Disaster is a sudden calamity that brings destruction, damage, devastation (3Ds) that results loss to life and property. Natural disasters are often frightening and difficult for us to understand, because we have no control over when and where they happen. Disasters usually have following features:
• Unpredictability
• Sudden
• Unfamiliarity
• Shock reaction
• Confusion
• Panic
God forbid, Natural disasters sometimes appear in the form of Earthquakes, Volcanic eruptions,landslides, Floods, Storm surge, Hurricanes, Tornadoes, Drought etc.
While the repercussions of disaster completely disrupts the normal day to day life, sometimes it also negatively influences the emergency systems like rescue operations & providing/arranging normal needs and processes like food, shelter, health, etc.
Earthquake is one of the most unexpected/unpredicted frightening and destructive phenomena of nature is a severe earthquake and its terrible after effects. Earthquakes have varied effects, including changes in geologic features, damage to man-made structures, and impact on human and animal life. Most of these effects occur on solid ground.
According to experts, “An earthquake is a series of vibrations on the earth’s surface caused by the generation of elastic (seismic) waves due to sudden rupture within the earth during release of accumulated strain energy”.
For the interest of community, with my personal experience (at the age of 55 yrs.)* I suggest some Do’s & don’ts during an earthquake*
DURING THE QUAKE
If you are indoors, stay calm. Always protect your head and face.. stand in a strong doorway, or get under a desk, table or bed. Move away from outer walls, windows, glass doors, heavy mirrors, pictures, bookcases, hanging plants and heavy objects. Look out for falling plaster, bricks, lighting fixtures and other objects.
If you are outside get into the open, away from buildings and power lines. & If you are driving, you should safely bring