Flood

The Flood Update

The recent floods in Gujarat have claimed at least 56 people and left 65, 000 people homeless. The flood has affected around 10, 000 villages in 117 talukas in the 18 districts of the state. The most affected districts include Kheda, Vadodara, Surendra Nagar, Navsari, Surat, Ahmedabad, Valsad, Anand, Amreli and Bhavnagar. Till the last available information, power supply was affected in 4547 villages and 31 town, where as 1800 electricity feeder and 667 electricity distribution transformer have been affected. In total 1, 97, 276 people have been evacuated from various flood affected districts.

For more updates on the floods, visit the following links:

The Resource Material

Rescue & Evacuation

The first step involved in any disaster like the current flood in Gujarat is the rescue and evacuation. Though quite a lot of things go under the caption of disaster prepared ness, evacuation and a tentative blue print for dealing with the calamity are the basic ingredients of any pre-disaster preparedness plan. Evacuation is a pre-emptive move to protect life and property, where as rescue is a post-disaster phenomenon of helping people to move from areas that have been hit by disaster to a safer place. However, the situation of evacuation and rescue comes along with numerous unanswered queries in mind. Very often, due to lack of information or in haste, living during evacuation and rescue becomes difficult and painful. However, during such the situations, following precautionary norms should be kept in mind.

Preparing for a Flood

Here are some basic steps to take to prepare for the flood:

Contact the local geologist or town planning department or meteorology department to find out if your home is located in a flash-flood-prone area or landslide-prone area.
Learn about your community's emergency plans, warning signals, evacuation routes, and locations of emergency shelters.
Plan and practice a flood evacuation route with your family. Ask an out-of-state relative or friend to be the "family contact" in case your family is separated during a flood. Make sure everyone in your family knows the name, address, and phone number of this contact person.
Post emergency phone numbers at every phone.
Inform local authorities about any special needs, i.e., elderly or bedridden people, or anyone with a disability.
Identify potential home hazards and know how to secure or protect them before the flood strikes. Be prepared to turn off electrical power when there is standing water, fallen power lines etc. Turn off gas and water supplies before you evacuate. Secure structurally unstable building materials.
Buy a fire extinguisher and make sure your family knows where it is and how to use it.
Buy and install sump pumps with back-up power.
Have a licensed electrician to raise electric components (switches, sockets, circuit breakers and wiring) at least 12" above your home's projected flood elevation.
For drains, toilets, and other sewer connections, install backflow valves or plugs to prevent floodwaters from entering.
Anchor fuel tanks which can contaminate your basement if torn free. An unanchored tank outside can be swept downstream and damage other houses.

If you are under a flood watch or warning:

Gather the emergency supplies you previously stocked in your home and stay tuned to local radio or television station for updates.
Turn off all utilities at the main power switch and close the main gas valve if evacuation appears necessary.
Have your immunization records handy or be aware of your last tetanus shot, in case you should receive a puncture wound or a wound becomes contaminated during or after the flood.
Fill bathtubs, sinks and plastic soda bottles with clean water. Sanitize the sinks and tubs first by using bleach. Rinse and fill with clean water.
Bring outdoor possessions, such as lawn furniture, grills and trash cans inside or tie them down securely.

Emergency Supplies You Will Need

You should stock your home with supplies that may be needed during the emergency period. At a minimum, these supplies should include:

Several clean containers for water, large enough for a 3-5 day supply of water (about five gallons for each person).
A 3-5 day supply of non-perishable food and a non-electric can opener.
A first aid kit and manual and prescription medicines and special medical needs.
A battery-powered radio, flashlights, and extra batteries.
Sleeping bags or extra blankets.
Water-purifying supplies, such as chlorine or iodine tablets or unscented, ordinary household chlorine bleach.
Baby food and/or prepared formula, diapers, and other baby supplies.
Disposable cleaning cloths, such as "baby wipes" for the whole family to use in case bathing facilities are not available.
Personal hygiene supplies, such as soap, toothpaste, sanitary napkins, etc.
An emergency kit for your car with food, flares, booster cables, maps, tools, a first aid kit, fire extinguisher, sleeping bags, etc.
Rubber boots, sturdy shoes, and waterproof gloves.
Insect repellent containing DEET, screens, or long-sleeved and long-legged clothing for protection from mosquitoes which may gather in pooled water remaining after the flood.

