Vulnerability to disasters: Are we moving ahead?

DEAR EDITOR Strong and effective emergency disaster management has been a felt need in all corners of world. India is vulnerable to a variety of natural and man‐made disasters. Management of disasters require collaborative and systematically planned efforts of existing administrative set up, civil society, and its various institutions. Effective policies play a vital role in mitigating impact of disasters and reducing likely losses of life/property. It has been observed that in times of disaster, apart from lack of resources, lack of coordination among various agencies, and an absence of role clarity amongst various stakeholders pose serious challenges. Each disaster highlights that government agencies are either not prepared or ill prepared for next crisis. It is, therefore, important to identify factors that make a critical difference in effective policy outcomes. In a study to assess hospitals preparedness for disaster in Indore, it was observed that only one hospital had adequate infrastructure for management of disaster. In another study to evaluate staff knowledge and perceptions in disaster preparedness, it was revealed that there were no specific national standards/guidelines through which individual hospitals can develop their capabilities in disaster preparedness. Department of Community Medicine, Shri Sathya Sai Medical College and Research Institute, Kancheepuram, Tamil Nadu, India Correspondence to: Dr. Saurabh Rambiharilal Shrivastava, 3rd floor, Department of Community Medicine, Shri Sathya Sai Medical College & Research Institute, Ammapettai village, Thiruporur Guduvancherry Main Road, Sembakkam Post, Kancheepuram 603108, Tamil Nadu, India. E-mail: drshrishri2008@gmail.com

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