Usually whenever people multiply the damage caused by floods, only major losses are added to it. But apart from this, there are many small disadvantages, which do not find a place prominently in the pages of newspapers. Even if it is found, they remain buried in the corner of newspapers. How many people know that on August, a wall collapsed after heavy rains in Hari Nagar of Delhi, including eight people, including two children. A few days later, three laborers were killed in Dariyaganj when part of the three -storey building under construction collapsed. Excessive rain not only breaks the mountains and fills water on the roads, but also old and raw houses become dilapidated. Often these houses collapse and many deaths occur. These incidents are probably not calculated in the death toll due to rain, but they matter.
The monsoon pattern has changed due to climate change. The effect of excessive rainfall is the highest on marginalized people. Farmers can lose their entire crop in one night. The earnings of daily wage laborers and sharecrop farmers end in a moment. For those who do not have the facility to save savings, insurance or loan, flood debt, starvation or forced migration can be converted.
Housing is in the biggest danger. Raw houses made of clay, pallet or temporary materials easily collapse and books, food and essential items are also gone with them. Repeated floods in Odisha, Assam and Bihar repeatedly destroy them.
Both education and shelter are affected after the flood. Submerged schools become relief camps. This obstruction in studies pushes them to poverty and margins for generations.
The most sensitive Himalayan region in environment is facing the most. Landslides and clouds are common. Most of the places there are dilapidated. The recent example of Joshimath is in front of everyone. Now the question of “when will it happen”, but the question of “how long can be avoided” is left. Nevertheless, the outbreak of nature cannot be avoided, but the loss is reduced, it can be taken care of.
Whether it is city or rural area, the most basic way to avoid floods is the cleaning of drains. The families living in areas where there is most likely to flood, do not have security cover. Insurance is very low and most people do not have legal rights to land, so they are stuck in temporary tents every year. Plating the roof, cleaning a drain or strengthening the wall-these small steps can save many lives and prevent losses.
Every flood is the most affected weaker section. Children leave school, families are homeless and the communities are repeatedly devastated. When the businesses come to a standstill and the roads are submerged, the economic loss increases manifold. Preparing before the disaster, then handling the loss is much cheaper, safe and human.
India can no longer consider floods as “common things of every year”. The question is whether life, employment and cities will be safe or we will continue to pay heavy price for small negligence every time. Flood forecast may be difficult, but it is certain that it will come. Preparation, inclusion and vision should be the biggest priority before the next rain.
Author: Dr. Alia Jafar
Disaster management expert