Preparing to Evacuate

Expect the need to evacuate and prepare for it. When a flood watch is issued, you should:

Fill your vehicle's gas tank and make sure the emergency kit for your car is ready.
If no vehicle is available, make arrangements with friends or family for transportation.
Fill your clean water containers.
Review your emergency plans and supplies, checking to see if any items are missing.
Tune in the radio or television for weather updates.
Listen for disaster sirens and warning signals.
Put livestock and family pets in a safe area. Due to food and sanitation requirements, emergency shelters cannot accept animals.
Adjust the thermostat on refrigerators and freezers to the coolest possible temperature.

If You Are Ordered to Evacuate

You should never ignore an evacuation order. Authorities will direct you to leave if you are in a low-lying area, or within the greatest potential path of the rising waters. If a flood warning is issued for your area or you are directed by authorities to evacuate the area, follow the below mentioned checklists:

Take only essential items with you.
If you have time, turn off the gas, electricity, and water.
Disconnect appliances to prevent electrical shock when power is restored.
Follow the designated evacuation routes and expect heavy traffic.
Do not attempt to drive or walk across creeks or flooded roads.

If You Are Ordered NOT to Evacuate

To get through the storm in the safest possible manner:

Monitor the radio or television for weather updates.
Prepare to evacuate to a shelter or to a neighbour's home if your home is damaged, or if you are instructed to do so by emergency personnel.

Health & Sanitary Precautions

Are there any special health risks I need to be aware of when disposing of dead animals after a flood?

What is usually neglected at the time of calamity in the immediate fall of it is the precautionary health and sanitary measures. It is obvious that in the immediate aftermath of any calamity, food and shelter are the primary preoccupations of the victims as well as the relief giving agency. However, with a little precaution, the same relief work can be done in a safer way couched within the framework of health and sanitary safety.
The following health and sanitary precautions can be kept in mind:

How to Avoid Illness

Always wash your hands with soap and water that has been boiled or disinfected before preparing or eating food, after toilet use, after participating in flood cleanup activities, and after handling articles contaminated with flood water or sewage. If you receive a puncture wound or a wound contaminated with feces, soil, or saliva, have a doctor or health department determine whether a tetanus booster is necessary.

How to Make Sure Your Food is Safe

Do not eat any food that may have come into contact with flood water. For infants, use only pre-prepared canned baby formula that requires no added water, rather than powdered formulas prepared with treated water. Thawed food can usually be eaten or refrozen if it is still "refrigerator cold," or if it still contains ice crystals. To be safe, remember, "When in doubt, throw it out." Discard any refrigerated or frozen food that has been at room temperature for two hours or more and any food that has an unusual odor, color, or texture.

How to Make Sure That Your Water is Safe

Listen for public announcements on the safety of the municipal water supply. Flooded, private water wells will need to be tested and disinfected after flood waters recede. questions about testing should be directed to your local or state health departments.

Safe water for drinking, cooking, and personal hygiene includes bottled, boiled, or treated water. Your state or local health department can make specific recommendations for boiling or treating water in your area. Here are some general rules concerning water for drinking, cooking, and personal hygiene.

