22 18 40

11.0% 6.5% 17.5%

Through police 0 48 48

.0% 24.0% 24.0%

Total 100 100 200

50.0% 50.0% 100.0%

178

Table – 5.4.6 presents the Life saving & Warning System at the time of natural

disaster

5.4.6.1 indicates that nearly 45% of respondents run to safety place. In district-

wise comparison Kanyakumari district about 50 respondents reported running to

safety place than those in Cuddalore (39).

5.4.6.2 presents that the nearly 30% of the respondents got warning from radio.

And nearly 25.5% respondents got warning from church bell in Kanyakumari district

It is concluded that more respondents preferred running to the place of safety.

About 30% of the respondents got warning from radio.

179

Table- 5.4.7

Recent Disaster Experience

District Total

5.4.7.1 Kanyakumari Cuddalore

it is dangerous to live in

costal area

Yes 65 53 118

32.5% 26.5% 59.0%

No 35 47 82

17.5% 23.5% 41.0%

5.4.7.2

apart from tsunami which

disaster you have

experienced recently

Flood

49 54 103

24.5% 27.0% 51.5%

Storm 35 42 77

17.5% 21.0% 38.5%

Sea

Erosion 13 3 16

6.5% 1.5% 8.0%

Rain 2 0 2

1.0% .0% 1.0%

Big waves 1 1 2

.5% .5% 1.0%

Total 100 100 200

50.0% 50.0% 100.0%

Table 5.4.7 presents the disaster experience of the respondents.

5.4.7.1 reveals that the majority 59% of the respondents reported that it was

dangerous to live in coastal areas. In a district-wise comparison in Kanyakumari

district more number (65) agreed to the same than Cuddalore district (53).

Table 5.4.7.2 presents that 52% of the respondents affected by flood after

tsunami and another 39% of the total faced storm after tsunami.

The conclusion drawn from this table is that the majority of the respondents

perceived that it is dangerous to live in coastal areas and majority of them were

affected flood and storm after tsunami.

180

Table-5.4.8

Protection of Huts

District Total

5.4.8.1 Kanyakumari Cuddalore

Safeguarding huts

during flood

&cyclone

Change the hut to

another place 37 42 79

18.5% 21.0% 39.5%

Nothing is done 49 48 97

24.5% 24.0% 48.5%

Build at house at a safe

place 14 10 24

7.0% 5.0% 12.0%

Total 100 100 200

50.0% 50.0% 100.0%

According to table 5.4.8.1 nearly 49% of them reported that nothing was done

to the huts at the time of flood, while another 40% of respondents changed the hut to

another place at the time of flood. Only 12% of the total built the house at safe place.

181

Table-5.4.9

Common Diseases at the Time of Disaster

District Total

5.4.9.1 Kanyakumari Cuddalore

What are all common

diseases spread at time

of disaster

Itching

32 46 78

16.0% 23.0% 39.0%

Virus Fever 37 30 67

18.5% 15.0% 33.5%

Malaria

Fever 26 11 37

13.0% 5.5% 18.5%

Skin Disease 3 1 4

1.5% .5% 2.0%

Chicken Box 2 12 14

1.0% 6.0% 7.0%

Total 100 100 200

50.0% 50.0% 100.0%

Table 5.4.9. presents the particulars about the common diseases that spread

after disaster in the coastal area.

According to table 5.4.9.1 nearly 39% of the respondents suffered from

itching at the time of stay in the shelter and while other suffered from virus fever

34%,malaria fever 19% chicken pox 7%, and skin disease 2% of respondents are

suffering from virus fever due to the staying the shelter.

Therefore, it is concluded the entire respondent suffered from one or the other

of above said diseases.

182

Table-5.4.10

Respondents’ Preference on Climate Change.

5.4.10.1 District Total

Kanyakumari Cuddalore

Change of

climate/monsoon because

of the disaster

Yes

68 55 123

34.0% 27.5% 61.5%

No 32 45 77

16.0% 22.5% 38.5%

5.4.10.2

is yes reason Heavy weaves 17 15 32

8.5% 7.5% 16.0%

Heavy rain 41 29 70

20.5% 14.5% 35.0%

Heavy sun

light 8 5 13

4.0% 2.5% 6.5%

Sea aeration 2 6 8

1.0% 3.0% 4.0%

32 45 77

16.0% 22.5% 38.5%

5.4.10.3

What type of shelter do

you prepare during the

time flood

Normal

56 34 90

28.0% 17.0% 45.0%

Pucca 40 58 98

20.0% 29.0% 49.0%

Not good 4 8 12

2.0% 4.0% 6.0%

Total 100 100 200

50.0% 50.0% 100.0%

183

Table 5.4.10 presents the respondent’s preference towards shelter during

monsoon changes in the study districts.

5.4.10.1 indicates that 61.5% of the total respondents reported that monsoon

changes occur due to disaster. In district-wise comparison in Kanyakumari district 68

out of 100 reported the same than in Cuddalore district (56).

According to table 5.4.10.2 nearly 35% of the total respondents reported that

heavy rain due to the monsoon change in the study areas. In a district-wise

comparison more number (41) in Kanyakumari district reported heavy rain due to

monsoon change than in Cuddalore district (29).

It is understood from table 5.4.10.3 about half (49%) of the total respondents

need pucca shelter whereas another 45% of the total stated that normal one is enough

to them. In a district-wise comparison Cuddalore district more number (58) are

staying in the pucca shelter than Kanyakumari district (40).

Therefore, it is understood there was a change in the monsoon due to disaster

and more number of them say that heavy rain had come due to the monsoon change

and great number of respondents reported that they were staying in pucca shelter.

Therefore, it is understood that more number of the respondents require pucca shelter.

184

Table-5.4.11

Information about Tsunami

District Total

5.4.11.1 Kanyakumari Cuddalore

Information about tsunami Yes 47 57 104

23.5% 28.5% 52.0%

No 53 43 96

26.5% 21.5% 48.0%

5.4.11.2

If yes from whom News paper 10 3 13

5.0% 1.5% 6.5%

Family Members 30 16 46

15.0% 8.0% 23.0%

Relatives 2 4 6

1.0% 2.0% 3.0%

Village people 5 3 8

2.5% 1.5% 4.0%

Police 0 10 10

.0% 5.0% 5.0%

Cinema 0 9 9

.0% 4.5% 4.5%

Old history book 0 11 11

.0% 5.5% 5.5%

53 43 96

26.5% 21.5% 48.0%

Total 100 100 200

50.0% 50.0% 100.0%

185

Table 5.4.11 presents the source of information about tsunami in the study

districts.

5.4.11.1 indicates that more than half (52%) of the respondents reported that

they had prior knowledge about tsunami alert. In a district-wise comparison more

number of respondents in Cuddalore district (57) got information about tsunami than

Kanyakumari district (47).

5.4.11.2 reveals that the majority (52%) of the respondents reported that they

got information about tsunami from various resources like news paper, family

members, relatives, village people, police, cinema and books. However, nearly a half

(48%) of the total respondents of both districts did not receive any information

regarding tsunami.

Therefore it is concluded that only a half of the total respondents are informed

of tsunami.

186

Table- 5.4.12

Cause of Tsunami and Habitation

District Total

5.4.12.1 Kanyakumari Cuddalore

Cause for the tsunami Earthquake under Sea 50 60 110

25.0% 30.0% 55.0%

Volcano 30 38 68

15.0% 19.0% 34.0%

Sea Erosion 18 2 20

9.0% 1.0% 10.0%

God's Anger 2 0 2

1.0% .0% 1.0%

5.4.12.2

you have returned to

normal life

Yes 68 33 101

34.0% 16.5% 50.5%

No 32 67 99

16.0% 33.5% 49.5%

5.4.12.3

Tsunami changed your

habitation

Yes 63 60 123

31.5% 30.0% 61.5%

No 37 40 77

18.5% 20.0% 38.5%

Total 100 100 200

50.0% 50.0% 100.0%

187

Table 5.4.12 reveals the respondents’ perception towards the cause for tsunami

and change in their habitation.

Table 5.4.12.1 indicates that the majority of the (55%) respondents are

reported the cause of tsunami is earthquake under the sea. In district-wise comparison

Cuddalore district more number (60%) reported earthquake under the sea due to the

cause for tsunami than in Kanyakumari district (50%).

5.4.12.2 Indicates that the majority (51%) of them returned to the normal life.

In district-wise comparison in Kanyakumari district more number (68) of respondent

returned to normal life than in Cuddalore district (33).

5.4.12.3 indicates that the majority of them (62%) reported that tsunami has

changed the habitation. In district-wise comparison Kanyakumari district more

number (63) of them agreed to above statement than those in Cuddalore district (60).

Therefore, it is concluded that earthquake and volcano eruption under the sea

were the causes for tsunami; majority changed habitation due to tsunami and

subsequently, majority of them had returned to normal life.

188

Table-5.4.13

Loss of Movable and Immovable Property after Tsunami

5.4.13.1 District Total

Kanyakumari Cuddalore

Movable

property

Boat&net 30 51 81

15.0% 25.5% 40.5%

Boat/net/cloth/TV/Radio/Electrical

Goods/Bureau/Cot/Table/ 9 36 45

4.5% 18.0% 22.5%

Home Appliances 17 8 25

8.5% 4.0% 12.5%

TV/Radio/Electrical goods 11 0 11

5.5% .0% 5.5%

Bureau/Cot/Table/Furniture 17 5 22

8.5% 2.5% 11.0%

Certificate/Book/Education kit 9 0 9

4.5% .0% 4.5%

Boat/Net/ Clothes/Home Appliances 3 0 3

1.5% .0% 1.5%

Clothes 4 0 4

2.0% .0% 2.0%

5.4.13.2

Immovable

property

House 96 68 164

48.0% 34.0% 82.0%

Land 0 30 30

.0% 15.0% 15.0%

Shop 4 0 4

2.0% .0% 2.0%

House/Shop 0 2 2

.0% 1.0% 1.0%

Total 100 100 200

50.0% 50.0% 100.0%

189

Table 5.4.13 indicates the loss of the movable and immovable properties of the

respondents.

According to table 5.4.13.1 nearly (41%) of the respondents reported that the

movable properties are boat and net and nearly (23%) respondents reported that the

boat/net/tv./radio/electronic goods/bureau/bed/tables are movable assets for them and

(13%) home appliances and (11%) of the respondents have no idea of the movable

properties.

5.4.13.2 Indicates that the majority (82%) of respondents reported that house

is the immovable property of the respondents. In district-wise comparison

Kanyakumari district more number (96) of respondents having only house as the

immovable assets than in Cuddalore district (68).

So it is concluded the movable properties are boat and net. The majority of

respondents reported that house is the immovable property of the respondents.

190

Table- 5.4.14

Catching of Fish before Tsunami

5.4.14.1 District Total

Kanyakumari Cuddalore

Catching of fish before tsunami Yes 75 81 156

37.5% 40.5% 78.0%

No 25 19 44

12.5% 9.5% 22.0%

Total 100 100 200

50.0% 50.0% 100.0%

Table 5.4.14 shows the respondents’ fish catching before tsunami.

5.4.14.1 reveals that the majority (78%) of them caught fish before tsunami. In

district-wise comparison in Cuddalore district more number (81) were catching fish

before tsunami than in Kanyakumari district (75).

Therefore it is understood that the majority of the respondents were catching

fish before tsunami.

191

Table-5.4.15

Fear and Experience of Tsunami

5.4.15.1 District Total

Kanyakumari Cuddalore

afraid to go for fishing

after tsunami

Yes 67 56 123

33.5% 28.0% 61.5%

No 33 44 77

16.5% 22.0% 38.5%

5.4.15.2

are you afraid of going to

sea even now

Yes 79 69 148

39.5% 34.5% 74.0%

No 21 31 52

10.5% 15.5% 26.0%

5.4.15.3

What was your experience

during tsunami

Fear for life 80 53 133

40% 26.5% 66.5%

How to save life 20 47 67

10% 23.5% 33.5%

Total 100 100 200

50.0% 50.0% 100.0%

192

Table 5.4.15 reveals the respondent fear and experience about tsunami.

5.4.15.1 indicates that the majority 62% of the respondents were afraid

of the sea after the tsunami. In district wise comparison in Kanyakumari

district more number (67) were afraid of going to the sea after the tsunami

than in Cuddalore district (56).

5.4.15.2 presents that the majority 74% of the respondents are afraid to

go to the sea even now. In district-wise comparison Kanyakumari district more

number (79) were afraid to go to the sea after the tsunami than in Cuddalore

district (69)

5.4.15.3 presents that the majority 66% of them feared for the life due

to the experience of the tsunami. In district wise- comparison in Kanyakumari

district more number 80 feared for life after the tsunami than in Cuddalore

district 53

Therefore it is concluded that the majority of the respondents are afraid

to go into the sea after the tsunami and majority of the respondents are afraid

to go to the sea even now. Majority of them feared for the life due to the

experience of the tsunami.

