Important information for citizens in flood-prone areas
In the monsoons there is flooding due to excessive rainfall. In other seasons flooding can occur due to cloud bursts. In 2019 in the states of Maharashtra and Karnataka there was excessive rainfall in several cities leading to flooding. As roads connecting to many villages were flooded vehicular traffic came to a standstill. Houses of thousands of citizens were submerged. In some places due to the fast flowing water not only man and cattle but vehicles too were swept away. Petrol, diesel, milk and other essential commodities went out of stock. In this natural calamity which appeared suddenly human life came to a standstill.
When such a state will reappear cannot be predicted. Hence given further are points on how citizens in flood-prone areas should make preparations.
1. How to construct a new house in a flood-prone area
1A. Do not construct a new house in a flood-prone area
If you wish to construct a new house do not do so in a flood -prone area.
1B. Seek guidance from a civil engineer to decide
the height at which it has to be constructed in a flood-prone area
If for some reason you need to build a new house in a flood-prone area first find out the level to which the water has risen during floods and seek advice from an experienced local civil engineer on the height at which the house should be constructed.
1C. Houses from cement slabs, columns and beams are safe unlike those from mud or unbaked bricks
In flood-prone areas houses of mud or unbaked bricks cannot last for long. Mud houses collapse with fast flowing waters easily while unbaked bricks may disintegrate in the water. Torrential rains can cause sweeping off of asbestos or tin roofs. Hence in flood-prone areas the houses have to be made strong using stone and cement slabs and columns or beams.The walls too have to made from cement and sand instead of mud.
1D. Ensure that the house has slopes so that flood
water entering it can recede. Seek guidance from civil engineers in this regard.
2. Points pertaining to a premises
2A. Insurance policies
If the house is built in a flood-prone region then think about whether you need to insure your premises, vehicles, fields, other gadgets.
2B. If walls become damp then waterproof them.
If you notice that walls in the house have become damp then waterproof them before the rains. Cracks on walls can be dangerous hence immediately consult civil engineers for them.
2C. Ensure that your wooden furniture has waterproof coating
Furniture made from plywood or compressed wood can get destroyed with exposure to water hence consider buying metallic furniture instead of wooden furniture (table, sofa, bed etc). If wooden furniture has waterproof coating then even if exposed to water it does not get spoilt.
2D. Install eletrical panels in the house as high as possible.
2E. What to do to overcome shortage of electricity
In the monsoons electricity can be disrupted for unknown periods hence ensure that you have matchboxes, earthen lamps, candles, torches, lanterns, kerosene, oil etc in the house and cells for torches. Store all this in waterproof bags to prevent them from getting wet.
2F. Get windows and doors repaired
As robberies occur even in flood situations ensure that the locks of your doors and windows are secure
and that they have grills. If they need repairs then do them now.
3. How to preserve documents and valuables
3A. Use the Digilocker App
The Electronics and IT Ministry of the Government of Bharat has started the Digilocker App. Make use of that through the website https://digilocker.gov.in/. Install this app on your smart phone and enter your Aadhar card number. All your official documents linked to this card such as driving licence, insurance policies, TDS certificates, rental contracts, sale deeds etc can be downloaded and remain safe there. If the App is installed on your phone and the documents downloaded then they will be easily available to you even in calamitous times.
3B. As far as possible avoid keeping cash, valuables
and ornaments in bank lockers in flood-prone areas.
3C. Keep attested xerox copies of important documents securely.
1. Preserve original documents such as ration card, Aadhar card, bank passbooks, house papers etc along with 5 attested xerox copies of each in a bank locker.
2. Keep another 5 copies of attested xerox copies of important documents with relatives or close friends.
3. Preserve another 5 xerox copies in plastic bags in a bag or briefcase at home. In case you need to evacuate your residence suddenly then you can carry that bag with you.
By keeping your documents in three different places you will be able to procure them at least from one of the three places.
3D. Keep valuables safely
In calamitous times there are spates of thefts. Hence keep valuables and ornaments in bank lockers or safe places.
3E. Keep some cash to prevent inconvenience due to an inaccesible bank or ATM
In adverse conditions there is no access to money to procure daily supplies. Besides prices of essential commodities are hiked. Hence keep cash that you will require for a fortnight to a month. To prevent wetting of the money preserve it in plastic bags in a safe place.
(The Sanatan Bharatiya Sanskruti Sanstha reserves all copyrights for this series of articles.)
To read Part 2 click here
Appeal to readers
Some guidance from the viewpoint of floods is provided here. If readers wish to contribute any suggestions in this regard then they may do so at the following addresses. This will help in giving society an even better perspective.
e-mail id : [email protected]
Postal address : Mrs. Bhagyashree Sawant, C/o Sanatan ashram, 24B, Ramnathi, Bandiwade, Ponda,
Goa – 403401
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