THE OTHER SIDE: natural disaster

The Death Under The Feet

Earthquake is a natural disaster which we can't predict, from which we can't run away. Where would a person go when the ground below his/her feet his shaking. It is difficult to escape from it and only your luck and precautions help you live in such a situation. After the Nepal Earthquake of April 25 death toll of which has increased to 5000+ till now you must be aware of the precautions you must take during earthquakes thanks to our print and television media.

But I want to highlight that nature is forcefully altered for human gains which are resulting in loss of human lives much more than expected from such calamities. The mushrooming hotels,resorts and human settlements in hilly terrains are protruding by cutting trees and damaging natural structures resulting in natural imbalance. Moreover the construction work on such places are not done according to the environment of those places. Earlier people used wood, soil and rocks to construct their houses in mountain areas which are now replaced by bricks, mortar and cements. The houses constructed with modern technology causes more destruction than those build with ancient technology.

The destruction by Uttarakhand flood and now by Nepal earthquake should be taken as warning signals from the Almighty to amend our ways. We should also use technological advances in building houses in such areas but according to the environmental and ecological conditions. Trees must be preserved in any ways. It is true that we can't predict earthquake but we can predict the damage caused by it if we started rating our buildings and houses for safety in earthquake.

The world today stand in support of Nepal for quick recovery from the damage caused by earthquake. The help of Indian government is also remarkable in this scenario. But few people find opportunity in such calamities to make money. Today everyone is asking for donations for victims of earthquake but few actually send money and things to the right place, so you must donate cautiously so that your hard earned money reaches to the right place. Prime Minister Relief Fund, NGO's of media houses and some government approved NGO's are better place to donate.

I pray to god for the quick recovery of the injured and peace for those who have lost their loved one in this disaster. India specially parts of Bihar is also affected by this earthquake I pray for quick relief for them also. Below is a video showing extent of damage caused to life, property and history by the earthquake.

Flash Flood In Uttarakhand

Flash floods in Uttrakhand which have killed hundreds,made homeless to thousands and made losses of lacks in that region again exposed our preparedness for natural disasters. Government sources said that it will take around three years for life to be back to normal there,thousands still are missing and search operations are still running.

This is not the first time that flash flood has hit Uttarakhand,it's a yearly phenomenon only difference this year is that it's too early and more intense. It also open our eyes to the threats posed in altering our natural landscapes by building excessive roads and houses by cutting mountains and trees. Even after having a National Disaster Management Authority( NDMA) we failed in early flood forecasting and our after disaster arrangement also lacked preparedness.To minimise the effects of such disasters there is a need for better weather equipments and expertise to deal with such situations. There should be proper alarm systems to alert people in such flood prone areas.

The other side of this issue is that several state governments have rushed to the rescue and aid to the affected area as pilgrims and tourists stranded hailed from all parts of the country,many state governments had announced financial aids to Uttarakhand along with the central government and also helping in rescue operations. May God help those who are stranded and missing. There is also a need for a planned development strategies according to the geographical area so that we may not interfere with stable natural conditions.