Haryana DCs told to keep disaster management resources ready in case of heavy rainfall

Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, May 19

With the possibility of heavy rainfall expected at isolated places in Haryana on May 19 and May 20, the Additional Chief Secretary and Financial Commissioner, Revenue, Sanjeev Kaushal, has directed all deputy commissioners to keep a close watch on the situation.

They have been told to keep the disaster management resources at their disposal in a state of high readiness to tackle any adverse situation and issue an advisory to the public in this regard.

The interaction zone of remnant low/ cyclonic circulation “Tauktae” (pronounced as Tau’ Te) with westerly trough associated with western disturbance is very likely to occur over Haryana and the adjoining Himalayan region.

In addition, high moisture feeding on the Arabian Sea is also likely over northwest India. As a result, widespread rainfall activity is likely over northwest India (Except Jammu and Kashmir) with heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated places over Haryana on May 19 and 20, 2021.

Thunderstorms with lightning and squall (speed reaching 50-60 kmph) is very likely at isolated places over Haryana. Rainfall activity is very likely to decrease from May 20 with scattered to fairly widespread rainfall with the possibility of heavy rainfall at isolated places over Haryana. Thunderstorm and lightening

Do and Don’ts

Preparation

• Look for darkening skies and increased wind.

• If you hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck by lightning.

• Keep monitoring local media for updates and warning instructions.

• Stay indoors and avoid travel if possible.

• Close windows and doors, and secure objects outside your home (e.g. furniture, bins, etc.).

• Ensure that children and animals are inside.

• Unplug unnecessary electrical appliances (to isolate them from the main power supply which may conduct a power surge during a lightning storm).

• Remove tree timber or any other debris that may cause a flying accident. Response

• Avoid taking a bath or a shower, and stay away from running water. This is because lightning can travel along metal pipes.

• Keep away from doors, windows, fireplaces, stoves, bathtubs, or any other electrical conductors.

• Avoid using corded phones and other electrical equipment that can conduct lightning.

If Outdoors

Response

• Go to safe shelter immediately — avoid metal structures and constructions with metal sheeting.

• Ideally, find shelter in a low-lying area and make sure that the spot chosen is not likely to flood.

• Crouch down with feet together and head down to make yourself a smaller target.

• Hair standing up on the back of your neck could indicate that lightning is imminent.

• Do not lie flat on the ground; this will make a bigger target. • Keep away from all utility lines (phone, power, etc.), metal fences, trees, and hilltops. • Do not take shelter under trees as these conduct electricity.

• Rubber-soled shoes and car tyres do not offer protection from lightning.

If travelling

• Get off bicycles, motorcycles or farm vehicles that may attract lightning.

• Get to a safe shelter.

• If boating or swimming, get to land as quickly as possible and take shelter.

• During a storm, remain in your vehicle until help arrives or the storm I. passed (the metal roof will protect if you are not touching metal inside); windows should be up; park away from trees and power lines.

Treatment

• Take the person who is struck by lightning to a hospital.

• If possible, give bask First Aid.

• People struck by lightning carry no electrical charge and can be handled safely. • Check for broken bones, loss of hearing and eyesight.

• A victim of a lightning strike can suffer varying degrees of burn. Check the impact point and where the electricity left the body for injury marks