In response to the severe damages caused by Cyclone ‘Ockhi’ and the 2018 floods, the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) is ramping up its disaster management strategy. The organization has fine-tuned its Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), introduced the ‘Orange book of disaster management – Kerala – SOP and emergency support functions plan’, and put in place the ‘Monsoon preparedness and emergency response plan’.
The Orange Book of Disaster Management
The Orange Book serves as a comprehensive guide to disaster management across the state. It provides information on emergency response assets and delineates the SOP for handling various types of disasters, from floods and cyclones to tsunamis, high waves, petrochemical accidents, and even mishaps caused by space debris. The book provides detailed descriptions of the incidence response mechanisms at the State, district, and taluk levels.
Monsoon Preparedness and Emergency Response Plan
Recognizing the unique challenges posed by the monsoon season, the KSDMA has crafted a season-specific emergency plan. This guide must be strictly followed during the south-west and north-east monsoon seasons (June to December). It outlines the responsibilities of the State emergency operations centre, central agencies, and district disaster management authorities. Unlike previous documents, this plan clearly defines the roles of individual government departments. The Monsoon Preparedness plan will be updated annually based on the first long-range forecast of the India Meteorological Department on Monsoon.
State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA)
The State Disaster Management Authorities are statutory bodies set up under the Disaster Management Act, 2005. The Act established the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), led by the Prime Minister, and the State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMAs), led by respective Chief Ministers, to lead and implement a comprehensive and integrated approach to disaster management in India. They are tasked with formulating policies, plans, and guidelines for disaster management.
| Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) | This body is headed by the Prime Minister of India. |
| State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMAs) | The SDMAs are led by respective state Chief Ministers. |
| ‘Kalla Kadal’ | This is a term used by Kerala fishermen to describe unusually high swell waves during good weather, often triggered by distant storms. It is known to occur mainly in April and May, during the pre-monsoon period. |
Kalla Kadal: The Phenomenon Explained
In Kerala, ‘Kalla Kadal’ is a term used by fishermen to describe high swell waves that occur unexpectedly during favorable weather. This phenomenon is usually prompted by distant storms, even from the Antarctic region. These swells can travel thousands of kilometers across the ocean, intensifying when they encounter a coastal current – a process known as remote forcing. ‘Kalla Kadal’ tends to occur along the southern coast of India, particularly during the pre-monsoon period in April and May. The event can lead to severe flooding on the days of a spring tide. Entities such as UNESCO, the World Meteorological Organisation, and the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission have recognized the term ‘Kalla Kadal’ to define this unusual occurrence of high swell waves.
