NATURAL ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS

Some environmental problems are not man-made but are caused by natural forces. Floods, cyclones, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, hurricanes, forest fires, etc. are a few examples. These are termed as natural disasters. The government of India has set up a High Powered Committee on Disaster Management to look into various disasters and suggest the ways to cope up with these disasters. Let us discuss about some such disasters and their impacts.

22.4.1 Flood

India is one of the most flood-prone countries in the world. We regularly learn about the damage caused due to floods. This is because 75% of the total annual rainfall occurs in about four months of monsoon from June to September. As a result, most of the rivers are full of water during this period. For example, as per the report of the High Powered Committee on Disaster Management in India about 1400 lives were lost, and about three lakh hectares area of land was affected due to floods is Gorakhpur and adjoining districts in Uttar Pradesh alone in 1998. On an average, about eight million hectares of land area is affected by floods annually in our country.

The following steps may be taken to prevent damage due to floods:

• Timely cleaning and desilting of water channels and reservoirs by civic agencies

• Safe disposal of surplus run-off water from river to river and drain to drain to ensure easy flow of water

• To locate buildings like public institutes, schools, offices, telephone exchange, power supply stations, railway tracks and stations, roads and residential areas etc. sufficiently above levels corresponding to floods of last few years frequency

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• Making buildings flood proof by raising their levels with the use of earth fill etc.

• Construction of rings around villages and residential areas

• Identify an evacuation center in the flood-prone area so that people can move there in emergency

• Stocking adequate stock of material / equipments to handle floods

• Ensure supply of drinking water by installing hand pumps above the highest flood level and storing adequate food and water

• Consuming boiled water and properly cooked food at the time of floods

• Preventing outbreak of epidemics during floods

• Keep away from high-held structures like walls and electricity poles in the event of flooding

Did you know?

Years 1955, 1971, 1978, 1988 and 1996 were the major flood years in India. In the year 1996 alone, about 7.42 million-hectare land was submerged, 39.4 million people were affected and over 2000 people died in the floods. The estimated economic loss amounted to Rs. 1.8 billion due to 1996 floods. Source: Source book of District Disaster Management, Ministry of Agriculture, Dept. of Agriculture & Co-operation, Government of India.

22.4.2 Cyclone

India has a long coastline, which is vulnerable to the tropical cyclones in the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea. Cyclones are intense low-pressure systems in the form of depressions, cyclone storms, severe cyclones associated with hurricane winds, etc. There are two cyclone seasons in India, the pre-monsoon season (April- May) and the post-monsoon season (October-December). The states of Orissa, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal are the most affected states due to cyclones. Balasore district in Orissa is the most vulnerable district for cyclone landfall. You would have heard about Orissa super cyclone that occurred in the state of Orissa on October 29, 1999 at a wind speed of 270-300 km per hour accompanied by heavy rains continuously for three days. The sea surged up to 7m high and seas waves travelled up to 15-20 km in land. This resulted in heavy losses. The agriculture, livestock, infrastructure, industries and environment were badly devastated during this cyclone.

Steps to be taken before, during and after a cyclone

• Build houses, buildings, etc. taking cyclone safety measures. Repair doors, windows, walls and roof tops, wherever necessary, before cyclone season. Remove decaying trees or any other loosely fixed objects. Demolish unsafe buildings.

• Do not go into the areas where water level is high due to rains, coastal areas and where streams or rivers flow.

• Have clean drinking water.

• Store extra food, such as rice, pulses, sattu, etc.

• Store enough drinking water.

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• Keep hurricane lantern filled with kerosene, and flashlights, matchbox, candles etc. ready.

• In case of a cyclone, head for the proper shelter or evacuation point, keep calm and remain there until informed that you may return back to your place.

• When you are moving to a shelter, move your valuable articles to upper floors so that they are not destroyed.

• Do not keep free objects like cans, tyres and other implements as they can cause injury during strong winds.

• Do not touch any loose electric wire to avoid electrocution.

• Do not spread rumours or listen to them.

• Board up glass windows and provide strong suitable support to outside doors.

• Make provisions for children and adults who require special diets.

• After the cyclone has passed get yourself inoculated against diseases and seek medical care for the injured and sick.

• Clear the house and dwellings of debris.

• Report any loss to the revenue authorities.

