Professional Documents
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AIR, LOYAL IN HEART AND IN HAND, WE THE KUTCHIS HOLD, TRUE TO OUR LAND.
C-14, Qutab Institutional Area, New Delhi-16 Tel.: 41688955-56, 42030400 Fax: 26852916 Email: helpage@nde.vsnl.net.in Website: www.helpageindia.org
chandraakhil@hotmail.com
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Acknowledgements
The idea of the manual for disaster preparedness was envisioned by Mr. Anant Bir Singh, former Deputy Director PERPUEG Project; his contribution to enrich the contents of the manual by including relevant details is deeply appreciated. Mr. Godfred Paul of HelpAge International provided valuable guidance throughout to make this manual more meaningful. Special thanks are due to the older persons and relief agency workers who participated in this project despite their personal misery and anguish. Special mention must be made for the dedicated and sincere efforts of the following HelpAge India staff members, without which this work would not have been completed. Col. (Retd.) Akhilesh Sharma, Country Head
Programmes, Ms. Hina Sharma Senior Manager PERPEUG Project and her team members. The financial support of European Union and HelpAge International and her team members.
Community Based Disaster Preparedness Manual Post Earthquake Reconstruction Project EU Gujarat (PERPEUG)
January 2006
Edited by: Anupama Datta
Copies of the Manual can be obtained from Research and Strategic Development Department HelpAge India C-14, Qutab Institutional Area, New Delhi-16 Tel.: 91-11-41688955-56, 420430400 Fax: 91-11-26852916 Email: helpage@nde.vsnl.net.in
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Leading global action on ageing
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Contents
Chapter Introduction General Profile : Survey Results Management of Needs of Older Persons General Steps Role of Older Persons in Disasters Planning for Disaster Preparedness Safety Tips During Disasters First Aid for Older Persons During Disasters Search and Rescue Relief Distribution Annexure-1: Disasters in Gujarat: An Overview Page No. 5 7 8 10 12 15 18 21 27 30 32 42 50
Abbreviations
NGO OP(s) ORS SHG Non Government Organisation Older Person(s) Oral Re-hydration Salts Self Help Group
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Introduction
Background
In the past couple of years, our country had to face additional challenges of natural disasters in almost all parts: East (Orissa Super-cyclone), West (Gujarat Earthquake), South (Tsunami) and now North (Kashmir Earthquake). The magnitude of the disasters was colossal and consequent human misery and material loss massive and the cost of reconstruction of life and property gigantic. We all know that we cannot stop these natural calamities; but, the million dollar question that all of us must ask ourselves is can we do something to lessen the damage to human and material resources? If yes, then is it not worthwhile to invest time and money in it? Prevention is better than cure, they say and also that preparedness is half battle won! If we know that this is the correct path to tread then we all must make our contribution to spread awareness on the subject and convince people, communities and governments at all levels to make sincere efforts to train communities to be prepared for disasters; more so in the high risk and multi-hazard zones. In India, many areas have been identified as hazard zones and government at central and state level is tackling the issue by passing legislation, forming committees for coordination, capacity building, installing early warning systems, maintaining databases of relevant agencies and other such steps. These are no doubt important efforts to raise the general preparedness of the society to deal with disasters. Helpage India tries to sensitise the important stakeholders to include the concerns of older persons in these programmes; but, we have to go a step further and ensure that the benefit of this awareness and these initiatives reach the common older persons. The current manual is one such effort. It is designed to deal with the issue of building the capacity of older persons to deal with challenges of any emergency situation and the possible roles that they can play for the befit of their 5 community. This manual is based on our experience in post-quake Gujarat state of India.
Brief History
India has a history of earthquakes and many of them devastated life and property in the entire area that it affected, the recent memory being that of Tehri. In most places the questions pertaining to post-quake management were more or less the same; another element that did not change was perhaps our preparedness to deal with the issues of rescue, relief and rehabilitation. However, after the frequent recurrence of major natural disasters we have probably woken up to the importance of preparedness. We know that we cannot stop natural disasters but we can act sagaciously to minimise the damage to human life and property. This preparedness is not a uni-level activity to be undertaken by the government but a multi level activity that should begin at individual, family, community, district, state and national level. The national government can plan at the macro level for installation of early detection and warning signs, evacuation facilities, training or capacity building of the concerned actors and/or stakeholders. The state governments along with district administration can gear up these facilities keeping in mind the specificities of the state and the district. But, the crucial elements that can make all the difference are the actors at the micro level: individual, family and the community; for the simple reason that these are the first point of assistance in any dire situation. Therefore, it is our effort to train them for facing any eventuality. Helpage India provided relief and rehabilitation assistance to the affected people in all the recent natural disasters particularly the older persons. It has been our experience that in the chaotic atmosphere during or after any disaster, the weak and the vulnerable suffer the most and are least benefited out of the relief and rehabilitation
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Occupation
Dry agriculture, agricultural labour, casual labour, charcoal making, animal husbandry, dairy and weaving and embroidery work are the major occupations of the people in the area. Most of the able bodied young persons immigrate to the other parts of the country in search of employment leaving behind, women and children and in some cases only the old and disabled in the villages. Most of them immigrate as seasonal labourers.
Immigration Details
In Kutch district, 24% respondents migrated to take up a job or start a business outside the district
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22% people identified lack of clothing facility as a second worst difficulty faced by older persons. 15% put lack of cash doles and 13% people identified unequal distribution and lack of food in this category, 11% people identified lack of drinking water, lack of provision for dealing with special needs of older persons as the second major difficulty faced by older persons during relief phase. 18% villages identified lack of provision for dealing with special need of older persons as the third major difficulty. 13% identified lack of clothing facility in this category whereas almost 10% villages identified lack of cash doles, lack of provision for psycho-social support and unequal distribution as the third major problem. Relief Camps As for the difficulties faced by older persons in relief camps, 22% identified getting food supply as the worst difficulty. 12% identified lack of access to drinking water and temporary shelter facility as the worst difficulty. 7% identified lack of sanitation facility as the worst difficulty for older persons. Almost 18% villages identified lack of food and lack of access to drinking water as the second major difficulty faced by older persons. 15% identified lack of access to temporary shelter facility as the third major problem. 11% villages identified lack of medical facility. 13% identified lack of sanitation facilities for older persons as the third major difficulty faced by older persons in the relief camp. Rehabilitation 32% identified inability to provide requisite documents to claim relief and rehabilitation facilities as the worst difficulty faced during rehabilitation phase. 23% identified lack of necessary information as a major hindrance. 3% villages identified lack of regular income as a worst difficulty and 4% identified lack of mobility as the worst difficulty. 23% villages identified lack of information as the second most important difficulty faced by older persons during rehabilitation phase. 18% identified inability to provide requisite documents to claim relief and rehabilitation support in this 9 category. 13% identified irregular income in this category; whereas 26% villages identified this as third major difficulty faced by older persons during rehabilitation phase. About 9% villages identified lack of mobility, corruption and inability to provide requisite documents as third major difficulty. The partner agencies that worked with HelpAge India for the Relief and Rehabilitation programmes in Gujarat were of the view that scarcity affects the need fulfilment of older persons and women. Families tend to pay more attention to the young and the able bodied than the old and frail. Therefore, there is an urgent need to sensitise communities and the government to pay attention to this aspect in disasters. While soliciting the opinion of the older persons in a group discussion the volunteers were mindful of the following: 1. Facilitate the participation of older persons in the group discussion to articulate their priorities. Body language of the volunteer/s should be friendly and never miss the focus of the discussion. Ensure that the self respect of the older generation is maintained Volunteer/s should be able to identify their priorities and take appropriate action during disasters. The needs of the old properly should be properly taken care of in the community contingency plan. Evolve a combined effort to change the hitherto negative approach of the society in general to the older people. Encourage participation of the older persons in community planning and implementation. Suggest that the community take their help in preparing a proper village map; resource and disaster map and identify the number of vulnerable older people in the community.
