Question

One of the crucial objectives of the State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC) is to regularly conduct and update which specific assessment?

• A. Economic Impact Assessment (EIA)
• B. Hazard, Vulnerability, and Risk Assessment (HVRA)
• C. Social Impact Assessment (SIA)
• D. Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)

Answer 1

Answer:

B. Hazard, Vulnerability, and Risk Assessment (HVRA)

• What is HVRA? HVRA is a systematic process of identifying and analyzing the potential hazards a state might face (e.g., floods, cyclones, earthquakes), assessing the vulnerability of the population and infrastructure to these hazards, and calculating the overall risk.

• Why is it an SEOC objective? The SEOC is the nerve center for all disaster management activities at the state level. To effectively prepare for and respond to disasters, the SEOC needs to have a clear understanding of the threats and weaknesses within its jurisdiction. The HVRA provides this critical information.

• Role of HVRA in the Disaster Management Cycle:

  • Mitigation & Preparedness: By knowing the risks, the SEOC can prioritize areas for disaster-resistant infrastructure development, allocate resources for early warning systems, and develop targeted emergency plans. For example, if the HVRA identifies a flood-prone area, the SEOC can plan for evacuation routes and stockpiling relief materials there.

  • Response: During a disaster, the HVRA data helps the SEOC make informed decisions about resource deployment, search and rescue operations, and relief distribution.

  • Recovery: The assessment helps in planning for post-disaster recovery by identifying the most affected sectors and guiding reconstruction efforts.