Maravi

(HERALD) Take flood warning seriously

Take flood warning seriously
Herald Reporter

THE warning by the Meteorological Services Department that the incessant rains currently pounding the country would cause flash flooding over areas that include Masvingo, south of the Midlands and Manicaland must be taken seriously.

A flash flood is a sudden, violent flood caused by heavy rain. Rainfall intensity and duration, soil conditions, and ground cover contribute to flash flooding.

It is also possible to experience a flash flood without witnessing any rain.

In this case, there would be heavy rain in areas upstream of one’s location. In the past, people have tended to ignore flood warnings and this has resulted in catastrophe, with loss of lives, homes, household property and livestock.

It is, therefore, important for people in the risk areas to take heed of all flood watches and warnings and get prepared for evacuation.

Those in risk areas should ensure that they first learn the safest and shortest route to higher and safer ground.

It is also important to develop a family escape plan and identify a meeting place should family members become separated.

Children should be made aware of the dangers of flood waters. It is often difficult to judge the depth of water, and the strength of fast flowing water can be very deceiving. Both adults and children can be quickly overpowered by flood waters.

Another equally important thing to do in preparation for flooding is to stockpile emergency supplies of food, drinking water and cooking equipment or firewood.

When flooding occurs, it is advisable to evacuate, and do so promptly. And if directed to a specific location, one should go there.

During flooding there are chances that one’s livestock might get mixed with other livestock, therefore tagging will assist in identification and protection of livestock.

One area of concern during flooding is public transporters and motorists.

They tend to develop false confidence and attempt to cross flooded rivers, putting lives at risk.

Buses have in the past been swept away when drivers, under considerable pressure from passengers, drive across flooded rivers.

However, some drivers do the right thing and flatly refuse to drive across flooded rivers.

They end up earning the wrath of irate passengers, but in such circumstances, they should take comfort from the fact that they would have saved lives.

Drivers and passengers should realise the fact that even the largest and heaviest of vehicles will float under flooding.

Two feet of water will cause one to lose control of a vehicle and can carry most cars away.

It is critical for motorists to always remain alert to changing road conditions.

Roadbeds may have been scoured or even washed away during flooding, creating unsafe driving conditions.

At the same time, driving too fast through low water will cause the vehicle to hydroplane and lose contact with the road surface.

The public water system is also an area of concern during and after flooding.

If the water system is declared unsafe by health officials, it is only best to vigorously boil it for drinking and cooking.

We all want Zimbabwe to receive good rains every season, but the onus is on everyone to act responsibly and ensure that we remain extremely cautious in the face of floods.

The bottom line is any flood warning issued means that we must take immediate precautions to protect life and property.

Labels: FLOODS

posted by MrK @ 8:29 PM