Generating Awareness on Disaster Management
Geological effects such as earthquakes, landslides, floods or natural calamities such as cyclones, droughts, volcanoes are widespread in today’s earth. All of these natural disasters result in disastrous impacts that affect not only the planet but also the human civilization residing in it. Over half the population of a country can be changed if any of the above mentioned natural calamities strike the region. Generating awareness of disaster management is an essential step that a country and its people can take. On being aware of the damage that a human-made disaster can cause, one can avert the chances of massive destruction. Being prepared and knowledgeable of all the natural calamities can reduce the chances of loss of life too.
⅕ th of the global deaths occurred due to floods happen in India. More than a thousand members die every year because of this natural calamity. Out of the total economic loss caused by natural disasters, floods account for around 79% of economic loss in India. Uttarakhand floods in 2013 is one of the major and hard-hitting floods followed by the floods in Patna in 2019, Kerala in 2018 etc,
Major causes of floods in India
Insufficient storage capacity in dams and river banks to carry the water from the upstream
Human encroachment on flood plains by building up houses, buildings for commercial purposes
In some coastal areas of India, cyclones and heavy rainfall caused heavy flooding.
Development of cities without proper planning like drainage systems, space to underground water recharge, concretization etc, would increase the runoff and causes flooding
When sand is removed from the river bed or lost due to natural erosion, this would change the river course and cause flooding.
IMD (Indian Meteorological Department) forecasts the flood and gives prior information about the areas under threat and prepares them for evacuation. CWC (Central Water Commission) collects and produces data related to hydrology in the whole country like discouragement of water and warns about potential flooding chances
What Are The Preventive Measures Of Disaster?
Although natural disasters and calamities cannot be prevented, there are many ways by which one can be made aware of them. If a community starts spreading awareness of the disaster, then people will get an idea about the destruction.
Talk with your local emergency response team. These people are aware of the effects of the disaster and can help the citizens of the local community to organise help and relief accordingly.
Keep an emergency kit ready at all costs. Make sure the emergency kits supplied are large enough for every family member. Some families have more members than others. In such a case, it is best to keep different sets of emergency kits handy.
Arrange workshops on preventive measures of disaster all year round. This will not only improve the planning process but also keep everyone ready for the main event.
Make the citizens aware of the evacuation routes and give them all the necessary emergency numbers. Get the local media and other news agencies to work for your cause. I kept updating the citizens every month about the different preventive measures of disaster.
School radio stations can organize monthly workshops to make the children aware of the situation and spread sufficient awareness.
Handing out leaflets and brochures that talk about disaster management is a must.
Safety Measures During Floods
Safety measures during floods that should be followed by one, and all are:
Stay away from water clogged streets: Death due to drowning is a primary health hazard during floods. Without being sure of the depth of water, try not to walk through water clogged streets. During flash floods, make sure you use a stick before stepping into the water.
Stay away from electrical wires: Electrocution is a significant killer during floods. As current can flow through water, several loose wires lying here and about during tides can cause death. It is best to shut down the main lines during heavy rainfall. Following these safety measures during floods will reduce harm to humans.
Safety Measures During Cyclones
Safety measures during cyclones that should be followed are:
Keep your emergency kits ready and handy.
Make sure you have kept your phones and other necessary electronic devices charged.
Keep candles ready in case the electrical power is cut off.
Repair your roof shed or tiles. Try not to keep any loose debris lying about.
Tie loose poles and rods with ropes before the storm hits.
Following these safety measures during cyclones is a must for all.
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Solved Examples
What Are The Different Natural Calamities Safety Measures?
Every year several people are affected by different natural calamities. These disasters may be human-made or natural. Hazards may include explosions, floods, hurricanes, tornadoes or forest fires. Such natural disasters can cause widespread destruction that will harm not only humans but also animals and birds. There are several safety measures that one can adopt too in case such a disaster occurs. Safety measures during floods and cyclones have already been mentioned above. Following those and other natural calamities safety measures will keep you out of danger and health hazards.
Fun Facts About Safety Measures During Natural Disasters
You can get your entire family together during a natural calamity such as floods or cyclones and spend quality time with them.
Although cyclones bring significant destruction often, if you’re in a safe zone, then you can arrange for health camps in your building.
Earthquakes usually trigger other natural calamities such as tornadoes and hurricanes.
