Aspect

Details

Purpose

Risk assessment, issuing alerts, and planning actions based on the threat level.

Project Goal

Installation of 126 sirens and light rails on high towers, government buildings, and schools.

Siren Features

Three colors (red, yellow, orange) in strobe lights.

Equipped with eight speakers.

Broadcast warnings up to 1200 meters.

Provide basic information about emergency camps and security measures.

Includes pre-recorded voice messages and audio alerts for different warnings.

System Integration

Combines all timely warning systems into a framework to spread knowledge, address problems, issue warnings, monitor developing crises, and ensure responses.

Data Collection

Managed by KaWaCHaM.

Collects data from weather networks (e.g., Indian Meteorological Department, INCOIS, CWC), private/public agencies, social media networks, and the Internet.

Warning Coverage

Includes sea attacks, heavy rainfall, strong winds, and extreme heat.

Command Center

State Emergency Center, operating at the Taluk level to cover all vulnerable areas.

Aspect

Details

Objective

To implement appropriate structural and non-structural measures to mitigate the effects of cyclones in coastal states and Union Territories (UTs) in India.

Implementing Agency

National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) under the Ministry of Home Affairs, in coordination with state governments and the National Institute for Disaster Management (NIDM).

Funding Partner

World Bank

States/UTs Identified

13 states and UTs identified based on varying levels of cyclone vulnerability.

Categories of Vulnerability

Category I (Higher Vulnerability): Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal.
Category II (Lower Vulnerability): Maharashtra, Karnataka, Kerala, Goa, Puducherry, Lakshadweep, Daman and Diu, Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Key Project Components

Improved distribution systems.

Reinforced local community response capacity.

Better access to emergency shelters, evacuation plans, and wind/flood protection.

Strengthening disaster risk management (DRM) capacity at central, state, and local levels to integrate risk mitigation into the development agenda.

PRACTICE QUESTION

1. Q. Consider the following statements about KaWaCHaM (Kerala Crisis Warning and Risk Management System):

1. It is an advanced disaster warning system designed to enhance early disaster preparedness and public safety in Kerala.
2. It integrates weather models, sirens and social media data to provide alerts for extreme weather events and climate-induced disasters.
3. The system is funded by the National Disaster Management Authority and the World Bank under the National Cyclone Risk Mitigation Project.
4. It includes the installation of sirens with colored strobe lights and speakers to broadcast emergency alerts and provide information about security measures and emergency camps.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

1. A) 1, 2, and 3 only
2. B) 1, 3, and 4 only
3. C) 2, 3, and 4 only
4. D) 1, 2, 3, and 4

Answer: D

Explanation:

All the statements are correct.

KaWaCHaM is an advanced disaster warning system designed to improve early disaster preparedness and public safety, specifically in Kerala.

It integrates weather models, sirens, and social media data to provide alerts for extreme weather events, including those caused by climate change.

The system is funded by the National Disaster Management Authority and the World Bank under the National Cyclone Risk Mitigation Project.

KaWaCHaM includes the installation of sirens with colored strobe lights and speakers, which are used to broadcast emergency alerts, provide information about security measures, and guide people to emergency camps.