Latest Disaster Management UPSC Current Affairs 🚨

1. Infrastructure for Resilient Island States (IRIS) –

• About: The Infrastructure for Resilient Island States (IRIS) Programme is a crucial global initiative focused on enhancing the resilience of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) to disasters. These states are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change and natural hazards due to their unique geographical, social, and economic characteristics. The program, launched at COP26, signifies a growing international recognition of the specific challenges faced by SIDS.
• Key Points:
  • IRIS addresses the urgent need for disaster-resilient infrastructure in SIDS.  
  • The Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) plays a central role in the program, collaborating with SIDS, Australia, the European Union, India, and the United Kingdom. This diverse partnership highlights the global commitment to supporting SIDS.  
  • Funding mechanisms like the Infrastructure Resilience Accelerator Fund (IRAF) are essential for translating program goals into tangible outcomes.   

    The program’s recognition with the 2024 UN SIDS Partnership Award underscores its significance and impact.
  • SIDS’ vulnerabilities, including their susceptibility to sea-level rise, extreme weather events, and economic shocks, necessitate targeted support. The inclusion of the UN SIDS Partnership Award adds credibility and showcases the program’s success. 
• Timeline:
  • 1992: The United Nations Conference on Environment and Development acknowledges SIDS as a special case for environment and development. This historical context is important for understanding the evolution of international support for SIDS. 
    1994: Global Conference on the Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States (Barbados Programme of Action).
  • 2022: Infrastructure Resilience Accelerator Fund (IRAF) established to support the IRIS Programme.

    COP26: IRIS Programme launched during the World Leaders Summit
  • 2023: CDRI announces funding for IRIS and the Urban Infrastructure Resilience Programme (UIRP).  

    2024: IRIS Programme receives the UN SIDS Partnership Award.

• Recent Developments:
  • CDRI’s recent announcement of $8 million in funding for IRIS and $2.5 million for the Urban Infrastructure Resilience Programme (UIRP) demonstrates continued momentum in supporting resilience-building efforts. It’s important to track how these funds are allocated and what specific projects they support. 
  • Keep an eye on the outcomes of initiatives like the Climate Promise Initiative and the SAMOA Pathway, which aim to support SIDS in climate action and sustainable development. 
• Impact:
  • The IRIS program has the potential to significantly enhance the resilience of SIDS to disasters, protecting lives, livelihoods, and infrastructure.  
  • Successful implementation of IRIS can contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to climate action, sustainable cities, and disaster resilience.
  • Failure to adequately support SIDS can exacerbate their vulnerabilities and hinder their sustainable development.
• Challenges & Way Forward:
  • SIDS often face limited resources and capacity, making it challenging to implement resilience-building measures.
  • Climate change continues to pose an existential threat to many SIDS, requiring urgent and ambitious global action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Ensuring that resilience-building efforts are locally appropriate and community-driven is crucial for their effectiveness.
  • Continued monitoring and evaluation of the IRIS program are essential to track progress and identify areas for improvement.
• Mnemonic: International Response Investing Sustainably (IRIS)

2. United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) – https://www.undrr.org/

• About: The United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) plays a critical role in coordinating global efforts to reduce disaster risk. It works to implement the International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (ISDR) and provides guidance and support to countries in developing and implementing disaster risk reduction strategies. 
• Key Points:
  • UNDRR’s mandate is to facilitate the implementation of the International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (ISDR) and the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction.  

    The Sendai Framework is a key global agreement that outlines targets and priorities for reducing disaster risk.
  • UNDRR emphasizes the importance of understanding disaster risk, strengthening disaster risk governance, and investing in disaster risk reduction.   

• Timeline:
  • 1999: UNDRR established.   
  • 2005-2015: Hyogo Framework for Action.  
  • 2015: Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction adopted at the 3rd UN World Conference on DRR in Sendai, Japan.  
• Recent Developments:
  • UNDRR’s recognition of India’s role in the Global Crisis Response System is a significant development. It’s important to analyze the effectiveness of India’s response efforts, such as Operation Dost and Operation Karuna, and identify lessons learned.  
  • Monitor the implementation of the Sendai Framework and track progress towards achieving its seven targets by 2030.  
• Impact:
  • UNDRR’s work contributes to global efforts to reduce disaster risk and build resilience, saving lives, protecting livelihoods, and promoting sustainable development
  • The Sendai Framework provides a roadmap for disaster risk reduction, guiding national and international action.    
  • Effective disaster risk reduction is essential for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and building a more sustainable and equitable world.
• Challenges & Way Forward:
  • Disaster risk is increasing due to climate change, urbanization, and other factors, posing significant challenges to achieving the Sendai Framework’s goals.
  • Strengthening disaster risk governance at all levels is crucial for effective implementation.
  • Investing in disaster preparedness and early warning systems is essential for reducing the impact of disasters.
  • Building back better after disasters is critical for ensuring long-term resilience.

