Introduction to

Disaster Management
By
S.Srikrishna
Sr.Lecturer, STC/SC
 DISASTER
MANAGEMENT

“Disasters are exceptional events which

suddenly kill or injure large numbers of
people” ….Red Cross/Red Crescent
Definition of Disaster : as per DM Act, 2005

“A catastrophe, mishap, calamity or grave

occurrence in 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 property, or damage to, or
degradation of environment and is of such a
nature or magnitude as to be beyond the
coping capacity of the community of the
affected area.”
 Disaster as Defined by IR

“Disaster is a serious Train Accident or an

Untoward Event of Grave Nature, either
on Railway Premises or arising out of Railway
Activity in that Area, due to natural or man
made causes, that may lead to loss of many
lives and/or grievous injuries to large number of
people; and/or severe disruption of traffic,
necessitating large scale help from other
Government, Non-Govt., and Private
Organisations ”
 Accident

• Accident is an occurrence in the course of

working of Railway which does or may affect the
safety of the railway, its engine, rolling stock,
permanent way and works, fixed installations,
passengers or servant or which affect the safety
of others or which does or may cause delay to
train or loss to the railway
 Object of Disaster Management
Continuous, Integrated Process of Planning,
Organizing, Coordinating and Implementing
Measures for:-

 Prevention of Danger or Threat of Disaster

 Mitigation, Reduction of Risk, or its Severity or Consequences
 Capacity Building, Preparedness
 Prompt Response to any Threat (Disaster)
 Assess Severity or Magnitude
 Evacuation, Relief and Rescue
 Rehabilitation and Reconstruction
Disaster Management
- National Scenario
Heavy Inundation
BREACH
Arial view
Arial view
 Disaster Management- National Scene
• Disaster Management Act, 2005 – promulgated in 2005 in
Parliament
• MHA (Ministry of Home Affairs)- Nodal Ministry for all
Disasters except Drought.
• NDMA (National Disaster Management Authority)
constituted under DM Act to deal with DM.
• NDMA also called – NATIONAL AUTHORITY
• GOI Policy to Integrate Resources of Central/State Govts.
& NGOs etc. under Common Platform to Handle Disasters
• 24X7 Control Room in DM Division of MHA.
• DM Expertise to be Developed under Different Heads –
(Nuclear/Radiological, Biological and Chemical) - NBC and
other than NBC.
 The Disaster Management Act, 2005
It legislates a holistic approach to Disaster
Management, not mere Responding to
Disasters, but -
Greater Attention for Prevention &
Mitigation, Capacity Building &
Preparedness, and
Pooling of Resources of All Depts, Central
& State Govt., NGO’s etc.,
 Institutional Framework
Under the Disaster Management Act, 2005
National Disaster
Union Management
MHA Authority
Government

NEC
Secretaries of
NIDM NDRF
all Relevant
Ministries
State Disaster
State DMD Management
Government Authority

SEC
Secretaries of
all relevant
Ministries

District Disaster
District Management
Administration Authority

Municipalities NIDM – National Instt.of D M

Panchayats NDRF – National Disaster Response Force
NEC/SEC – National/State Exe. Committee
 NDRF
National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) is a force of 12 battalions,
organised on para-military lines, and manned by persons on
deputation from the para-military forces of India.

• The total strength of each battalion is approximately 1149. Each battalion is capable of
providing 18 self-contained specialist search and rescue teams of 45 personnel each
including engineers, technicians, electrician, dog squads and medical/paramedic.
• NDRF in addition to being able to respond to natural disasters has four battalions
capable of responding to radiological, nuclear, biological and chemical disasters
 TYPES OF DISASTERS ON IR