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Contingency Plan should be made in such away that it ensures effective relief and rehabilitation to the older persons keeping in mind their disabilities and specific needs.
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General Steps to be Taken to Ensure that Older Persons are Looked After
1. Older Persons should be a part of the social and vulnerability mapping for disaster preparedness and their needs should be duly communicated and included in the plan. Distribution of Relief material should be organised in such a manner that older persons are not left out and they do not have to struggle to get it. The components of the relief package should have food, clothing and medicines as per the needs of OPs. The needs of OPs should be listed beforehand and communicated by the community volunteers/leaders to the concerned actors (government bodies, donors, UN agencies, NGOs and CBOs) Take steps to ensure that older persons receive immediate cash transfers to deal with 4. the challenges of survival after the disaster. In most cases, cash transfers are given to the young adults and then OPs depend on them for support. If the older person is a destitute or living alone, then the community volunteers should take special care of the needs of that person. Their personal comfort, mobility, security are to be ensured. Provide scope for trauma counselling to all the OPs particularly the destitute and the most affected e.g. those who have lost family members, all the assets, severely injured and other most vulnerable.
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Communicate, help and supervise the decision to shift to the safer places. Guide the persons and the way to safely evacuate all vulnerable people including the Ops.
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Store the valuables in plastic cover in a safe place. Take all the necessary things with you while shifting to safe places as per check list prepared earlier.
Relief
1. Collect the latest information from time to time. The disaster may strike again. Be prepared to face the challenge and inform other people. Collect information on missing and trapped persons and press volunteers into service. Locate the proper place, food, drinking water, medicines, and sanitation facilities for the OPs in the shelter facility. Don't panic and initiate appropriate timely action. Always prepare alternative plan. Every one must use sticks and ropes to help each other in water filled area. The speed of water must be taken into consideration while crossing. Proper management of the shelter house should be ensured. Take appropriate action for providing primary health care, supply of medicines, sanitation facility, carcass disposal, cleaning, and loss; assessment and information collection. 8. 1. 2. Collect latest information obey instruction and help in implementing decisions. List out the family members missing and helping the rescue team to take appropriate measures. Give a helping hand to the OPs in all these activities. Share the information with the OPs. All the OPs should have a walking stick and torchlight. Ensure fulfilment of specific needs of the OPs in the shelter facility. Their minimum comfort should be given first priority. Which returning back home the safely conditions of the house is to be judged and after going into the house themselves then take the OPs if it is safe. Don't allow the old persons to drift, to be apprehensive and panic. Assure them and look at their specific needs. Trauma counselling is to be planned for them.
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Detailed List of the needs of OPs and the steps to be taken by the community and the family in the pre and post disaster stages:
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On Receiving Warning
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Community Prepare who's who and clearly identify the volunteers for the OPs. They should know who is going to do what for them. Decision with a check list of items to be taken to the shelter to be completed. Storage of things most needed by the OPs in a common and approachable place. Plan to collect latest information and coordinate with Govt/ NGO to take appropriate action. All volunteers to remain alert and take positions and complete collection and storage of material. Take decisions on evacuation. Arrange mode of transport, most needed supplies etc. Regroup Rescue and First Aid team and decide on the final plan of action. 10 Family 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Identify older people and list out their specific needs. Help the volunteers organise and communicate to the OPs. Decision on evacuation to be taken in emergency. Family should be ready with materials catering to the specific needs of the OPs. Family to be aware of the community's efforts for the care of OPs. Prepare the OPs mentally to take on the challenge and all possible points of support. Keep in touch with the Rescue and First Aid team and obey their safety instructions. Give these teams information about your family members' position to facilitate early action.
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Rehabilitation
1. 2. Initiate measure for Rehabilitation. Ensure economic security of the OPs through cash transfer or income generation activities. Plan for a proper loss assessment process. To initiate plan of action for restoring livelihood of the worst affected. Continue trauma counselling for the worst affected and mentally disturbed. To help the suffering people get legal support and settle their compensations and insurance problems. 11 To give adequate importance to the OPs in all the five spheres identified to be initiated in the community level.
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keeping in mind knowledge its resources, people and possible difficulties. g) Help prepare social map, disaster map and resource map with participation of the cross sections of the society.
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Their role in different phases of disaster can be marked in the following way. 1. Role before onslaught of disaster. a) b) c) d) Preparing the community to combat disasters. Advice to build disaster resistant low cost houses. Adopt time tested local systems to face disasters. Prepare children and women through disaster mock drills, folklores, drawings, paintings, traditional folk songs, dance and drama. Ensure Inter and intra organisational coordination among various stake holders. Develop Contingency Plan for the area 13
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In this disaster preparedness process all sections of the society are to be involved and ownership or cross sections of the society shall bring better participation which will result in greater success. OPs may be mentally and physically weak, less
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Non-farm sector
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Natural-resource plan
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Initiate steps to restore agricultural land Steps against sand logging Assess damage of crops Lack of fodder Vegetable/ horticulture crops Restore and repair agricultural implements.
Plan for marketing Arrange resource/ capital Initiate discussion for facilitating banking support Develop/Activate SHG Help start small scale cooperatives Arrange fishing nets and boats etc.
Steps to replace loss of vegetation Steps to replace lost fruit trees. Restoration of Plantation for grazing, firewood and fodder
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health of the OPs. (3) Organise regular mock drills to refresh skills. (4) Decide what training shall be given to the members to make themselves self sufficient and facilitate training. (5) Organise activities to improve their mental and physical capacity and prove to the younger people that what they are capable of.
First Step
All young-old people in the community should be organised in the form of a local formal group. If necessary and possible two sub-groups of older men and women can be organised for the purpose of discussion and planning.
Second Step
The OPs can recollect and systematically record the history of disasters affecting their area. This history and experience shall be shared with the future generations and can help preparing for the problems faced so far. The record should take into account approximate time of occurrence, its frequency and extent of damage. It can show the extent of damage to the different groups and prove the extent of their vulnerability. It can also try to identify who did what, who gave the leadership and how the community faced it.
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Third Step
Recording the past experience is the first step. The community should try and put this knowledge in 14 15
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Carcass Disposal and Debris clearance team Counselling team Reconstruction team 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Self learning on various aspects of disaster management and help others Facilitate training and help create interest of senior citizens in it. Advice to repair the vulnerable portions of the house/ facilities. Take active interest in developing community contingency. Take tips on trauma counselling, first aid and rescue/ rehabilitation. Involve in Mock drill at various levels and finally at community level regularly before cyclone/ flood seasons. Make a group of old people, organise it and try to make it useful. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 1. 2. 3. Learn/ Develop life saving skills Learn counselling skills to deal with PTSD patients. Save the young women from social taboo and advise them to learn life saving methods like swimming, etc. Involve in timely repair in houses. Involve the women in developing disaster plan. Involve in mock drill. Identify problems of women and think of corrective measures. Participate in SHGs and try to make them dynamic and useful.
