Preparedness always minimizes damage during disasters
To follow precautionary measures before any eventuality or disaster surely minimizes damage, referring to the extent and intensity of rains in the Kashmir valley from a couple of days, witnessed by heavy rain, lightning, snow and momentary gusts of wind, flooding of public roads, flooding of seasonal rivers, water flowing from upstream and canals are all signs to be remaining vigilant and prepared in eventuality of any disaster to come ahead.
In such circumstances, rather critical situations like floods, anxiety and stress overcome people, they do not know what to do to be less harmed or not to be harmed at all. Floods occur when the river channel or the natural path of the water flow cannot withstand the flood capacity, and the effective factors in this situation are heavy rains, rapid melting of snow, high slopes, destruction of dams, the presence of storms and human intervention in nature, such as the destruction of forests and pastures.
In Kashmir, Banihal, Lolab, Kulgam and Kupwada, floods have occurred as per news reports and our hands are up for the safety and security of every individual inhabiting the Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Basically, the overall Kashmir valley is vulnerable to earthquakes as well as floods.
Calm floods are caused gradually over days and weeks due to rainfall and sudden increase in the volume of water in rivers and lakes, and sudden floods that are caused by a sudden increase in the volume of water in rivers and lakes and are associated with death, and it causes injuries to people and destruction of houses.
Safety measures and actions before the flood:
- Store safe water in safe containers in case of flooding. Prepare a lighting device (flashlight, candle, etc.).
- Put documents and security in a safe and waterproof box. If the water heater or electrical appliances are subject to flooding, place them above the existing level.
- Listen to the radio, television, or public address announcements to learn about the situation and get the necessary instructions. If ordered to evacuate, do so immediately.
- When you recognize that a flood is forming, act very quickly to save yourself. You only have a few minutes to do this. Avoid drains and seemingly calm streams. Keep in mind that streams, sewers, gorges, etc. can also flood suddenly.
- Leave low-lying areas very quickly and move to higher areas away from rivers and streams. Shut off water, electricity, and gas to prevent flooding, electrocution, and explosions.
- Never walk alone in a flooded area. If you are on foot, do not cross places where the water level is higher than your knees. Never use flooded trees as a shelter.
- Do not cross loose wooden bridges over rivers during floods. Vehicles, pets and portable objects should be moved to the nearest high place.
Since floods can happen completely, suddenly and without any prior warning. Most of the floods are caused by heavy rain, melting of snow and large pieces of ice, or flooding of rivers. One of the most important flood damage is destruction of roads, destruction of bridges, destruction of agricultural lands, destruction of wells and canals, destruction of dams, and destruction of residential houses. Rapid melting of snow and ice is another important factor in floods. Sometimes, this melting along with heavy rain causes rivers to flood, and volcanic activity also causes rapid melting of snow in the mountains and sudden and massive floods. The volunteers and people should work in close coordination with district administration, governmental organization, NDRF, Civil defense teams and others to take effective and timely steps for safeguarding the precious lives of the people during any natural disaster.
The writer is studying at Hauza-Ilmia Qom Iran.
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