ADeveloping new technologies for early warning systems.
BSetting up frameworks for seamless inter-agency and inter-departmental collaboration.
CProviding psychological support to disaster victims.
DCompiling historical data on past disaster events.
Answer:
B. Setting up frameworks for seamless inter-agency and inter-departmental collaboration.
Read Explanation:
This essential aspect of preparedness ensures that all entities involved in disaster management work together effectively, rather than in silos. It typically involves:
Defining Roles and Responsibilities: Clearly outlining who does what, avoiding overlaps and gaps in response efforts among different organizations, government departments, and community groups.
Establishing Communication Channels: Setting up reliable and efficient ways for information to flow between all stakeholders before, during, and after a disaster. This can include common operating procedures for radio communication, dedicated hotlines, or shared digital platforms.
Developing Common Operating Procedures (SOPs): Creating standardized guidelines and protocols that all agencies can follow, ensuring a consistent and coordinated approach to various disaster management tasks (e.g., evacuation, relief distribution, damage assessment).
Formalizing Agreements: Creating Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) or other formal agreements between agencies to define mutual aid, resource sharing, and joint operations.
Setting up Coordination Bodies: Establishing formal committees, task forces, or incident command systems (like the National Disaster Management Authority, State Disaster Management Authorities, and District Disaster Management Authorities in India) that bring together representatives from different agencies to make joint decisions and manage the overall response.
Regular Meetings and Drills: Facilitating ongoing interaction and joint exercises among different agencies to build relationships, practice coordination, and identify areas for improvement before an emergency strikes.
By creating robust coordination structures, the goal is to transform what could be a fragmented and chaotic response into a unified, efficient, and effective effort, ultimately minimizing loss of life and property.