what would be disaster management plan related to earthquack
Answers
The risk for disaster occurs when the social, physical, environmental and economic vulnerabilities are hit by hazards. The biggest volumes of disasters are mainly a result of events originating hydrometeorogically. Even in the face of gradual understanding of the significance of reduction of disasters and disaster response capabilities, disasters continue to be a global problem especially the one of disaster management techniques. It is now globally accepted that plans should be put in place to reduce the risk of a disaster. The plans should be conceptualised and brought into action in spheres such as policies, programmes for poverty reduction and should be assisted by international and regional cooperation. Poverty reduction, proper governing and sustainable development are mutually cooperative plans along with disaster management. Efforts have to be made at a rapid pace to put in place the required plans to counter any threats posed at the regional and international level by disasters.
Introduction
The occurrence of such disasters has continued to increase in a rapid succession. More than three million lives were lost due to disasters in the last quarter of a century itself. This number does not stop as billions have been affected in some way or the other. The cost of rehabilitation from these disasters has run into thousands of billions alone.
The increase in the population of the world only enhances the chance of disaster risk which could cause massive casualties and harm to the human life in large numbers. The six billion mark in world population was reached on the 16th of November in 1999. The annual growth rate was estimated at nearly 1.33 %( seventy eight million every year).
There is a greater risk on account of the industrialization and vast urbanization since a lot of people are moving to urban areas which do not have sufficient health care and infrastructure in place.
Energy is released after accumulation in the volcanic activity or geological faults which cause seismic waves to bring about movement of the crust which is known as an earthquake.
Humans are able to only detect three thousand earthquakes from the total of five hundred thousand earthquakes that occur every year. 7 to 11 out of these 3000 earthquakes cause significant damage to property and human life though this figure has increased the past few years.
The toll of death due to an earthquake can range from as less as five to higher than two hundred and forty thousand.
One out of two cities in a developed country is susceptible to a natural hazard like earthquake. Seventeen of the twenty largest cities are situated in countries with low resources. Eighty percent of the population of the world will reside in developing countries by the year 2025 according to an estimate.
What is an Earthquake?
An earthquake is the shaking of the surface of Earth due to the sudden release of energy in the Earth’s crust, as a result, seismic waves (also known as S waves)are created. The seismic activities in an area determine the type and intensity of the earthquake.
_____________________________________________________________
What Causes an Earthquake?
Earthquakes are caused due to sudden tectonic movements in the earth’s crust. When the tectonic plates slide over one another, there is a cause of orogeny which results in earthquakes and volcanoes. These disturbances cause vibrations which spread in all the directions. As there is a relative motion of these plates, there is stress built up, which breaks by releasing the stored energy known as shock waves.
What to do During an Earthquake?
Before the disaster:
Connections of gas lines and appliances must be made flexible.
An earthquake readiness plan must be kept ready, including locating a shelter house, canned food and up to date first aid kit, gallons of water, dust masks, goggles, firefighting equipment, a torch and a working battery-operated radio.
Architects and structural engineers must be consulted before laying the foundation of buildings in earthquake-prone areas, also the building must be manufactured as per the rules and regulations laid by the disaster management committee.
Awareness must be spread among friends and family members about the above-mentioned measures.
Do’s and Dont’s:
One must stay indoors until the shaking stops and it’s officially announced that it is safe to exit.
One must stay away from bookcases, furniture and heavy appliances that may fall.
The shelter must be under a table or bed, and hold on to a post or any other fixture.
If one is outdoors, the shelter must be taken in a clear stop away from buildings, trees, and power lines.
After the disaster:
Following are the measures that must be undertaken after the calamity is over.
First aid kits must be used to tend to persons with minor injuries such as bleedings and bruises. Whereas seriously injured individuals must not be moved until they are out of danger and proper medical help has arrived.
If the person is not breathing, rescue breathing must be administered. If the person has no pulse, CPR must be given.
Tumbling shelves and falling items must be taken care of and damaged walls made of bricks must be avoided.
Main gas valves must be checked for leaks. The main power switch must be turned off if there is a possibility of damage. Broken appliances must be unplugged until the damage is repaired.
One must stay away from downed power lines and any object or appliance in contact with it.
What are the Effects of an Earthquake?
Following are the effects of the earthquake:
Ground shaking: Surface waves that are near the epicentre are responsible for the earthquake. The intensity of ground shaking depends on the duration, local geology and distance.
Damage to a man-made structure.
An outbreak of fire and spilling of hazardous chemicals.