Hazards, Disasters And Your Community - United Nations ...

properly anchored to resist the uplift or flying off of the objects. For example, avoid large overhangs of roofs,
and the projections should be tied down.
- A row of planted trees will act as a shield. It reduces the energy.
- Buildings should be wind and water resistant.
- Buildings storing food supplies must be protected against the winds and water.
- Protect river embankments. Communication lines should be installed underground.
- Provide strong halls for community shelter in vulnerable locations.
Construction at ground level –risk of inundation
If natural elevation is not available construction
on stilts or on artificially raised earth mounds
Tie
Large overhangs get lifted and broken.
Avoid large overhangs and use ties.
Flood management – Flooding will result from a cyclonic storm. Storm surge will flood the coastal areas.
Heavy rains will bring in flash floods. There are possibilities of landslides too. Flood mitigation measures
could be incorporated (see section on floods for additional information).
Improving vegetation cover – improvement of the vegetation will increase water infiltaration capacity of
the soil. The roots of the plants and trees will keep the soil
intact and prevent erosion and slow runoff to prevent or
lessen flooding. The use of tree planted in rows will act as a
windbreak. Coastal shelterbelt plantations can be
developed to break severe wind speeds. It minimizes
devastating effects. The Orissa calamity has also
highlighted the need for urgent measures like shelterbelt
plantation along cyclone-prone coastal areas. Species
chosen for this purpose should not only be able to withstand
the impact of strong cyclonic winds, but also check soil
erosion.
COMMUNITY BASED MITIGATION
Coastal Shelterbelt Plantation Programme
Construction of cyclone resistant houses and strengthening The adverse impact of the super cyclone in the
of existing houses can be done through community coastal districts of Orissa, has drawn attention to
participation. Local engineers and masons can take part in the need to take up, on an emergency basis,
the construction of the buildings in their area and shelterbelt plantations. It is proposed to afforest
the coastal areas in the country with suitable tree
demonstrate to the people about disaster resistant species to form a shelterbelt, under the
construction methods. Construction of multipurpose cyclone Integrated Afforestation & Eco-Development
shelters in the vulnerable locations are desirable. During Project Scheme (IAEPS). The proposed
normal time these buildings can be used as schools or as shelterbelt along the coastline will mitigate the
impact of strong cyclonic winds and thus check
community centres. In case of cyclones or floods,
soil erosion and inward sand drift, thereby
community can take shelter in these designed buildings. protecting cultivated fields, houses and
The local communities will be responsible for the homesteads adjoining the coasts.
maintenance and management of these community Picture showing Restoration of land: Plantation
shelters. Protection measures need to be taken for the over reclaimed (back filled) area.
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