193

Table- 5.4.16

Knowledge of Monsoon Reports & Volcanic Eruption.

District Total

5.4.16.1 Kanyakumari Cuddalore

Monsoon reports Yes 63 57 120

31.5% 28.5% 60.0%

No 37 43 80

18.5% 21.5% 40.0%

5.4.16.2

Knowledge about the volcano

and volcanic eruption

Yes 61 40 101

30.5% 20.0% 50.5%

No 39 60 99

19.5% 30.0% 49.5%

Total 100 100 200

50.0% 50.0% 100.0%

Table 5.4.16 reveals the respondents knowledge regarding monsoon report,

volcano and volcanic eruption.

5.4.16.1 presents that 60% of the total respondents reported that they know

about the monsoon report. In a district-wise in comparison in Kanyakumari district

more number (63) knows about monsoon report than Cuddalore district (57).

5.4.16.2 Indicates that 51% of the respondents know about the volcano and

volcanic eruptions. In a district-wise comparison in Kanyakumari district more

number (61) knows about volcano than in Cuddalore district (40).

It is understood that the majority of them know about the monsoon reports and

majority of the total respondents know about volcano and volcanic eruption.

194

Table-5.4.17

Knowledge on the Occurrence of Tsunami

District Total

5.4.17.1 Kanyakumari Cuddalore

Knowledge on the

occurrence of

tsunami

Yes

64 80 144

32.0% 40.0% 72.0%

No 36 20 56

18.0% 10.0% 28.0%

5.4.17.2

Knowledge about

global warming

Yes 59 75 134

29.5% 37.5% 67.0%

No 41 25 66

20.5% 12.5% 33.0%

5.4.17.3

Normal changes

occurring in the sea

January-Feb 44 52 96

22.0% 26.0% 48.0%

Feb-March 43 40 83

21.5% 20.0% 41.5%

Mar-April 6 2 8

3.0% 1.0% 4.0%

May-June 1 0 1

.5% .0% .5%

June-July 6 6 12

3.0% 3.0% 6.0%

Total 100 100 200

50.0% 50.0% 100.0%

195

Table 5.4.17 Indicates the respondents knowledge regarding the occurrence of

tsunami and global warming.

5.4.17.1 presents that majority 72% of the total respondents know about how

tsunami occurred. In a district-wise comparison 80 respondents of Cuddalore district

know about how the tsunami occurred than those in Kanyakumari district (64).

5.4.17.2 reveals that two-thirds (67%) of the total respondents reported that

they have knowledge about global warming. In district-wise comparison Cuddalore

district reported more number (75) about the same than Kanyakumari district (59).

According to table 5.4.17.3 nearly 48% of the total respondents reported

during January-February changes occur in the sea normally and nearly another 42 of

the total reported the same would be during Feb-March.

Therefore, it is concluded that the majority of the respondents know about how

tsunami occurred; majority of them have knowledge about global warming; and most

of them reported that changes in the sea occur during January-February.

196

Table- 5.4.18

Alternative Occupation and Training

District Total

5.4.18.1 Kanyakumari Cuddalore

What do you know other than fishing Nothing 79 51 130

39.5% 25.5% 65.0%

Agriculture 9 49 58

4.5% 24.5% 29.0%

Construction 7 0 7

3.5% .0% 3.5%

Driving 5 0 5

2.5% .0% 2.5%

5.4.18.2

you need any training for other job Yes 75 51 126

37.5% 25.5% 63.0%

No 25 49 74

12.5% 24.5% 33.0%

Total 100 100 200

50.0% 50.0% 100.0%

197

Table 5.4.18 reveals that the alternative occupations and training availed to the

respondents in the study area.

According to table 5.4.18.1 the majority (65%) of the total respondents know

nothing other than fishing. In district-wise comparison more number (79) of

respondents in Kanyakumari district reported the same than those in Cuddalore

district (51).

5.4.18.2 reveals that the majority 63% of the total respondents are willing to

be trained for other jobs. In district-wise comparison Kanyakumari district more

number (75) required the training for other job than in Cuddalore district (51).

It is concluded that the majority of them reported that nothing is known other

than fishing and majority of them expressed their willingness to be trained for other

jobs.

198

Table- 5.4.19

Communications after Tsunami

District Total

5.4.19.1 Kanyakumari Cuddalore

How did you communicate after

tsunami

Directly 54 64 118

27.0% 32.0% 59.0%

Orally 46 36 82

23.0% 18.0% 41.0%

5.4.19.2

Your land affected due to the

tsunami

Yes 1 25 26

.5% 12.5% 13.0%

No 99 75 174

49.5% 37.5% 87.0%

5.4.19.3

After tsunami what was the

condition of the road

Good 39 50 89

19.5% 25.0% 44.5%

Bad

53 43 96

26.5% 21.5% 48.0%

Normal 8 7 15

4.0% 3.5% 7.5%

61.5%

5.4.19.4

Any environmental changes yes 48 63 111

24.0% 31.5% 55.5%

No 52 37 89

26.0% 18.5% 44.5%

Total 100 100 200

50.0% 50.0%

100.0

%

199

Table 5.4.19 presents communication and environment of the respondents in

the study districts.

5.4.19.1 reveals that the majority (59%) of the total respondents

communicated directly after tsunami. In district-wise comparison 64 out of 100

respondents of the Cuddalore district communicated directly than in Kanyakumari

district (54).

5.4.19.2 presents that a large majority (87%) of the total respondents reported

that no land was affected due to tsunami.

5.4.19.3 Indicates that the majority (62%) of the respondents reported that they

did not know about the systems of disaster. In district-wise comparison more

respondents (68) of Kanyakumari district expressed ignorance than those in

Cuddalore district (55).

5.4.19.4 shows that majority (55.5%) of the total respondents reported that

environmental changes occurred due to tsunami. In district-wise comparison

Cuddalore district reported more (63) about the presence of environmental changes

due to tsunami than Kanyakumari district (48).

It is concluded that the majority of the total respondents communicated

directly after tsunami; majority of them reported that no land was affected due to

tsunami; majority of them stated that they did not know about the systems of disaster;

and majority of them reported that environmental changes occurred due to tsunami.

200

5.5. COMMUNITY PREPAREDNESS AND DISASTER MANAGEMENT

Table - 5.5.1

Any Symptoms before Tsunami

5.5.1.1 District Total

Kanyakumari Cuddalore

was there any symptoms

before tsunami

Yes 79 56 135

39.5% 28.0% 67.5%

No 21 44 65

10.5% 22.0% 32.5%

5.5.1.2

if yes what was that High waves 65 46 111

32.5% 23.0% 55.5%

Wind 22 27 49

11.0% 13.5% 24.5%

Sea aeration 13 1 14

6.5% .5% 7.0%

Nothing 0 26 26

.0% 13.0% 13.0%

5.5.1.3

Who was the first to inform

you about the tsunami

My brother 52 30 82

26.0% 15.0% 41.0%

My father 37 28 65

18.5% 14.0% 32.5%

My mother 5 15 20

2.5% 7.5% 10.0%

My neighbors 6 7 13

3.0% 3.5% 6.5%

No body 0 2 2

.0% 1.0% 1.0%

police 0 18 18

.0% 9.0% 9.0%

Total 100 100 200

50.0% 50.0% 100.0%

201

Table 5.5.1 presents the symptoms perceived by the respondents before

tsunami in the study area.

5.5.1.1 reveals that the majority (67.5%) of the total respondents reported that

there were symptoms before tsunami. In district-wise comparison 79 respondents of

Kanyakumari district reported that the symptoms were there before tsunami than

Cuddalore district (56).

5.5.1.2 indicates that majority (56%) of the total respondents reported that

high waves were the symptoms before tsunami. In district-wise comparison 65

respondents of Kanyakumari district reported high waves as symptom than in

Cuddalore district (46).

5.5.1.3 presents that of the total 41% of respondents got first information from

their brothers about tsunami and followed by another 33% of the total receiving

warning from their father.

It is concluded that the majority of the respondents perceived symptoms

before tsunami in the form of high waves and most of them were warned about

tsunami by their primary relatives.

202

Table- 5.5.2

Communication in the Community

District Total

5.5.2.1 Kanyakumari Cuddalore

How did you

communicate the

community about

disaster

Orally

46 62 108

23.0% 31.0% 54.0%

No communication 43 33 76

21.5% 16.5% 38.0%

Shouted 11 5 16

5.5% 2.5% 8.0%

5.5.2.2

Mode of

information do

you prefer

Church bell

64 0 64

32.0% 0.0% 32.0%

public radio 26 37 63

13.0% 18.5% 31.5%

Shouting in street 12 20 32

6.0% 10.0% 16.0%

Through warning by

police 0 41 41

.0% 20.5% 20.5%

Total 100 100 200

50.0% 50.0% 100.0%

203

Table 5.5.2 presents the respondents’ means of communication in the study

districts.

5.5.2.1 presents that more than a half 54% of the total respondents reported

that they communicate orally. In district-wise comparison Cuddalore district more

number (62) communicate orally than Kanyakumari district (46).

5.5.2.2. indicates that about 32% of the total respondents preferred church bell

and public radio, respectively while another 20.5% through police. In district-wise

comparison in Cuddalore district more number (37) preferred public radio as means

for information than in Kanyakumari district (26).

It is understood that the majority of the respondents orally communicate to the

community on the disaster and given preference both to church bell and public radio

as means of communication.

204

Table-5.5.3

How do you Communicate Others During Disaster?

District Total

5.5.3.1 Kanyakumari Cuddalore

how do you communicating others

during disaster

Orally 46 54 100

23.0% 27.0% 50.0%

Church bell 38 0 38

19.0% .0% 19.0%

Through one to one

contact 16 14 30

8.0% 7.0% 15.0%

Mobile phone 0 32 32

.0% 16.0% 16.0%

5.5.3.2

how did you communicate during

cyclone/flood

Only mobile mobile 59 55 114

29.5% 27.5% 57.0%

Church bell 30 5 35

15.0% 2.5% 17.5%

Oral announcement 11 34 45

5.5% 17.0% 22.5%

No communication 0 6 6

.0% 3.0% 3.0%

Total 100 100 200

50.0% 50.0% 100.0%

205

Table 5.5.3 indicates the respondents’ mode of communication during disaster.

5.5.3.1 presents that roughly a half (50%) of the total respondents reported

shouting towards others during disaster. In district-wise comparison Cuddalore

district more number (54) reported shouting towards others during disaster than in

Kanyakumari district (46).

5.5.3.2 reveals that nearly three-fifth (57%) of the total respondents

communicates through the mobile phone during cyclone/flood. In district-wise

comparison, in Kanyakumari district more number (59) reported that they

communicate through mobile phone during the flood/cyclone than in Cuddalore

district (55).

It is understood that the majority of the respondents communicate with others

orally during disaster and majority of them use mobile phone at the time of cyclone

and flood.

206

Table- 5.5.4

Suggested Measures to Minimize the Impact of Tsunami

District Total

5.5.4.1 Kanyakumari Cuddalore

Early warning system 45 58 103

22.5% 29.0% 51.5%

Change living place 51 36 87

25.5% 18.0% 43.5%

No idea 4 6 10

5.0% 2.0% 3.0%

Total 100 100 200

50.0% 50.0% 100.0%

Table 5.5.4 reveals the measures suggested by the respondents to minimize the

impact of tsunami.

5.5.4.1 indicates that the majority (51.5%) of the total respondents suggested

early warning systems to control the impact of tsunami while another 44% of the total

suggested changing the living place. In district-wise comparison more number (58)

Cuddalore district respondents suggested the early warning systems than in

Kanyakumari district (45).

It is understood that the majority of the respondents suggested early warning

system and change of living place would minimize the impact of tsunami in the

coastal areas.

207

Table- 5.5.5

The role of Panchayat at the Time of Disaster

District Total

5.5.5.1 Kanyakumari Cuddalore

First aid 55 37 92

27.5% 18.5% 46.0%

Arrange shelter/Food/Cloth 42 55 97

21.0% 27.5% 48.5%

Nothing 3 8 11

1.5% 4.0% 5.5%

Total 100 100 200

50.0% 50.0% 100.0%

Table 5.5.5 indicates the role of panchayat at the time of disaster in the study

districts.

5.5.5.1 reveals that 48.5% of the total respondents reported that panchayats

arrange shelter/food/cloth at the time of disaster while another 46% of the total stated

first aid. In district-wise comparison 55 out of 100 of Cuddalore district reported the

role of panchayat is arranging shelter/food/clothes as for the victims than those

Kanyakumari districts (42).