22.4.3 Earthquake

An earthquake is the shaking, rolling or sudden shock of the earth’s surface. We are aware of the serious damages caused by earthquakes to life and property, at Bhuj and Anjar near Ahmedabad and some other places in Gujarat on 26th _January 2002. Latur in Maharashtra also experienced a similar natural disaster on 30th September 1993.

Earthquakes are a common phenomenon. Most earthquakes pass unnoticed. Earthquakes of greater intensity shake buildings, and loosen the bricks. Falling of walls may injure people and property. Earthquakes also cause breakage of water pipes, cut electric lines, damage rail and road routes.

The intensity of earthquake is related to the amount of energy released when rocks give way to the forces within the earth. It is measured with the help of an instrument known as seismograph. The intensity of an earthquake is measured on the Richter scale (invented by the scientist C.F. Richter). Following values indicate the degree of damage.

Intensity on Richter scale Extent of Damage

Up to 3 No damages

5 Cracks in old buildings

7 Cracks in roads

Above 8 Falling of buildings

22.4.3a Impact of a severe earthquake

Most problems from an earthquake result due to falling objects and debris because of collapse of the building, collapse of the ceiling plaster etc., and not due to the ground movement. The possible areas of impact of a severe earthquake are given below:

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• Damage to roads, bridges, dams, etc. that may leads to loss of human and animal lives and injuries

• Fires due to short-circuits or other means

• Damage to fields and settlements (landslides)

• Spreading of diseases sometimes may lead to epidemics

22.4.3b Preventive measures

• Construct earthquake-resistant buildings, roads, dams, bridges, etc.

• At home, locate beds away from the windows and heavy objects that could fall in event of an earthquake. Make sure that overhead plaster and lighting fixtures are well secured to the ceiling. Move heavy unstable objects away from the exit doors.

• In the event of an earthquake

- Keep away from buildings, specially old and tall ones, electricity poles, wires and walls that are liable to collapse.

- If travelling, stop the vehicle away from buildings, walls, slopes, trees, electricity poles and wires.

- Move out in the open.

- Do not rush to doors or exits, keep calm, never use lift and keep well away from windows, mirrors and furniture.

- Stand under strong beams that may not fall or creep under the dining table or a strong bed.

- If your home is badly damaged, come out of it immediately. Collect all emergency supplies like food, water, first aid kit, medicines, flashlight or torch, candles, matchbox, clothes, etc.

- If you are under a building and unable to move, cover your head and body with your arms, pillows or blankets to protect yourself from falling objects.

- If in a multi-storyed building stay on the same floor. Do not use elevators or run towards the staircase. They may sustain damage.

- Check for injuries. Apply first aid. Help others who require your help. - Check for fire and structural damage and clear blocked exits.

India has experienced four earthquakes of destructive magnitude (more than 8.0 on Richter scale). These are,

• 4th _{April, 1905; Kangra (8.25)}

• January, 1934; Pusa, Bihar (8.25)

• 26th _{June 1941; Andaman (8.1)}

• 15th _{August, 1950; Assam (8.6)}

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(6.0 to 7.0 on the Richter scale) during the last decade or so.

• 20th _{August, 1988; Bihar (6.5)} • 21st _{October, 1991; Uttarkashi (6.5)} • 30th _{September, 1993; Latur (6.2)} • 22nd _{May, 1997; Jabalpur (6.0)} • 29th _{May, 1999; Chamoli (6.8)} • 26th _{January, 2001; Gujrat (6.9)}

22.4.4 Forest fires and their control

You are already aware of the benefits we derive from forests. Full benefits of forest resources can be obtained only if timber (wood) is protected from fire, diseases and insect pests.

Fire is a great threat to forests because it can cause tremendous damage in a short time. Forest fire may be caused due to:

• Human negligence, by carelessly dropping lighted matchsticks

• Lightening striking the dry trees

• Extreme heating of rocks, especially during the dry season

22.4.4a Fire fighting

Damage caused due to a forest fire can be controlled by the following means:

• Remove dry litter like dying twigs, leaves etc. during summer season.

• Try to put out the fire by digging a circle around it or by water, and call a fire brigade.

• Move farm animals and movable goods to a safe place.

• Do not throw smouldering bidi, cigarette or leave burning wood sticks around.

• Do not enter a forest if it is on fire.

• Inform all members of your family and others about the ways in which a fire can be caused and the methods to prevent fire.

CHECK YOUR PROGRESS 22.4