Disaster Management · TEE · papers
Q2B · Compare in detail Do’s and Don’ts for Earthquake and Tsunami Disasters.
2023-12-04 · Semester V final
Actual older TEE paper · 100 marks · Q1 compulsory; any four of Q2–Q7
Q2B. Compare in detail Do’s and Don’ts for Earthquake and Tsunami Disasters. [10 marks]
Answer
Five dos
- Drop, Cover and Hold On. During shaking indoors, protect yourself under suitable sturdy cover and hold on; if cover is unavailable, protect your head and neck where you are.
- Stay clear of falling objects. Keep away from windows, tall unsecured furniture and damaged partitions.
- If outdoors, seek open space. Keep clear of buildings, trees, poles and wires without moving into another hazard.
- If driving, stop safely. Pull over away from bridges, overpasses and wires where safe and remain in the vehicle until shaking stops.
- Move carefully after shaking. When safe, use designated exits and stairs, expecting aftershocks and debris.
Five don’ts
- Do not rush outside while shaking. Falling glass and masonry can make exits and building edges dangerous.
- Do not use lifts. Power loss or damage can trap occupants.
- Do not re-enter damaged buildings without clearance. Aftershocks and hidden structural damage can cause collapse.
- Do not stand beside windows or unsecured tall furniture. Glass, shelves and contents can fall during shaking.
- Do not touch fallen power lines or operate switches near a suspected gas leak. Keep clear and report the hazard to trained emergency or utility teams; sparks can ignite leaking gas.
Tsunami actions
| Do | Do not |
|---|---|
| Move promptly to designated safe high ground or inland on official or natural warning. | Do not go to the shore to watch unusual sea behaviour. |
| Learn and practise evacuation routes before an event. | Do not wait for a phone alert after strong/long coastal shaking if natural warning demands immediate action. |
| Assist others along safe routes without entering danger. | Do not assume ordinary buildings or parked cars provide suitable tsunami protection. |
| Stay in the safe area and monitor verified advice. | Do not return after the first wave; more waves may follow. |
| Return only after official clearance and avoid damaged services. | Do not enter debris-filled water or unstable buildings. |
A tsunami is a series of waves. Natural signs can include strong or long coastal shaking, sudden unusual sea-level change or a loud ocean roar; not every tsunami displays every sign at every location.
Key difference: protect in place from falling objects during earthquake shaking, then act on coastal tsunami danger as soon as safe. Do not apply “remain indoors” to an exposed low-lying coastal area after a tsunami warning.