A year ago
Earthquake is a natural calamity which is capable of causing vast destruction and there is no way to stop it from occurring. Our planet has been hit by a number of strong earthquakes of different magnitudes that have led to the loss of many innocent lives and heavy damage to the property. A need for disaster management for earthquake was felt owing to the huge and frequent damage they had been causing around the world.
Earthquake Management
The seismic department studies earthquakes. The department monitors the environment and the activities that occurs under the Earth’s surface in an attempt to predict earthquakes and their severity. However, it has largely failed in predicting the exact date and time of occurrence of the earthquake.
Since it is almost impossible to forecast and avoid the occurrence of earthquakes, we must prepare ourselves to lower the losses caused by these. Japan for instance is highly prone to earthquakes. However, their preparedness to handle this natural calamity ensures little or no damage to property and life in the country.
The recent earthquakes that jolted India have shown how under-prepared we are to handle this natural calamity. A need to build an environment which is earthquake resistant has been felt. Though, this cannot be full proof however efforts in this direction can certainly help bring down the magnitude of losses.
Extensive research is going on in this direction. Builders are being encouraged to build earthquake resistant structures. Special degree in Earthquake Engineering is being imparted to prepare our future generations to tackle this natural disaster smartly. Structural Earthquake Engineering, Geo-technical Earthquake Engineering, Remote Sensing and Seismology are the fields that are being explored and taught.
Do not Panic during an Earthquake
It is but natural to panic during any difficult situation however doing so only worsens the problem. We must thus not panic during earthquake. We should rather act wisely. Here are few things you can do to lower the possibility of disaster:
Come out of your house/ office/ shop and gather in an open place.
Do not use elevator. Take the stairs to go down.
Make sure you are at a safe place as you come out and not somewhere where there is a possibility of falling objects or collapsing building.
Get under a table or bed if you cannot move out.
Stay calm and don’t indulge in negative talks.
Help those caught inside or in need if you can.
Earthquake: Precautions to be taken
People living in earthquake prone areas must stay alert and prepared to handle this natural disaster at all times. Here are certain things that they must keep handy:
Necessary medicines
Canned packaged food
Camp stoves that can be installed outdoors
Enough drinking water
Sanitation stock
Cash/ Debit card/ Credit Card
Important Certificates/ documents
It is a good idea to prepare a bag that can be carried easily in case of emergency.
Conclusion
The government must take measures to ensure the destruction caused by this natural calamity is lowered. In case of a severe earthquake, the government must take measures to help people who lose their houses and other important belongings. The government must be prepared to handle such an emergency situatio
n efficiently so that people do not suffer further.
Total Comments: 0