Awareness, Preparedness and Economic impact of Disaster: A Case Study of Kangra District

Climate change as well as anthropogenic activities has intensified the severity of disasters around the world. India, a country with large population is vulnerable to various natural as well as man-made disasters. The hill state of Himachal Pradesh has witnessed the intense impact of rainfall in the year 2023. There is an unexpected destruction of both life and property due to which many families have gone homeless. This study explores the awareness, preparedness level and economic impact of disaster in Parmar Nagar village, district Kangra, Himachal Pradesh where houses sunk in and collapsed causing a misery to families during the year 2023. This study also focused on the significant role of social workers in disaster management as well as highlighted some of the major suggestive measures to mitigate the impact of disasters. The study was carried through primary data collection with the help of interview schedule and secondary data was also used. It is discernible that none of the respondents was aware of national emergency helpline number and disaster management plans. The present study highlighted that some of the respondents were forced to out-migrate due to disaster. It was endeavored to understand, analyze and interpret state of realism overtly impacting stakeholders. It was also observed that there is a dire need of active involvement of Governmental and Non-governmental organizations, community, and social workers to have adequate awareness, preparedness, mitigation of disaster so that precious natural and human resources are saved from being in vulnerable condition.