Do not use contaminated water to wash dishes, brush your teeth, wash and prepare food, wash your hands, make ice, or make baby formula. If possible, use baby formula that does not need to have water added. You can use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer to wash your hands.
If you use bottled water, be sure it came from a safe source. If you do not know that the water came from a safe source, you should boil or treat it before you use it. Use only bottled, boiled, or treated water until your supply is tested and found safe.
Boiling water, when practical, is the preferred way to kill harmful bacteria and parasites. Bringing water to a rolling boil for 1 minute will kill most organisms.
When boiling water is not practical, you can treat water with chlorine tablets, iodine tablets, or unscented household chlorine bleach (5.25% sodium hypochlorite):

If you use chlorine tablets or iodine tablets, follow the directions that come with the tablets.
If you use household chlorine bleach, add 1/8 teaspoon (~0.75 ml.) of bleach per gallon of water if the water is clear. For cloudy water, add 1/4 teaspoon (~1.50 ml.) of bleach per gallon. Mix the solution thoroughly and let it stand for about 30 minutes before using it.

Note: Treating water with chlorine tablets, iodine tablets, or liquid bleach will not kill parasitic organisms.
Use a bleach solution to rinse water containers before reusing them. Use water storage tanks and other types of containers with caution. For example, fire truck storage tanks and previously used cans or bottles may be contaminated with microbes or chemicals. Do not rely on untested devices for decontaminating water.

Sanitation and Hygiene

It is critical for you to remember to practice basic hygiene during the emergency period. Always wash your hands with soap and water that has been boiled or disinfected:

Before preparing or eating food;
after toilet use;
after participating in flood cleanup activities; and
after handling articles contaminated with flood water or sewage.

Flood waters may contain fecal material from overflowing sewage systems, and agricultural and industrial byproducts. Although skin contact with flood water does not, by itself, pose a serious health risk, there is some risk of disease from eating or drinking anything contaminated with flood water. If you have any open cuts or sores that will be exposed to flood water, keep them as clean as possible by washing well with soap to control infection. If a wound develops redness, swelling, or drainage, seek immediate medical attention.

In addition, parents need to help children avoid waterborne illness. Do not allow children to play in flood water areas, wash children's hands frequently (always before meals), and do not allow children to play with flood-water contaminated toys that have not been disinfected. You can disinfect toys using a solution of one cup of bleach in 5 gallons of water.

How to Handle Animals and Mosquitoes

Many wild animals have been forced from their natural habitats by flooding, and many domestic animals are also without homes after the flood. Take care to avoid these animals. Do not corner an animal. If an animal must be removed, contact your local animal control authorities. If you are bitten by any animal, seek immediate medical attention. If you are bitten by a snake, first try to accurately identify the type of snake so that, if poisonous, the correct anti-venom may be administered.

Contact local or state health and agricultural officials for state guidelines on disposal of dead animals. Protect yourself from mosquitoes: use screens on dwellings, wear long-sleeved and long-legged clothing, and use insect repellents that contain DEET.

FAQ

Are there any special health risks I need to be aware of when disposing of dead animals after a flood?

The risk to humans from animal carcasses is low, if proper precautions are taken:

Practice proper hand washing to prevent infection with certain pathogens that may be transmitted from farm animals, including Salmonella and E. coli.
Secure all food sources and remove any animal carcasses to avoid attracting rats.
Wear insect repellent when outdoors. Flooding may lead to more mosquitoes, which can carry disease.
Be on the alert for snakes that may be hiding in unusual places after flooding. If you are bitten, try to identify the snake so that if it is poisonous, you can be given the correct antivenin. Do not cut the wound or attempt to suck the venom out. Contact your local emergency department for further care.

People working to clean up areas containing swine or poultry carcasses should take the following precautions:

Wear protective clothing, including waterproof gloves, waterproof boots, and protective eyewear (cover any open wounds).
Use duct tape to seal tops of gloves and boots to prevent water seepage.
Wear respiratory protection - an N-95 respirator or better.
If you smell hydrogen sulphide (a rotten egg smell), get out of the building and call for sanitary help.
Clean and disinfect all clothing and boots after handling carcass-contaminated materials.
Wash work clothes separately from street clothes.
Wash hands thoroughly before placing fingers in mouth (nail biting, etc.).
Shower and wash hair thoroughly after handling carcass-contaminated materials.

How do I dispose of a dead animal on my property during flood cleanup?