Natural:
• Earthquakes
• Heavy Floods/Breaches
Caused:
• Collisions
• Derailments
• Accidents at manned or unmanned level Crossings
• Fire or explosion in trains
• Sabotage
• Other accidents affecting the safety of rail operation
Rear Collision
SPAD case loco derailed at trap point.
A CASE OF SPAD
A CHAOTIC SCENE OF DERAILMENT
Top view of derailed Tank Wagons
How Disaster/Accident
is communicated?
 Disaster Communication
• First information will be communicated by either of
the following:
• Working Train Crew
• Crew of the trains running on the other line
• On Board Staff/Passengers
• Patrolling Staff
• Engineering Gang
• Nearest Station ASM/SM
• Gatemen
• General Public in the surrounding affected areas
 Disaster Communication
Further, this Information will be
• received by Section Control/ Division Control
from site of disaster
• Division Control will pass on the information to all
officials concerned
• Simultaneously, relief and rescue will be ordered
• Information will be communicated to Central
Control
 First responders
• Instant Action Team – Loco-Pilot / Assistant
Loco-Pilot, Guard & other on-board staff
• Volunteers from Surrounding areas
• Nearest Engineering Gang, Station Masters
• Other Departmental Officials
• DM TEAM – Nominated officials from various
Departments arriving at site by ARMVs and
ARTs form part of the DM Team.
 Disaster Management on IR
Divisional Level:
• DM Plan at Divisional Level is available clearly
indicating the resources available and responsibilities
of each department
• Non-Railway resources required to be called in
during exigency is also indicated in the DM Plan
along-with contact details of important officials like:-
 List of District Collectors and other officials
 State Disaster Management authority
 List of Hospitals and Doctors
 Equipment hirers
 Defence Organisations
 NGOs etc.,
 Disaster Management on IR
Zonal Level:
• DM Plan at Zonal Level is available clearly indicating
the resources available and responsibilities of each
department
• Dedicated Disaster Management Control room is
provided and manned by HoDs of all Departments
concerned
• Liaison with State & Central Government officials/
agencies
• Co-ordination with Other Zones for assistance
• Monitoring rescue arrangements and mobilisation of
Men & Machinery
• Regulation of Traffic passing through affected area
 ACCIDENT RESCUE & RESTORATION
Main areas of focus :-
• Faster Response
• Relief and Rescue to the Passengers
• Evacuation and Transportation of the passengers
• Better Facilities and Equipments
• Training and Preparedness
• Crack Team of Rail Rescue Experts in Hd Qrs
• Every Division / Rly to have DM Plan
• MOUs & Coordination with Civil Medical
Authorities/St. John Ambulance/NGOs
• Self propelled ART/ARME - Three Coach Self
Propelled Train for each Division
 Disaster Management Resources
• RESOURCE UNIT – 1 People (Passengers) on TRAIN,
AT SURROUNDINGS,
AT ADJOINING
STATIONS
• RESOURCE UNIT – 2 ART & ARMV – SCR
• RESOURCE UNIT – 3 ART & ARMV OF
ADJOINING ZONES
• RESOURCE UNIT – 4 NON-RAILWAY
RESOURCES SUCH AS
STATE AUTHORITY,
DISTRICT AUTHORITY,
PRIVATE HOSPITALS,
MILITARY, NGOs.
 Railways Special Strengths to Handle Disasters :-
 During Disaster, Rlys may be asked to Share its Facilities; there will
be lesser occasions for Rlys to Demand Outside Help.
 Several Agencies available with Rlys for Prompt Response.
• On board Staff on Important Trains
• Frontline Supervisor and Staff
• Gangmen
• Civil Defence Team; Scouts
• RPF/RPSF
• TA (Territorial Army) Units
• Its own Communication
• “Command and Control” System through Optg. Control with all
Stations.
• Medical Infrastructure
• Water Supply arrangement and Testing Systems
• Capacity to Mobilize Spl. Trains for Evacuation
 Relief and Rescue Equipment with Railways
ARTs (Accident Relief Trains):-
1. 140 T capacity Diesel Hydraulic relief trains
2. Hydraulic Re-Railing Equipment with 120 T
capacity Jacks
3. Inflatable Air Bags
4. Portable/fixed Elec. Generators with lighting
gear
5. Inflatable Lighting Towers
6. Oxy- Acetylene Cutting Equipment
7. Oxy-Fuel Cutting (Under water cutting
Equipment)
 Relief and Rescue Equipment with Railways
8. Air Plasma Cutting Equipment
9. Telescopic ladders
10. Communication Equipment including SAT
phones
11. Tents and other support equipment
12. Chain saws
Relief and Rescue Equipment with Railways
ARMVs (Accident Relief Medical Vans):
1. Hydraulic Rescue Devices
2. Electrical Rescue Tools with portable generators
3. Abrasive cutting tools
4. Oxy- Acetylene cutting equipment
5. Air Plasma Cutting Equipment
6. Self Contained Breathing Apparatus
7. Lighting equipment including Inflatable Lighting
Towers
Relief and Rescue Equipment with Railways
8. Aluminum Telescopic ladders
9.Rope Ladders
10. Safety Harness
11. Inflatable Air Bags
12.Communication Equipment
13. Life Jackets
14. Fully equipped Mini Operation Theater
15. All Emergency medical equipment to stabilize the injured
passengers
16. All medicines required to treat the injured & passengers in
trauma
17. A well attended medical ward
MAINTENANCE OF RELIEF & RESCUE EQUIPMENT
Having equipment alone does not serve the purpose unless
they are maintained in good fettle and available for use 24X 7
as accidents are unpredictable.
1. Dedicated exclusive Maintenance staff from all
departments will ensure the equipment in good fettle duly
carrying out the periodical schedules and testing them.
2. AMCs with OEMs are in force for Certain critical
equipment like – cummins engines on 140 T Cranes and
SPARTs, HREs, HRDs and inflatable lighting towers etc.,
3. Trained DSL shed staff is ensuring day to day maintenance
of engines, transmission, hydraulics & electronics.
4. Availability of 100% critical spares for maintenance is
ensured.
 GOLDEN HOUR

