High-Level Committee to Decide on L3 Classification for Wayanad Landslides Disaster

High-Level Committee to Decide on L3 Classification for Wayanad Landslides Disaster

Sub : Geo

Sec: Indian physical geo

Why in News

The Union Government has informed the Kerala High Court that a high-level committee will make a decision within two weeks on categorizing the July 30 Wayanad landslides as a Level 3 (L3) disaster. This classification could pave the way for enhanced relief measures, including potential international aid.

Wayanad Landslide: The landslides occurred on July 30 in the Wayanad district of Kerala, an area prone to landslides due to heavy monsoon rains and its mountainous terrain.

Disaster Classification in India

India’s disaster classification system, managed by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) under the Ministry of Home Affairs, categorizes disasters to streamline response efforts. The categories are based on disaster severity and the scale of response required.

National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) under the Disaster Management Act, 2005.

Categories of Disasters:

Level 1 (L1) Disaster: Small-scale disaster managed at the district level.

Examples: Local floods, minor landslides, fires.

Management: Handled by local and district authorities with minimal external assistance.

Level 2 (L2) Disaster: Medium-scale disaster needing state-level intervention and resources.

Examples: Severe droughts, large floods, major landslides.

Management: State government handles with some central government support.

Level 3 (L3) Disaster: Large-scale disaster exceeding state capacity, needing national and possibly international aid.

Examples: Cyclones, earthquakes, tsunamis.

Management: Central government leads response, including NDMA and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF).

If the Wayanad landslide is classified as an L3 disaster, the State would gain access to various forms of relief and rehabilitation assistance, including international aid. This support would enable more comprehensive efforts in disaster recovery, infrastructure restoration, and humanitarian relief for affected communities.

Suggestions for Improved Disaster Preparedness:

The High Court discussed the need for parametric insurance to provide financial protection against natural disasters.

A parametric insurance scheme, developed in collaboration with the Union Government and private insurers, could mitigate financial constraints faced by the State during disaster recovery.

The court suggested exploring insurance models that cover potential natural disasters, thereby ensuring quick compensation and easing the financial burden on the State post-disaster.