From Natural Disasters to Terrorism you never know when something

catastrophic will happen to

YOU…

Many parts of the Indian state of Maharashtra including large areas of the metropolis Mumbai were in floods, in which at least 5,000 people

died. It occurred just one month after similar flooding in Gujarat.

Drought in India has resulted in tens of millions of deaths over the course of the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries.

The worst earthquake in India's history flattened hundreds of towns and villages in Gujarat. More than 20,000 people were

killed, 166,000 injured and 1.1 million homes destroyed.

Geological Disasters…Such As …

….And

The recent Earthquake of Magnitude 8.9 has devastated northern Japan completely.

Iceland’s recent volcano eruption caused huge economic losses. The Volcano erupted spewing smoke and steam, closing a major roads and forcing hundreds of people to flee rising floodwaters.

All flights in and out of the UK and several other European countries were suspended as ash from the volcanic eruption in

Iceland moved south.

On March 11, 2011, an earthquake struck off the coast of Japan, churning up a devastating tsunami that swept over cities and farmland in the

northern part of the country and set off warnings as far away the west coast of the United States and South America.

35 girls were killed; 139 injured seriously in a school at Madurai in a fire accident.

In a school at Dabwali (Haryana) 360 people died. Hundreds more were injured in a

stampede that followed as terrified crowds tried to escape the flames through the single,

small exit of a huge tent.

At least 2,000 people were killed on the night of 2 December in 1984 when a lethal gas leaked from the Union Carbide pesticide

plant in Bhopal.

One of the worst nuclear disasters ever, occurred at Chernobyl on April 26th 1986 and killed 30 people immediately. The high radiation levels from the power plant affected over 135,000 people in a 20 mile radius.

The Fukushima Nuclear Reactor went into meltdown after the tsunami in Japan following the Earthquake on 11 March,2011.

Have we learnt any lessons from such Disasters?

Disasters will keep occurring, we cannot avoid them !

Let’s prepare ourselves to minimize their impact…

Disaster prone Delhi

Delhi suffers from multiple hazards…

Delhi is in high risk zone-susceptible to intensity VIII

Earthquakes

Tackling Fire Accidents is a big problem due to High population density, crowded streets,inadequate water supply, poor electrical services,

unplanned siting of fire stations.

Floods vulnerability due to over flooding in the Yamuna

and the Najafgarh Drain system

Being a Political Capital of the country, Delhi is always on high alerts for Terrorist

Attacks

Industrial disasters can not be ruled out as industrial areas have cropped up in and around residential areas in

several colonies.

Make Your Disaster Management Plans

before it strikes.

Be Proactive

Preparedness helps in avoiding the common mistakes which magnify the

extent of disasters.

Different types of disasters may require different precautions before and during an emergency.

You should know, what disasters strike where you live and what to do to protect

yourself.

Make Your Home/School/Workplace Fire Safe

• Install a smoke alarm.• Consider installing an automatic fire sprinkler.• Consider escape ladders.

Store them near the window.• Plan Escape Routes.• Practice your escape plan at least twice a year. • Display all Emergency Numbers near the

telephone.

• Do not panic.• Run for the Fire Extinguisher.• Use water to put off fire if it is NOT caused by a short circuit

or burning oil.• Use sand to put off fire

caused due to short circuits.• Call for a fire brigade immediately.• Use blankets if trapped inside.

If it occurs…

•DROP, COVER, AND HOLD ON! Move only a few steps to a nearby safe place.

•Stay away from windows.

•If you are in bed, hold on and stay there, protecting your head with a pillow.

•If you are outdoors, find a clear spot away from buildings, trees, and power lines.

•If you are in a car, slow down and drive to a clear place. Stay in the car until the shaking stops.

Prepare your Earthquake Plan Know What to Do When the Shaking Begins

• Avoid using any electrical appliances.

• Draw blinds and shades over windows. The shades will prevent glass from shattering into your home.If caught outdoors

•Find shelter in a building or car. Keep car windows closed.

•Go to a low-lying, open place away from trees, poles, or metal objects.

•Place your hands on your knees with your head between them. Make yourself the smallest target possible.

When a Storm Approaches...

•Prepare your First aid kit and essential medications.

•Turn off electricity, gas and water if authorities advise you to do so.

•Identify where you could go if told to evacuate.

•Move your furniture and valuables to higher floors of your home.

•Listen to local radio and TV stations for information and advice. If told to evacuate, do so, as soon as possible.

Preparing for Flood Warnings…

•Face it bravely.

•Be calm and patient.

•Help the victims.

•Co-operate with doctors , army-personnel and police in rescue work.

•Do not spread panic or rumours.

•Donate blood.

•Listen to local radio or TV stations and follow the instructions or advices given.

Whether a disaster is Man-Made or Natural :

Disaster Management is a Team Work.

We can Overcome only by working Together!

Coming Together is a beginning, Keeping together is progress, Working together is success.

Photstory By :Vaishali Nigam