Why this matters now
The classification of disasters and the hazard-risk concepts are foundational GS-3 disaster-management content, underpinning all of DM.
Hazard, vulnerability and risk
A hazard is a potentially damaging event; a disaster is a serious disruption that exceeds a community’s capacity to cope. Disaster Risk = Hazard × Vulnerability ÷ Capacity — so risk can be reduced by lowering vulnerability and raising coping capacity, even if the hazard cannot be stopped.
Natural disasters
Natural disasters are classified as: geophysical (earthquakes, tsunamis, landslides, volcanoes); hydrological (floods); meteorological (cyclones, storms); climatological (droughts, heatwaves, cold waves, wildfires); and biological (epidemics, pest infestations).
Man-made disasters
Man-made (anthropogenic) disasters include industrial and chemical accidents (e.g. Bhopal), nuclear/radiological incidents, fires, building collapses, stampedes, oil spills, and CBRN (chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear) events. India, with its geography and density, is highly disaster-prone (floods, cyclones, earthquakes, droughts).
UPSC angle
Know the risk equation (Hazard × Vulnerability ÷ Capacity), the natural-disaster classes (geophysical/hydrological/meteorological/climatological/biological) and man-made/CBRN disasters; India’s high vulnerability.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a hazard and a disaster?
A hazard is a potentially damaging event; a disaster is a serious disruption that overwhelms a community’s capacity to cope.
How is disaster risk calculated?
Disaster Risk = Hazard × Vulnerability ÷ Capacity.
What are the main types of natural disasters?
Geophysical, hydrological, meteorological, climatological and biological disasters.
What are man-made disasters?
Anthropogenic events like industrial/chemical accidents, nuclear incidents, fires, stampedes and CBRN events.