3. Marine Heatwaves (MHWs)

• About: Marine Heatwaves (MHWs) are extreme events characterized by prolonged periods of unusually high ocean temperatures. These events can have devastating consequences for marine ecosystems, impacting biodiversity, fisheries, and coastal communities.  
• Key Points:
  • MHWs are defined as occurring when seawater temperatures exceed a seasonally varying threshold (typically the 90th percentile) for at least five consecutive days.  

    These events can last for extended periods, ranging from weeks to months or even years.  
  • The frequency and intensity of MHWs have been increasing in many parts of the world, including the tropical Indian Ocean.  
  • Factors contributing to MHW formation include changes in ocean currents, reduced cloud cover, and increased solar heating.   
  • The ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) plays a key role in monitoring and assessing the impact of MHWs on marine ecosystems.  
• Timeline:
  • The PDF focuses on recent trends and current impacts of MHWs, particularly the Lakshadweep event in 2023.
  • To provide a more comprehensive timeline, it would be beneficial to include information on the historical occurrence of MHWs and the observed trends over past decades.
• Recent Developments:
  • The reported occurrence of MHWs in Lakshadweep and their impact on coral bleaching is a significant recent development. This event underscores the vulnerability of coral reefs to rising ocean temperatures. 
  • Ongoing research on MHWs is crucial for understanding their long-term impacts and developing effective mitigation and adaptation strategies.

• Impact:
  • MHWs can cause widespread coral bleaching, leading to the degradation of coral reef ecosystems.    
  • These events can also disrupt marine food webs, impacting fisheries and marine biodiversity.    
  • MHWs can have significant economic consequences for coastal communities that rely on tourism and fisheries.
• Challenges & Way Forward:
  • Addressing climate change and reducing greenhouse gas emissions is essential for mitigating the frequency and intensity of MHWs.
  • Improving monitoring and forecasting of MHWs is crucial for providing timely warnings and enabling proactive management.
  • Developing strategies to enhance the resilience of marine ecosystems to MHWs is a key priority. Further research is needed to fully understand the complex interactions between MHWs and marine organisms.

  • 4 . Cyclone

• About: Tropical cyclones are powerful rotating storms that form over warm tropical oceans. They are characterized by low atmospheric pressure, strong winds, and heavy rainfall, and can cause significant damage upon landfall.  –https://mausam.imd.gov.in/imd_latest/contents/cyclone.php
• Key Points:
  • Tropical cyclones are known by different names in different parts of the world, such as hurricanes, typhoons, and willy-willies.  
  • The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and its regional bodies, such as the WMO/ESCAP Panel on Tropical Cyclones, are responsible for naming and tracking cyclones.  

    Cyclones derive their energy from the warm ocean waters and the condensation of moisture in the atmosphere.  
  • Favorable conditions for cyclone formation include warm sea surface temperatures, the presence of the Coriolis force, and low vertical wind shear.  
  • Timeline:
  •  recent cyclone events, such as Cyclone Asna, Cyclone Remal, and Typhoon Yagi.
  • To provide a more comprehensive timeline, it would be beneficial to include information on historical cyclone events and the evolution of cyclone forecasting and warning systems.
• Recent Developments:
  • The formation of Cyclone Asna over the Kutch coast in Gujarat is a recent event highlighted in the PDF.  
  • The mention of the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale and the Category 5 super typhoon in Southern China and Southeast Asia provides context on the intensity of recent cyclone events.   
  • It’s crucial to stay updated on the latest research on the impact of climate change on cyclone intensity and frequency.
• Impact:
  • Cyclones can cause devastating impacts, including widespread flooding, storm surges, and damage to infrastructure and property.   
  • These events can lead to loss of life, displacement of populations, and significant economic disruption.
  • The impact of cyclones is often exacerbated in vulnerable coastal regions and densely populated areas.
• Challenges & Way Forward:
  • Improving cyclone forecasting and early warning systems is crucial for reducing the loss of life and property.
  • Strengthening coastal defenses and infrastructure is essential for mitigating the impacts of storm surges and flooding.
  • Addressing climate change and reducing greenhouse gas emissions is critical for limiting the potential increase in cyclone intensity.
  • Raising public awareness and promoting cyclone preparedness are vital for building resilient communities.
  • https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyclone https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyclone

5. Glacial Lakes Outburst Floods (GLOFs)

• About: Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) are sudden and catastrophic releases of water from glacial lakes, often triggered by events such as earthquakes, landslides, or the melting of ice dams. These floods pose a significant threat to downstream communities and infrastructure, particularly in mountainous regions.  
• Key Points:
  • GLOFs are characterized by their sudden onset, rapid flow, and large downstream discharges.
  • The Himalayan region is particularly vulnerable to GLOFs due to the presence of numerous glacial lakes and the complex topography.  
  • The Central Water Commission (CWC) has reported an increase in the area of glacial lakes in India, indicating a growing risk of GLOFs.
  • Various types of glacial lakes exist, including