A hazard is a dangerous event that can harm human life.

A disaster is an event that results in widespread loss. It can be both natural or human induced.

Mitigation

Any measure or policy that minimizes the impact of a disaster or a potential disaster. Can take place during, on or before a disaster.

Mitigation strategies of weather related disasters(floods)

• Water shed management
  • Desilting and deepening of natural water reservoirs.
  • Drainage channels
  • Cleaning
• Encroachment of on tanks, ponds, natural drainage channels to be stopped.
• Buildings in flood prone areas, to be built at an elevation.
• Construction of flood protection devices, such as dams.
• Flood control measures to reduce flooding. Reforestation, protection of vegetation, etc.
• Flood forecasting and warning.

Mitigation strategies of weather related disasters(cyclones)

• Multipurpose cyclone shelters
  • Can be cyclone shelters during cyclones and can be used as schools or community centers other times.
• Engineering Structures.
  • Buildings built to withstand the force of winds and flying objects.
• Shelterbelt plantation
  • Along the coastline to mitigate the impact of strong winds.
• Construction of roads which are elevated
• Hazard maps
  • Illustrate the areas vulnerable to cyclones.
• Better forecasting

Mitigation strategies of geophysical related disasters(earthquakes)

• Engineering Structures.
  • Buildings to withstand the ground shaking.
  • Analysis of the soil that the buildings are going to built on.