It is concluded that the majority of the respondents reported the role of

panchayat as to arrange the shelter/food/clothes and first aid for the victims of natural

disasters.

208

Table-5.5.6

The Role of Panchayat/ GOs/NGOs to Control/Minimize the Disaster

District Total

5.5.6.1 Kanyakumari Cuddalore

Role of

Panchayat

No idea 24 26 50

12.0% 13.0% 25.0%

Weekly arrange village meeting

discussion for preparedness 50

25.0%

49

24.5%

99

49.5%

The GOs/NGOs to arrange EWS from

government 26 25 51

13.0% 12.5% 25.5%

5.5.6.2

Role of

GOs/NGOs

Give safety life 51 52 103

25.5% 26.0% 51.5%

Safe house 26 25 51

13.0% 12.5% 25.5%

Arrange regular occupation facilities 23 12 35

11.5% 6.0% 17.5%

Change the house to other side 0 10 10

.0% 5.0% 5.0%

No idea 0 1 1

.0% .5% .5%

Total 100 100 200

50.0% 50.0% 100.0%

209

Table 5.5.6 presents the respondents’ perception towards the role of panchayat

and GOs / NGOs to minimize the disaster.

5.5.6.1 reveals that nearly 50% of the total respondents reported that the

GO/NGOs give announcement and arrange village meetings and discussions about

preparedness, weekly; and nearly 26% expected GOs/NGOs arrange EWS in the

coastal areas.

5.5.6.2. Indicates that a half (51.5%) of the total respondents reported that

given GO/NGOs should ensure safety to fishermen while another 26% of the total

said that safe shelter would be given by GOs / NGOs.

It is understood that the majority of the respondents expected from the

panchayat to arrange village meetings and to create awareness about disaster to the

people and majority of them expected safety arrangements for life from GOs / NGOs.

210

Table 5.5.7

Role of Community to Minimize the Devastation and Expectation from

Government

District Total

5.5.7.1 Kanyakumari Cuddalore

Expectation from

government

Radar system 38 48 86

19.0% 24.0% 43.0%

Early warning system 28 28 56

14.0% 14.0% 28.0%

Government helping all time 33 11 44

16.5% 5.5% 22.0%

Good residence 1 4 5

.5% 2.0% 2.5%

Loan scheme for fisherman 0 9 9

.0% 4.5% 4.5%

Total 100 100 200

50.0% 50.0% 100.0%

Table-(5.5.7) indicates the respondent’s expectation from government in the

study area.

5.5.7.1 presentes that 43% of the total respondents expected radar system from

the government. In district wise comparison more respondents of Cuddalore district

(48) expected the radar system from the government than those in Kanyakumari

district (38).

It is concluded that most respondents expected the radar system from the

Government.

211

Table - 5.5.8

Preferred Mechanism and Warning System

District Total

5.5.8.1 Kanyakumari Cuddalore

Preferred mechanism at

the time of disaster

Nothing 45 30 75

22.5% 15.0% 37.5%

Church bell 31 0 31

15.5% .0% 15.5%

Mobile 22 29 51

11.0% 14.5% 25.5%

Orally 2 41 43

1.0% 20.5% 21.5%

5.5.8.2

Preferred warning system Siren 32 2 34

16.0% 1.0% 17.0%

Tom-Tom 10 0 10

5.0% .0% 5.0%

Church-bell 48 0 48

24.0% .0% 24.0%

Tumble-bell 2 0 2

1.0% .0% 1.0%

Public address

system 1 20 21

.5% 10.0% 10.5%

Mass media 7 6 13

3.5% 3.0% 6.5%

Others 0 1 1

.0% .5% .5%

Nothing 0 71 71

.0% 35.5% 35.5%

Total 100 100 200

50.0% 50.0% 100.0%

212

Table 5.5.8 reveals the respondents preference towards mechanism of warning

system in the study districts.

5.5.8.1 shows that about 38% of the total respondents did not prefer

mechanism for warning at the time of disaster. In district-wise comparison their

proportion found to be more in Kanyakumari district (45) than Cuddalore district.

5.5.8.2 presents that nearly 36% of the respondents reported that no warning

system preferred at the time of disaster however the remaining required warning

systems like church bell (24%), siren (17%), public address system (11%) and the

like.

It is understood that most of the total respondents did not prefer any mechanism

at the time of disaster; however, the remaining reported their preferences for various

warning systems at the time of disaster as stated above.

.

213

Table-5.5.9

Management of Natural Disaster & Knowledge of Early Warning System

District Total

5. 5.9.1 Kanyakumari Cuddalore

Management of natural disaster

Nothing is done 44 19 63

22.0% 9.5% 31.5% immediately running

away 43 60 103

21.5% 30.0% 51.5% Go to the high place 13 21 34 5.5.9.2

Knowledge about early warning system

Yes 51 60 111

25.5% 30.0% 55.5% No 49 40 89 24.5% 20.0% 44.5%

Total 100 100 200

50.0% 50.0% 100.0%

Table 5.5.9 indicates that the warning system in the study area.

5.5.9.1 Indicates the awareness of the majority 52% of the respondents

reported of immediate running away whenever such natural disaster occurred. In a

district-wise comparison Cuddalore district more number (60) reported that running

away from such natural disaster than Kanyakumari district (43).

5.5.9.2 reveals that the majority of the respondents reported that they know

about early warning system. In district-wise comparison in Cuddalore district more

number (60) reported knowing about early warning system than Kanyakumari district

(51)

It is concluded that the majority of the respondents immediately run away

from such natural disaster and majority of the respondents reported that they know

about the early warning system.

214

Table-5.5.10

Preferred Early Warning System

District Total

5.5.10.1 Kanyakumari Cuddalore

What type of EWS do you prefer Siren 18 0 18

9.0% .0% 9.0%

Tom-Tom 2 1 3

1.0% .5% 1.5%

Church-bell 25 0 25

12.5% .0% 12.5%

Temple-bell 1 0 1

.5% .0% .5%

Nothing 1 68 69

.5% 34.0% 34.5%

Shouting 53 31 84

26.5% 15.5% 42.0%

Total 100 100 200

50.0% 50.0% 100.0%

Table 5.5.10 indicates the preference for the early warning system of the

respondents.

According to table 5.5.10.1 nearly 42% of the respondents reported that

shouting only at the time of disaster. In a district-wise comparison in Kanyakumari

district more number (53) of respondents reported shouting only than Cuddalore

district (31).

It is concluded that the majority of the respondents reported that shouting only

is used at the time of disaster.

215

Table-5.5.11

Respondent’s Disaster Preparedness

District Total

5.5.11.1 Kanyakumari Cuddalore

Knowledge about preparedness Yes 28 48 76

14.0% 24.0% 38.0%

No 72 52 124

36.0% 26.0% 62.0%

5.5.11.2

If yes from whom My father 20 8 28

10.0% 4.0% 14.0%

My neighbors 8 0 8

4.0% .0% 4.0%

My brother 4 20 24

2.0% 10.0% 12.5%

Nobody 68 50 118

34.0% 25.0% 59.0%

Police 0 22 22

.0% 11.0% 11.0%

Total 100 100 200

50.0% 50.0% 100.0%

Table 5.5.11. indicates the respondents’ knowledge towards preparedness.

5.5.11.1 shows that majority of the total respondents (62%) reported that they

do not know about the preparedness. In district-wise comparison Kanyakumari

district more number (72) do know about preparedness than in Cuddalore district (52).

5.5.11.2 presents that the majority (62%) of the respondents in reported that

nobody to inform about the preparedness. In a district-wise comparison Kanyakumari

district more number (72) reported the same than in Cuddalore district (52).

It is concluded that the majority of the respondents do not know about the

preparedness and all of them reported that nobody informed them about preparedness.

216

Table-5.5.12

What Type of Preparedness do you know in Addition to EWS

District Total

5.5.12.1 Kanyakumari Cuddalore

Running away 56 49 105

28.0% 24.5% 52.5%

Change living place 35 50 85

17.5% 25.0% 42.5%

Church-bell 8 0 8

4.0% .0% 4.0%

Suddenly tsunami comes so we are un prepared 1 1 2

.5% .5% 1.0%

Total 100 100 200

50.0% 50.0% 100.0%

Table 5.5.12. presents that the majority (53%) of the respondents reported that

the running away at the time of disaster and nearly 43% of the respondents changed

the places of living from coastal areas to other places. In district-wise comparison

Kanyakumari district more number (56) reportedly running away at the time of

disaster than in Cuddalore district (49).

It is concluded that majority of the respondents ran away at the time of

disaster.

217

Table-5.5.13

Disaster Communication

5.5.13.1 District Total

Kanyakumari Cuddalore

Knowledge on disaster communication

system

Yes 57 62 119

28.5% 31.0% 59.5%

No 43 38 81

21.5% 19.0% 40.5%

5.5.13.2

Awareness on the improvement of the

structure of shelter

Yes 54 40 94

27.0% 20.0% 47.0%

No 46 60 106

23.0% 30.0% 53.0%

5.5.13.3

Self-preparedness during disaster Yes 52 65 117

26.0% 32.5% 58.5%

No 48 35 83

24.0% 17.5% 41.5%

Total 100 100 200

50.0% 50.0% 100.0%

218

Table 5.5.13 indicates the respondents knowledge of disaster communication

in the study districts.

5.5.13.1 reveals that the majority (60%) of the respondents reported that they

are having knowledge about disaster communication system. In a district-wise

comparison in Cuddalore district more number (62) of respondents had knowledge

about disaster communication system than in Kanyakumari district (57).

. 5.5.13.2 presents the majority (53%) of the respondents had no awareness on

the improvement of the structure of the shelter provided to them. In a district-wise

comparison in Kanyakumari district more (54) number of respondents did not know

the improvement of the structure of the shelter than in Cuddalore district (40)

5.5.13.3 shows that the majority (59%) of the respondents know about self-

preparedness during disaster times. In a district-wise comparison Cuddalore district

more (65) number confirmed on the same than in Kanyakumari district (52).

Therefore, it is concluded that the majority of the respondents have knowledge

about disaster communication system, without any awareness on the improvement of

the structure of the shelter provided to them, and have knowledge of self-preparedness

during disaster times.

219

Table-5.5.14

Climatic Change after Tsunami

District Total

5.5.14.1 Kanyakumari Cuddalore

Any climatic change after

tsunami

Yes 68 62 130

34.0% 31.0% 65.0%

No 32 38 70

16.0% 19.0% 35.0%

5.5.14.2

if yes what are the changes High waves 27 20 47

13.5% 10.0% 23.5%

Sudden rain 34 39 73

17.0% 19.5% 36.5%

Over sun

light 3 2 5

1.5% 1.0% 2.5%

Sea water

increasing 4 1 5

2.0% .5% 2.5%

No change 32 38 70

16.0% 19.0% 35.0%

Total 100 100 200

50.0% 50.0% 100.0%

Table 5.5.14 presents the particulars of climatic change after tsunami.

5.5.14.1 reveals that the majority (65%) of respondents reported of climatic

change there after tsunami.

5.5.14.2 indicates more number (36%) of respondents stated that sudden rain

occurs due to change in the climate and 24% of the respondents reported high waves

from sea due to the climatic changes.

It is concluded climatic change occurred and sudden occurrence of rain due to

climatic changes.

220

Table-5.5.15

Your Work Affect Because of the Change

District Total

5.5.15.1 Kanyakumari Cuddalore

work in affected because of the

change

Yes 80 92 162

40.0% 46.0% 81.0%

No 20 8 28

5.5.15.2 10.0% 4.0% 40.0%

If yes reason High waves 45 52 97

22.5% 26.0% 48.5%

Sudden rain 15 25 40

7.5% 12.5% 20.0%

Erratic

condition of

sea

20 15 35

10.0% 7.5% 17.5%

Not affected 20 8 80

10.0% 4.0% 40.0%

Total 100 100 200

50.0% 50.0% 100.0%

Table 5.5.15 reveals the respondent’s responses to work affected because of

the changes.

5.5.15.1 presents 81% of the respondents reported that work was affected due

to the climatic changes. In district-wise comparison in Cuddalore district more

number (92) reported that work was affected due to the climatic changes than in

Kanyakumari district (80).

5.5.15.2 indicates that nearly half (48.5%) of the respondents were affected by

high waves due to the climatic change and nearly 20% of the respondents reported

that sudden rain due to the climatic changes.

It is concluded that majority of the respondents’ work was affected due to

climate changes and majority of respondents reported high waves occurring due to the

climate changes.