Earthquakes and floods usually accompany landslides.
Forest fires are capable of damaging vast areas of greenery.
FAQs on Safety Measures and Technology
1. What are the essential safety measures a person should take during a cyclone?
During a cyclone, it is crucial to follow specific safety measures to minimise risk. Key actions include:
- Regularly monitoring official warnings from agencies like the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD).
- Reinforcing your house by repairing loose tiles and securing doors and windows.
- Keeping an emergency kit ready with food, water, medicines, and a flashlight.
- Turning off the main electrical supply and gas lines to prevent accidents.
- Staying indoors in the strongest part of the house and away from windows.
- Keeping all important documents and valuables in a waterproof bag.
2. What are the most important safety precautions to follow during a flood?
To ensure safety during a flood, one must take several precautions. The most important ones are:
- Do not walk or drive through flowing water, as its depth can be deceptive and currents can be strong.
- Stay away from downed power lines and electrical wires to avoid the risk of electrocution.
- Move to higher ground or the highest floor of your building immediately.
- Listen to the radio or television for the latest information and evacuation notices.
- Keep a stock of fresh drinking water, as the main water supply may become contaminated.
- Avoid contact with floodwater as it may contain sewage, chemicals, and other hazards.
3. How does modern technology help in predicting and managing natural disasters?
Modern technology plays a vital role in disaster management by improving prediction and response. For instance, weather satellites and Doppler radars are used to monitor the formation and movement of cyclones, providing early warnings. Similarly, organisations like the Central Water Commission (CWC) use hydrological data and sensors to forecast floods. During a disaster, GPS helps in mapping affected areas, while drones are used for search, rescue, and assessing damage. Communication technology ensures that warnings and instructions reach the public quickly.
4. Why is generating public awareness considered a crucial part of disaster management technology?
Generating public awareness is crucial because even the most advanced technological warnings are ineffective if people do not know how to respond. Awareness campaigns educate citizens on:
- Understanding the risks associated with different disasters.
- Knowing the designated evacuation routes and safe shelters in their area.
- How to prepare an emergency kit and a family disaster plan.
- Following official instructions, which helps prevent panic and ensures an orderly response.
Ultimately, an informed public acts as the first line of defence, significantly reducing loss of life and property.
5. What is the difference between structural and non-structural measures for flood control?
Flood control measures are broadly categorised as structural and non-structural.
- Structural measures involve physical construction to control or redirect floodwater. Examples include building dams, reservoirs, embankments (levees) along river banks, and improving drainage systems.
- Non-structural measures focus on policy, planning, and preparedness without physical construction. Examples include flood forecasting and warning systems, implementing strict zoning laws to prevent construction on floodplains, and promoting watershed management and afforestation.
6. What specific roles do agencies like the IMD and CWC play in disaster safety in India?
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Central Water Commission (CWC) are key agencies for disaster safety.
- The IMD is responsible for weather forecasting, tracking cyclones, and issuing timely warnings about heavy rainfall, storms, and other meteorological hazards.
- The CWC monitors water levels in rivers and reservoirs across the country. It is responsible for providing flood forecasts and warnings, which are critical for areas downstream of major rivers and dams.
Together, their data and warnings form the backbone of India's early warning system for hydro-meteorological disasters.
7. How can unplanned urban development lead to severe flooding?
Unplanned urban development significantly increases the risk and severity of what is known as urban flooding. This happens primarily due to:
- Concretisation: Widespread use of concrete and asphalt for roads and buildings prevents rainwater from seeping into the ground, increasing surface runoff.
- Encroachment on Water Bodies: Construction on natural floodplains, lakes, and wetlands destroys their natural water-holding capacity.
- Inadequate Drainage: Poorly planned or blocked drainage systems cannot handle the excess runoff from heavy rainfall, leading to rapid waterlogging.
8. Can one natural disaster trigger another? Explain with an example.
Yes, one natural disaster can often trigger another in a process known as a cascading hazard. The initial event creates conditions that lead to subsequent disasters. For example:
- An earthquake under the ocean can displace a massive amount of water, triggering a devastating tsunami.
- Heavy and prolonged rainfall associated with a cyclone can saturate the soil, leading to widespread floods and landslides.
- A volcanic eruption can melt glaciers on the volcano's slopes, causing destructive mudflows called lahars.