Fourth Step
Looking at the capacity, age, knowledge base, practical approach and quality of the identified volunteers they can be organised into different groups who can be entrusted with the different activities during disasters. Some of the important groups are given below. These groups should work in tandem and scope will be given for replacement and skill up gradation training and exposure. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Warning group Shelter maintenance and management group Group in charge of water and sanitation Search aid rescue team First aid team Relief team
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To prepare themselves for the potential threats from disaster the OPs should do the following:
These groups shall look to the specific problems of the old persons and fulfil their specific needs pertaining to their area of activity. The special needs of the particular OPs must be brought out in a list that is to be finalized long before disaster strikes and updated ,if need be. On the part of the OPs can be a part of the teams identified above and may handle the particular activities given below.
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Use family contact at a distant to relocate your family members. 5. 6. Stay indoors with pets, close doors and windows properly. Pack warm clothing; essential medicines, valuables, important papers and documents, water, dry food, water proof bags keep emergency kit ready. Listen to Radio, T.V. and local warning system for latest information. Take decision on shifting to earlier identified shelter in a proper route. Do not venture into the sea.
Cyclone
If there is no cover nearby then kneel or sit close to the floor next to a structurally sound interior wall. Place your hands on the floor for balance. Do not stand in door ways. Move away from windows, mirrors, bookcases, etc. Avoid touching loose electric wires. Switch off gas and electric connections. If you are living in a kutcha house, move to an open area where there are no trees, electric or telephone wires. If you are in the open stay there until the shaking is over. Avoid being close to high buildings, walls, power poles and other objects that could fall. Don't re-enter damaged buildings and stay away from badly damaged structures. Wear shoes/ chappals to protect legs from debris. Aftershock follow tremor, in first hours, days, weeks, months after. Check for fire hazards, use torch lights, not candles, etc. Help injured/ trapped, give first aid and ask for expert help. Help the elderly who require utmost care. Stay out of damaged buildings. Return home after judging the damage. Take care for electricity, gas leak, spilled inflammable liquids. Help douse fire Do not crowd damaged areas unless help has been requested. Open closet doors and cupboards cautiously. Use telephone only in emergency. 19 Before the cyclone season 1. Keep watch on Radio, T.V., weather conditions. Be alert about community warning. Identify route to the safest place to give you shelter. Do not listen to rumours. Keep an emergency kit ready. Check the roof and cover it with net or bamboo. Repair house. Cover mud walls. Bind each corner of the roof with a plastic rope. Trim dry tree branches, cut off dead trees, clear all debris. Clear loose materials which may fly and damage. Locate safe high ground to save yourself, family, animals from storm surge. Keep important documents, passbook etc. in a tight plastic bag and take it with you.
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Earthquake
Earthquake gives no warning and no time to react. It is essential to formulate a safety plan for yourself and for your family. Adopt the following safety measures. Before the Quake
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10. If evacuation becomes necessary switch off electricity from main switch, gas, water etc. carry emergency kit and your required materials with you. When the cyclone occurs
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Always keep the following things in a proper place. They are bottled drinking water, dry food, first-aid-kit, Torchlight, radio. Identify places in the house where to get safety during earthquake. Have a contact number and address of a friend in distance that can help. Take earthquake safety measures at home. Reinforce the foundation and frame. Kutcha buildings also can be retrofitted and strengthened. Check that roof top water storage tanks are properly tied with the main structure. Do not keep racks etc in the exit passages. Make a family Disaster Plan: know what to do and where to meet your family after the quake; identify one relative in another city to provide information about your safety; Make an emergency kit (torch, water, money, portable radio, first aid kit, candles, battery, food items, match stick) and replenish it once in awhile; identify emergency exit in your house and always keep it clear; hold mock drills. A loud rumbling sound might signal its arrival. Take cover; go under a table or sturdy furniture. 18
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Disconnect all electricity and gas. Protect yourself with a mattress, rugs, and blankets under a strong table when the house is collapsing. Listen to radio for update information. Do not return to house unless damage is essential and found safe. Don't come out when cyclone may recur. Beware about the 'calm eye' after which cyclone reappears. Beware of fallen power lines, damaged bridges, buildings, trees and do not enter the flood waters. Be careful about snakebite and carry a stick with you. Do not go outside unless declare safe. Check for gas leaks and fallen live electric lines. Listen to radio for advice and latest information. Do not return home until properly advised to do so. Do not go out and listen to warnings.
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10. Identify safe place to keep your eatables, water, etc. in polythene under earth. 11. Keep emergency address and phone numbers with you.
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12. Update vulnerability list and amp of your area. 13. Cyclone drill with search, rescue and first aid should be conducted. 14. Stock of dry foods, medicines, shelter materials to be maintained. When you get the cyclone warning 1. 2. 3. 4. Keep drinking water/ food storage ready. Keep clothing ready. Prepare asset list and known persons address ready and share it with community. Keep boats, bullock carts, cycles, motors ready.
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During Quake
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Floods
Before Flooding 1. 2. 3. Know safe route to safest place. Repair your house to face flood fury. Keep an emergency kit ready with portable radio, torch, water, dry food, kerosene, candle, and match boxes, polythene bags for valuables, umbrella, bamboo stick, salt and sugar. First aid kit, manual, strong ropes. Learn swimming and climbing trees.
HEAT WAVE
Safety Tips 1. 2. 3. Avoid going out in hot sun between 12 noon and 3 pm. Take sufficient water and other soft drinks. Wear light weight, light coloured, loose, porous, cotton clothes. Use protective goggles, umbrella/ hat, shoes and chappals while going out. Avoid strenuous activities under hot sun. Carry water with you while travelling. Avoid alcohol, tea, coffee and carbonated soft drinks. These will dehydrate body soon. Avoid high-protein food. Use damp cloth on head, neck, face, limbs while going out. If you have feeling of illness and fainting, immediately consult doctor.
4. 5. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 11. 20
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On hearing flood warning Tune in your TV/ radio regularly during flood season. Keep vigil on flood warning by local authorities. Don't panic or, hear rumours. Keep dry food, drinking water, clothes ready. Take bullock cart, animals to safer places and boats to strategic places. Bind your thing with each other so that they will not be washed away. Give proper checks to entry points of water. Drink disinfected water. Keep food covered, don't take heavy meals. Do not take food drenched in flood water. Take enough water supplements in diarrhoea. Use bleaching powder and lime to disinfect the surroundings. Help the officials/ volunteers distributing relief materials. Take proper decision on going to a safer place. Be careful of snake bites. Do not allow children to go to flood water. Take time to decide shifting back to home.
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10. Use ORS, home-made drinks like lassi, torani, lemon water, butter milk to re-hydrate your body. 11. Keep animals in shade and give them plenty of water to drink.