221

Table-5.5.16

Tsunami Resistance and Relief Center

District Total

5.5.16.1 Kanyakumari Cuddalore

Knowledge about tsunami resistance building Yes 73 60 133

36.5% 30.0% 66.5%

No 27 40 67

13.5% 20.0% 33.5%

5.5.16.2

Tsunami relief center Yes 50 58 108

25.0% 29.0% 54.0%

No 50 42 92

25.0% 21.0% 46.0%

Total 100 100 200

50.0% 50.0% 100.0%

Table 5.5.16 indicates the respondents’ knowledge about tsunami resistance

and relief center

5.5.16.1 presents that the majority 67% of the total respondents have the

knowledge about tsunami-resistance building. In a district-wise comparison more (73)

respondents of Kanyakumari district have knowledge about tsunami-resistance

building than those of Cuddalore district (60) respondent.

5.5.16.2 reveals that the majority (54%) of the total respondents reported

awareness the tsunami resistance building available in the study area. in district wise

comparison 58 respondents of Cuddalore district reported that the tsunami resistance

building is available in the study area than in Kanyakumari district (50).

It is understood that majority of the respondents have the knowledge about

tsunami resistance building and the majority of them reported the availability of

tsunami resistance building in the study area.

222

Table-5.5.17

Respondents’ Opinion towards Removing Huts from Costal Area

District Total

5.5.17.1 Kanyakumari Cuddalore

Not to be removed 39 50 89

19.5% 25.0% 44.5%

Make a hut away from the coastal area 50 48 98

25.0% 24.0% 49.0%

Give strong building 10 2 12

5.0% 1.0% 6.0%

no use to fisherman 1 0 1

.5% .0% .5%

Total 100 100 200

50.0% 50.0% 100.0%

Table 5.5.17 reveals the respondents’ opinion towards the removal of huts

from the coastal areas.

5.5.17.1 indicates that about half 49% of the total respondents experienced the

need for a hut away from the coastal area to reduce disaster while 44.5% of the total

reported their unwillingness to remove huts from the coastal area because work would

be affected through the removal of huts since they cannot save the boat and net for

timely venturing in to the sea for fishing.

It is concluded that while about a half of the total respondents of the study

districts demanded to construct huts away from the coastal area to reduce the disaster,

the remaining resisted.

223

Table-5.5.18

Respondents’ Willingness to Live in Costal Area

District Total

5.5.18.1 Kanyakumari Cuddalore

Are you willing live in costal

area

Yes 25 40 65

12.5% 20.5% 32.5%

No 75 60 135

37.5% 30.5% 67.5%

5.5.18.2

if no why Tsunami fear 48 30 78

24.0% 15.% 39.%

Insecurity of life 12 10 22

6.0% 5.0% 11.0%

Fear about future 15 20 35

7.5% 10.0% 17.5%

25 40 65

12.5% 20.% 32.5%

Total 100 100 200

50.0% 50.0% 100.0%

Table 5.5.18 presents the respondents willingness to live in the costal area of

the study districts in future.

5.5.18.1 presents that majority (67.5%) of the total respondents expressed their

unwillingness to live in coastal areas. In a district-wise comparison 75 out of 100

there of respondents of Kanyakumari district reported the same than those in

Cuddalore district (60).

It is found from table 5.5.18.2 that the reasons for their unwillingness is fear of

tsunami 39%, insecurity for their live 11%, and fear about future 17.5%.

It is understood that majority of the respondents are unwilling to live in

coastal areas and majority of respondents have tsunami fear.

224

CHAPTER-VI

SUMMARY OF MAJOR FINDINGS

AND CONCLUSION

1. Significant majorities (71%) of the respondents are males and 64% of them come

under the age group of 32-47.

2. It is found that all the respondents who are engaged in fishing and allied activities

belong to most backward communities.

3. Majority (77%) of the respondents from both districts are illiterates and

significant (91.5%) of the respondents are involved in fishing as primary

occupation. The low educational status of the respondents is associated with the

coastal occupation namely fishing.

4. All the respondents (100%) in the study districts are married and majority (82%)

of the respondents live in the nuclear family.

5. The structures of house of all the respondents’ (100%) are pucca and nearly

(35%) of houses are built by the PMSSS (Pondicherry Multi Purpose Social

Service Society).

6. A significant number (55%) of the respondents do not remarry before tsunami in

Kanyakumari district and majority (65%) of the respondents remarried after

tsunami in Cuddalore district.

7. The dowry practices are widely prevailing among respondent in the study

districts and more number (34%) of respondents reported that the dowry

materials are jewels/vessels/two wheeler/cash etc.

8. Majority (53%) of the respondents are having a monthly income of Rs.8000 and

above.

225

9. Majority belong to (52%) the respondents have reported that the monthly

expenditure is Rs.10001-15000/- per month

10. Majority (50.5%) belong to two different castes in the Cuddalore district and

nearly (49.5%) to only one caste in the Cuddalore district and majority (53%)

status that caste based organizations not available in Kanyakumari district the

majority (54.5%) of respondents says that no idea about role for organization in

Cuddalore.

11. Significant number (100%) of the respondents are Christians and Hindus in the

study districts and through majority (52%) of the respondents are attending other

religious festivals majority of the respondents are not celebrating the other

religious festivals. and there is no discrimination based on religion.

12. Majority (66%) of the respondents reported of no religious problems in the study

area and more respondent reported that religious domination is there in the study

districts because Kanyakumari district has Christian domination and Cuddalore

district has Hindu domination. Majority of the respondents are reported of no

religious conversion in the study area.

13. Majority (80%) of the people celebrates village functions and all the people

celebrate the Christian and Hindu functions in the study districts and the all

respondents celebrate all the functions.

14. Majority (64%) of the respondents are involved in social organization working

in their village.

15. Significant majority (74%) of the respondents say that SHGs work in the study

districts and the majority (67%) of the respondents say that SHG work for

women development and create self employment for them.

226

16. Majority (56%) of the respondents reported that the youth clubs are working in

the village and more number say that youth club do involve in voluntary work

during festival time

17. Majority (56%) of respondents belongs to DMK party and reported that the

caste-class relationship is good.

18. While the respondents of Kanyakumari district take one day for fishing, and two

days are spent on the sea by Cuddalore district respondents.

19. More employment has been availed from March to April to the respondents while

June to September stands as off season for fishing in the study districts.

20. It is noted that more respondent (25.5%) catch the valzh fish because it is

seasonal variety.

21. All the (100%) respondents contribute to exporting fish in both the districts and

majority of them export through contractors.

22. Dipping fishes into salt is a preservative method for the respondents of both the

districts however, two-fifths (41%) of the total respondents are not interested in

dry fish during rainy seasons.

23. It is found that the fishermen of Kanyakumari district have access to marketing

facilities while Cuddalore district are not.

24. Majority (55%) of the women are helping in fish selling and involved are in the

preparation of sea food and majority of the total respondents treat women equally

on par with them.

25. Majority (70%) of respondents of both districts celebrates coastal festivals and

majority (55.5%) of them reported that such festivals are participated by non-

coastal people.

227

26. Majority (67%) of the respondents is aware of the risks in fishing and all of them

are facing risk from big waves, rain, cyclone and even larger fishes.

27. Majority (69.5%) of the respondents reported that they vote in the election time

and majority (77.5%) of the respondent cast their vote for the party to which they

belong.

28. Majority (75%) of the respondents of the study districts are not excluded from

their community, religion and never subjected to exploitation in term of wages

Therefore it is concluded that the respondents are not subjected to exclusion in

the study area.

29. Most (56%) of the respondents of the study districts, especially in the

Kanyakumari district (36.5%) are exploited by moneylenders by charging meter /

compound interest.

30. Majority (56%) of respondents reported that there is no exploitation by

government officers more number (39%) reported that there is delay in the

delivery of relief by government officers.

31. Majority of the respondents opined that improvement in social and economic

conditions would alone prevent exclusion in future.

32. Majority (66%) of the respondents got relief materials not properly and the rest

have no idea about the distribution of relief and rehabilitation measures.

33. Majority (52%) of the respondents reported that there is no corruption during the

distribution. However, the interference of village leaders, and their relatives and

members of political parties and panchayat leaders was prevalent in the study

area.

34. Majority (67%) of the respondents reported that the violence was there at the

time of distribution of relief materials to the people in the study districts.

228

35. Majority (67%) of the respondent/victims are provided with houses in the study

districts.

36. About three-fifths (57.5%) of the total are satisfied about the quality of the house

while the remaining expressed their dissatisfaction and reported various reasons

for the same.

37. More than two-third (68.5%) of the total respondents are satisfied about the

quality of the boat and while the remaining expressed their dissatisfaction for

various reasons.

38. Majority (74%) of the respondents has knowledge about the natural disaster and

it is found that the cyclone is the frequently affecting disaster in the coastal areas

of the study districts.

39. Majority (54.5%) of people passed on the information through one to one oral

communication about disaster and majority (55.5%) of respondents reported that

GOs/NGOs are confined to providing safety shelter for prevention and control

activities in the study area.

40. Majority (51%) of respondents reported that they are more affected by disasters

like flood.

41. Most (55%) of the respondents received warning through media and mobile

phone and small proportion of the total have radio with them for the purpose of

alerts.

42. More number of respondents preferred moving to safer places. About 30% of the

respondents received warnings through radio.

43. Majority (59%) of the respondents perceived that it is dangerous to live in coastal

areas and majority (51.5%) of them face flood and storm after tsunami.

229

44. Majority (39.5%) of the respondents moved to the safer places at the time of

flood and they did nothing to save their huts.

45. All (100%) the respondents suffered from one or the other disease.

46. Majority (61.5%) of the respondents reported that the climate change was

responsible for the disaster and they felt that heavy rain had occurred though they

are staying in pucca shelter.

47. Only a half of the total respondents are informed of tsunami. Majority (55%) of

the respondents reported that earthquake and volcano eruption under the sea were

the causes for tsunami; majority (61.5%) changed habitation due to tsunami and

subsequently, majority (50.5%) of them had returned to normal life.

48. Majority (61.5%) of the respondents were fearful of going into the sea after the

tsunami and majority (74%) of the respondents are afraid of going into the sea

even now.

49. Majority (60%) of them knows about the weather reports and knew about

volcano and volcanic eruption.

50. Majority (72%) of the respondents knew about how tsunami occurred and they

are having knowledge about global warming; and most of them reported that

changes in the sea occur during January-February.

51. Majority (65%) of them reported that no other work except fishing is known to

them and expressed their willingness to undergo training for other jobs.

52. Majority (59%) of the respondents communicate directly after tsunami, they

reported that no land was affected due to tsunami, stated that they don’t know

about the forms of disaster and they felt that environmental changes occurred due

to tsunami.

230

53. Majority (67.5%) of the respondents perceived symptoms of tsunami in the form

of high waves before tsunami and most of them were warned about tsunami by

their primary relatives.

54. Majority (54%) of the respondents orally communicated to the community about

the disaster and used both church bell and public radio as means of

communication.

55. Majority of the respondents communicated to others orally during disaster and

they used mobile phone at the time of cyclone and flood.

56. Majority (51.5%) of the respondents suggested that installation of early warning

system and change of habitat would minimize the impact of tsunami in the

coastal areas.

57. More number (48.5%) of respondents identified the role of panchayat in

arranging the shelter/food/clothes and first aid for the victims of natural disaster.

58. Majority (49.5%) of the respondents expected the panchayat to arrange village

meetings and to create awareness on disaster to the people and majority of them

expected safety arrangements for life from GO/NGOs and they expected the

radar system from the Government.

59. Most (37.5%) of the total respondents did not prefer any mechanism at the time

of disaster; however, the remaining reported their willingness towards various

warning systems at the time of disaster.

60. Majority (51.5%) of the respondents ran away at the time of disaster. They

immediately ran away from such natural disasters, whenever they occurred and

majority of the respondents stated that they know of the early warning system

and reported that shouting only was used at the time of disaster.

231

61. Majority (62%) of the respondents does not know about the preparedness and all

of them reported that nobody instructed them about preparedness.

62. Majority (59.5%) of the respondents are having knowledge about disaster

communication system, without any awareness on the improvement of the

structure of the shelter provided to them, and have self-preparedness during

disaster times.

63. Majority (81%) of the respondents reported that work was affected due to climate

changes and reported that high waves occurred due to the climate changes.

64. Majority (66.5%) of the respondent have the knowledge about tsunami resistance

building and the majority (54%) of them reported the availability of tsunami

resistance building in the study area.

65. About a half of the total respondents of the study districts demanded construction

of huts beyond the coastal area to reduce the disaster, and the remaining resisted.

66. Majority (67.5%) of the respondents are unwilling to live in coastal areas due to

the fear of recurrence of tsunami.

