Flood is one of the most destructive natural disasters that causes yearly damage in different parts of Afghanistan. In recent years, we have witnessed massive floods due to the extent, weather conditions, and spatial and temporal precipitation changes.
In the direction of better and preventive management, safety measures are designed and implemented before, during, and after terrible floods to minimize the adverse effects and irreparable damages of floods.
Since flood prevention is cost-effective in terms of cost, time, and damage, and if it occurs, it increases the speed of response to the crisis, this article aims to provide general information about the necessary measures in the three stages before, during, and after, from the event as safety tips.
Necessary measures before the flood
By observing the following points before the flood, you can minimize the financial and life losses of the family:
- Strictly avoid construction in riverbeds and flood-prone areas.
- One of the most important measures to minimize damages is basic construction and the use of appropriate building materials.
- To strengthen the basement walls, cover them with waterproof insulation to prevent water penetration.
- Install electrical connection wires in the upper parts of the house or building.
- One of the most essential items for every home is a first aid kit that you can easily prepare.
- Try to place essential items, valuables, securities, and important documents in higher places in the house.
- Receive the necessary information and awareness of the Meteorological Department through radio, television, and social media.
- Flood warning in the media means flooding, so please take it seriously and be prepared in advance.
- For an emergency, prepare food, mineral water, and sanitary items such as toilet liquid, gloves and masks, dishes, glasses, lamps, battery-powered radios, blankets, and other necessary items.
- Under no circumstances do you set up meetings in flood-prone areas and along the river and avoid stopping the car in these places.
- Try to choose several places in your hometown for emergency shelter so that you can move more quickly if you are told to evacuate.
- If you have a pet, take appropriate measures to transport it.
- Preparing sandbags and keeping them in the warehouse or basement of the house and stacking them on top of each other in front of the flood path can prevent water from entering the house and underground or prevent the entry of a large volume of water.
What to do when there is a flood?
By observing the following points during a flood, you can minimize the financial and life losses of the family:
- If there is a possibility of flooding, the rain is very heavy and you are in river areas or on bridges, leave the place as soon as possible.
- Try to get the necessary information and instructions through mass media such as radio, television, and social media, and if you are ordered to evacuate your home, take it seriously and leave your residence as soon as possible.
- Even if the weather is not rainy, do not stop in waterlogged areas, and if the water level is higher than your knees, do not pass through these areas under any circumstances because, in addition to endangering your life, it will interfere with the delivery of aid to the affected areas. You will.
- After leaving the house, take shelter in high places and away from rivers or other flooded paths.
- Stay away from weak bridges that are prone to collapse.
- If you must leave your residence, turn off the electricity, water, and gas before leaving. If you fail to cut off the electricity, disconnect the electrical equipment from its silencer, but if your hands are wet, do not touch the electrical equipment under any circumstances.
- Please do not enter flood water! Because the flood may have an electric current in contact with the power lines.
- If you must wade through the flood, move through the water with a stick or any suitable device to keep your balance.
- If your house is far from the ground, stay there.
- To drive during a flood, you should consider not crossing crossroads with a high probability of collapsing since vehicles’ brakes will not work well in water. Use a heavy gear; if the car gets stuck in water, release its speed and go to a higher place.
- Always listen to the alarm to leave your residence if necessary.
- Keep calm and inform as many neighbors and those at risk of flooding as possible.
- To preserve your health, do not move in the water flow because if you lose your balance, you will fall into the flood water contaminated with oil, oil, and sewage water.
- Avoid seemingly calm streams and sewers, as flooding can occur suddenly and without warning.
How to minimize the damage after a flood?
By observing the following tips after a flood, you can minimize the financial losses of the family:
- To get to know the flooded areas and the safe places to settle, contact the institutions and organizations that help in your place.
- Damage to electric wires can cause fire. Try to extinguish the small flames and call the fire department quickly.
- Since the habitats of animals such as snakes and reptiles are severely affected by flooding, as a result, these dangerous animals and reptiles leave their nests. Therefore, be sure to watch out for bites after a flood.
- To maintain your health, use prepared foods in strong cans or canned food.
- Help the injured people if possible and ask others for help.
- If you intend to extinguish the fire, pay attention to reducing water pressure caused by the destruction of water sources.
- Food contaminated with flood water may cause the transmission of infectious diseases such as hepatitis, cholera, and other chronic diseases, so be sure to throw them away.
- Be sure to boil the drinking water to ensure it is healthy.
- Stay Avoid hanging electric wires, primary water sources, and sewage networks, and report to the responsible authorities if you see any danger.
- Contaminated water left over from flooding is a suitable habitat for all kinds of insects and rats, so be sure to install barriers on the doors and windows of your home.
- If there is any threat from reliable media, move quickly away from the area of suspected re-flooding.
What causes flooding?
Floods in Afghanistan can be caused by various factors, including heavy rainfall, melting snow, and failure of dams or culverts. Human activities such as deforestation, urbanization, inappropriate land use, and the reduction of the capacity of seas and streams to handle excess water contribute to floods. Climate change is also expected to increase the frequency and intensity of floods in many parts of the world.
Adverse effects of floods on humans
Flooding can have a wide range of adverse effects on humans, including:
- Loss of life: Floods can be fatal, causing drowning, injury, and exposure to disease.
- Displacement: Floods can force people to evacuate their homes and communities, leading to displacement and loss of livelihood.
- Property damage: Floods can cause extensive damage to homes, businesses, and infrastructure, resulting in significant economic losses.
- Health risks: floods can be contaminated with bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens and lead to the spread of disease.
- Psychological effects: floods can negatively affect mental health and cause stress, anxiety, and depression.
- Disruption of services: Floods can disrupt essential services such as electricity, water supply, and transportation, making it difficult for people to access necessities.
These are just a few of the many adverse effects of floods on humans. Preparing and reducing the risks associated with flooding is essential to protect yourself and your community.
As a result, flooding can be dangerous and destructive, but there are steps you can take to protect yourself and your family. Remember to prioritize your safety during flooding and follow any instructions from local organizations and authorities. Be aware of the weather conditions in your area and be prepared to act quickly if necessary. If you live in an area prone to flooding, consider measures to protect your property, such as elevating or modifying your home. Remember, safety should always be your priority during a flood.
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