Disaster is 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.

In order to prevent, mitigate, respond or otherwise manage the disasters, disaster management is essential for a welfare state, which is a continuous and integrated process of planning, organising, coordinating and implementing measures which are necessary or expedient for the following aspects: 

• prevention of danger or threat of any disaster; 
• mitigation or reduction of risk of any disaster or its severity or consequences; 
• capacity-building; 
• preparedness to deal with any disaster; 
• prompt response to any threatening disaster situation or disaster; 
• assessing the severity or magnitude of effects of any disaster;
• evacuation, rescue and relief;
• rehabilitation and recontructions  .

As a measure for the effective management of disasters and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto, an act namely, the Disaster Management Act, 2005 was enacted.

As per the provisions of the said Act, the Union territory of Puducherry constituted Union territory of Puducherry Disaster Management Authority under the Chairmanship of Hon’ble Chief Minister vide Notifications dated 01.08.2007 and 19.06.2008.  Eight persons are nominated as members by the Chairperson. Of which four members of Legislative Assembly of Puducherry Union Territory each representing Puducherry, Karaikal, Mahe and Yanam are nominated and the remaining four nominated members are subject specialists, such as, Scientists, Engineers, Senior Civil Servants/Social workers/representatives of NGOs.

This website provides all the essential information on the State Disaster Management Authority and its functions and related matters to the citizens.