KATHMANDU: The government should think out of box and permit the establishment of a disaster risk mitigation body, in order to cope with the vulnerability to the nature’s fury, according to Amod Mani Dixit, executive director, National Society for Earthquake Technology.

“In the lack of a disaster risk management authority, the country will be unable to undertake emergency response should a disaster strike,” said Dixit. If the government fails to form such an authority, there can be casualties on a massive scale, destruction of basic infrastructures, breakdown of communication, while hospitals and health clinics can be destroyed or overcrowded with desperate survivors seeking help during the disaster. The government should be alert for dealing with the result of an earthquake.

A handful of employees at the Home Ministry and 75 CDOs will be unable to take sole responsibility for mitigating the disaster. Dixit demanded public participation from the grassroots level to be informed about impacts of an earthquake.

Increasing unmanaged settlements as a result of an increase in population in urban areas, particularly the Kathmandu Valley, are heightening the possibility of an increased number of casualties, said Dixit. Nepal ranks 11th in its vulnerability to earthquake where Kathmandu stands to be the most vulnerable city. He added 80 per cent risk is created due to unmanaged building, 10 per cent due to failure to provide medical response and the rest due to lack of a system for emergency response.

The implementation of Nepal Building Code should be carried out in all 58 municipalities and should be effectively implemented. He said the municipalities should be technically and as well as legally authorised to check whether or not the owner has followed the code.

• safety tips

DURING AN EARTHQUAKE

• When you feel an earthquake, duck under a desk or study table. Stay away from windows, bookcases, file cabinets, heavy mirrors, hanging plants, and other heavy objects that could fall. Watch out for falling plaster and ceiling tiles. Stay under cover until the shaking stops. Below are some additional tips for specific locations:

• If you are in a HIGH-RISE BUILDING, and not near a desk or table, move against an interior wall and protect your head with your arms. Do not use the elevators. Stay indoors. Glass windows can dislodge during the quake and sail far away.

• If you’re OUTDOORS, move to a clear area away from trees, signs, buildings, electrical wires, and poles.

• If you’re on a SIDEWALK NEAR BUILDINGS, duck into a doorway to protect yourself from falling bricks, glass, plaster, and other debris.

• If you’re DRIVING, pull over to the side of the road and stop. Stay inside the vehicle until the shaking is over.

• If you’re in a CROWDED STORE OR OTHER PUBLIC PLACES, do not rush for exits.

• If you’re in a WHEELCHAIR, stay in it. Move to cover, if possible, lock your wheels, and protect your head with your arms.

• If you’re in the KITCHEN, move away from the refrigerator, stove, and overhead cupboards. (Take time NOW to anchor appliances, and install security latches on cupboard doors to reduce hazards.)

• If you’re in a STADIUM OR THEATER, stay in your seat and protect your head with your arms. Avoid rushing but leave in a calm, orderly manner toward exits.

AFTER THE SHOCK CHECK LIST

• Be prepared for aftershocks, and plan where you will take cover when they occur.

• Check for injuries. Give first aid, as necessary.

• Remain calm and reassure others.

• Check for fire.

• Check gas, water, and electric lines. If gas is leaking, don’t use matches, flashlights, appliances, or electric switches. Open windows, leave building, and report to Gas Company.

• Replace all telephone receivers, and use for emergency calls only.

• Tune to the emergency broadcast station on radio or television.

• Stay out of damaged buildings.

INDIVIDUAL AND FAMILY READINESS

• Create a Family Earthquake Plan

• Know the safe spot in each room, (under study tables, desks, or against inside walls). Know the danger spots, (windows, mirrors, hanging objects, fireplaces and tall furniture).

• Conduct practice drills. Physically place yourself and your children in safe locations.

• Learn first aid and CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation)

• Decide where your family will reunite, if separated.

• Keep a list of emergency phone numbers.

• Choose an out-of-state friend or relative whom family members can call after the quake to report your condition.

HOME PREPAREDNESS

• Learn how to shut off gas, water, and electricity in case the lines are damaged.

• Check chimneys, roofs, and wall foundations for stability. Note: If your home was built before 1935, make sure your house is bolted to its foundation. If your home is on a raised foundation, make sure the cripple walls have been made into shear walls.

• Secure heavy furnishings.

• Keep breakable and heavy objects on lower shelves. Put latches on cabinet doors to keep them closed during shaking.

• Keep away flammable or hazardous liquids such as paints, pest sprays.

• Maintain emergency food, water, medicine, first aid kit, tools, clothing.

(Accessed from www.karmayog.org)