Abstract India, one of the most disaster-prone countries globally, faces recurrent natural and human-induced calamities, including floods, cyclones, earthquakes, and droughts. The Disaster Management Act, 2005, established a robust framework, integrating national, state, and district-level authorities to enhance preparedness, response, and recovery. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMAs), and District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs), supported by specialized forces like the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), form the backbone of this system. This essay examines the structure, key authorities, and response protocols of India’s disaster management apparatus, highlighting the roles of agencies like the Indian Meteorological Department and armed forces. It evaluates effectiveness across states, identifying Odisha, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Andhra Pradesh as high-performing, while Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Ass...