NDMA releases updated Multi-Hazard Vulnerability Atlas for Indian cities incorporating COVID-19 lessons
March 2024
The National Disaster Management Authority released comprehensive vulnerability atlases for 50 major Indian cities, incorporating lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic about health system vulnerability, supply chain disruptions, and differential impacts on vulnerable populations. This represents a significant evolution in vulnerability assessment methodology, integrating traditional disaster risks with pandemic-related vulnerabilities. The new atlases use advanced GIS mapping and community-based assessment data to identify vulnerability hotspots and inform urban disaster risk reduction planning.
UPSC Angle: UPSC is likely to test the integration of health vulnerabilities in disaster management, the role of NDMA in vulnerability assessment, and how COVID-19 has changed vulnerability assessment approaches. Questions may focus on multi-hazard vulnerability mapping and urban disaster risk reduction strategies.