During floods
12. Keep your home cool, use curtains, shutters or sun shade and open windows at night. 13. Use fans, damp clothing and take bath in cold water frequently. Treatment of Sunstroke Affected Person 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Lay the person in a cool place, under a shade. Wipe her/ him with a wet cloth/ wash the body frequently. Pour normal water on the head. Try to bring down the body temperature. Give the person ORS to drink to re-hydrate. Shift the person to health unit after initial management. Be prompt as heat stroke can be fatal.
Apart from these diseases, OPs may suffer from minor and major injuries during the disaster. Special care and attention should be given to them. Many a times immediate first aid saves the life of the injured, it checks further injury, its aggravating impact and gives time for professional medical attention later. It is essential that the volunteers must know what to do to give immediate relief to the suffering individuals. The OPs are more vulnerable because of their physical and mental condition and weakening reflexes and already existing health related problems which are augmented during disasters.
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might indicate that there is damage inside. Neck Loosen clothing around neck. Take the carotid pulse, recording its rate, strength and rhythm. Run your finger down the spine, checking for irregularity and tenderness. Look for bruising. Trunk When the injured breathe deeply observe whether the chest expands evenly, easily and equally on the two sides. Check both collarbones and shoulders for deformity, irregularity, or, tenderness. See the ribcage and chest for any wound. Gently felt eh soft part of the abdomen to discover any wound, rigidity or tenderness. Feel both sides of the pelvic bone and gently 'rock' the pelvis to discover any sign of fracture. Note any inconsistence or bleeding. Back and spine Note impaired movement or sensation in the limbs, you should not move the casualty to examine the spine. Gently pass your hand under the hollow of the back and feel along the spine, checking for swelling and tenderness. Upper limbs Check movement and sensation in both arms. Ask the casualty to bend and straighten the fingers and elbows. Take his/ her hands see he/ she whether can feel normally? Note the colour of the finger. Look for bruising, swelling or deformity. Lower limbs The injured will be asked to raise each leg in turn and to bend and straighten ankles and knees, then look and feel for any wound, swelling or deformity. Feet Check movement and feeling in both the toes. Look at colour-blueness of the skin (cyanosis) which may indicate a circulatory disorder or cold injury.
Symptoms of Shock
Total Examination Go for a top-to-toe routine examination of the patient. Use both hands and don't disturb the patient much, comparing both sides of the body to find out where there is swelling. Skull and Scalp Running your hand over the scalp of the injured, bleeding, swelling, or any soft area may be identified. Handle the head of neck carefully. Nose Any sign of blood or fluid may indicate damage inside the skull. Note the colour, the temperature and the state of the skin. Eyes Examine the pupils of the eyes about their size. Look for any foreign body wound or bruising in the whites of the eyes. Unequal or decentred pupils indicate possible concussion or internal head injury. Mouth Examine the inside of the mouth. Note any odour in the mouth. See if anything is checking the airway. Examine whether denture is alright or not. Examine lips for burns of discoloration (Bluish). Ears Speak to the injured. Know whether both ears are working. Any blood or fluid coming out of the years 23
To stop bleeding
There are three types of bleeding as per flow of blood. A) b) c) Arterial bleeding - Excessive bleeding leading to death (Spurting blood). Bleeding from Vein results in excessive continuous flow of blood. Capillary bleeding causes oozing of blood from skin surfaces. Give pressure putting a clean cloth at the wound. Maintain compression by wrapping the wound firmly with a pressure bandage. Elevate the wound above the level of the heart. Put pressure on the nearest pressure point. To save from a critical situation a tourniquet can be used with support of a doctor. Clean the wound. Don't scrub. Use water and soap to clean. 22
What to do? 1.
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Shock Treatment
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Remove wet cloth, wrap with a blanket from head and neck. Protect against weather. If conscious, provide warm and sweet drinks and food. Don't give alcohol or massage. If unconscious, place in a recovery position. Give warm bath if possible. Don't allow to walk around even though recovered fully. When moving outside cover head and face. Breathing and heartbeat may stop. A.C. current causes dysfunction of muscles preventing the affected person to move from the electric cable. The current may cause burns at entry and exit point of the body. Maintain a distance of 10 mts from the high voltage wire. Don't touch the victim's body with your bare hands. Use dry stick in case of low voltage wire to push the victim away. Don't pour water on the affected person. If necessary give artificial respiration. Treat burns, associated injuries and shock.
Use caution when applying cool dressings to the old people. They are susceptible to hypothermia. Fractures A fracture is a complete break, a chip, or a crack in a borne. Fractures are (1) closed (2) open. A broken bone with no associated wound is closed fracture and needs splinting. An open fracture is a broken bone with some kind of wound. They are a higher priority injury. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Try to bring the exposed bone inside the skin. Cover the injury with bandage. The injury should be given a splint without disturbing the wound. Cover exposed wound with moist bandage. Take support of orthopaedic surgeon.
Electrical Injuries 1. 2.
Dehydration and Sunstroke This may occur in very hot weather. This is very dangerous for OPs. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. It starts with headache. Dehydration occurs. Patient becomes rapidly unconscious. Has high temperature with no sweating. The skin is dry, hot and red. Pulse is strong. Give cooling treatment till temperature is normal. 6. 7. 8. 9. 4. 5. 3.
Burn Treatment
All burn patients are divided into three types keeping in view their condition. 1. 1 Degree burn Only outside of the skin is affected. It becomes red in colour and there is swelling. 2 Degree burn Raw skin, blisters, becomes fatal if large area affected. 3 Stage burn Skin appears pale, waxy or charred. Damage extends from skin to nerves, muscle and fat. Always treat for shock. Needs specialised medical treatment. Remove to a cool place. Apply cold treatment and cover body properly. Remove the burnt dress from body. Cover body with clean cotton cloth. Dip in cold water for 1 minute. Don't dip the 3rd stage burn in water.
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Dislocations (Injury to ligaments & around a joint. The bones lock in their new position. The joints most commonly dislocated are fingers, shoulders, elbows, hips and ankles. Treat it like a fracture. Don't attempt to relocate the joint. Refer to trained medical staff. Sprains and Strains A sprain is the stretching or tearing of ligaments at a joint and is usually caused by stretching or extending the joint beyond its normal range of motion. The joints most easily sprained are the ankle, knee, wrist and fingers. Symptoms Tenderness of the site of the injury, Swelling and/ or bruising, restricted use or loss of use of the joint
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Hypothermia Body temperature drops below normal. Old persons are easy victims to it when they are exposed to cold air or water, inadequate food and clothing. Symptoms 1. 2. 3. 4. Rapid Decrease in Body temperature (Below 950F) Redness or blueness of the skin. Numbness and shivering. Slurred speech, unpredictable behaviour, listlessness.
Poisoning Every household has poisoning substances like, bleach, petroleum products, petrol and pesticides. 1. 2. 3. 4. Don't induce the victim to vomit. Attend to revive respiration. Identify the poison and inform doctor about it. Take immediate help of doctors.
First Aid 1. 2. 3.
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5.
Evacuation
Evacuation can be planned in which first priority be given to the old persons. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Determination of need of partial or total evacuation. Identify a safe area for evacuees. Communicate to all the need and the safe site for evacuation. Consider and decide on alternate routes for evacuation. Make sure that the process is going on as per plan. Report to the concerned authority about the evacuation.
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3. 4.