If a critical trauma patient is not given definite medical

care within one hour from the time of accident, chances of
his ultimate recovery reduce drastically, even with the best
of medical attention thereafter. This initial one hour
period is generally known as “The Golden Hour”.
THINGS TO DO:
• Render definite medical care within Golden Hour.
• Arrest bleeding and restore blood pressure within
an hour.
• Persons under shock shall immediately be relieved
of shock.
• Transport the casualties to the nearest hospital.
Duties of Mechanical Officers’
during Disaster
 DUTIES OF MECHANICAL OFFICIAL/OFFICER
• All nominated Break Down special staff shall
report to the in charge.
• Ensure marshalling of BD special according to
site requirement
• On reaching site, the specially trained CRACK
TEAM shall extricate the passengers from the
affected coaches in co-ordination with the
Medical Team.
• The Officer/s representing Mechanical
Department shall assess the requirement of
additional Medical Vans / BD Specials and
shall liaison with adjoining Railway / Division
for ordering the same.
• He shall also monitor the movement of all
Relief trains.
• He shall obtain the details of rolling stock
involved in the accident.
• They shall obtain the restoration details and
record the handling of each and every vehicle
including locomotive.
• Inform DRM, ADRM and other Divisional
Officers.
• Inform SMs at either end of the block section
and Central Control.
• Advise Civil, Military, Private hospitals apart
from Railway Hospitals to rush medical aid to
the site of accident and to be in preparedness
to admit the injured passengers.
• Collect the details of dead and injured and the
locations where they are admitted for medical
treatment.
General classification of ARTs & ARMVs
Accident Relief Trains (ARTs):
• Class – “A” – Consists of Hydraulic Re-Railing
Equipment (HRE) + BD Crane.
• Class – “B” – Consists of HRE only.
• Class – “C” – Consists of Mechanical Tool Van
Accident Relief Medical Vans (ARMVs):
• ARMVs are classified in to Scale “I” and “II”.
Scale “I” being mobile and Scale “II” is
stationery provided in the stations.
ARTs & ARMVs on Indian Railways
Sl.No Type & Class of ART/ARMV Numbers
1 BG ‘A’ Class ART 66
2 BG ‘B’ Class ART 68
3 BG ‘C’ Class ART 11
4 BG SPARTs 13
5 MG ‘A’ Class ARTs 20
6 MG ‘B’ Class ARTs 3
7 MG ‘C’ Class ARTs 1
8 NG ‘B’ Class ARTs 4
9 NG ‘C’ Class ARTs 5
10 BG ARMVs 136
11 BG SPMRV 13
12 MG ARMV 21
140 T CRANES
SELF PROPELLED ART
SELF PROPELLED ARMV
 Khandwa

Manmad Ballarshah

Duvvada
Wadi

Bellary

Gudur

Katpadi
46
 South Central Railway - At a Glance
Route Kilometres 5803 BG :5627 MG :176
States Andhra Pradesh (4342 Km -75%) ,
Covered (5) Maharashtra (1115 Km – 19%),
Karnataka (268 Km – 5%) ,
Madhya Pradesh (71 Km – 1%),
Tamil Nadu (7 Km – 0.2%)
Divisions (6) Guntur, Guntakal, Hyderabad, Nanded,
Secunderabad, Vijayawada
Stations 699
Originating Passengers • 384 Million (2019-20)
• 326.67 Million (2019-20)
Avg. Number of Express : 225 Passenger : 347
passenger trains run MMTS : 118 Local Trains : 59
daily (690)
Avg No of Goods trains 425
run daily
47
 BG “A” Class ARTs on SCR

Locations & Type of Equipment.

