Modi adds disaster relief to foreign policy toolkit

Subject

Disaster management.

Significance

The second Nepal earthquake on May 12 was felt 1,500 miles away in Chennai, highlighting India's vulnerability to acute geological events. Thirty Indian cities fall within zones of high earthquake risk, including the national capital, Delhi. Since 2005, a National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has sought to coordinate relief and promote prevention and mitigation efforts. However, its record is mixed and its focus appears to be changing.

Impacts

• Cross-cutting national, regional and local authorities will impede integration of disaster planning.
• Disaster planning is unlikely to be made a funding priority.
• Modi's effort to improve India's standing in South Asia will be boosted by Nepal-type relief operations.