Acehtsunami

The first, foremost and cheapest method is sensitization of public about the do’s and don’ts to be followed to avoid casualty. The following tips may help reducing casualty to a great extend which needs mass awareness through leaflets, pamphlets, brochures etc.

• With the first sound of thunder one should be cautious and try to stay inside except unavoidable circumstances.

• Stay away from fireplaces, radiators, stoves, metal pipes, sinks, and phones.

• Stop using electrical appliances, telephone, metal objects.

• Don’t get out of car if on road but make a quick retreat from water, tractors, and lawn mowers.

• If no building is available nearby recline in the lowest possible area; avoid trees.

• On the top of mountain, one should retreat as far as possible and sit on ones pack, coiled ropes, camping mattress or other such insulated items.

Floods that have displaced and stranded at least 2 million people in Northern Bihar continue to worsen. The flooding began last week when the Kosi River, known as the Saptakoshi in neighboring Nepal, burst its banks and changed course, inundating three of Bihar’s northeastern districts - Supaul, Madhepura and Araria - an area that has not been affected by major monsoon flooding in more than 50 years.

Because prolonged flooding is a rarity in the area, it has been difficult for authorities to convince most people to evacuate. The Prime Minister visited the affected areas in Bihar and declared Bihar floods as national calamity. He also announced an immediate release of Rs 1,000 crores (US$244 million).

As of 28 August the damage details in the state (Central government figures) are:

· Population affected: 2,668,000

· No. of human lives lost: 47

· No. of districts affected: 16

· No. of villages affected: 1,598

The state government is engaged in rescue and relief operations and claims to have adequate food. However, the lack of adequate drinking water and the unhygienic conditions in the camps are posing a high health risk. The National Disaster Management Authority has therefore, expressed the urgent need of Water purification/treatment plants in large numbers to take care of the flood affected people both in India and Nepal.