1) SC – Lukas HRE + Cowans New 140 T Crane
2) KZJ- MFD HRE + Cowans Old 140 T Crane.
3) BZA – Lukas HRE (SPART) + Cowans Old 140T Crane.
4) GY - Cowans Old 140 T Crane.
5) PAU – MFD HRE + New Gottwald 140 T Crane.
 BG “B” Class ARTs on SCR
1) SC – MFD HRE in SP-ART
2) BPA - LUKAS HRE
3) RJY - Lukas HRE
4) BTTR - Lukas HRE.
5) GTL- Lukas HRE.
6) RU - Lukas HRE.
7) GNT - Lukas HRE.
8) NZB - MFD HRE.
9) DMM- MFD HRE
10) KZJ – Lukas HRE
INSIDE VIEW OF ART – TOOL VAN
LUKAS HYDRAULIC JACKS
 Locations of ARMVs on SCR
1) SC – SP-ARMV
2) KZJ
3) BZA
4) RJY
5) BTTR
6) GTL
7) RU
8) DMM
9) PAU
10) NZB
11) AK (MG),
HYDRAULIC RESCUE DEVICE IN ARMVs

53
 HYDRAULIC RESCUE TOOLS

CUTTER SPREADER

POWERPACK - for operation of tools

RAM
Standard Formation of ARTs & ARMVs
ARTs:
1. HRE Van
2. Other Equipment Van (Electrical and S&T)
3. Rest cum Kitchen Van
4. Two Engineering Wagons
5. One OHE Wagon (In Electrified Territories)
ARMVs:
1. Medical Van
2. Auxiliary Mechanical van
 Beats of ARTs & ARMVs
As per report on modernisation/re-organisation
of ARTs -1986 (known as Acharya Committee)
ARTs:
1. BG – 250 to 300 Kms (Distance between 2 ARTs)
2. MG – 150 to 200 Kms
ARMVs:
Initially ARMVs were placed on need basis. Due
to development of outside medical facilities
adjoining railway tracks, Board has decided not
to proliferate further ARMVs.
 Staffing for ARTs & ARMVs
As per report on modernisation/re-organisation of ARTs -1986
(known as Acharya Committee)
ARTs (Mech):
1. Maintenance: ‘A’ Class -10; ‘B’ Class – 6;
2. Restoration Gang: ‘A’ Class – 37; ‘B’ Class – 28 (including
maintenance staff)
(S&T – 2; Elec. -4; Engg. – 2)
ARMVs:
1. Maintenance will be done by ART staff only.
2. Rescue staff: 11
(S&T – 2; Elec. -2)
* More number of staff can be called depending on the
gravity of the Disaster for rescue and restoration.
 Training of ART & ARMV Staff
1. For 140T Cranes, maintenance training is imparted
at POH shops (Parel & Jamalpur)
2. Initial training for crane drivers is imparted at POH
shops (Parel & Jamalpur)
3. Refresher training for crane drivers is imparted at
KZJ Crane depot
4. All Crane, ART & ARMV staff will be trained in
rescue & restoration during periodical technical
mock drills.
5. DM training for ARMV staff is imparted at National
Industrial Security Academy (NISA), Hyderabad
6. Basic fire fighting training is being imparted at AP
State Fire Training School, Hyderabad
Inspection Schedules for ARTs & ARMVs by Officers
Sl.No Officers’ Schedule
1 Controlling Officer’ (JS/SS) Once in a month all ARTs &
ARMVs under his control
2 Controlling Officer (JAG) Once in a quarter all ARTs &
ARMVs under his control
3 Joint Insp.by Divsional Branch Officers’ Once in six months all ARTs &
(Mech, S&T, Elec., Engg. & safety) ARMVs over the division
4 Joint Insp. By Supervisors Once in a month
5 HQ Mechanical Officers (HAG/SAG) One unit - Once in quarter
6 HQ Mechanical Officers (JAG) One unit- Once in a quarter
7 Periodical mock drills Quarterly by Safety branch
8 Periodical technical mock drills Once in four months
9 In-charge supervisor/maintenance staff Periodical schedules for the
equipment will be carried out on
daily/FNly/monthly/ quarterly/
yearly basis
 SIREN CODE OF ACCIDENT
• Accident at the Station / Loco Shed where the ART/ARMV is
stationed
• Two long
• Accident at out station and mainline is clear
• Three long
• Accident at out station, mainline is clear and ARMV is required
• Three long – one short
• Accident at out station and through running is affected
• Four long
• Accident at out station, through running is affected and ARMV is
required
• Four long – one short

