Disaster Mitigation, Preparedness & Build Back Better (BBB)
Idea in plain words
Structural Mitigation: Physical engineering construction (flood embankments, check dams, retrofitting buildings to withstand seismic forces, slope stabilization retaining walls).
Exam tip
High-yield exam topic (Very High).
Explanation
Pre-disaster mitigation costs a fraction of post-disaster reconstruction. The Incident Command System (ICS) provides a standardized on-scene emergency management structure with clear chains of command for operations, logistics, planning, and finance. Following major events, the Post-Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) calculates the total damages and recovery funding needs. Applying the 'Build Back Better' (BBB) principle ensures that schools, hospitals, and bridges destroyed during disasters are rebuilt using upgraded seismic engineering standards rather than reconstructing past structural vulnerabilities.
Key points
- Non-Structural Mitigation: Policies, laws, and awareness (building codes NBC 105:2020, land-use zoning prohibiting construction on floodplains, community drills).
- Disaster Preparedness: Emergency Operations Centers (EOCs), Incident Command System (ICS), prepositioned emergency relief stockpiles, search and rescue training.
- Build Back Better (BBB): Rebuilding physical infrastructure and social systems stronger, safer, and more resilient than before to prevent vulnerability recreation.
- Post-Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA): Structured multi-sectoral methodology assessing physical damage and economic loss across infrastructure, social, and productive sectors.
Example
Example
Post-earthquake reconstruction in Nepal by the National Reconstruction Authority (NRA): retrofitting 700,000+ homes with reinforced seismic bands and plinth beams under owner-driven housing grants.
Code examples
/*
Incident Command System (ICS) Functional Hierarchy:
[Incident Commander (IC)]
|
+---------------------+---------------------+
| | |
[Safety Officer] [Information Officer] [Liaison Officer]
|
+-----------------+---------+---------+-----------------+
| | | |
[Operations] [Planning] [Logistics] [Finance/Admin]
(Field rescue) (Data & mapping) (Supplies/comms) (Procurement/claims)
*/
Exam questions
- [8 Marks] Differentiate between structural and non-structural disaster mitigation with examples from earthquake and flood risk management.
- [8 Marks] Explain the Incident Command System (ICS) structure. Detail the 'Build Back Better' (BBB) principle and its application in post-disaster recovery.