232

CONCLUSION

Disaster is any occurrence that causes damage, ecological destruction, loss of

human life or detonation of health and health service on a scale sufficiently towards

an extraordinary response from outside the affected community area. Disasters are

classified as human made and natural. Various countries experience different types of

disasters – human made and natural – and incur heavy loss of life, property,

environment and other damages to infrastructure. In the absence of community

preparedness in disaster mitigation and management, people and areas vulnerable to

such disasters are subjected to devastation and extinction. Among the various natural

disasters occurred in India the recent tsunami which struck on December 26, 2004 in

the east coast from Chennai to Kanyakumari was a giant killer wave which emanated

under sea from Indonesia. Thousands of people who fell victim to this giant tidal

wave were mostly on the coastal line habitats. Since it was a wonderful and surprising

scene the ignorant and innocent fishermen community fell easy victim of tsunami of

which they never heard and experienced earlier. The community is ignorant of matters

related to disasters, self preparedness to face the challenges of disasters like flood,

tsunami. Oral communication and church bell are the popular mechanisms of

communication on occurrence of disaster. They desire to generate awareness on the

disaster challenges. The establishment of satellite linked village knowledge center in

prevention and control of disaster prone coastal zones would go a long way in

ensuring a fool proof system of community preparedness in disaster management.

Climate change and its influence in coastal livelihood have caused numerous

sufferings to the coastal community. The conclusion of the study is that the

community life in coastal zone is precarious and their plight is full of sufferings and

uncertainties. This necessitates designing of appropriate intervention strategies by

233

GOs, NGOs, CBOs, PRIs and other micro level fora. The installation of early warning

system with satellite link will drastically change the livelihood security and provide

safety to coastal communities to involve in their life earning challenges on sea and

ultimately deliver sustainable development. Community in this regard is to be

enlightened and empowered through dissemination of knowledge to ensure their

participation in prevention, control, and mitigation and rehabilitation activities of

coastal zones prone to natural disasters.

234

CHAPTER-VII

ACTION PLAN

The research on this topic undertaken in two coastal district of Tamil Nadu

with a focus on tsunami exposed certain interesting finding dealing with social

exclusion community preparedness and disaster management. Since, the research takes

the over tone of action research, the implication is the preparation of a complaisance

frame work for action plan covering the foretasted dimensions. The frame work for the

action plan is sketched based upon the major finding of this research and the same was

thoroughly designed with the cross setting and the stakeholders. The Brainstorming

exercises on the action plan were carried out among the stakeholders namely coastal

community NGOs, CBOs, Consumers, Business man, Service providers etc. Inanition

this action plan is also presented to the government officials particularly at the state

and district level for its validation. The action plane based upon this research finding

and the validated framework of the action plan covering the dimension of

mainstreaming social exclusion community preparedness, disaster management is

presented her under.

235

Impact

Inclusive policy

Type of

Exclusion

* Isolation.

* Segregation.

* Idleness.

* Mentally

depressed.

* Self Imposed

Isolation.

* Incapacitated

persons.

* Fear Psychosis.

Extent of

Exclusion

* Non-

participation in

community life.

* Abnormality.

* Labour

Exclusion.

*Fisherman

*Association

*Occupation

mobility

Affected Groups

* Business men.

*

Contractors/Commission

Agents.

* Transporters.

*Consumers.

*Neighborhood coastal

Community.

*Laborers.

*Vendors.

* Boat mechanics.

Exclusion

* Affluence.

* Alienated.

*Chronically

Marginalized.

* Physically

Handicapped.

*Widower/separated.

* Single women

MAINSTREAMING SOCIALLY EXCLUDED

236

Individual

* Affluent.

* Personality collapse/

development.

* Laziness.

* Extra vaganza.

*Social drft/Positive

(or) negative.

*Work culture

affected.

*Labour cum-owner.

Tertiary

*service

provides

237

Primary

* Enumeration

*Really disserving for relief & rehabilitation.

*Indicators of Inclusion.

Secondary

*Business

persons.

* Farmers.

*Consumers.

*Contractors.

*Industrialist

MAINSTREAMED

COMMUNITY LIFE

238

Family

*Imparting knowledge regarding disaster. * Sharing of knowledge among the family members.

Educational Institution

* Inclusion of disaster education. * Formulization disaster knowledge. * Creativity contests on disaster Management. * Coastal zone awareness education.

SHG

* Gives awareness to the group member. * Create drama about preparedness/disaster risks * Arrange weekly facilitation

programmes.

Social Institutions

Informal Formal Organization

Religion

* Warning systems. *Community shelter. *Information passing through religious meetings/ prayers/ congregation *Posters explaining

Revenue

* Evacuation * Shelter to victims. * Relief to victims. * Resettlement. * Rehabilitation. * Co-ordination with other depts. (Health, Transport, community housing public works etc.) * Inclusion of CBO’s in relief and rehabilitation activities.

NGO * Give awareness through the programmes. * Create early warning systems in the coastal area. * Create public address system. * Create communication system to the people. * Information, communication and disaster mitigation. * Counseling and guidance. * Provision of Relief & shelter. *Awareness creates on disaster and preparedness. * Facilitation National & International service

CASTE * Sharing of disaster knowledge. * Back and forth communication to be in an enriched manner. *Orthodoxical beliefs to be eliminated * Causes for disaster to be

DISASTER

MANAGEMENT

239

1.

Youth club

* Create street drama about disasters and management. * create awareness. * Communication on the disasters. * Safety to the old age people during occurrence Of disaster *voluntary service * Evacuation to safer shelters *Distribution of relief materials. * Safety and security to the victims. * Resettlement activates. Counseling.

Fishermen Association

* Training to the fishermen on disasters and management. * Construction of strong shelter. * Periodical exposure on livelihood risks in coastal region * Install communication gadgets to inform the off shore fishermen. *satellite up linking facility for faster dissemination of information * ensure social security measures to families victimized by disaster.

PRIs

* Incoming disaster information dissemination. * Awareness creation activities. * Co-Ordination between victims & government. * Distribution of relief & rehabilitation activities. * Preparedness activity. Inclusion of disaster management in the list of PRI

DISASTER ENLIGHTENED

INCLUSIVE SOCIETY

240

COMMUNITY

Role of Family in

Disaster

Preparedness

* Imparting & Imbibing knowledge of disaster proneness. * Moving with movable properties. *Safe deposit in bank. * Children and old age persons’ evacuations arrangement. * Information communication through receiver.

Community

Dimension of

Preparedness

* Connectivity between coast and shelter through concrete slaps. * Public address system. * Church/ Temple. Symbolic Indications flag member. * Early warning system Information dissemination through Temple/Church. *Tom Tom *Bell

Caste Association

*dissemination of disasters proneness *safeguards *life saving mechanisms *speedy communication *Evacuation support to GOs/NGOs/CBOs

Religion * Mission/Relief & Rehabilitation *Consoling & guidance. * Mitigation * Reversion to normality. * Congregation sermons’. * Conventions. * Tap funds for relief and rehab. Activities

NGOs * Education. *Awareness * Disaster proneness & preparedness/R and R. *Construction of shelters. * Disaster Asylum. * Guidelines & Counseling * Community radio.

CBOs/SHGs * Capacity building. *Training. *Empowerment. *Supporting EWS. *micro finance and enterprises * Livelihood security *preservation of bio-sphere

Academic

Institution* Design courses on disaster preparedness and management * Shelter. *Guidance & Counseling. * Survey on nature and extent of devastation *Monitoring and evaluation of relief and rehabilitation activities * Disaster mitigation and development

planning.

Government

* EWS * Asylum structure. *Permanent shelter. *Relief Rehabilitation.

Mass Media Visual Media:-

Documentaries I.Disaster proness Ii. Disasters

PRIs * Installation EWS. * Tax for disaster preparedness & mitigation. * Planning disaster preparedness. *Distribution of Relief materials * Arrange Co-Ordination for Rehabilitation * Evacuation

Meteorological

Station

Early Warning System *Periodical weather bulletins.

ACTION PLAN

241

Mainstreaming Socially Excluded: Nature of Exclusion

Though the coastal communities, by and large, are not subjected to exclusion

in the distribution of relief and rehabilitation, there were instances of delayed delivery

of the relief f rehabilitation measures/ materials. At the same time no corruption was

reported in the process of distribution. However there were isolated instance of

violence at the time of delivery of benefits to the victims. It is reported, by and large,

that the coastal community people are satisfied with the nature of house constructed,

boat and net distributed as part of rehabilitation activities.

In spite of the distribution of compensation and other rehabilitation there has

been a feel of marginalization, physical disabilities, individual status of widow,

widower, separated, women headed households, etc… At the same time are certain

instances of affluence as result of over tapping of relief and rehabilitation measures by

certain vested interests.

This needs to be dealt with appropriately through proper enumeration of

victims, nature and extent of loss, designing of welfare programmes taking to account

the felt needs of victims. The NGOs Academic institutions Corporate have got a

greater role to play in this regard. By doing this it is expected that wherever

exclusions were reordered could be avoided and the community subjected to such

types of exclusion are mainstreamed

Types of exclusion

It is observed that the victims of tsunami had been subjected to isolation,

segregation, idleness, depression, fear psychosis etc… To deal with these it is

proposed that the people are brought under the fold of group particularly in the form

at SHGs micro enterprises where in capacity building activities, skill promoting

242

training programme for income generation programme are undertaken in their midst.

Above all individual and group counseling programmes specific to the needs of the

victims are to be planned and undertaken by the NGOs, Academic institutions

Corporate Social workers etc..

Affected Groups:

It is identified that the tsunami struck in the coastal areas had not only affected

the fisherman but also other stakeholders in the vicinity like contractor, commission

agent transporters, Consumers, Laborers, vendors, boat mechanics and other

neighborhood communities. This group of people also deserves appropriate

compensation and relief measures since their livelihood sources got affected in view

of tsunami. While the contractor commission agents, transporters may be provided

loans through nationalized banks, conversion of short to long-term loan period

alternate employment or unemployment dole to labourer vendors and other boat

mechanics. By doings this the affected groups as a result of tsunami, it is expected

that they could be mainstreamed.

Extent of Exclusion:

Owing to the natural disaster in the coastal region the community is severely

affected and normality is disturbed. As a result, there emerges abnormality, alienation.

Idleness among the members of the coastal community. It is proposed that timely

social intervention by GOs, NGOs, Academic institutions, Corporate sectors, Funding

agencies could alleviate their sufferings Community participation in disaster

mitigation would reduce the extent of exclusion.

Impact

Despite the intervention programme of GOs, NGOs, etc. The painful disaster

remains with the community since the loss reported not only voluminous and human

243

loss. The livelihood securities of the coastal community are severely affected in the

term of damages and destruction of Boat, Net, Hut, Habitat and human loss. Though

monetary compensation mitigates the loss of materials nothing would compensate the

loss of human being. As a result there has been an instance of personality collapse

social deviance laziness, mental stress etc. There were also citrine isolated causes of

affluence, extra vegans, Labour tannins to owner work culture of affected etc.

Appropriate counseling measures, proper monitoring and evaluation of relief

and Rehabilitation tie up with NGOs and corporate would prevent not only of

personality but also ensures appropriate delivery of disaster mitigation.

Inclusive Policy

It is true that there has been exclusion among the coastal community as

explained in this chart/bar diagram under various sub headings namely nature, type,

extent, group affected and the impact of exclusion. Simultaneously the action plan is

also incorporated under various sub headings in order to overcome the problems and

exclusions Therefore there is a necessity to involve GOs, NGOs, academic institution

funding agency corporate secures Social workers etc. In the process of perusing in

change policy and there by the socially excluded are integrated in the maintained

society. The inclusive dimensions are namely primary and secondary and tertiary.

Under primary it is proposed that a complete enumeration of the victims of

disaster and identification of the deserving groups who were affected by tsunami and

provision of appropriate Relief and Rehabilitation acceding to their felt needs and

demands. Obliviously this involves community participation and framing of the

indicators of loss due to the natural havoc so that they are brought to the mainstream

society.

244

Under secondary dimension of the sector the severely affected business men,

farmers, contractors, industrialists etc. should also be involved in the framing of

inclusive policy based upon the nature and extent of loss occurred to them.

Appropriate compensation/ concession / Subsidy/ waiver of loan which they

borrowed from banks and provision of fresh loan to resume their regular works.

In the tertiary dimension of the sector the services providers like market

forces, transporters etc. who underwent severe loss of their business need to be

appropriately assisted by providing compensation and provision of fresh loan to them

so as to integrate them in coastal business life.

