Education: Career in Disaster Management

Career in Disaster Management

Bharat, it is said, is the most blessed country in the world from the point of view of geography, geographical resources and climate. But still, approx 60% of the landmass is prone to earthquakes; over 12% of its land is prone to floods; close to 5,700 kms, out of the 7,516 kms long coastline is prone to cyclones and tsunamis; 68% of its cultivable area is vulnerable to droughts; and, its hilly areas are at risk from landslides and avalanches. Moreover, India is also vulnerable to Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) emergencies and other man-made disasters like industrial accidents, vehicular accidents (road, rail, air), terror strikes, and bomb explosions etc.

Need for Trained Manpower in Disaster Management

Above vulnerability profile of our country indicates that there is need for trained manpower to respond disasters effectively as well as in preparedness, planning, monitoring and management of disasters. In the present context of frequent disasters and technological advancements, trained manpower for the industry, government and private organisations is felt necessary.

Role of Disaster Management Personnel

Disaster Management Personnel are required to deal with the situation before, during and after the disasters. In pre-disaster scenario, disaster management personnel are required in the planning and policy making, training and capacity building, prevention and mitigation activities and preparedness. During disasters, Disaster Management personnel help in evacuation, search and rescue operations, shelter management, relief activities, emergency medical assistance etc. Post disasters, these personnel help in quick rehabilitation of the affected people, understand their psychological needs and helps in their post disaster resettlement and reconstruction activities.

In the country, Ministry of Home Affairs is the nodal agency which monitors and manages the disasters. National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMAs) & District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs) play their respective roles at Centre, State & district level as per Disaster Management Act-2005. Apart from these organisations, National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM) for Training & capacity building and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) for during/post disaster response works are also there.

Education in Disaster Management

There are number of universities and institutes offering certificate, Graduate, Post Graduate Diploma, Master”s and Research degree.

The basic requirement for certificate and bachelor course is 10+2 and for P.G. diploma and Master”s Degree, a Bachelor”s Degree (B.A./B.Sc./B.Com etc) is required. However, the admission/entrance qualifications vary from university to university.

Job Opportunities

1. For research work, the fellowships are available depending on the qualification and experience. In foreign countries, there is good number of fellowships available for PhD and research.

2. Employment opportunities in government as well as in private organisations. The work profile varies like teaching, research, consultancy, documentation, field training and mock drill expert.

(The Research is done by Saurabh Gautam, Director-Global Rescue Consultants Pvt Ltd & Institute of Disaster & Crisis Management & Manoj Singh, Program Manager-National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM)

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