How to deal with disasters such as World War, Earthquakes, etc. ? (Part 7)
| The adverse times that Sanatan has been warning about are at our doorstep !
Their impact is going to be more horrific ! Normally, our country witnesses cold waves during the winters. In the Himalayas, the temperature drops below zero to -40 degrees Celsius. The possibility of a cold wave occuring in the current climate cannot be ruled out. There has been a lot of snowfall in Texas, USA recently. In addition, due to a major breakdown in power supply there, the citizens could not use heaters. The water supply was also cut off since tap water froze in pipes. For some days, the residents of this place were in a dilemma since they could not even use electrical appliances for cooking. This has to be called an adverse time. If such a situation occurs everywhere, it can lead to a large number of deaths. This article gives you a overview on how to deal with a cold wave in India. |
Cold wave
1. What is a cold wave ? : Normally, when the atmosphere temperature is minus zero degree Celsius, it is called ‘cold wave’.
2. Ailments created due to a cold wave Beware of hypothermia : Excessive cold weather can lead to hypothermia in some people. Each person has a normal temperature, which is controlled by the body mechanisms. When the body temperature goes below this normal temperature, it is called hypothermia. This can be fatal because the body cannot generate enough heat needed to cope with this low temperature.
Newborns and the elderly in particular are at higher risk. Therefore, if someone is shivering due to cold, he should be given warm clothes and blankets to generate more heat. If his clothes are wet, change them. Give him heat-generating drinks. Consult a physician as needed.
3. Preparations to protect from a cold wave : Adequate storage of warm clothing should be worn on cold days; for example sweaters or jackets, mufflers, shawls, hats, hand gloves and socks, rugs, quilts, blankets. Make sure everyone in the family has enough of such clothes. Ensure that there are enough clothes for the elderly since they may suffer more from the cold.
4. Actions required in case of a cold wave
A. Have adequate water storage in the house during this period as water supply pipes are likely to freeze due to cold.
B. Do not wear wet clothes. If for some reason the clothes get wet, replace them with dry clothes.
C. Consume hot drinks and foods regularly.
D. Do not drink alcohol. Alcohol lowers body heat.
E. Cold can lead to numbness in the fingers, toes, earlobes, nasal passages, etc.; so, pay attention to them and ensure they remain warm.
F. Numb body parts due to cold should not be rubbed. Massage can cause harm.
G. The numb body parts, for example, the limbs, can be immersed in lukewarm (not too hot) water.
H. Avoid going out of the house during a cold wave. If you experience shivering upon going out, return home immediately.
I. Heaters should be used indoors if possible.
J. Information about weather provided on TV or radio, as well as instructions given about it, should be followed carefully.
Landslide
This portion provides information on landslides. Although landslides do not occur everywhere, the risk of earthquakes in the near future can be as high as in mountainous areas. The causes of landslides, their severity, some precautionary measures required to prevent landslides, some pre-landslide warnings, what to do when it happens and what to do after it takes place are given ahead.
1. The meaning of the word ‘landslide’ : A part of a hard or brittle hill or hillock that suddenly collapses and goes downhill is called a ‘landslide’. Sometimes this happens very fast, sometimes it takes hours, days or even months. Most of the time, a mixture of rocks, soil, water, mud, etc. comes down very fast during landslides.
2. Causes of landslides
A. Natural causes : Landslides can be caused by a number of factors, such as heavy rainfall, rapid melting of snow, earthquakes, storms, volcanic eruptions, fires (fires caused by friction between trees or temperature rise).
B. Man-made causes
1. Humans dig deep into the ground, and as a result, tremors are felt in the ground, thus causing fissures.
2. Explosives are also sometimes used while digging tunnels. This may also make the soil brittle.
3. Landslides can also be caused by excessive deforestation during construction activities.
3. The severity of a landslide disaster : The highest number of landslides in India take place in the Himalayan regions of Kashmir, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, etc. Landslides kill an average of 700 people every year in our country. Recently, due to a landslide in the village of Malin (Taluka Ambegaon, District Pune in Maharashtra) on 30.7.2014 more than 155 people, 44 out of 74 houses, as well as many animals, were buried under mounds within a few moments.
4. Some measures to be taken to prevent landslides
A. To prevent landslides, more trees should be planted in areas where landslides are likely to occur or where they have occurred in the past. This will make the roots of trees hold the ground tight and prevent landslides. Large trees as well as other plants should be sown especially in hilly areas.
B. Holes in the protective wall for water drainage should be kept clean. Also, the natural water drainage system should not be changed. Failure to do so may increase the risk of landslides, when the pressure of water is not able to escape.
C. Do not construct anything on slopes, sides and drainage channels. Do not store waste or materials alongside. Doing so could lead to landslides and further damage.
D. Before the monsoons, the mountain slopes, dangerous cliffs, etc. should be inspected, and after taking necessary measures, ensure that landslides do not occur. For this, help of the youth, village workers and experienced farmers in the area can be taken. By keeping an eye on the danger areas, these people can alert the villagers and the concerned Government agencies as soon as they notice any dangerous change.
5. Some advance warnings before a landslide : Landslides cannot be forecast every time. However, sometimes these warning are perceptible; hence, it is important to learn their meaning.
Failure to do so will prevent preparedness in case of landslides even after advance warning. Sometimes the slow-moving changes around us can lead to massive landslides. Pay attention to such natural occurrences.
A. Sudden jamming of doors and windows.
B. Watch out for some warning signs such as subsidence of building, cracks on rocks, muddy river water.
C. Broken water lines and other underground utilities (carrying electricity, etc.).
D. Sunken or down-dropped road beds.
E. Sudden increase or decrease in water flow or for a change from clear to muddy water.
F. Sudden decrease in creek water levels though rain is still falling or just recently stopped.
G. Sudden tilting or cracking of trees, fences, pillars, protective walls, etc.
H. New cracks or unusual bulges in the ground.
I. New springs bursting forth.
6. Precautions to take during a landslide
A. If a mound of mud is coming towards you at the time of a landslide, avoid crossing roads, bridges, and try to move to a height away from the mound path as soon as possible. Avoid going to the scene of the landslide as well as near river basins, since mounds accumulate in low-lying areas during landslides.
B. Landslide debris moves from uphill to downhill. You should, therefore, avoid lowlying areas or valleys.
C. If you notice any warning signs such as unusual sounds such as trees cracking or boulders knocking together, move away from the area.
D. If you cannot move away from the affected area at the time of a landslide or are worried of being buried under a mound, take shelter under a strong table or a bench. You can use a pillow to protect your head. Be especially alert when driving.
7. Steps to take after a landslide
A. Do not touch / walk over loose material and electrical wires or poles.
B. Move away from landslip path and downstream valley quickly.
C. Check for injured and trapped persons.
D. Do not move an injured person without providing first-aid unless he / she is in immediate danger.
E. Do not drink contaminated water directly from rivers springs, wells, etc.
F. Locate the nearest public shelter.
G. Stay away from the slide area. There may be a danger of additional slides.
H. Re-plant damaged ground as soon as possible. Erosion caused by loss of ground cover can lead to flash flooding.
I. Stay away from the location until the emergency workers and the experts confirm that it is safe.
(Reference : pocketbook-do-dont-1.pdf and usgs.gov/natural-hazards/landslide-hazards/science/landslide-preparedness)