It is usually the responsibility of the owner or person in charge of domesticated animals to appropriately dispose of dead animals in accordance with local or state ordinances within 24 hours after knowledge of the death. It can be the responsibility of the municipal or county government to designate appropriate people to dispose of any domestic dead animals whose owner cannot be identified. Contact your local animal control department, local health department, or state veterinarian for specific disposal guidance.

How do I dispose of the remains of my domestic animals and pets?

Wear gloves.
Cover your gloved hand with a plastic trash bag, pick up the remains, then invert the trash bag over the remains and seal the bag.
For larger animals, use a shovel to place remains inside a plastic trash bag, then rinse off the shovel with water.
Call your local animal care and control agency for further instructions and to request pickup.
Wash your hands.

I am a farmer and I lost a lot of livestock during the flood. How do I dispose of multiple animal remains?

Each farm operation should have specific plans for animal disposal in the event of an emergency. Farm operations should check with state and local authorities to ensure their plan meets local requirements.

Safety and Security

Any natural calamity espouses itself with serous devastation to transportation, communication chaneel, supply of electricity etc. Hence, in the immediate aftermath of any calamity, the surrounding environment becomes dangerous and unsafe due to it's exposure to toxic and harmful objects. This becomes more important for children as they are usually overlooked by the parents during the calamity or in the immediate aftermath of it. The following safety and security guidelines can be kept in mind:

How to Deal With Chemical Hazards ?

Be aware of potential chemical hazards you may encounter during flood recovery. Flood waters may have buried or moved hazardous chemical containers of solvents or other industrial chemicals from their normal storage places. If any propane tanks (whether 20-lb. tanks from a gas grill or household propane tanks) are discovered, do not attempt to move them yourself. These represent a very real danger of fire or explosion, and if any are found, police or fire departments or your State Fire Marshal's office should be contacted immediately. Car batteries, even those in flood water, may still contain an electrical charge and should be removed with extreme caution by using insulated gloves. Avoid coming in contact with any acid that may have spilled from a damaged car battery.

How to Deal with Electric and Gas Utilities ?

Electrical power and natural gas or propane tanks should be shut off to avoid fire, electrocution, or explosions until it is safe to use them. Use battery-powered flashlights and lanterns, rather than candles, gas lanterns, or torches. If you smell gas or suspect a leak, turn off the main gas valve, open all windows, and leave the house immediately. Avoid any downed power lines, particularly those in water. All electrical equipment and appliances must be completely dry before returning them to service. It is advisable to have a certified electrician check these items if there is any question. Also, remember not to operate any gas-powered equipment indoors.

Protect Yourself from Carbon Monoxide Poisoning After an Emergency

Never use generators, grills, camp stoves, or other gasoline, propane, natural gas, or charcoal-burning devices inside your home, basement, garage, or camper-or even outside near an open window. Install a carbon monoxide detector in your house, and check its battery every time you check your smoke detector batteries.

Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless gas that can cause sudden illness and death if you breathe it. When power outages occur during emergencies such as hurricanes or winter storms, you may try to use alternative sources of fuel or electricity for heating, cooling, or cooking. CO from these sources can build up in your home, garage, or camper and poison the people and animals inside.

If you are too hot or too cold, or you need to prepare food, don't put yourself and your family at risk-look to friends or a community shelter for help. If you must use an alternative source of fuel or electricity, be sure to use it only outside and away from open windows.

Every year, more than 500 people die from accidental CO poisoning. CO is found in combustion fumes, such as those produced by small gasoline engines, stoves, generators, lanterns, and gas ranges, or by burning charcoal and wood. CO from these sources can build up in enclosed or partially enclosed spaces.

People and animals in these spaces can be poisoned and can die from breathing CO in an enclosed or partially enclosed space.

Important Tips:

Never use a gas range or oven to heat a home.
Never use a charcoal grill, hibachi, lantern, or portable camping stove inside a home, tent, or camper.
Never run a generator, pressure washer, or any gasoline-powered engine inside a basement, garage, or other enclosed structure, even if the doors or windows are open, unless the equipment is professionally installed and vented. Keep vents and flues free of debris, especially if winds are high. Flying debris can block ventilation lines..
Never run a motor vehicle, generator, pressure washer, or any gasoline-powered engine outside an open window or door where exhaust can vent into an enclosed area.
Never leave the motor running in a vehicle parked in an enclosed or partially enclosed space, such as a garage.

