Disaster Awareness-Earthquake, Floods, Cloudburst and the Role of Civil Defence in Mitigation and Management

Disasters such as earthquakes, floods, and cloudbursts are natural hazards that can cause widespread destruction and loss of life. In regions like Jammu & Kashmir, where such events are frequent, awareness and preparedness play a vital role in reducing their impact. This presentation highlights the causes, effects, and preventive measures related to these disasters. It also focuses on the crucial role of Civil Defence-a community-based force dedicated to saving lives, minimizing damage, and supporting relief and recovery efforts during emergencies. Together, awareness and collective action form the foundation of effective disaster management.

1. Sheraz Ahmad Lone [email protected] [phone] Disaster Awareness-Earthquake, Flood s, Cloudburst and the Role of Civil Defence in Mitigation and Management DIET ANANTNAG & HG/SDRF/CIVIL DEFENCE, ANANTNAG

2. It’s a normal working day in a government office-around 11:30 in the morning. Staff are busy with files, computers are running, and there’s the usual hum of activity. Suddenly, someone smells smoke near the corridor. Within seconds, the smell turns into thick, black fumes rising from an electrical short circuit in the records section. Panic spreads -people rush in different directions, trying to grab phones, bags, or files. A few attempt to use water to put out the fire, not realizing it’s an electrical blaze. The power goes off, visibility drops, and chaos begins. Some employees remember there’s a fire extinguisher-but it’s kept behind a locked door. Others don’t even know how to operate it and where the emergency exit is. By the time help arrives, precious minutes have been lost-minutes that could have saved property, documents, and possibly lives. Now, CLOSE YOUR EYES , pause and think-was this disaster caused by fire alone, or by lack of preparedness? Let’s imagine together for a moment

3. It’s a normal working day in the office. People are sitting at their desks, talking, typing, and doing their routine work. Suddenly, the floor starts shaking. The fans begin to swing, windows rattle, and you hear a deep rumbling sound from the ground. Some people stand up in fear, others try to run outside. Files fall off tables, lights flicker, and a few tiles from the ceiling drop to the floor. In just a few seconds, the whole building is filled with panic. The shaking stops after a short while, but everyone looks scared and confused. Some are hurt; others are shouting for help. The phones don’t work, and no one knows what to do next. Now think- was it the earthquake that caused all the trouble, or was it our lack of preparedness? This is exactly what disaster management aims to prevent. Fires, floods, or earthquakes may be natural or accidental, but their impact depends on how ready we are -as individuals, as Institutions, and as a community. A small spark can either be controlled within seconds, or turn into a tragedy depending on our awareness, training, and response Let’s imagine together for a moment

4. Low Laying Area Volcano Fault Line Virus Flooding Volcanic Eruption Earthquake Pandemic

5. HAZARD DISASTER

6. TYPES

7. Example: Landslides worsened by deforestation, floods intensified by poor urban planning Earthquake Volcanic eruption Typhoon or hurricane Flood Tsunami Drought Transport Disruption Armed conflict or war Pollution Nuclear accident Cyberattack Fire due to negligence

8. A general term covering all aspects of planning and responding to disasters, including both pre (prevention, mitigation and preparedness) and post disaster (response, search and rescue, relief, reconstruction and rehabilitation) activities. It may refer to the management of both the risks and consequences of disasters. Disaster Management Cycle

9. An earthquake is the shaking of the ground caused by the sudden movement of rocks beneath the Earth's surface. Earth’s outer layer is made of huge pieces called tectonic plates. These plates move slowly and sometimes slide against each other which causes earthquakes. EARTHQUAKE

10. High Earthquake Risk: The Kashmir Valley lies on soft ground (Karewas and floodplains) surrounded by mountains, making it highly prone to strong earthquakes of magnitude 7.0 or more. Cities like Srinagar, Anantnag, Baramulla, and Pulwama are especially at risk of severe ground shaking. Unsafe Buildings and Urban Areas: Most houses are made of bricks and stones without proper engineering design. Narrow streets, dense buildings, and poor planning can cause many collapses and make rescue work very difficult after an earthquake. Damage to Roads and Lifelines: Important routes like the Jammu–Srinagar Highway, rail lines, and bridges pass through landslide-prone hills. During a strong quake, these could be blocked or destroyed, cutting off help and supplies to main towns. Threat to Infrastructure and Services: Hydroelectric projects (like Uri and Kishanganga), dams, power stations, and hospitals could be badly damaged. Landslides and blocked rivers may cause floods, especially in low-lying areas like Srinagar. Main Findings:

11. ? What to Do Before, During and After an Earthquake

12. Before Earthquake ( Prepeidnes )

13. During Earthquake If Indoors

14. During Earthquake If Outdoors

15. In bed: Do not get out of bed. Lie face down to protect vital organs, and Cover your head and neck with a pillow, keeping your arms as close to your head as possible, while you Hold On to your head and neck with both hands until shaking stops. You are less likely to be injured by fallen and broken objects by staying where you are. Driving: Pull over to the side of the road, stop, and set the parking brake. Avoid overpasses, bridges, power lines, signs, trees and other hazards. Stay inside the vehicle until the shaking stops, then proceed carefully by avoiding fallen debris, cracked or shifted pavement, and emergency vehicles. If a power line falls on the car, stay inside until a trained person removes the wire. Indoors : Drop, Cover, and Hold On. Avoid exterior walls, windows, hanging objects, tall furniture, televisions, and cabinets with heavy objects or glass. Do not try to move more than 5-7 feet before getting on the ground. Do not go outside during shaking! (Exterior building materials and glass can fall and may hit you as you exit.) If seated and unable to drop to the floor: bend forward, Cover your head with your arms, and Hold On to your neck with both hands.

