What gross preparations need to be made in anticipation of floods - Part 2

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. In the previous article we gave information on ‘Steps to be followed when constructing a new house and how to preserve important documents and valuables’. This is a continuation of that.
To read Part 1 click here What gross preparations need to be made in anticipation of floods – Part 1

4. ‘How to prevent shortage of water and food Water storage tanks

4A. Alternative arrangements for storage of drinking water in case of shortage

When there is flooding as transformers too get submerged there is no electricity creating a shortage in drinking water. As water stagnates to a great extent it becomes impossible for water tankers to reach the flooded areas. As a result there is shortage of drinking water. To prevent this the following preparations can be made.

1.There should be a big tank, vessels and drums for water storage.

2. Many houses have water storage tanks on the terrace. If possible another tank should be joined to this one so that more water can be stored.

3. Rain water from the roof too can be collected with a pipe and stored.

4. Use available water judiciously. To prevent wastage of water eat on leaves or in dispsosable paper plates, bowls, spoons etc.

4B. Methods of water purification

1. In the monsoons as well in floods as the water supplied is turbid, before using it has to be boiled and filtered. Household remedies such as alum can be used for this.

2. When pieces of cocnut shell are burnt and put in water it gets purified naturally.

3. Many pharmacies sell ‘water disinfection’ tablets. Within half an hour 1 tablet purifies 20 litresof water automatically.

4. Filter water bottles are available in the market. The filter fitted in them can purify upto 1000 litres of water. When impure water is poured into this bottle it kills germs and destroys salts purifying the water.

So in calamitous times when there is scarcity of pure drinking water this is an alternative to purifying turbid water.

4C. After drying in the sun store foodgrain in airtight plastic bags

In flooded areas there is no supply of vegetables and fruits. Hence cereals and pulses have to be in stock. After buying clean them, dry in the sun, add a preservative to prevent bugs and store in good quality airtight plastic bags. Then place these bags in drums and place the drums on a loft. Remove cereals or pulses required for a month from the drum at one time because if opened repeatedly the preservative becomes ineffective and also does not remain airtight making it prone to getting spoilt.
As flour gets infested with worms it cannot be stored likewise.

4D. Stocking vegetables

Vehicular movement stops due to flooding so there is no availablity of vegetables, milk and other eatables. Hence stocking of these things is essential.

1. Well dried onions, garlic, yam etc can last upto a month or two so store them in a dry place.

2. Dry brinjals, beans, coriander leaves, chillies, fenugreek leaves etc in the hot sun for 5 to 6 days to remove every trace of water. Store in a cool, dry place. Refrigeration is not necessary. These dried vegetables can last for upto 2 months. If soaked in water for sometime before use then they absorb water and become fresh.

3. Apply salt to bitter gourd and potato slices and sun dry. These can last for a few months.

4. Make a paste of ash gourd, bottle gourd etc. Spread out on a plastic sheet as nuggets and dry in the sun. Later these nuggets can be used to make vegetable curry.

4E. Stock long-lasting snacks in the house

Pickles, chutneys, jams and other savouries, spice powders, oil can be stored in airtight containers. Also stock milk powder and long-lasting snacks. When travelling ensure that you carry some dry snack with you as due to some adverse situation if it is difficult to reach home then you will not remain hungry.

5. Stock your regular medicines in a safe place

It becomes difficult to procure medicines at the eleventh hour. Hence ensure that you stock frequently used medicines such as tablets for high blood pressure or diabetes, fever, cold, cough, joint pain etc with long expiry dates.

To ensure that the medicines are safe store them on high shelves or lofts in plastic bags, away from direct sunlight. Some medicines like insulins which require refrigeration may be preserved in ice packs as if you are evacuated from your home in a crisis then they will last atleast for some days.

(The Sanatan Bharatiya Sanskruti Sanstha reserves all copyrights for this series of articles.)

Vaidya Bhupesh Sharma from Faridabad (Haryana) preparing for the upcoming calamitous times after taking cognisance of guidance given in Sanatan Prabhat

The Omniscient Seer Paratpar Guru (Dr.) Athavale had predicted the upcoming calamitous times some years ago and suggested some effective remedies to combat it. The invaluable guidance given by Him on how to face a calamitous state is being published through the Sanatan Prabhat time and again.

Vaidya Bhupesh Sharma from Faridabad, Haryana on reading these instructions in Sanatan Prabhat has planted 60 to 70 medicinal plants in pots at his residence. He has also ordered a millstone to make flour and a grinding stone from the village.

The actions taken by Vaidya Sharma in preparation for the upcoming calamitous times after reading the Sanatan Prabhat is indeed praiseworthy. Seekers, readers, well-wishers and devout Hindus too should start preparing for the upcoming calamitous times.

– Shrisatshakti (Mrs.) Binda Singbal, Sanatan Ashram, Ramnathi, Goa (27.7.2020)

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

To read part 3 Click here Preparations to be done at the gross level to be equipped to face floods – Part 3