Storm clouds hang over Dimapur sky on May 2. With forecasts of more thunderstorms in several states of the country including Nagaland, the NSDMA today issued a preparedness advisory. (Photo by Soreishim Mahong)
NSDMA says there is likelihood of floods and landslides
DIMAPUR, MAY 7 (MExN): The Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA) today issued a weather warning and a preparedness advisory in view of the current weather conditions in the state.
A press note from the Secretary to the Government of Nagaland, Rovilato Mor stated that due to incessant rains for the past few days, there is a likelihood of floods in the low lying areas (Dimapur, Tizit and Tuli), erosion of river banks and landslides.
It therefore requested all the line departments engaged in emergency response/ maintenance of public utilities and the District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs) and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRFs) to remain alert for any monsoon related disasters.
It further asked all District Disaster Management Authorities to take precautionary measures as weather forecast still indicates possibility of rains and thunderstorms accompanied by squally/gusty winds across the state.
Safety measures
The NSDMA meanwhile highlighted certain warning signs for the concerned agencies to take note of. The signs included high winds, rainfall and darkening cloud cover; thunderstorms overhead/ nearby; and louder or more frequent thunder
The NSDMA informed that lightening generally strikes the tallest object and that no place is completely safe but some places are safer than others. It pointed out that large enclosed structures are safer than smaller/ open structure.
It may be noted that lightening may strike the same place repeatedly and that most lightening deaths and injuries occur to people caught outdoors. It further made aware that people can touch lightening strike victims as they carry no electrical charge; and that they should be attended to immediately.
It also issued certain information to be aware of before lightening or thunderstorms strike. The NSDMA asked people to be informed of the local weather alert/ predictions and be aware of medical contact details for lightning emergency.
“Make emergency plan for self/ family and keep the emergency kit ready,” it added, while advising postponement of outdoor activities if thunderstorm is forecast. It also advocated unplugging of electrical appliances; and removing dead or rotting trees and branches around houses and buildings.
If indoors during such events, the NSDMA asked people to close their windows and doors; and stay away from windows, doors, railings, porches/porticos etc. If caught outdoors, it asked people to move towards a safe shelter (strong building) immediately and stay away from tractors, farm equipments, motorcycles, bicycles etc.
It also advised drivers caught in such situations to safely exit road and park, away from isolated tree and areas prone to flash flooding. The NSDMA stated that generally, enclosed metal vehicles (cars, buses etc) with the windows rolled up, are better shelter than being in the open. It meanwhile stressed on the importance of staying away from loose hanging power lines.
If anyone is in a forested area during such events, it advised finding shelter in a low area under a thick undergrowth of small trees. In other open areas, people are asked to go to a low place such as a ravines while however being vigilant for flash floods. In case of being in water, it asked people to get ashore and find shelter immediately.
The NSDMA meanwhile asked farmers not to build temporary huts in the river banks or spend nights in the field during inclement weather as cloudbursts and thunderstorms may cause landslides and flash floods.
When lightning strikes
When lightning and thunderstorms do strike, the NSDMA listed out several measures for the people to take. It advised immediate medical attention for those struck by lightning. “In cold, wet situations put a protective layer between the victim and the ground to lower the risk of hypothermia (very low body temperature),” it added.
Describing the way to attend to victims, the NSDMA advised that if breathing stops: begin mouth- to- mouth resuscitation. If heartbeat stops: administer Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) until medical assistance arrives; and if the victim has pulse: look for other possible injuries/ burns/ hearing-loss/ eyesight- loss.
In general it asked people to avoid high places, hill tops, open fields, separate trees, rain/bus/picnic, shelters, communications towers, flag-poles, electric/light poles, metal fences, open vehicles and water if a storm is approaching.