Community Preparedness

In the community preparedness dimension of the framework for disaster

Management identified as family, Community, Caste, Religion, academic institution,

CBOs/SHGs, NGOs, PRIs, Government Mass media and meteorological station. the

logic behind is community is to be prepared by imparting the necessary information

awareness creation about the risks and dangerous involved in coastal community like

and there by the community is fully prepare to face any eventuality as disasters

proneness is frequent in the coastal region.

Accordingly under this dimension a linkage with various institutions and

agencies who are the stakeholders in protecting life, liberty property of coastal

community is to be ensured. The social intuition of family has got a greater role to

play in imparting, disseminating, ensuring knowledge, information of safety and

security respectively to the members of the family.

To the community level preparedness in the coastal region presupposes

connectivity’s usage of public address system. EWS and other symbolic indications

by hoisting cyclone related flag upon temples churches etc. in addition conventional

245

methods of information dissemination like Tom-Tom, striking of church bell. By

doing this the communities in the coastal region is made self confident to face any

danger to their life, property etc. in the event of natural havoc.

The caste association in the coastal life is very strong since the fisher

community is identified with their occupation. In Kanyakumari district they belong to

‘Mukuvar’ and in Cuddalore district they belong to “Raja parvathakulam”. The caste

association ensures social solidarity and a common parlance of their community. This

platform may serve for education on disaster proneness safeguarded, like swing

mechanism and speedily communication based evacuation of the people who are

exposed to disaster in coastal regions. The GOs, NGOs, CBOs, have got a greater role

to play in this regard.

Religion

The religion dimension of community preparedness involves the community

in congregation, convention, mission based activities of the denomination religious

people and leaders towards relief, rehabilitation, guidance and counseling activities

among the disaster prone coastal community. Taping of funding her undertaking relief

rehabilitation activities in advance are another significant aspect of community

preparedness.

The academic institution aspect of community preparedness ambitiously

involves research and extension activities in terms of designing courses on disaster

preparedness and magnitude, guidance and counseling services, disaster mitigation

and development planning and monitoring and evaluation of relief and rehabilitation

activities.

CBOs/SHGs:-

246

The community based organizations (CBOs) or Self Help Groups (SHGs)

being micro level community organizations have got an effective role in community

preparedness in terms of disaster mitigation activities and capacity building through

training leading to involvement of the people in the protection, promotion and

sustenance of livelihood security through organisation of micro enterprises as well as

the protection of bio sphere. By involving CBOs/SHGs in disaster mitigation

activities as well as in livelihood security it is believed that the community is fully

prepared to meet the natural disasters and undertake appropriately disaster mitigation

programme.

Non-governmental Organisation (NGOs)

In a welfare state it is the bounden duty and responsibility of the government

to provide all types of prevention and preparedness in respect of disaster prevention,

management and preparedness. However programme alone unable to fulfill the loss of

life property etc since the task is voluminous. Under the circumstance the Non-

Governmental Organisations (NGOs) are inducted to supplement the Governmental

activities. The NGOs provide yeomen services to the affected community as well as

educate them about the risks involved in coastal life. The NGOs are supposed to

concentrate on awareness creation, counseling, preparedness activities as well as

relief, rehabilitation in the event of occurrence of disasters. Reconstruction of

community life through provision of Boat, Net, Hut are the major part of NGO

intervention.

Panchayt Raj Institutions (PRIs)

Being the local governments the Panchayti Raj Institution are locally

responsible to ensure protection, preparedness and mitigation activities as well as

distribution of relief and rehabilitation programme to the victims of natural disasters.

247

Installation of EWS gadgets in the premises of PRI, arrangement of coordination in

mitigation activities and planning preparedness, levy of tax for disaster preparedness,

relief and rehabilitation are the major concerns of the PRIs.

Governments:-

As stated elsewhere in this chapter that the welfare state is committed for

ensuring the social wellbeing of the people in the society. In the event of natural

disasters particularly those occurring in coastal regions the community is faced with

enormous amount of uncertainty and abrupt development. Tsunami is one such

natural disasters on which the community was ignorant about its strike. Naturally the

community falls as an innocent victim of this natural disaster emerging from the

underwater currents due to earthquake. Therefore the government is duty bound to

ensure appropriate preparedness to face such unexpected natural havoc. The

community preparedness from government side includes EWS, construction of

Asylum structure, transport, communication, relief and rehabilitation distribution etc.

This necessitates creation of a department of disaster mitigation at state, district with

taluk and village level administrative arrangement. By doing this the community is

made fully prepared to take any eventuality.

Mass Media:

The mass media has got a larger role to play in disaster prevention, education

preparedness, mitigation activities etc. the Visual. Print and audio visual media have

the social responsibility in this regard.

Satellite assisted receivers shall facilitate quick dissemination of information

towards prevention, evacuation, preparedness and other mitigation activities.

Meteorological Station:

248

The meteorological station, though a government center, has to play the role of

social watch by releasing periodical weather bulletins, educating the coastal

communities about tidal waves, depressions, cyclone, tsunami etc. The meteorological

station should act as EWS. Networking with GOs, NGOs, CBOs, Fishermen

organisation particularly in coastal districts effectively serves the purpose of disaster

management and mitigation. Establishment of meteorological substation in every

coastal district would go a long way in fast dissemination of information about the

possible strike of natural disaster and ensure protection of life, property in the coastal

region.

DISASTER MANAGEMENT:

As stated the coastal region is expose to innumerous uncertainties, risks,

insecurities, as the natural disaster might strike any time abruptly which causes

devastation. Destruction to coastal livelihood securities and properties namely boat,

net, hut and also human loss had taken place. This being reality in the coastal area

there is an urgent need for the system of disaster management as a regular and routine

manner. The GOs, NGOs, CBOs, PRIs and other social institution namely family,

religion, caste as internal social institution; Education intuition, revenue, PRIs as

formal intuitions the CBOs, like SHG, Youth Club. Fishermen association and NGO

are included under community based organisation.

Internal:-

Family:

The social intuition of family as part of disaster management is to impart knowledge

about disaster and sharing among family members which may be integrated in the

process of socialization.

Religion:-

249

The religion dimension of Disaster Management under social institution is to

facilitate information dissemination about livelihood insecurity uncertainties

proneness in coastal life. The religious congregation of community may also be

appropriately used for awareness generation about all the uncertainties. The religious

missions could appropriately use for construction of EWS and community shelters.

Caste:

The caste organisation at the larger level in the coastal region could share the

knowledge on disaster preparedness and management. By doing this the members of

caste are made fully knowledgeable about various types of uncertainties, risks and

other insecurities in coastal life.

250

Formal Education Institution:

The educational institution as part of disaster management can offer disaster

management education in order to generate knowledge on natural disasters, a full-

fledged course on disaster management and mitigation may be included in the

relevant subjects in higher education as well as a lesson on disaster management in

the school curriculum.

Revenue:

The Government’s revenue department is regularly engaged in interaction

dissemination for early evacuation, provisions of relief and rehabilitation as well as

relief for victims of disasters. In addition to the revenue department other

departments, namely health, transport, public works, electricity may also be involved

in disaster mitigation works. In the process the CBOs could also the effectively

engaged in the disaster management and mitigation related activities.

Panchyat Raj Institutions (PRIs):

As local government the PRIs have got the duty to create awareness through

dissemination of information about the possible strike of disaster, evacuation

activities, involvement in distribution of relief and rehabilitation to the victims. In

addition the PRIs could coordinate with other departments of Government and

victims. The disaster management may also be included as one of the subjects in the

list of functions of PRIs.

Orgnisation:

The community based organisation (CBOs) like SHGs, Youth Clubs, and

Fishermen Association with which NGOs could effectively participate in disaster

251

management and mitigation activities effectively leading to creation of disaster

enlightened inclusive society.

SHGs:

Self Help Groups (SHGs) as community based organisation, SHGs in the

coastal areas may be entrusted with the task of creation of awareness, evacuation

monitoring and distribution of relief and rehabilitation materials to the victims and

also facilitate appropriate programmes for the revival of coastal life. The SHGs could

take up disaster management as a matter of discussion in their regular meeting.

Youth Club:

The youth who are young energetic have the capacity to involve in voluntary

service in not only awareness creation but also evacuation distribution relief materials

ensuring safety and security to the coastal communities on occasion of natural

disasters as a strong force. Their voluntary service could be used for emergency

activities.

Fishermen Association:

The professional organisation of the fishermen in the coastal region could act

as a platform for sensitization, training on disaster management expose on livelihood

risks in coastal region. Their safety and security activities are to be informed through

satellite link based in formulation and thereby ensure self-confidence and ensured

ensuring livelihood securities and thereby appropriately protect the individual, family

in the coastal fishermen community.

Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs)

The NGOs as social services agencies are marked by voluntarism which

invariably engages them in selfless public services towards social wellbeing of the

community. They are, by and large, identified to involve in such services as capacity

252

building income generation activities, counseling and guidance, relief and

rehabilitation, promotion awareness creation sensitization on disaster preparedness

and management, establishment of community based organisation, information

dissemination to the community facilitating development programmes to the

marginalised community towards their inclusive growth.

The NGOs as regards disaster management is concerned are to involve in

prevention, mitigation of disasters and provision of relief and rehabilitation to the

victims. Disaster resistant building structure as part of coastal communication by

adopting ICT gadgets, taping of funds from international development agencies

providing relief and rehabilitation, guidance and counseling etc. are identified to be

the major activities of NGOs serving in the coastal areas. Since NGOs are micro

developmental agencies they should be fully prepared to provide any emergency

services for which adequate funding support from GOs and other international

funding agencies are essential.

The NGOs should be liberally assisted towards mainstreaming the socially

excluded promotion of community preparedness in disaster management etc. by

entrusting the stakes of the NGOs thriving in coastal areas it is expected that the

socially excluded are integrated in the mainstreaming society, community

preparedness to face all challenges, uncertainties and other risks in coastal social life

and disaster management is fully operationalised leading to creation of disaster

enlightened inclusive society in which social exclusion is eliminated, disaster

preparedness is in place and disaster management is systematically evolved for which

infrastructure for communication like EWS, disaster preparedness ,education, fast

dissemination of information to the coastal community about the possible strike of

tsunami: early evacuation , provision of relief and rehabilitation etc are all essential.

253

The creation of a separate Ministry and Department for Disaster Management and

coastal community welfare both at central and state levels would facilitate the needed

budget support and regular developmental activities among the betake holders.

254

BIBLIOGRAPHY

BOOKS

1. Arjan de Haan Social Exclusion: enriching the understanding of Depravity on

pp.1-2

2. Arjan de Haan. Social Exclusion: Enriching the Understanding of

Deprivation (Manila: Asian Development Bank, 2000), pp.1-2.

3. Arunkumar Talwar, Sathish Juneja, Natural Disaster Management,

commonwealth publishers, 4831/24, prahlad street, Ansari road, Dray Ganj,

New Delhi-110002. Pp. 42-43

4. B. Hema Malini and K. Nageswara Rao “Coastal Erosion and Habital Loss

along the Goel, S.L and Ramkumar (ed). Disaster Management. New Delhi:

Deep & Deep Publications, 2001. pp.1232-35

5. B.K . Singhadhyaya, ; Disaster Management; publishers & Distributors, New

Delhi. PP. 111-117, 125-131, 160-174

6. Goel, S.L and Ramkumar (ed). Disaster Management. New Delhi: Deep &

Deep Publications, 2001.

7. P.S Chawla, Natural Hazards and Disaster Management, New Delhi: Pearl

Books 2008; pp.130-133,145-148.

8. P.S. Chawla Natural Hazards and Disaster Mangement, New Delhi pearl

books 2008. pp. 138-143

9. P.S. Chawla, Disaster How to Avoid Harm, Pearl Books New Delhi: (Page no:

81-91), 2008.

10. P.S. Chawla, Emergency and Disaster Management, New Delhi pearl books,

(page no:1-3, 7, 9-10,11-12, 23-29, 34-35, 38-48), 2008

255

11. P.S. Chawla, Emergency and Disaster Management, New Delhi pearl books,

2008 (page no: 34-35, 38-48)

12. P.S.Chawla, Natural Hazards and Disaster Management, Pearl Books, New

Delhi, pp: 130 -133, 138-143

13. S.L Goel, Disaster Management Administration and Management, Deep &

Deep Publications, New Delhi, 2007, pp 124-127

14. S.L Gole. Disaster administration and management. New Delhi: Deep & Deep

Publications, 2007; pp 13-15.

JOURNALS

1. A Fallout of Dam Construction” Current Science, 87 (9 &10), Nov.2004.)

2. According to the prevention/protection and mitigation from risk of tsunami

disaster (2005) report.