Health, Sanitation & Security Measure on Home Coming

One should take safety and health measures while coming back to home after the floods. Even if, there has been no perceptible damage to the house due to flood water, safety and health measures should be taken. Often preventive, these help in reducing family health risks. Following checklists can be useful for rearranging the house with safety and health precautions.

Dry Out Your House

If flood or storm water has entered your home, dry it out as soon as possible. Follow these steps:

If you have electricity and an electrician has determined that it's safe to turn it on, use a "wet-dry" shop vacuum (or the vacuum function of a carpet steam cleaner), an electric-powered water transfer pump, or sump pump to remove standing water. If you are operating equipment in wet areas, be sure to wear rubber boots.
If you do not have electricity, or it is not safe to turn it on, you can use a portable generator to power equipment to remove standing water. Note that you must use a gasoline-powered pump, generator, pressure washer, or any other gasoline-powered tools to clean your home, never operate the gasoline engine inside a home, basement, garage, carport, porch, or other enclosed or partially enclosed structures, even if the windows and doors are open. Such improper use can create dangerously high levels of carbon monoxide and cause carbon monoxide poisoning.
If weather permits, open windows and doors of the house to aid in the drying-out process.
Use fans and dehumidifiers to remove excess moisture. F and should be placed at a window or door to blow the air outwards rather than inwards, so not to spread the mold.
Have your home heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning (HVAC) system checked and cleaned by a maintenance or service professional who is experienced in mold clean-up before you turn it on. If the HVAC system was flooded with water, turning on the mold-contaminated HVAC will spread mold throughout the house. Professional cleaning will kill the mold and prevent later mold growth. When the service determines that your system is clean and if it is safe to do so, you can turn it on and use it to help remove excess moisture from your home.
Prevent water outdoors from re-entering your home. For example, rain water from gutters or the roof should drain away from the house; the ground around the house should slope away from the house to keep basements and crawl spaces dry.
Ensure that crawl spaces in basements have proper drainage to limit water seepage. Ventilate to allow the area to dry out.

After a Flood: Cleanup of Flood Water

When returning to your home after a hurricane or flood, be aware that flood water may contain sewage. Protect yourself and your family by following these steps:

Keep children and pets out of the affected area until cleanup has been completed.
Wear rubber boots, rubber gloves, and goggles during cleanup of affected area.
Remove and discard items that cannot be washed and disinfected (such as, mattresses, carpeting, carpet padding, rugs, upholstered furniture, cosmetics, stuffed animals, baby toys, pillows, foam-rubber items, books, wall coverings, and most paper products)..
Remove and discard drywall and insulation that has been contaminated with sewage or flood waters.
Thoroughly clean all hard surfaces (such as flooring, concrete, moulding, wood and metal furniture, countertops, appliances, sinks, and other plumbing fixtures) with hot water and laundry or dish detergent, then disinfect with a solution of 1 cup of household bleach to 5 gallons of water. (Note: this solution should not be used for drinking, cooking, or personal hygiene.)
Help the drying process by using fans, air conditioning units, and dehumidifiers.
After completing the cleanup, wash your hands with soap and water. Use water that has been boiled for 1 minute (allow the water to cool before washing your hands).
Wash all clothes worn during the cleanup in hot water and detergent. These clothes should be washed separately from uncontaminated clothes and linens.
Wash clothes contaminated with flood or sewage water in hot water and detergent. It is recommended that a Laundromat be used for washing large quantities of clothes and linens until your onsite waste-water system has been professionally inspected and serviced.
Seek immediate medical attention if you become injured or ill.

Protect Yourself from Mold

After natural disasters such as hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods, excess moisture and standing water contribute to the growth of mold in homes and other buildings. When returning to a home that has been flooded, be aware that mold may be present and may be a health risk for your family.