Procedure
(a) Gather facts (b) Assess situation (c) Identify resources (d) Establish the rescue priorities (e) Develop a rescue plan (f) Conduct the rescue (g) Evaluate progress (h) change personnel from time to time (i) Mark the completed task.
5. 6.
Safety tips
1. 2. Always work in pairs Third person should act as a runner. Be alert for sharp objects, dust, hazardous, materials, power lines, leaking gas, high water, fire hazards and unstable structures. If water is present check the depth. Never enter rising water without proper equipment and training. Use of safety equipment Helmet, Goggles, Whistle, torch, cloth protecting from cold, rain, fire, etc. 27
Their responsibility 7.
3.
6.
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Rescuer -2: Squat between the victim's knees, facing either toward or away from the victim. Grasp the outside of the victim's legs at the knees. Using safe lifting procedures, rise to a standing position, lifting the victim. The victim can then be carried to safety. 7.
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To lower the victim, the lead person calls out Ready to lower on the count of three: one, two three, lower.
the feet and pulling across the floor. Remember to use safe lifting procedures. One rescued down and grasping and edge of the blanket, and dragging the victim across the floor. Blanket Drag: 1. 2. 3. Warp victim in a blanket. Squat down and grasp the edge of the blanket Drag victim across floor.
6.
9.
10. When lifting anybody try to give safety to yourself. a) b) c) d) Bend your knees and squat. Keep the load close to your body. Keep your back straight. Push up with your legs.
Improvised Stretchers: A variety of materials can be used as improvised stretchers, which can be carried by two rescuers. For example, you can make a stretcher from 2 poles and a blanket. Drag: Drag the victim out of the confined area by grasping either under the arms or by
Place the victim in a straight-back chair (e.g., a wooden kitchen chair). Rescuer-1: Facing the back of the chair, grasp the back uprights. Rescuer-2: With your back to the victim's knees, reach back and grasp the two front legs of the chair. Tilt the chair back, lift, and walk out.
5.
Blanket Carry: The blanker carry requires at least four rescuers to provide stability to the victim, with one person designated as the lead person.
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Lay a blanket next to the victim. Tuck the blanket under the victim, and roll the victim into the centre of the blanket. Roll up the blanket edges toward the victim, to form tube-like handles on each side of the victim. With two rescuers squatting on each side and grasping the handle, the lead person checks the team for even weight distribution and correct lifting position. The lead person calls out, Ready to lift on the count of three: one, two, three, lift. The team lifts and stands in unison keeping the victim level, and carries away the victim feet first.
2.
Stand with your back to the victim. Place the victim's arms over your shoulders and grab the hands in front of your chest. Hoist the victim onto your back by bending forward slight, so his or her feet just clear the floor.
3.
Two-Person Lift:
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10. A list of all the affected persons and animals must be prepared and updated. Arrange for relief as per their needs. 11. Separate list is to be made for lost essential households' items accordingly steps to be initiated for their immediate supply.
Relief Distribution
Relief distribution is to be planned for the entire area in a systematic manner with the involvement of the community. Volunteers trained for this purpose should take the lead in this case. Their responsibility will be to (1) Assessment of local community needs including special needs of vulnerable groups (2) Collection of relief material from the sources (3) Storage and guard against pilferage (4) Timely and Sagacious Distribution (5) management of other issues like health care, water, hygiene and sanitation etc. (6) Establishment of rapport with all other support providers like government departments, NGOs and UN agencies (7) Prepare a list of the worst sufferers and their urgent requirements (8) Ensure transparency and community involvement in the whole operation. Government and non-government structure who can be depended upon for further support during need. 9. Receive relief materials on behalf of the community and make and maintain an inventory.
6.
12. A monitoring committee shall be constituted to supervise all relief activities and suggest corrective measures to be initiated. 13. Prepare a list of damage of public infrastructure to supply and coordinate with government agencies for repair and rebuilding, mobilize community support for these activities. 14. Take spot decisions on shifting of OPs and other vulnerable groups. 15. The elderly suffering from trauma should be identified and dealt with separately. 16. Food-for-work activities should be planned for the OPs separately. They should not be asked to take up arduous physical activities. They can be involved in preparing list, managing, guarding, writing letters, counselling, store keeping etc. 17. OPs must be given sustained relief over a longer time period. 18. Plan separately to meet the requirements of the OPs.
7.
10. Keeping the local needs and availability arrange for transportation of relief materials on the basis of priority to the most vulnerable people. 11. While collecting the relief materials proper attention should be given to the needs of the OPs. They may require medicines, blankets, walking sticks, balanced diet and drinking water. 8.
2. 3.
4. 5. 6. 7. 8.
3.
4.
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In view of these staggering losses in a single, socially highly sensitive sector, it is important to look at the underlying causes for the huge number of collapsed and damaged buildings in this earthquake. The main problems are associated with the quality of building materials used, predominant building techniques which were not sufficiently resistant to seismic forces, and the institutional processes of applications and approvals for building permits, enforcement of building codes, and construction supervision. Traditional, non-engineered, structures in the zone of impact-both in the rural and in the urban areasare old, inadequately maintained, and feature a wide range of disparate construction materials. They are frequently combined in the same structures, which by and large were built over a long period of time. Pucca wall bearing structures, built of local, soft stone with slippery surfaces, and inadequately bonded (usually with only mud mortar), proved to be lethal when exposed to the lateral loads of an earthquake. Brick structures also performed poorly, mainly due to low quality brick and mortar, and the lack of necessary bracing of house walls to keep the walls together. Sloping roofs built with very sparse use of expensive and not readily available wood, were too light to support the weight of heavy ceramic roof tiles. In many instances, due to lack of bracing outer walls fell out letting the roofs cave in, and killing the residents within. Similarly, Kutcha houses (constructed of mud brick and mud mortar, with bamboo and thatch roofs), performed very poorly. More recently engineered multi-apartment buildings also showed significant areas of weakness. Particularly vulnerable were reinforced concrete buildings with masonry in fill walls, which collapsed in many cities and towns, most notably in Ahmedabad, Anjar, and Bhuj. Unauthorized construction of additional floors and heavy roof gardens to four or five story high buildings, contributed to the collapses of many such buildings, especially those of the so called 33
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Health
The earthquake has left behind a trail of death and disintegration of families, thousands seriously injured and handicapped, both physically and psychologically, and a severely damaged health infrastructure. The number of confirmed human deaths was over 20,000 (of which over 17,000 have been reported from Kutch alone), and the number of persons injured was close to 167,000. Injuries included orthopaedic and head injuries, tissue losses, abdominal and thoracic trauma, and amputations. A large proportion of these patients were likely to be left permanently disabled, requiring rehabilitation and care in the future. There has been extensive damage to health infrastructure causing disruption in the provision of routine curative and preventative care, while at the same time the sector had been called upon to provide emergency curative (particularly surgery and orthopaedics) and preventative care much beyond its capacity. District hospitals, community health centres, primary health centres (PHCs), subcenters, Anganwadi centres, six integrated child development services scheme (ICDS) godowns, chief district project officer (CDPO) offices, dispensaries, c dispensaries were badly damaged or destroyed. In addition, nearly all types of facilities at different levels of health care suffered major and minor damages.