3. Avanish Kumar, Social Welfare, 53 (3), June 2006.), pp.27-30

4. B.N. Chattora. “Crime Situation in Tsunami Disaster Areas”, Social Welfare.

52 June 2005

5. Bhrat Dogre. Social Welfare, 51 no.12, March 2005), pp. 23-25

6. Competition affairs, August, 2007,pp;25

7. Competition affairs, August, 2007.pp.33

8. Current Science vol. 89. No. 8. October-25, pp. 1339-47.

9. Current science vol.89 No (8), 2004, October 25,pp;140-45

10. Disaster & Development, 1 (1), Nov.2006: pp. 96-99

11. Disaster impacts on communities and challenges for a critical response – paper

participation on national seminar march .5 -2006)

12. Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam January, 9 2005, “The Week”

256

13. Dr. Prakash B.Behere, Dr. Ravi P. Dhawale Health Action * November -2008.

14. ENVIS-news letter on state government supported by ministry of environment

and forest government of India .jun-2007 vol.4.no.2) pp.2-6

15. Geeta Raj, Social Welfare, 51 (12), March 2005).

16. Ibid, pp.

17. K.S. Krishna, “Coastal Hazard Preparedness”, Current Science, 89 (8), 25, Oct.

2005.), pp. 1339-45

18. K.S. Krishna, Current Sciences, vol, 89 No (8), 25, Oct.2005.)

19. Madhu R. Sekar (2005) Yojana, Feb.2005 Vol.49) pp. 29-32

20. Madhu R. Sekar, Yojana, Feb.2005). pp. 29-32

21. Menon, P.A. Our Weather. 1989, pp.234-244)

22. Nagaraja Front Line, January 30, 2005:126-127), pp. 126-27

23. Prafullakumar’s (2004) Social Welfare, vol.50. no.12, March-2004)

24. Prakash B. Behere and Ravi P. Dhawale. “Managing Mental Health in Disaster

Situations.” Health Action. Nov. 2007: 4-11.

25. Prakash et..al Health Action.November-2007 Pag No.5

26. Pratulla Kumar Das and Niranjana Pardhan. Social Welfare 50 (12), March,

2004.)

27. Profiles of Disaster management.

28. Radha and Velmayil, “Nagapattinam District since Tsunami, 2004” Kissan World.

35 (1), Jan.2008), pp.57-60.

29. Ravindar Banyal, “Natural Calamities and Pseudoscientific Means” Current

Science, 89 (10 & 11), Dec.2005). pp. 1779-83

30. Rehabilitation of Tsunami Victims in Kerala.

257

31. Relief undertaken by central social wafer Board for tsunami victims social

Welfare/Fedruary-2005, pp.43-45

32. Rev.Dr. Sebastin Ousepparapil “Health Action “November-2007. vol.20.no.11.

33. Sanjay K. Srivastava, “Disaster and Development ;Sanjay K. Srivastava, V.S.

Hedge, and N. Jayaraman, “Disaster and Development” Journal of the National

Institute of Disaster Management. 1 (2), May, 2007), pp. 111-15.

34. Sanjaya Bhatia, Environment & People, March 2007, pp. 23-26

35. Santosh Srinivasan, Yojana, Vol.49, 2005.), pp. 65-67

36. Sativa Sinha et.al. India and the World. (New Delhi: NCERT, 2004), pp.24-26

37. Sebastian Ousepparampil, “Disaster Management – Relief to the Tsunami

Affected”, Health Action, 18 (2), 2005.)

38. Sebastian Ousepparampil’s (2007) Health Action- Novembe-2007- Dealing With

Disaster Health-Vol0-20No-11, pp. 3-4

39. Shahin Sultana and K. Shanmugavelayutham, “The Role of the Social Worker in

Rehabilitating Women and Children in the Tsunami Tragedy”, Social Welfare, 51

(12), March 2005). pp. 16-18

40. Shahin sultana et..al.(2004) Social Welfare, vol.51. no.12, March-2004)

41. Subiramanian’s Front Line – 2007 Vol-24 November-24 Page No 104)

42. Sudhir K. Jain, “Effects of M 9 Sumatra Earthquake and Tsunami on 26,

Dec.2004”, Current Science, 88 (3), 10, Feb.2005). pp. 357-60

43. The gain wave in Asia.

44. Tsunami in Andhra Pradesh.

45. Tsunami in disaster-surviving nature’s fury.

46. Tsunami in Tamil Nadu “the damage and the stares response” Social

Welfare/Febrarury-2005

258

47. Vijay K. Agarwal et al. Current Sciences, 88 (3) 10, Feb.2005)

48. World Disasters Report, 2001

News paper

1. The Hindu, December 27, 2004.

2. Budi Waugh The Hindu, December 28, 2004:22

3. The Hindu, December, 29, 2004

4. The Hindu, December 30, 2004.

5. Yenger The Hindu, December 30, 2004

6. Chadha The Hindu, December 30, 2004

7. V.Jayanth The Hindu, April 29, 2005

Websites

1. Http: // www. Cbc News. Com/2005

2. http://www.unisdr.drg/2002

259

APPENDIX

S.NO

SOCIAL EXCLUSION AND COMMUNITY PREPAREDNESS IN DISASTER

MANAGEMENT: A STUDY IN COASTAL DISTRICTS OF TAMILNADU

GANDHIGRAM RURAL UNIVERSITY-GANDHIGRAM

INTERVIEW SCHEDULE

01 Respondent Name

02 District

03 Block

04 Cluster/Area

Section 1: Personal Information

101 Age Skip To

102 Sex 1.Male 2.Female

103 Educational Qualification 1.Illiterate 2.Primary 3.Secondary 4.Higher Secondary 5.Graduate 6.Others

104 Religion 1.Hindu 2.Musilm 3.Christian 4.Others

105 Caste 1.FC 2.BC 3.MBC 4.SC 5.Others

106 Occupation 1.Governmentemployee 2.Private employee 3.Fishing 4.Agriculture 5.Business (other than fishing) 6.Others

260

107 If Fishing 1.Own 2.Coolie 3.Contract 4.Both 5.Others

108 Marital Status 1.Single 2.Married 3.Separated/Divorced 4.Widowed 5.Remarried 6.Others

109 Type of Family 1.Nuclear 2.Joint 3.Extended 4.Single Member Family 5.Others

Family Size:

110 Adults (above 18)

1.Male : 2.Female :

111 Children 1.Male : 2.Female :

112 Natural of House 1.Hut 2.Thatched 3.Tiled 4.Pucca 5.others

113 Ownership 1.Own 2.Rent 3.government 4.private 5.funding agency 6.others

114. Respondent Monthly Income

1.Less than 2000 2.2001-5000 3.5001-8000 4.8001-10000 5.10001&above.

115

Family Monthly Income

1.Less than 5000 2.5001-8000 3.8001-10000 4.10001&above.

Family Particulars:

S.NO Relationship Sex Age Marital Education Occupation Income Remarks

261

to the Respondent

Status

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

Section: II social structure of the coastal area:

a. Socio-Cultural and Political Aspects:

2. Respondents Relationship with Family Members:

S.NO Family members Type of Relationship

Cordial Hostile Indifferent

1. 10. Spouse 11. 12. 13.

14. 2. 15. Son 16. 17. 18.

19. 3. 20. Daughter 21. 22. 23.

24. 4. 25. Mother-in-law 26. 27. 28.

29. 5. 30. Father-in-law 31. 32. 33.

34. 6. 35. Son-in-law 36. 37. 38.

39. 7. 40. Daughter-in-law 41. 42. 43.

262

44. 202. 45. How is the nature of relationship

to your neighbors?

46. 1.Good

47. 2.Moderate

48. 3.Bad

49.

50. 203. 51. How do you maintain inter-caste

relationships?

52. 1.Good

53. 2.Moderate

54. 3.Bad

55.

56. 204. What kind of marriage practices you are adopting?

57. 205. 58. Is there any dowry practices? 59. 1.Yes

60. 2.No

61. If No, Go to

207

62. 206. 63. If Yes, mention goods

64. 207. 65. Do you accept Inter-caste

marriage?

66. 1.Yes

67. 2.No

68. If Yes, go to

209

69. 208. 70. If no, What is the reason?

71. 209. 72. Is there any remarriage among Women and Men? 1.

Yes 2.No.

73. If Yes when.

74. If No, go to

210

75.

1. Before Tsunami : 76. 2.After Tsunami : 77.

78. 210. 79. How many Castes do you have in your village/hamlet?

80. 211. 81. Do you have Caste based

Organization in your

village/hamlet?

82. 1.Yes

83. 2.No

84. If No, go to 213

85. 212. 86. If yes, What is the role of that Organization?

263

87. 213. 88. Do You Practice any Caste

based Occupation in your

village/hamlet?

89. 1.Yes

90. 2.No

91. If No, go to 215

92. 214. 93. If yes, What type of Occupation?

94. 215. 95. Is there any disparity among

the Castes?

96. 1.Yes

97. 2.No

98. If No,go to 217

99. 216. 100. If Yes, What is that?

101. 2

17.

102. Is there any Caste

conflicts in your

Village/hamlet?

103. 1.Yes

104. 2.No

105.

106. 2

18.

107. Do you have Inter-

Caste forum in your

Village/hamlet?

108. 1.Yes

109. 2.No

110. If No, go to

220

111. 2

19.

112. If Yes, does the forum

solve the problems of Inter-

Caste conflicts?

113. 1.Yes

114. 2.No

115.

116. 2

20.

117. Do you organize Caste

based celebrations?

118. 1.Yes

119. 2.No

120.

121. 2

21.

122. What are your religious practices?

123. 2

22.

124. Do you attend other

religious ceremonies?

125. 1.Yes

126. 2.No

127.

128. 2

23.

129. Do You celebrate

other religious festivals?

130. 1.Yes

131. 2.No

132.

264

133. 2

24.

134. Do You invite other

religious friends to your

festivals/functions?

135. 1.Yes

136. 2.No

137.

138. 2

25.

139. Is there any religious

discrimination among the

religion?

140.

141. 1.Yes

142. 2.No

143.

144. 2

26.

145. Is there any religious

problems arose in your

religion?

146. 1.Yes

147. 2.No

148.

149. 2

27.

150. Did any particular

religion dominate in your

area?

151. 1.Yes

152. 2.No

153.

154. 2

28.

155. Was there any

religious conversion took

place recently?

156. 1.Yes

157. 2.No

158. If No, go to

228

159. 2

29.

160. If Yes, details :

161. 2

28.

162. What are the entire life cycle ceremonies do you follow?

163. 2

29.

164. Are you celebrating

village functions?

165. 1.Yes

166. 2.No

167. If No, go to

232

168. 2

30.

169. If Yes, What type of functions?

170. 2

31.

171. Once in how many days?

265

172.

173. 2

32.

174. Do you have any get-

to-gather activity in your

village/hamlet?

175. 1.Yes

176. 2.No

177.

178. 2

33.

179. Do you arrange any

village meetings regularly?

180. 1.Yes

181. 2.No

182.

183. 2

34.

184. Is there any social

organization working in your

village/hamlet?

185. 1.Yes

186. 2.No

187.

188. 2

35.

189. Do you have Self

Helps Groups in your

village/hamlet?

190. 1.Yes

191. 2.No

192. If No, go to

237

193. 2

36.

194. If Yes, What is that role?

195.

196. 2

37.

197. Do you have Adult

and Non-Formal

198.

199. Education center in

your village/hamlet?

200. 1.Yes

201.

202. 2.No

203.

204. 2

38.

205. What are all the groups working in your village/hamlet?

206.

207. 2

39.

208. Do you have Youth

Club in your village/hamlet?

209. 1.Yes

210. 2.No

211. If No, go to

241

266

212. 2

40.

213. If Yes, what is the role of Youth Club during emergency/crisis?

214. 2

41.

215. Do you have

Voluntary Organization in

your village/hamlet?

216. 1.Yes

217. 2.No

218. If No, go to

244

219. 2

42.

220. How Many?

221. 2

43.

222. What is the role of that Organization?

223. 2

44.

224. How many political leaders are there in your village?

225.

245. Could you explain the local party politics and its impact?

246. Mention the proportion of sympathizers for various political parties?

247. What is the role of political parties in local governance?

248. What is the impact of party politics in social?

249. Which political party is popular in your area? state reason:

250. What is the relationship of Caste-class and power in your area?

b. Economic Aspect:

Income and Expenditure sources per month

Income Amount in Rs.

Expenditure Amount in Rs

Fishing Food

Salary Cloth

Business Education

Prawns Cultivation

Health

Rent Rent

Land Electricity

Livestock Transport

Savings Fuel

S.NO Category No.of Leaders

1. Hindu

2. Muslim

3. Christian

Total

267

i.Bank

ii.SHG

iii.Post Office

iv.personal

savings

v.Others

Agriculture Agriculture

Long term

Investments

Telephone/mobile

Others Social functions

Total Liquor

Others

Total

Type of Assets:

S.NO Movable Assets NO Value in Rs

1. Bicycle/bike

2. Boat/catamaran

3. TV/Radio

4. Jewellery

5. Livestock

6. Cash in hand

7. Others

S.NO Immovable Assets No Value in Rs.