People at Greatest Risk from Mold

The following groups of people may be at greater risk than others for mold:

Infants and children.
The elderly.
People with asthma, allergies, and other respiratory (breathing) conditions.
People with weakened immune systems (such as people with HIV infection, cancer patients taking chemotherapy, and people who have received an organ transplant).

Possible Health Effects of Mold Exposure

Stuffy nose, irritated eyes, or wheezing can occur in people who are sensitive to molds.
Wheezing, difficulty in breathing, and shortness of breath can be an allergic reaction to mold and can sometimes be severe.
Skin reactions can develop.
Mold infections can develop in the lungs of people with weakened immune systems and with chronic lung diseases such as obstructive lung disease.

Treating Symptoms of Mold Exposure

If you or your family members have health problems after exposure to mold, contact your doctor or other health care provider.

Cleaning Up Mold

After drying out your house and taking protective measures, remove items that cannot be cleaned, and then clean your home and household items. Removal and cleaning are important because even dead mold may cause allergic reactions in some people. Follow the following steps to clear up the mold.

Make sure the working area is well ventilated.
Remove all porous items that have been wet for more than 48 hours and that cannot be thoroughly cleaned and dried. These items can remain a source of mold growth and should be removed from the home. When in doubt, take it out! However, homeowners may want to temporarily store items outside of the home until insurance claims can be filed.
Porous, non-cleanable items include carpeting and carpet padding, upholstery, wallpaper, drywall, floor and ceiling tiles, insulation material, clothing, leather, paper, wood, or food.
Clean nonporous surfaces such as walls, floors, and counter surfaces with soap and water. (Use non-ammonia soap or detergent.) Use a stiff brush on rough surface materials such as concrete.

Preventing Mold from Coming Back

The key to preventing mold from coming back is to control moisture. Mold spores are found in outdoor air, so mold can grow again if conditions are suitable indoors. Previously damp areas must be kept completely dry.

Clean fabrics (curtains, upholstery, bedding, etc.) often and keep them dry.
Store clean fabric items in well-ventilated areas.
Reduce moisture in the air with dehumidifiers, open windows, or air conditioners, especially in hot weather.
Keep the humidity in your home between 40% and 60%.Humidity in the home can be measured with a household humidity sensor available at your local hardware store.
Reduce condensation on cold surfaces by insulating. Examples include insulating air-conditioning ducts, cold water pipes, etc.
Routinely check potential problem spots such as the bathroom and laundry for moisture and moldy odors.
Fix leaks in pipes, and investigate any damp areas around tubs and sinks.
Vacuum and clean surfaces frequently.
Seek the advice of a mold remediation company if mold growth persists.

Immunizations

Outbreaks of communicable diseases after floods are unusual. However, the rates of diseases that were present before a flood may increase because of decreased sanitation or overcrowding among displaced persons. Increases in infectious diseases that were not present in the community before the flood are not usually a problem. If you receive a puncture wound or a wound contaminated with feces, soil, or saliva, have a doctor or health department determine whether a tetanus booster is necessary based on individual records.
Specific recommendations for vaccinations should be made on a case-by-case basis, or as determined by local and state health departments.

For Further information on flood preparedness, rescue, evacuation and relief, look at the following links:

The emergency contact details

The emergency contact details for the state of Gujarat for any information or rescue help is given below:

Tele: 079-2322667
Fax: 079-23261916

State Control Room:

Tele: 079- 2320005
Fax: 079-23251916
Satellite Tele: 762483394

Gujarat State Disaster Management Authority:

Tele: 079 - 2325 9220 / 2325 9306 / 2325 9246
Fax: 079- 2325 9275 / 2325 9289 / 2325 9248

Please provide your support for this initiative by sharing your experience and registering yourself in this system. We hope that with your support we shall be better prepared at the time of next disaster.

For any query pl. mail us at: dmis@sristi.org

Technologies useful in flood affected area