In India, a concerning trend has emerged where crises, whether natural disasters or accidents, often escalate into catastrophes due to a lack of emergency awareness and preparedness among the general public. This deficiency exacerbates the impact of such events, leading to higher casualties and greater socio-economic disruption.

India's vulnerability to disasters isexceptionally high, with a large percentage of its landmass susceptible to earthquakes, floods, droughts and cyclones. While the country has made strides in disaster management, shifting from reactive relief efforts to proactive strategies, critical gaps remain in effective response and preparedness.

One of the primary issues is the lack of public awareness regarding basic life-saving skills and emergency procedures. In many instances, deaths occur not as a direct result of the disaster itself, but due to panic, inadequate crowd management, blocked exits, and a lack of trained bystanders. Citizens often lack essential knowledge of CPR, first aid, and fire response. This deficiency is compounded by a fear of legal repercussions, despite the existence of Good Samaritan laws designed to protect those who offer assistance in emergencies.

Coordination gaps among various agencies further hinder effective disaster management. The lack of seamless communication and resource allocation challenges the ability to respond swiftly and efficiently to emergencies. While agencies like the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Forces (SDRF) have improved immediate response capacity, long-term recovery and community resilience are often sidelined.

The problem is further compounded by unsafe building practices and the non-implementation of existing building codes, increasing the risk of infrastructure collapse during disasters. Unplanned urbanization, without proper infrastructure, also exacerbates disaster risks, particularly urban flooding. Climate change adds another layer of complexity, increasing the frequency and intensity of natural disasters.

To address these challenges, a multi-pronged approach is essential. Public awareness campaigns are crucial to educate citizens about safety measures and preparedness. Strengthening local governance and empowering local authorities can ensure quicker and more efficient disaster response. Integrating technology to improve forecasting and early warning systems is also vital.

Moreover, there is a need to move towards sustainable, community-driven strategies that emphasize resilience, environmental care, and self-sufficiency. This includes promoting nature-based solutions, such as mangrove plantations and wetland restoration, to reduce the impact of disasters.

In December 2025, a fire at Birch by Romeo Lane in Goa, which resulted in 25 fatalities, underscored India's emergency literacy deficiency.

India's emergency response system faces challenges, including gaps in ambulance availability, response times and trained staff. The National Health Mission (NHM) ambulance fleet's average response time is 10-25 minutes, which is often inadequate. Many government hospitals lack essential equipment and drugs for emergency care, while emergency beds constitute a small percentage of total hospital beds, despite a significant proportion of admissions coming through emergencies.

Ultimately, building a disaster-resilient future for India requires a shift in mindset, from reactive response to proactive preparedness, with a focus on community involvement, sustainable strategies, and effective implementation of existing regulations.