1. 1.Land 2.Wet 3.Dry 4.Garden

2. Shop

3. Buildings

4. Others

250. How is your wage determined? 1.Based on quality 2.Based on quantity

251. How long you are staying in the sea for fishing?

252. At which months you are getting more employment? why?

253. Which months you are getting poor employment? Why?

254. Which type of fish you are catching frequently?

`

255. Did you export the fish? 1.Yes 2.No

If No,go to 257

256. If Yes, through whom?

257. If no, reason for that?

258. Did you export the dry-fish? 1.Yes If No, go to 259

268

2.No

259. If no, what is the reason?

260. How did you preserve the dry-fish?

261. During rainy season how did you preserve the dry-fish?

262. Where did you sell these fishes?

263. Where is you Marketing?

264. On what basis your Marketing takes place?

1.Individual basis 2.Community 3.Organisation 4.Agent/Contractor 5.SHG 6.Fishermen Association 7.Others

265. What is the role of women after and before fishing?/ venture in to the sea?

266. Are women involving sea food capturing?

1.Yes 2.No

If No, go to 254

267. Is there any disparity in wage structure among men and women?

1.Yes 2.No

268 If Yes, why?

269. What are the roles of women in fishing and marketing?

270. Are you giving equals rights to women in your community?

1.Yes 2.No

269

Section III. Social Exclusion and Marginalization with reference to as a result of

Tsunami:

301. Which Community People mostly live in your Coastal area?

302. What is the reason for that?

303. Do you have any Groups for the coastal area development?

304. The coastal community are non-educated : Agree/Disagree

305. Is there any coastal festivals celebrated by you?

306. Do the non-coastal area people participate in your get-to-gathering functions?

307. Are you aware of the risks in fishing?

308. What are all the risks you faced during fishing?

309. How do you start your fishing routine?

310. How many days/weeks you take for fishing?

311. How are you received from the sea?

312. Is there any ceremony involved in your fishing?

313. What are the problems faced from the LTTE at the time of fishing?

314. Did you face that problem regularly?

315. Do the Women worried about your return from the sea?

316. At the time of heavy storm/cyclone how do you return to the coastal or what will you do?

317. How do you get the warnings?

318. Do you have radio with you at the time of fishing?

319. Do you poll vote for the election?

320. How do you elect your leaders? 1.Party-based 2.Religion-based 3.Communitybased 4.Individual-based

321. Is there any partiality in your area?

1.yes 2.No

322. If yes, what is that?

323. Do you feel that you are excluded from your community?

1.yes 2.No

If No, go to 325

324. If Yes, reason :

325. Do you feel that you are excluded from your Religion?

1.yes 2.No

If No, go to 327

326. If Yes, Reason :

327.

Do you feel that you are excluded from giving wages?

1.yes 2.No

If No, go to 329

270

328. If yes, reason :

329 Do you feel that you are controlled by the boat owners?

1.yes 2.No

If No,go to 331

330. If Yes, reason:

331. Do you feel that you are exploited by money-lenders?

1.yes 2.No

If No, go to 333

332. If Yes, Reason

333. Do you feel that you are separated from the rich?

1.yes 2.No

If No, go to 335

334. If Yes, in what ways?

335. Are the relief materials properly distributed to you by the Government?

1.yes 2.No

If No, go to 337

336. If Yes, reason :

337. Is there any corruption during distribution of materials?

1.yes 2.No

If No, go to 339

338. If Yes, in what ways?

339. Is there any corruption during distribution of materials?

1.Yes 2.No

If No ,go to 341

340. If Yes, who involved?

341. Who were excluded in your area?

342. In what reason they were excluded?

343. How many of them excluded?

344. The separation is made by whom?

1.Self imposed separation 2.Political party 3.Religion 4.Caste 5.Government 6.NGO 7.Others

345. Do you feel that your separation is due to your poverty?

1.Yes 2.No

If No, go to 347

346. If Yes, reason

347. Do you feel that the followers of the political leader are included?

1.Yes 2.No

348. Do you feel that your exclusion is

1. Voluntarily

2. Involuntarily

3. By Mistaken

4. Unmistaken

5. Consciously

6. Un Consciously

349. Are you excluded

271

totally/partially

350. Is their any violence during the relief and rehabilitation?

1.Yes 2.No

351. Do you get money from the Government?

1.Yes 2.No

If Yes, go to 353

352. If no, why

353. Do you feel that are exploited from the Government officials?

If No, go to 355

354. If Yes, in what ways?

355. Whether the real victims got the house?

If yes,357

356. IF no, what is the reason :

357.

Are you satisfied with the quality of the house?

1.Yes 2.No

If yes, go to 359

358. If no, what is the defect?

359. Are you satisfied with the quality of the boat and net?

1.Yes 2.No

If Yes, go to 361

360. If no, what is the defect?

361. Is there any favoritism taken place at the time of distribution?

1.Yes 2.No

362. How can we avoid the exclusion in the future

363. What is the role of GOs and NGOs to avoid exclusion?

Section IV. Circumstances leading to various types of Natural Disaster and risks

in social life:

401. Do you know what all the natural disasters are?

1.Yes 2.No

402. Did you experience the other natural disasters?

1.Yes 2.No

If No, go to 404

403. If Yes, how was it?

404. Which Disaster frequently affects you?

1.Flood 2.Cyclone 3.Whirl wind 4.Others

405. How do you understand the formation of whirl wind and its shape as depression?

406. What is the impact of depression in the coastal area?

407. What type of weather prevails as a result of depression/flood?

408. How normality is affected during times of natural disaster?

272

409. Could you state the preventions and control facilities (information) at the time of Natural Disaster?

410. Mention elaborately the preventions and control activities of GOs and NGOs at the time of Natural Disasters?

411. What type of destructions normally occurs as a result of Natural Disasters?

412. What the relief and Rehabilitation measures/activities undertaken by GOs/NGOs?

413. During disaster how do save your life?

414. What kind of warning system do you follow at the time of Disaster?

415. Do you think it is dangerous to live in the coastal area?

1.Yes 2.No

416. A part from Tsunami which Disaster you experienced recently?

417. What will you do at the time of flood?

418. How did you safeguard your huts during flood and cyclone?

419. Who will give the warning to you about the Disaster? Who will give the warning to you about the Disaster

420. What are all the common diseases spread at the time of disaster?

421. Do you think that changes in the monsoon are because of the Disasters?

1.Yes 2.No

If No, go to 423

422. If Yes, Reason :

423. What type of shelter do you prefer at the time of flood and cyclone?

424. Do you know about Tsunami? 1.Yes 2.No

If No, go to 427

425. If Yes, from whom?

426. What do you think about the cause for the Tsunami?

1. Earthquake under the sea. 2. Volcano.

273

3. Sea erosion. 4. God’s anger. 5. No idea.

427. Have you returned to normal life?

428. Has the Tsunami changed your habitation?

429. Loose of Property :

S.No A. Movable B.Immovable

1.

Boat House

2. Net Land

3. Cloth Shop

4. Home Appliances

5. TV/Radio/Electrical goods

6. Bureau/Cot/Table/Furniture

7. Certificates/Books/Education Kits

8. Jewell/Cash

9. Two Wheeler/Four Wheeler

10. Livestock

430. Did you catch fish adequately before Tsunami?

1.Yes 2.No

If No, go to 432

431. If No, Reason : 1.Yes 2.No

432. Are you afraid of going to sea for fishing even now?

1.Yes 2.No

433. Are you afraid of the Tsunami in future even now?

1.Yes 2.No

434. What was your experience during Tsunami?

435. Is there any contradiction among your village people regarding relief measures?

1.Yes 2.No

If No, go to 437

436. If yes, reason:

437. How do you prefer yourself at the time of Disasters?

438. Are you going to sea at the time of cyclone?

1.Yes 2.No

439. Do you know about the monsoon reports?

1.Yes 2.No

440. Do you know about the Volcano and Volcanic eruption?

1.Yes 2.No

441.

Do you know how the Tsunami occurred?

1.Yes 2.No

442. Do you have the knowledge about 1.Yes

274

global warning? 2.No

443. In which month changes occur in the sea normally?

444. What do you know other than fishing?

445. Do you need any training for other kind of jobs?

1.Yes 2.No

446. After Tsunami what was the condition of the roads?

447. How did you communicate after Tsunami Disaster?

448. Did your land affect due to the Tsunami?

1.Yes 2.No

449. Did you know the symptoms of the Disaster?

1.Yes 2.No

450. Is there any environmental changes occurred after Tsunami?

1.Yes 2.No

Section V: Community Preparedness and Disaster management with reference

to Tsunami:

501. Were there any symptoms before Tsunami?

1.Yes 2.No

If No, go to 503

502. If Yes, What is that?

503. How did you communicate the community about the Disaster?

504. Which mode of information do you prefer?

505. How do you communicate others during Disaster?

506. How did you get communication during Cyclone/ Flood?

507. How did you get your communication when you are in the sea?

508. What is the role of panchayat the time of Disaster?

509. Which type of control measures do you suggest to minimize the Disaster?

510. Who was the first one to inform you about the Tsunami?

511. What is the role of panchayat to control/minimize the Disaster in future?

512. What Is the role of GOs and NGOs to minimize such Disaster and its impact?

513. What is the role of community to minimize the devastation and its distruction?

275

514. What will you expect from the Government to minimize the Disasters in future?

515. Which mechanism do you prefer at the time of Disaster?

516. Which warning system do you prefer?

1.Siren 2.Dom-dom 3.Church-bell 4.Temple 5.Public address system 6.Mass media 7.Others

517. How do you manage such natural Disasters occurred without any symptoms?

518. Did you know about Early System?

1.Yes 2.No

519. What kind of Early Warning System used for other natural Disasters?

520. Do you know about preparedness? 1.Yes 2.No

If No, go to 522

521. If Yes, from whom?

522. What type of EWS do you prefer?

523. Do you have EWS in your village/hamlet?

1.Yes 2.No

524. Does the EWS is working or not? 1.Yes 2.No

525. Are you discussed with the Govt.officials about EWS?

1.Yes 2.No

526. What type of preparedness do you prefer in addition to EWS? Give suggestions:

527. Do you know how to help other during Disasters?

1.Yes 2.No

528. If Yes, from whom?

529. Do you know what the Govt. has planned to do to assist the community?

1.Yes 2.No

530. Do you know the various Disaster communication systems?

1.Yes 2.No

531. Do you aware of how to improve the structure of shelter in coastal area?

1.Yes 2.No

532. Do you heard of self-preparedness during Disasters?

1.Yes 2.No

276

533. Do you know which channels is to be used to convey the information to the public?

1.Yes 2.No

534. Which information channel do you prefer?

1.Telephone Directories 2.Shopping bags 3.Radio & Television 4.Cinema 5.Others

535. Are there any Climatically changes after Tsunami?

1.Yes 2.No

If No, go to 537

536. If yes, what are the changes?

537. Did your work affect because of the changes?

1.Yes 2.No

If No, go to 539

538. If Yes, reason:

539. Did you know about Tsunami Resistance building?

1.Yes 2.No

540. Do you have Tsunami Relief centre?

1.Yes 2.No

541. What is your opinion to remove the huts in the coastal line?

542. Do you have fear about your life? 1.Yes 2.No

543. Are you willing to live in the coastal area?

1.Yes 2.No

If Yes, go to 601

544. If No, why?

Section VI: Plan of Action for the Community Preparedness and Disaster

Management:

601. How do manage the Disaster in future?

602. What type of warning mechanism do you expect from the Government?

603. Do you think that it is better to constitute special committee for Disaster Management?

604. What will you expect from the Government?

605. What are your recommendations?

606. What will you expect from the NGO/Funding Agency?

607. Do you know about Mangroves? 1.Yes 2.No

608. Whether the mangroves mitigate the adverse effect of any natural Disaster in the coastal areas?

1.Yes 2.No

609. Did you know about Coral-reef? 1.Yes

277

2.No

610. Did you undergo any Trauma? 1.Yes 2.No

611. Did you get counseling? 1.Yes 2.No

If No, go to 613

612. If Yes, from whom?

613. What is your immediate need at the time of Disasters?

614. What Kind of awareness do you expect from the Government/NGO?

615. How to avoid certain disaster in future?

ACTION PLAN

Natural Disasters

Prevention/Control Relief Rehabilitation Institution/Agency

Community GO NGO

Flood

Cyclone

Whirl Wind

Tsunami

Others