The sector still provides employment to nearly 50 percent of Gujarat's population. Agriculture has been severely hit by two consecutive years of severe drought, which have led to a contraction in output of nearly 13 percent in 1997/98 and 2 percent in 1998/99. The areas most severely affected by the earthquake were also those worst affected by the drought. According to estimates of the state government, total asset losses were estimated at Rs.544 crore ($117 million). Preliminary losses of assets to the private sector in agriculture and livestock were estimated at Rs.512 crore ($110 million), nearly 80 percent of which was in the Kutch district. While not very large in value, the loss of these agricultural assets and inputs had drawn down the assets of already poor groups of the population. Major asset losses were concentrated in irrigation assets, such as bore wells, pump houses, submersible pumps and water storage tanks, as well as storage bins, farm implements, livestock, plant protection equipment, and stored outputs and inputs. Output losses due to the earthquake were estimated to be about Rs. 228($49 million). These losses were expected to result from delay in picking the standing crops of cotton and castor, lack of irrigation at a critical stage, and lack of farm storage facilities.
Power
The power system in the Kutch region comprises the Kutch Lignite Thermal Power Station and the transmission system at 220kV, 132kV, and 66kV, with the associated distribution system. Most of the consumers in the region are from the agricultural sector. The earthquake caused extensive damage to the power system facilities in Kutch and nearby districts of Banaskantha, Jamnagar, Rajkot, and Surendranagar. The diesel generator and building in Bhuj were also damaged.
Telecommunications
The earthquake inflicted extensive damage to the telecommunication system. About 80,000 lines were down due to the collapse of the telephone exchange buildings. The collapse of telecommunications capacities seriously affected the relief measures as no information was available about the intensity of the earthquake, precise locations affected, and the extent of damage.
Industry
Industrial damages from the earthquake were concentrated almost entirely in Bhavnagar, Jamnagar, Kutch, Rajkot, and Surendranagar districts which together comprise less than a quarter of Gujarat's industrial capacity. The impact on the earnings in Kutch was considerable, particularly for workers in the salt and handicrafts sectors, which were badly damaged.
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However, there are large numbers of community, religious or secular philanthropic organizations, and service or development oriented NGOs in the state. Most urban and rural settlements contain a mix of communities, with the range of socioeconomic levels and average being determined largely by the quality of natural resources (primarily land) and the degree of development of infrastructure ("access"). Among the earthquake-affected areas in the state, Kutch is more remote, more poorly endowed, and hence poorer in the aggregate, although it is also home to a sizeable, wealthy business community that has social networks in other parts of the state, in Mumbai, and indeed in many parts of the world. This social capital has proved invaluable in the aftermath of the earthquake and will continue to be important in the reconstruction period. Even among poorer communities, including some nomadic pastoralists, for example, family and clan ties are reputed to be extensive and strong.
Environmental Impacts
Due to previous cyclones, drought, and previous flooding the earthquake hit the region during a time of extreme environmental vulnerability. In addition to damage to dwellings, infrastructure and facilities, the earthquake resulted in a number of environmental impacts. The earthquake also had an indirect environmental impacts associated with debris disposal, temporary shelter set-up and the reconstruction efforts. A number of indirect environmental impacts were also anticipated. The more significant indirect impacts included: (a) poorer sanitation and waste management practices; (b) increase in industrial pollution due to reconstruction activities requiring millions of tons of construction materials, and (c) changes in land use due to need for rubble disposal sites and potential relocation of villages.
Poverty
The earthquake affected areas are among the poorest in the state. Reliable consumption-based measures of poverty incidence are available from the National Sample Survey. The bulk of the earthquake damage was in the dry areas region which comprises Kutch, Surendranagar, and Banaskantha. In 1993/94, the percentage of households below the poverty lines in these dry areas as a whole was 26 percent; higher than the Gujarat average. The earthquake-affected areas are also worse off than the rest of Gujarat in terms of social indicators. Literacy rates in Kutch are 53 percent overall, and 41 percent for femalesonly slightly above the India averages. Kutch has the largest proportion of scheduled caste people in Gujarat, 12 percent of the population of Kutch are scheduled castes, compared with 7 percent in Gujarat as a whole. Gujarat appears to have fewer village-level organizations than some other parts of India. The earthquake affected areas, and Kutch in particular, do not have many of the producer (e.g., dairy) cooperatives for which the state is renowned, and sectoral associations and committees, such as water users' associations, forest management committees, and village education committees also appear to be less developed than in many other states. In addition, the Panchayati Raj structure is currently missing its most important layer, the village-level Gram Panchayats. 37
Section II
Economic and Social Structure of the Earthquake Affected Area
The area most directly affected by the earthquake is vast. It includes the Kutch district, where over 90 percent of the deaths and an estimated 85 percent of asset losses occurred, and the districts of Ahmedabad, Bhavnagar, Jamnagar, Rajkot, and Surendranagar [Centre for Monitoring the Indian Economy (CMIE), 2001]. Kutch itself is sparsely populated, with a population in 1991 of 1.2 million and an area of 45,652 square km, larger than either of the states of Haryana or Kerala. Only 31
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In any disaster situation the local community is the best source of help for it is available on the spot at the moment. The neighbours can help extricate people and useful material from under the rubble, provide immediate first aid and help organise immediate relief. The other organised efforts to deal with the dire situation after the disaster are the nongovernmental organization (NGO). The network in Gujarat, which quickly rallied to support community efforts. Several well known local and national NGOs such as the Self-Employed Women's Association (SEWA) are active in the area and are helping people restore livelihoods and meet other needs. Kutch Navnirman Abhiyan (Abhiyan), a local NGO network, was nominated as the coordinator of NGO activities and has developed a plan for reconstruction based on a fundamental belief in self-help. The Abhiyan has set up 22 local subcenters in Kutch to coordinate information and assistance, with encouragement and formal endorsement from the Government. Cooperation between international and national NGOs has also been extensive. The state Government has encouraged partnerships between international and local NGOs in order to leverage resources and better respond to disaster relief needs. Many of the international NGOs had existing relationships with Indian NGOs. The assessment team found that collaboration among these agencies was excellent during the relief phase.
Cyclones
In the past 25 years, severe cyclones affecting Gujarat killed nearly 3,000 people and over 350,000 livestock, and left over a million dwellings partially damaged or totally collapsed. The 1998 cyclone also damaged port facilities, ships, and power transmission infrastructure. Cyclone frequency is highest during October and November. Cyclone damage is caused by wind, heavy rains and associated flooding. In coastal areas, one of the most destructive aspects of cyclones are storm surgesocean water that is pushed and dragged onto the coast by low pressure and winds, generating storm surges with waves 5 to 10 meters high. Five to six cyclones form annually in the Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea, not all of which affect Gujarat, but two to three of which may be severe. Cyclone damage risks are generally higher closest to the coast. The vulnerability of structures can be reduced through cyclone resistant design measures such as roof straps, storm shutters, and other reinforcements. Loss of life can be reduced with evacuation planning, cyclone tracking and early warning alerts.
