In Previous Unit, you have studied about various accidents that can take place in a power distribution utility, and measures for accident prevention and protection.In this unit, we focus on the management of disasters due to natural calamitiesand human actions, which tend to disrupt the power distribution network. You know that our country is blessed by nature: The Indian peninsula has the magnificent Himalayas guarding its frontiers in the North and a long coastal line on the other three sides. The land has abundant rivers criss-crossing its length and breadth. The Himalayan range is an immense source of flora and fauna and provides perpetual water supply to major rivers in the North and North-Eastern part of the country.
But many a times, the same bountiful nature turns its wrath on us and we face natural calamities of untold agony and suffering. The Eastern coast often brings high winds and tides and severe cyclones at times. The long coastal line supporting the fortunes of sea is pounded by tides, cyclones and even tsunamis, which take a heavy toll on human lives and infrastructure including the power sector. Every year, we witness devastating floods due to incessant rains in many parts of the country and severe droughts in others. The mountainous regions are prone to landslides and many parts are earthquake- prone. In addition, there are many human acts, e.g., terrorist attcks, strikes, etc., that can have a disastrous impact on the power distribution system.Electricity is the lifeline of the economy as well as of the society. Any disruption in the supply of electricity at any time not only causes loss to the economy, but also creates hardship to human beings, as every aspect of human life is connected with electricity. Disasters are situations of great calamity and can strike suddenly anytime and anywhere. As such, any disaster and natural calamity can impact the power sector and lead to disruption in generation, transmission and distribution of electricity. Therefore, disaster management needs special attention and it is extremely important for all power utilities to have a Disaster Management Plan. A well-designed plan can help them restore power supply in the affected areas in the shortest possible time.
In this unit, we discuss various types of disasters, their impact on the power sector, the measures that should be taken for disaster preparedness and the features of a well-designed Disaster Management Plan. We also present some case studies in Appendixes 1 to 3 of this unit to share the experiences of various power distribution utilities in managing disasters.
But many a times, the same bountiful nature turns its wrath on us and we face natural calamities of untold agony and suffering. The Eastern coast often brings high winds and tides and severe cyclones at times. The long coastal line supporting the fortunes of sea is pounded by tides, cyclones and even tsunamis, which take a heavy toll on human lives and infrastructure including the power sector. Every year, we witness devastating floods due to incessant rains in many parts of the country and severe droughts in others. The mountainous regions are prone to landslides and many parts are earthquake- prone. In addition, there are many human acts, e.g., terrorist attcks, strikes, etc., that can have a disastrous impact on the power distribution system.Electricity is the lifeline of the economy as well as of the society. Any disruption in the supply of electricity at any time not only causes loss to the economy, but also creates hardship to human beings, as every aspect of human life is connected with electricity. Disasters are situations of great calamity and can strike suddenly anytime and anywhere. As such, any disaster and natural calamity can impact the power sector and lead to disruption in generation, transmission and distribution of electricity. Therefore, disaster management needs special attention and it is extremely important for all power utilities to have a Disaster Management Plan. A well-designed plan can help them restore power supply in the affected areas in the shortest possible time.
In this unit, we discuss various types of disasters, their impact on the power sector, the measures that should be taken for disaster preparedness and the features of a well-designed Disaster Management Plan. We also present some case studies in Appendixes 1 to 3 of this unit to share the experiences of various power distribution utilities in managing disasters.
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