NOTE:The duration of the long hooter shall be 45 Seconds and 10 seconds for the
short, with half minute (30 seconds) interval between two successive calls.
 ART/ARMV TURNING OUT TIME

ART-
During Day - 30 MIN
During Night 45 Min (18.00 Hrs-06.00 Hrs.)

ARMV ( DURING DAY AND NIGHT)

Direct Dispatch 15 Min.
In-Direct Dispatch- 20 Min.
Note:- Local conditions apply as per Accident Manual
 Real-time DisasterManagement
When Disaster is notified:
• All the concerned departments are alerted and
swung into action and take responsibility as defined
in DM Plan
• Relief Trains are dispatched with least possible delay
with concerned relief and rescue teams
• Medical Relief is arranged from the nearest private/
Government hospitals
• Continuous collection of the information and
assessment of the requirements at site
• Reaching to the site
Real-time DisasterManagement at site
• Establishment of Help Desk/Assistance Booth – for
passengers and their relatives
• Assessment of gravity of the situation
• Search for stranded passengers (in-case passenger
train) and immediately arrange for extrication
• Obtain clearance from local police in case of
suspected sabotage
• Arrange alternate transportation for the passengers
• Arrange food & water for the passengers
• Arrange communication for the passengers
• List out the injured/deceased passengers
• Plan for restoration
Technological inputs for better rescue & restoration

• Review , rationalization / relocation of ART/ ARMV

• Trained & physically fit staff for ART
• Provision of inflatable tower lighting
• Portable electrically operated cutting and boring tool
• Provision of self contained breathing apparatus
Technological inputs for better rescue & restoration

• Inflatable air bags

• Digital camera, lap top computer, video camera
• Charging facility for cell phones
• Provision of inflatable tents
• Luminescent barrier tapes
• Provision 20 nos plastic chairs
Technological inputs for better rescue & restoration

• Light weight foldable ladders

• Portable rail trolley
• Stand by driver for crane
• AMC for critical components for maintenance
• Items to be procured from approved sources
only
• Walkie-talkie and VHF sets
Technological inputs for better rescue & restoration

• Video conferencing facility at site

• HRD training
• Establishment of railway disaster management
institute
• Management training film on accidents
• Special training on floods, fire fighting,
cyclones, earth quakes, due to explosives
New developments for Rescue & Restoration
1. SS cutting equipment (Hydraulic & Electrical) for the
use of coaching stock
2. Air plasma cutting for the use of wagon stock
3. Water mist based fire fighting systems
4. Buldozers
5. Standard towing equipment to clear the locked
axle/RB failed rolling stock in the section
6. Under water cutting equipment
BULDOZER
132 TON INFLATABLE AIR BAG (with air)

680mm H

70
UNDER WATER CUTTING EQUIPMENT ( Oxy-fuel Cutter)
5 L Cap Tank fills with Petrol, Max Pr develops 200 bar connects
to the one end of the gas cutter & the another end connects to
Oxygen cylinder

71
A VIEW OF DERAILED LOCOMOTIVE
 Loco leading side leveled by using MFD
and supported by steel cribs.
Rails Laid to pull the loco from other end.
LIFTING OF LOCOMOTIVES WITH TWO CRANES
Major Impediments at Derailment spot for quick restoration
1. Both side of the affected location jammed by ART &
ARMV specials
2. Adjoining block/stations also blocked by specials
resulting no path for movement of locos/reversal
3. Delay in clearing the track & non-availability of loco to
create gap between the derailed rolling stock
4. Delay in removal/slewing of OHE for crane working
5. Crane marshalling at the accident spot
6. More intervention from HQ/Divisional officers and
control
7. Signalling, piloting and clamping points
8. Too much dwelling on identifying cause than quick
restoration (compartmentalization)
Let us strive for
accident free
train operations

S.Srikrishna