Floods
Since 1953, floods have affected an average of over 300,000 hectares annually, with the heaviest flooding occurring in 1988, when some two million ha were flooded. Annual average damages include 37,000 houses damaged, 135 lives lost, and nearly two million people affected. Cattle losses average 13,000 annually. Damages caused by extreme events can be 10 times these averages. Flooding is largely confined to the areas along large rivers such as the Mahi, Narmada, and Sabarmati. Flooding occurs seasonally in years when large quantities of rainfall enter a river basin. Disaster prevention largely depends on appropriate land use and timely warning and evacuation. Appropriate operational and flood management plans for basin management, and use of water harvesting techniques and water storages, including dams, can reduce flood risks. Houses can also be designed to withstand moderate flooding.
Drought
Seasonal rainfall amounts vary however, depending on the strength and persistence of the seasonal monsoon. The monsoon normally begins in June/July and ends in September/October, with little if any rainfall occurring during other months. In the past two years monsoon rainfall was near average for all of India but low in Gujarat (in 1999 it was 123 mm), contributing to a current drought emergency. Drought affects agricultural production, water supplies, human health, and animal fodder, and can lead to human migration in search of water, food, and livelihood. Many drought-reduction measures are already in place in Gujarat, including drought codes that are reviewed annually, pre38
Earthquakes
Gujarat is located in the Himalayan collision zone where the Indo-Australian tectonic plate slides under the more northern Eurasian plate in a predominantly northern direction at a rate of one to two centimetres per year. The area worst affected by the current earthquake (Kutch district) is classified predominately as zone V in the Seismic Zoning Map of India, 1998. This is the highest risk zone and areas so classified are at very high damage risk. Ahmedabad lies in zone III (moderate damage risk). Zones III, IV, and V
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income source through various Income Generation Activities. This included handicraft, embroidery, agriculture, petty trades, carpentry, vegetables vending, goat rearing and milch cow in 7 blocks of three most affected districts Kutch, Rajkot, Surendranagar. needs and issues concerning older people were organised. The idea behind organizing such camps was to increase the general level of sensitivity towards issues concerning older persons and specifically to deal with disasters. The need for developing a Community Based Disaster Preparedness strategy focusing on the needs and possible role of older people in disaster management was emphasized during this progarmme.
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Disaster Management Team (UNDMT), boosted with staff from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Emergency Response Division, was also deployed immediately to coordinate the UN response. The team established an On-Site Operations Coordination Centre (OSOCC) within the District Collector's compound in Bhuj. The OSOCC includes a World Health Organization (WHO) Disease Surveillance desk to monitor outbreaks of illness. The World Food Programme (WFP) initiated an emergency operation of more than Rs. 19 crore ($4 million) to provide relief food rations to 300,000 people for four months. All other UN organizations sent assessment teams to the affected area. For the rehabilitation and recovery phase, UNDP acted as the focal agency for the UN system. A number of countries sent search and rescue (SAR) teams and equipment to assist the search and rescue operation. In addition, many countries provided cash and in-kind contributions on a bilateral basis, through NGOs, or the UN system. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) established a team in the town of Anjar and an emergency response unit hospital in Bhuj. The IFRC also issued an appeal for more than Rs. 70 crore ($15 million) to address the immediate needs of affected communities, including shelter, medical services and supplies, and water and sanitation equipment. A number of donors and multilateral institutions have also pledged support to the longer-term recovery efforts. This joint assessment, conducted jointly by the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in partnership with the governments of India and Gujarat, is a preliminary contribution to helping the development of a comprehensive recovery strategy.
597 older persons were provided with additional support of goat rearing. HelpAge India with support of DEC, provided permanent houses to 2375 older persons who lost there houses. HelpAge India with the support from Pfizer India Ltd, supported Kutch Vikas Trust for rebuilding and upgrading its damaged Eye hospital. With the intention to prepare the community against any such disaster and sensitize the community regarding needs and role of the older people, 60 trainings sessions were organized to train village level volunteers and rescue kits were distributed to them. In the rehabilitation project supported by European Union 4001 destitute older people were identified and provided with various most feasible and sustainable income generation support. Under the Micro Finance project 1010 older women have come together in 71 Self Help Groups (SHGs). These SHGs provide opportunity to get easy finance to support or initiate income generation ventures, besides empowering them and making them aware of their rights. Under the comprehensive disaster preparedness initiative, HelpAge along with its partner agencies carried out a thorough vulnerability analysis with a special focus on older people by collecting relevant data from 150 vulnerable villages. 40 village level awareness camps on disaster preparedness with a special focus on the
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Gujarat based MMU team started rescue services in the earthquake affected areas and four MMUs ,hitherto working in other parts of the country reached Kutch and provided Medical Services to the affected people of the district. 6 Health Camps were organized at various locations and 76,725 patients benefited from the medical aid. A team headed by the experts of Sayaji University, Baroda carried out immediate need assessment so that appropriate aid could be provided to the victims. Provided kits of dry food commodities comprising of 60 days food to 10,500 families of older persons which benefited 52,500 persons. With the help of six local organizations, HelpAge India provided tarpaulin sheets and articles of utility like stove, hurricane lantern, torch with cells, blankets, cotton bed-sheets, water tanks, etc. to 7500 older people seeking shelter soon after the earthquake. They were also provided with cooking and storage utensils. 4000 modified tents were distributed in three districts of the state. During the late relief phase 2375 families of older people were provided with income generation support to regenerate their 40
With an objective to develop a common understanding and awareness among Government and Non Government Organizations on Community Based Disaster Preparedness;three district level workshops were organised in Kutch, Surendranagar and Rajkot districts. At the state level, a Gujarat state level workshop on disaster preparedness involving all relevant stakeholders including government, especially Gujarat State Disaster Management Authority (GSDMA) was organized to influence the decision makers at the district level towards the needs of older persons during disaster so as to prepare relevant action plans.
Local industries donated equipment and personnel for the search and rescue operation. The state Government has also received a number of offers from private companies willing to adopt towns and villages for the reconstruction phase (local communities have expressed their preference for the term partner with).
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maintenance of facilities as appropriate, and different groups contribute equitably.
Sphere Guidelines
The Sphere Project's Humanitarian Charter of 2000 reflects the rights and duties enshrined in international law, and the principles which guide agencies' emergency response. The Project's Minimum Standards in Disaster Response seek to establish baseline requirements in the essential sectors of humanitarian assistance, such as sanitation, healthcare and shelter. The 2004 revision of the Minimum Standards contains a number of important cross-cutting issues, including HIV/AIDS, children, disabled people, gender, protection and older people. Older people are now covered in any reference in Sphere to 'vulnerable groups'. Where specific issues affect older people, for example the preparation and consumption of food aid, then they are referred to explicitly. However, the level of detail in Sphere regarding older people is minimal, and their inclusion does not appear to have stimulated much new thinking within humanitarian agencies. structure and design and be sustainable after the external assistance stops.
Evaluation
There is a systematic and impartial examination of humanitarian action, intended to draw lessons to improve practice and policy and to enhance accountability.
Initial Assessment
The assessment considers all technical sectors and the physical, social, economic, political and security environment: through consultation, the assessment takes into account the responses of the local and national authorities and other actors and agencies; identify local capacities and strategies to cope with the disaster of the affected population and the surrounding population; whenever feasible, collection of data are disaggregated by sex and by age; an analysis of the operating environment, including factors affecting the personal safety and security of the affected population and of humanitarian staff; assessment results are made available to other actors as well.
