Mumbai Floods – Lessons from Chennai Floods

Experts on climate warm that effects of global warming is the prevalence of extreme weather patterns. The Chennai Floods of 2016 was because a month’s average rain fell within a span of two days. Mumbai flood of 2017 is no different.  An average month’s rain fell in a day. What are the lessons learnt from these natural calamities? Here are some do’s and don’t the general population can adopt to safeguard against natural calamities.

Do’s – Take these precautions during and after flood

• Take a closer look at the weather reports. There are many people out there having extraordinary interest in studying weather patterns. Follow their feeds to get the latest update on weather.
• Stock enough water and food ration for a week’s time.
• Keep candles, matchbox, emergency contact numbers, a fully charged phone with phone charger, and other essential items in a box which is water proof. You can enclose them in a cover to protect them from water.
• Keep a medical kit ready – let your medical kit have basic medications, gauze, first-aid items, and insurance details.
• Switch off the power supply to remain safe when there is a storm surging.
• Shut your windows so that the violent storm does not shatter your windows.

Don’ts – Do not do the following under any circumstances during and after the flood

• Allowing your children to play in the flood water
• Switching the power supply almost immediately because the earth would be soaked and the chances of electrocution are real.
• Turning the gas lines without opening the window and other ventilation – Take proper precaution before turning the gas supply.
• Drinking water straight from the supply line – Ensure to boil the water properly when you use the water for drinking purposes.
• Starting your vehicle to visit flood hit places – Do not give in to the urge of driving your vehicles to the flood hit places. Not knowing how deep the flood waters have stagnated can land you in serious trouble.

As a general thumb rule, listen to the safety announcements aired by the authorities and the municipal agencies. We are glaring straight at the face of the impacts of global warming and the cities are going to face the brunt of floods. So let us all be prepared and handle the challenges.

Tags: Chennai Floods 2016Mumbai Floods 2017Precautions to take after floodsPrecautions to take during floods