storms is largely due to high vulnerability of

storms is largely due to high vulnerability of their population residing in the coastal areas. Disaster Management Bill, The Disaster Management Bill, , defines disaster as a catastrophe, mishap, calamity or grave occurrence affecting any area, arising from natural or man-made causes, or by accident or negligence which results in substantial loss of life or human suffering or damage to, and destruction of, environment, and is of such nature or magnitude as to be beyond the coping capacity of the community of the affected area. On the basis of the above discussion, it can be concluded that disasters can be natural or the results of human activities, and all hazards need not turn into disasters since it is difficult to eliminate disasters, particularly natural mitigation and preparedness. There are three stages involved in disaster mitigation and generating data and information about the disasters, preparing vulnerability zoning maps and spreading awareness among the people about these. Apart from these, preventive measures are other steps that need to be taken in the vulnerable areas. (ii) During disasters, rescue and relief operations such as evacuation, construction of shelters and relief camps, supplying of water, food, clothing and medical aids etc. should be done on an emergency basis.