Disaster Management refers to the systematic approach to preparing for, responding to, recovering from, and mitigating the impacts of disasters. It encompasses the planning, organization, coordination, and implementation of measures aimed at reducing the risks associated with natural and human-made disasters. Disaster management typically includes several phases:
1. **Prevention and Mitigation**: Efforts to reduce the likelihood and impact of disasters, such as developing building codes, land-use planning, or implementing early warning systems.
2. **Preparedness**: Creating plans and systems to ensure that individuals, communities, and organizations are ready to respond effectively when a disaster occurs. This includes training, drills, and the establishment of communication networks.
3. **Response**: The immediate actions taken to address the needs during and after a disaster strikes, including search and rescue operations, medical assistance, and distribution of emergency supplies.
4. **Recovery**: Activities aimed at restoring the affected area to its original state or better, including rebuilding infrastructure, providing mental health support, and re-establishing services.
5. **Rehabilitation and Reconstruction**: Longer-term actions that ensure a community can recover and rebuild more resiliently to future disasters.
Effective disaster management helps to save lives, reduce economic losses, and build stronger communities capable of facing future challenges.