Specific Standards
Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene Promotion Water and sanitation are critical determinants for survival in the initial stages of a disaster. People affected by disasters are generally much more susceptible to illness and death from disease, which are related to a large extent to inadequate sanitation, inadequate water supplies and poor hygiene. For ensuring this standard: identify key hygiene risks of public health importance; representative and participatory inputs from all the users for design and use of the facilities; equitable access to all groups within the population to the resources or facilities needed to continue or achieve the hygiene practices; hygiene promotion messages and activities should address key behaviours and misconceptions and are targeted for all user groups. Representatives from these groups participate in planning, training, implementation, monitoring and evaluation; users take responsibility for the management and 43
Response
Where people's lives are at risk as a result of disaster, programmes prioritise life-saving needs; designing and implementing programmes and projects to support and protect the affected population and to promote their livelihoods, ensure effective coordination and exchange of information among those affected by or involved in the disaster response
Common Standards:
Representation of all Groups: the participation of disaster-affected people in decision-making throughout the project cycle (assessment, design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation) helps to ensure that programmes are equitable and effective. Communication and Transparency: the sharing of information and knowledge among all those involved is fundamental to achieving a better understanding of the problem and to providing coordinated assistance. Local Capacity: participation in the programme should reinforce people's sense of dignity and hope in times of crisis Long-term Sustainability: A disaster response programme should support and/or complement existing services and local institutions in terms of
Targeting
Humanitarian assistance or services are provided equitably and impartially, based on the vulnerability and needs of individuals or groups affected by disaster
Monitoring
The effectiveness of the programme in responding to problems is identified and changes in the broader context are continually monitored, with a
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physical access to operating markets, which have a regular supply of basic items, including food at affordable prices; minimise adverse effects of food security responses on local markets and market suppliers; increased information and local awareness of market prices and availability. older people should be able to easily access food sources (includingrelief food); foods should be easy to prepare and consume; foods should meet the additional protein and micronutrient requirements of older people.
Drainage Works
People have an environment in which the health and other risks posed by water erosion and standing water, including stormwater, floodwater, domestic wastewater and wastewater from medical facilities, are minimised.
Source:http://www.sphereproject.org/handbook/hdbkpdf/hdbk_c2.pdf
the underlying causes of malnutrition (food, health and care) highlighting the nature and severity of the problem(s) and those groups with the greatest nutritional and support needs; seek opinion of the community and other local stakeholders on the causes of malnutrition; anthropometric surveys based on national and international guidelines; determine micro-nutrient deficiencies; respond accordingly based on an approach that complement local capacities in a coordinated manner
Older people are often important care givers to other household members and may need specific support in fulfilling this function. From the outset, clearly defined and agreed objectives and criteria for set-up and closure of the programme to be established. Coverage is >50% in rural areas, >70% in urban areas and >90% in a camp situation. More than 90% of the target population is within <1 day's return walk (including time for treatment) of the distribution centre for dry ration supplementary feeding programmes and no more than 1 hour's walk for on-site supplementary feeding programmes. The proportion of exits from targeted supplementary feeding programmes who have died is <3%, recovered is >75% and defaulted is <15%. Admission of individuals to be based on assessment against internationally accepted anthropometric criteria. Targeted supplementary feeding programmes to be linked to any existing health structure and protocols are followed to identify health problems and refer accordingly. Supplementary feeding to bee based on the distribution of dry take-home rations unless there is a clear rationale for on-site feeding. Monitoring systems are in place.
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storage, handling of commodities and the preparation of food and understand the potential health hazards caused by improper practices. easy access and safety; recipients to be informed well in advance of the quality and quantity of the food ration and the distribution plan; the performance and effectiveness of the food aid programme to be properly monitored and evaluated.
requirements for soaking, are considered when selecting commodities for distribution; when a whole grain cereal is distributed, recipients either should have the means to mill or process it in a traditional home-based manner or have access to adequate milling/processing facilities reasonably close to their dwellings.
Older people
There is currently no agreed definition of malnutrition in older people and yet this group may be at risk of malnutrition in emergencies. WHO suggests that the BMI thresholds for adults may be appropriate for older people aged 60-69 years, but these are subject to the same problems as in younger adults. In addition, accuracy of measurement is problematic because of spinal curvature (stooping) and compression of the vertebrae. Arm span or demi-span can be used instead of height, but the multiplication factor to calculate height varies according to the population. MUAC may be a useful tool for measuring malnutrition in older people but research on appropriate cut-offs is currently still in progress.
Source:http://www.sphereproject.org/handbook/hdbkpdf/hdbk_c3.pdf
HelpAge India
To ensure this: each person has access to: 250g of bathing soap per month; 200g of laundry soap per month; women and girls have sanitary materials for menstruation; infants and children up to two years old have 12 washable nappies or diapers where these are typically used; additional items essential for ensuring personal hygiene, dignity and well-being can be accessed. Non-food Items: Cooking and Eating Utensils Each disaster-affected household has access to cooking and eating utensils. To ensure this: each household should have access to a large-sized cooking pot with handle and a pan to act as a lid; a medium-sized cooking pot with handle and lid; a basin for food preparation or serving; a kitchen knife; and two wooden serving spoons; two 10- to 20-litre water collection vessels with a lid or cap (20-litre jerry can with a screw cap or 10-litre bucket with lid), plus additional water or food storage vessels; each person should have access to a dished plate, a metal spoon and a mug or drinking vessel.
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Assessing the capacity of communities to mitigate and respond to disaster threats Identifying gaps in government preparedness plans and advocating with policy makers to ensure that plans are developed to reduce the impact of disasters on vulnerable communities. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Develop life saving skills so that response can be immediate Learn skills to safeguard and protect from further injury/ damage Build on the local coping mechanism to make it foolproof Reduce the response time to the minimum and develop the first set of responders locally Initiate post-disaster strategy to allow the community to regain normalcy in minimum possible time.
Definitions
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Hazard
An event, occurrence or condition that has the potential to cause harm to life and damage property and the environment.
Suitable arrangements for living at the safe location (flood shelters or cyclone shelters) Stockpiling of emergency supplies Securing critical infrastructure Initiatives taken for effective emergency response during event (including advocacy to relevant institutions) Preparatory measures taken to ensure the return to normalcy.
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Disaster
Serious disruption of the functioning of community life, causing widespread human, material or environmental losses, which exceed the ability of affected community to cope through its own resources.
The team should address the following urgent needs of the affected population: 1. 2. Appropriate measures to protect life and property from disaster Create a knowledge base that will help individual, family and community to respond to the situation properly
Knowing hazards and risks in your region Knowing your beneficiaries, their physical, social and economic vulnerabilities & location Common and special recovery needs (speed vs. relevance) Expected impediments in responding to elderly needs and strategy for mitigation Knowing your capacities and resources Identifying roles and responsibilities Identifying action.
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Predicting hazards by identifying and mapping key threats Assessing the geographical distribution of areas vulnerable to seasonal threats Defining which groups and communities who are most at risk Assessing the strengths and coping mechanisms of vulnerable groups and their capacity to respond to local hazards Determining the other players in disaster preparedness and response and developing a network to support a comprehensive programme 51
The issuance of timely and effective early warnings Temporary removal of people and property from a threatened location 50