Disaster Management in India: A Geographical Analysis of Vulnerability, Policy Framework, and Regional Patterns

Abstract

India is one of the most disaster-prone countries in the world, facing a wide spectrum of natural hazards including floods, droughts, cyclones, earthquakes, and landslides. This paper presents a geographical analysis of disaster occurrences in India from 2000 to 2020, examining spatial distribution, frequency patterns, affected population, economic losses, and the evolution of disaster management policy. Using secondary data sourced from the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), EM-DAT International Disaster Database, Census of India, and peer-reviewed literature published before 2021, this study employs descriptive statistical analysis and visual representation through tables and charts to highlight regional vulnerability patterns. Findings indicate that floods are the most frequent and devastating disaster type, disproportionately affecting states such as Assam, Bihar, and Odisha. Economic losses from disasters increased nearly six-fold between the 1980s and 2010–2020. The Disaster Management Act, 2005 and the National Policy on Disaster Management, 2009 represent landmark legislative milestones, yet implementation gaps remain. This paper recommends strengthening community-based early warning systems and integrating disaster risk reduction into regional planning.