Powers and functions of District Authority in the event of any threatening disaster situation or disaster

Section 34 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005 deals with powers and functions of District Authority in the event of any threatening disaster situation or disaster. For the purpose of assisting, protecting or providing relief to the community, in response to any threatening disaster situation or disaster, the District Authority may— (a) give directions for the release and use of resources available with any Department of the Government and the local authority i The Act came into force on 28 Jul 2006.

For the purpose of assisting, protecting or providing relief to the community, in response to any threatening disaster situation or disaster, the District Authority may—

(a) give directions for the release and use of resources available with any Department of the Government and the local authority in the district;

(b) control and restrict vehicular traffic to, from and within, the vulnerable or affected area;

(c) control and restrict the entry of any person into, his movement within and departure from, a vulnerable or affected area;

(d) remove debris, conduct search and carry out rescue operations;

(e) provide shelter, food, drinking water and essential provisions, healthcare and services;

(f) establish emergency communication systems in the affected area;

(g) make arrangements for the disposal of the unclaimed dead bodies;

(h) recommend to any Department of the Government of the State or any authority or body under that Government at the district level to take such measures as are necessary in its opinion;

(i) require experts and consultants in the relevant fields to advise and assist as it may deem necessary;

(j) procure exclusive or preferential use of amenities from any authority or person;

(k) construct temporary bridges or other necessary structures and demolish structures which may be hazardous to public or aggravate the effects of the disaster;

(l) ensure that the non-governmental organisations carry out their activities in an equitable and non-discriminatory manner;

(m) take such other steps as may be required or warranted to be taken in such a situation.

Section 34, The Disaster Management Act, 2005 (Act 53 of 2005).