Consequences of Natural Disaster

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Ahmed, Shaik Iftikhar

Affiliations: Population Research Centre, Centre for Research in Rural and Industrial Development 2-A, Sector 19 A, Madhya Marg, Chandigarh-160019. msiftikhar@yahoo.com

Abstract: The phenomena of flood, a normal part of river's life cycle, is always considered to be an extreme event because its after-effects are misery, deaths, damages and destruction. The intensity of any disaster is weighed in terms of the quantum of damages done to the society. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the consequences of flood disaster in Patiala district. The intensity and magnitude of flood damages has also been explained. The present study is based on the secondary data culled from the publications of Government of Punjab in the post-independence era. Both the socio-economic and ecological consequences of the natural disaster are conferred. During this period Patiala district experienced the most severe flood in its history in the year 1993. A case study of the impacts of 1993 flood has also been discussed to highlight the severity of the disaster. It is evident from the study of floods in Patiala district that floods are causing mass scale destructions to the property and infrastructure of the district. The frequently occurring disaster is also threatening human lives apart from damaging the ecological web of the district. The social and economic benefits of inhabiting flood plains are outweighed by the severe consequences of the floods.

Keywords: Flood, Patiala, ecosystem

Journal: Asian Journal of Water, Environment and Pollution, vol. 6, no. 3, pp. 87-92, 2009