Page 192 - SST Class 08

It is very difficult to predict the occurrence of an India has experienced more floods than any
earthquake, as it occurs suddenly. Violent earth- other part of the world. The main season for the
quakes are often very destructive. They cause occurrence of floods is the rainy season between
serious damage to life and property. More than June and September. Floods are more frequent
20,000 people died, over 15 lakh were injured, in northern India than in southern India. About
and about eight lakh houses were destroyed in a one-eighth of the total area of our country is
powerful earthquake in Gujarat on 26 January estimated to be flood-prone. Most of it is in the
2001. plains of northern India.

The Himalayan region in the northern part of
India is earthquake-prone.
Precautions Against Earthquakes
g Leave your home or school building and
move to an open area.
g Learn the basic first-aid functions.

g Do not stay near window, bookcases,
mirrors, hanging pots and fans during or
immediately after an earthquake.
g Floods can cause damage to life, property
g If you are trapped in a building, remain
and crops. The Central Water Commission
close to an interior wall and protect your
(CWC) forecasts the occurrence of floods in
head with your arms. Avoid using a lift.
India.
g If you are outdoors, keep away from trees,
Precautions Against Floods
signboards, buildings, poles and electric
g Know the routes and location of safe shel-
wires.
ters.
g Do not sit inside a car or a bus.
g Listen to the radio or watch television for
g If you are inside a theatre hall, stadium or
warning and advice.
an auditorium, do not painc. Stay inside.
g Keep the first aid kit ready, especially for
FLOODS
diarrhoea and snake bites.
Floods generally occur due to heavy rainfall or
g Keep strong ropes for tying things.
when river water flows beyond its normal course.
g Keeps a radio, torch, matchbox, candles and
The most common type of flood occurs, when a
spare batteries.
river overflows its banks and water spreads on the
surrounding land. It can also be caused due to : g Keep adequate stock of freshwater, food
articles and kerosene.
g blocking of river channels due to landslides.
g Keep waterproof bags for packing food
g strong tides and storms in the sea.
articles and clothes.
g cyclones and tsunamis.
g Keep bamboo sticks to ward off snakes.
g change in the course of a river.
g Do not enter the flooded areas of unknown
g faulty design of embankments, canals or
depth.
dams.
g Switch off power and electrical appliances.
g deforestation.

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