Describe any disaster that occurred in your area or that you watched on T.V.? What measures could have been taken to reduce its impact?

Andhra Pradesh is exposed to cyclones, storm surges, floods, and droughts. The most recent disaster had been the flash floods caused by cyclone Vardah which occurred between 12^th December and 14th December 2016. The flash floods were caused by extreme rainfall. According to the news reports, several thousand people had to be evacuated although the death toll was less. Images on Social Media showed cars being lifted up by the strong winds. Over 4,000 trees have been uprooted, power lines downed and buildings damaged. Areas have seen severe power cuts and many roads have been blocked in the main cities crippling transportation and communication. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the Army were employed to help the civilians in distress.

Although the quick and prompt actions made by the disaster relief teams saved several thousand lives, better measures can be adopted to reduce the impact of flooding in the future. These measures can include a better flood warning system. Constructing buildings and homes above the flood levels and modifying the buildings within the flood-prone zone (by keeping electrical sockets higher in the wall, etc.) can reduce the flood impact. Also, civilians living in disaster-prone zones should be given disaster management lessons to make them more prepared.