wfn.org | [NCC India] Towards A Proactive Disaster Management

[Worldwide Faith News <wfn@igc.org>]

Amelia Andrews
Associate Executive Secretary, Communication
National Council of Churches in India
16, Pandit Pant Marg,
New Delhi-110001
Ph:91-11-55428662

Dear friends,

The year 2005 was ushered in on a note of tragedy and destruction. The
question which looms large in front of us is that how prepared are we to
face any disaster. The Commission on Polity and National Governance, (COP)
is organising a Chintan Baithak in New Delhi  today to deliberate on, "
Chinha: The signs of Nature" Towards Disaster Management. For the Chintan
Baithak, a background paper has been prepared which deals with what happened
on December 26, 2004 and how can we respond to such disasters. Please share
it widely with your family, friends, colleagues et.al. It could be well be
the difference between life and death.
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Chin?ha :The Signs of Nature
Towards A Proactive Disaster Management

Be it an ?act of God? or ?act of Man?, a mind boggling spectrum of disasters
wreak havoc in the Indian subcontinent.  In fact, the frequency of all
categories of disasters, varying from epidemics to road accidents and
perennial droughts and floods, is escalating, resulting in a multifold
growth of injuries, disabilities, diseases, and deaths, disrupting
life-supporting systems, and adding to the health, social, and economic
burden of an already impoverished people.

Tsunami, December 26,2004 : A case in Point

On December 26, 2004 at 6.30 a.m., the world, as we know was altered
irrevocably. Far away from India, off the western coast of Indonesia, a
plate of earth, that was dug like a bulldozer blade into the ocean floor,
broke through layers of rocky resistance and created a rupture hundreds of
miles in length. Once begun, rock torn apart like paper. The ocean floor
collapsed in places and rose elsewhere, triggering massive upheavals of
water, subsequently unleashing the tsunami. [The word, tsunami comes from
Japanese, and literally means ?harbour? (tsu) + ?waves? (nami).]Unlike waves
on the surface, a tsunami is an underwater wave whose effects are apparent
only when it reaches shore, often hundreds or even thousands of miles away.

Giant plates bearing India and Australia have been moving north for
millennia. On December 26, they collidied with the Eurasian landmass near
Indonesia. As a result of the immense pressure that was built up, the
southern plate dug like a bulldozer under the northern plate.When that
happened around 8 a.m. on Saturday, pressure accumulated for years or
decades was released in an instant. As the earth convulsed, the ocean floor
likely rapidly fell in some places and rose elsewhere along a fissure
hundreds of miles in length. Areas that collapsed saw tons of water plunge
in, causing what is known as a depression wave. Elsewhere, the ocean floor
reared up, causing water to be displaced -- an elevation wave. Both effects
likely fed the tsunami according to the experts.

The Effect on the earthquake on the Earth:

?	The earth is still ?ringing like a bell? that has been struck
hard.
?	The North Pole shifted by 2.5 cms
?	The Earth?s oblateness (flattening on top and bulge in the
middle) was reduced by one part in 10 billion.
?	The day shortened by 2.68 microseconds.

What to do when disaster strikes

Disaster can strike quickly and without warning. It can force you to
evacuate your neighborhood or confine you to your home. To deal with any
such emergency some practical tips are given below.

Preparing as a family to deal with disaster

1.	Make sure your family has a disaster plan in place before a disaster
occurs.

2.	Find Out What Could Happen to You: Find out what types of disasters
are
most likely to happen, Learn about your community's warning signals: what
they sound like and what you should do when you hear them. Ask about animal
care after a disaster. Find out how to help elderly or disabled persons, if
needed. Find out about the disaster plans at your workplace, your children's
school or day care center, and other places where your family spends time.

3.	Create a Disaster Plan: Meet with your family and discuss why you
need to
prepare for disaster. Explain the dangers of fire, severe weather, and
earthquakes to children. Plan to share responsibilities and work together as
a team. Discuss the types of disasters that are most likely to happen.
Explain what to do in each case. Pick two places to meet:
?	Right outside your home in case of a sudden emergency, like a fire.
?	Outside your neighborhood in case you can't return home. Everyone
must
know the address and phone number.
Ask an out-of-state friend to be your "family contact." After a disaster,
it's often easier to call long distance. Other family members should call
this person and tell them where they are. Everyone must know your contact's
phone number.  Discuss what to do in an evacuation. Plan how to take care of
your pets.

4.	Complete This Checklist:

?	Post emergency telephone numbers by phones (fire, police, ambulance,
etc.).
?	Teach children how and when to call the local Emergency Medical
Services
number (102) for emergency help.
?	Show each family member how and when to turn off the utilities
(water,
gas, and electricity) at the main switches.
?	Check if you have adequate insurance coverage.
?	Get training from the fire department for each family member on how
to use
the fire extinguisher (ABC type), and show them where it's kept.
?	Conduct a home hazard hunt.
?	Stock emergency supplies and assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit.
?	Take a first aid and CPR class.
?	Determine the best escape routes from your home. Find two ways out
of each
room.
?	Find the safe places in your home for each type of disaster.

5.	Practice and Maintain Your Plan:

?	Quiz your kids every six months or so.
?	Conduct fire and emergency evacuations.
?	Replace stored water and stored food every six months.
?	Test and recharge your fire extinguisher(s) according to
manufacturer's
instructions.
?	Test your smoke detectors monthly and change the batteries at least
once a
year.

6.	Neighbors Helping Neighbors:

Working with neighbors can save lives and property. Meet with your neighbors
to plan how the neighborhood could work together after a disaster until help
arrives. Know your neighbors' special skills (e.g., medical, technical) and
consider how you could help neighbors who have special needs, such as
disabled and elderly persons. Make plans for child care in case parents
can't get home.

If disaster strikes

?	Remain calm and patient
?	Put your plan into action.
?	Check for Injuries Give first aid and get help for seriously injured
people.
?	Listen to Your Battery-Powered Radio for News and Instructions
?	Check for Damage in Your Home...
?	Use flashlights. Do not light matches or turn on electrical switches,
if
you suspect damage.
?	Sniff for gas leaks, starting at the water heater. If you smell gas
or
suspect a leak, turn off the main gas valve, open windows, and get everyone
outside quickly.
?	Shut off any other damaged utilities. (You will need a professional
to
turn gas back on.)
?	Clean up spilled medicines, bleaches, gasoline, and other flammable
liquids immediately.

Remember to...
?	Confine or secure your pets.
?	Call your family contact--do not use the telephone again unless it is
a
life-threatening emergency.
?	Check on your neighbors, especially elderly or disabled persons.
?	Make sure you have an adequate water supply in case service is cut
off.
?	Stay away from downed power lines.

We do not know when the disaster will strike but knowing what to do when
disaster strikes can save life?yours and of your loved ones.

Amelia Andrews
Associate Executive Secretary, Communication
National Council of Churches in India
16, Pandit Pant Marg,
New Delhi-110001
Ph:91-11-55428662

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News letter : N C C India