16. After Earthquake Do not move seriously injured victims unless they are in immediate danger.

17. Basic Disaster Supplies Kit

18. FLOOD Flood is an overflow of water over a large area that temporarily submerges the landmass. A flood is a natural disaster that occurs when water covers land that is usually dry. This can happen slowly over time or very quickly, depending on the cause. Floods are common, especially during the rainy season 23 of the 35 states and union territories in the country are subject to floods and 40 million hectares of land, roughly one-eighth of the country’s geographical area, is prone to floods.

19. Types of Flood

20. EMERGENCY ITEMS

21. Floods often create unexpected and difficult situations. During emergencies, boats may not be available for evacuation. In such cases, improvised rafts made from locally available materials can be life-saving. Floating Aids / Improvised Rafts

22. Banana Tree Raft Barrel Raft Bamboo Raft The Charpoy Raft Kerosene Tin Raft Tube Raft Water Bottle Raft Thermocol Life Jacket

23. Reach Method: It is the safest and most effective rescue method. Should always be considered first in any emergency. The rescuer should lie down with the chest on the ground to maintain stability. Try to reach the drowning person using your hand, stick, or rope. Extend your reach with any available object like a pole, towel, or rope. Throw Method: Used when the drowning person is too far to reach . The rescuer throws a buoyant aid such as a life tube, lifebuoy, or plastic container. The victim holds onto the floating object and is pulled to safety . Wade (Walk-in-Water) Method: The rescuer enters shallow water to get closer to the victim. Enables a Reach or Throw rescue from a shorter distance. Before entering, always check the strength and direction of the current . Avoid entering if the flow is strong , as the rescuer may be swept away . DRY RESCUE

24. Contact Rescue: The rescuer makes direct physical contact with the victim. Used only when the victim is calm or unconscious. Should be performed with extreme caution to avoid being grabbed or pulled under. Wrist Tow: The rescuer grasps the victim’s wrist and swims on their back or side. Suitable for a cooperative or tired swimmer . Support Tow: The rescuer supports the victim under the armpits or chin . Keeps the victim’s head above water during towing. Armpit Tow: The rescuer holds the victim under one armpit and swims side-stroke or backstroke. Effective for semi-conscious victims . Head Tow: The rescuer holds the victim’s head above water , supporting it at the back. Used when the victim is unconscious or needs maximum airway protection. Vice Grip Tow: Used for suspected spinal or neck injuries . The rescuer immobilizes the head and neck with both hands (like a vice grip). Ensures the victim’s head, neck, and spine remain aligned while being towed. WET RESCUE

25. Before a Flood

26. During Flood

27. After Flood

28. Date Location / District 14 August 2025 Village Chositi (Kishtwar district, J&K) 26 August 2025 Charu Nallah, Bhalesa, Doda district (J&K) Mid–August 2025 Kathua district (J&K) Mid–August 2025 Reasi district (J&K) 13 September 2025 Gutrahan village, Namhol area, Bilaspur district (HP) Mid–August 2025 Shimla / Lahaul- Spiti region (HP) 17 August 2025 Mandi district (HP) 25 June 2025 Sainj / Rehla Bihal / Garsa areas, Kullu district (HP) CLOUDBRUST

29. BEFORE A CLOUDBURST- PREVENTIVE STEPS

30. DURING A CLOUDBURST- PRECAUTIONARY ACTIONS

31. AFTER A CLOUDBURST-SAFETY & RECOVERY

32. EFFECTS OF THE CLOUDBURST

33. Role of SDRF/CD Volunteers in Disaster Management SDRF/ CD Volunteers are essential at all stages of disaster management before, during, and after the event. Their contribution is community driven, rapid, and life saving Pre-Disaster (Preparedness & Mitigation) Awareness campaigns on safety measures and evacuation routes Training communities in first aid, firefighting, and basic rescue. Risk mapping and identifying vulnerable populations. Helping authorities in mock drills and early warning dissemination .

34. During Disaster (Response) Rescue operations– saving trapped people, guiding them to shelters. First aid and basic medical assistance. Distribution of relief materials -like food, water, blankets, and medicines. Crowd management and preventing panic. Supporting vulnerable groups – children, elderly, disabled.

35. Post-Disaster (Recovery & Rehabilitation) Assisting in damage assessment and data collection. Helping in clearing debris and restoring essential services. Counselling survivors and providing emotional support. Supporting reconstruction efforts in homes, schools, and community spaces. Continuing awareness programmes to reduce future risks.

36. THANKS " Awareness is the first step toward safety.“ Every disaster carries pain, but also a chance to rebuild better .