Monsoon and its Dangers – How many people will die this year?

This is the forth special monsoon article and it is a sequel of “Monsoon 2011 and Cyclones – Sub-continent’s coastal threat?”

Monsoon season brings much awaited relief to the Indian economy which depends 80% on monsoon for their crops export. Pakistan is dependent on monsoon rainfall for its water and electricity production. But where there is monsoon there is destruction, this is a problem for South Asian states especially. Million and million people are effected by monsoon season every year in the Indian Sub-continent either due to drought or severe flooding. Mostly farmers and poor workers are the target due to their poor life style but that does not mean that others are safe, let us take a look of some dangers and precautions for monsoon season.

Various diseases due to monsoon rainfall

First showers of monsoon are heartily welcomed by everyone after experiencing the scorching heat of summer. But with there are many diseases like malaria, jaundice, typhoid and cholera which come with the monsoon season.

Malaria threat

Puddles of water formed on streets due to rainfall become breeding grounds for mosquitoes which spread diseases like malaria and dengue. Mosquito net should be used around the bed to avoid such diseases. Spray for killing insects can also be used to avoid such diseases.

Water is contaminated!

Walking in stagnant rain water during the monsoon leads to numerous fungal infections which affect the human feet. Diabetic patients have to take a special care about their feet. Always keep your feet dry and clean. Avoid walking in stagnant rain water. Use raincoat and umbrella during continuous spells of rain.

Food is spoiled

Make sure that the food, vegetables and fruits are covered all the time, to protect them from flies.  Avoid eating outside as much as possible especially roadside stalls due to hygiene concerns especially during monsoon season. Do not eat stale food. This pointer is applicable in all seasons.

Monsoon hurricane and Precautions

Think for a second Karachiites that Cyclone is on your way. What will you do? You will visit the beach and ignore the government’s warnings and welcome the cyclone, just like you did to Cyclone Phet? Wrong! Here are three major steps to avoid cyclone-related damage;

Before the cyclone

• Make sure your windows are protected and your home is secured.
• Store necessary food items and emergency equipments.
• Keep a keen observation on the latest movement of the storm.

During the cyclone

• Stay inside and away from windows, skylights and glass doors. Do not and I repeat do not go outside the house to enjoy the lashing winds.
• If flooding threatens your home, turn off electricity at the main breaker.
• If you lose power, turn off major appliances such as the air conditioner and water heater to reduce damage.
•  If the eye of the storm passes over your area, there will be a short period of calm, but at the other side of the eye, the wind speed rapidly increases to hurricane force and will come from the opposite direction, so do not go outside.
• Use radio or mobile services to be fully aware of cyclone’s path.

After the cyclone

• Do not touch fallen or low-hanging wires of any kind under any circumstances.
• Stay away from puddles with wires in/near them. Do not touch trees or other objects in contact with power lines.

Last but not least

During rainfall many people die in Pakistan because of road accidents. Its better to stop driving during heavy rainfall. Bikers should wear helmet during showers as roads and streets become slippery during rainfall. So drive safe!

TO BE CONTINUED….

you can read previous special monsoon article by Pakistan Weather Portal (PWP), here;

• Sub-continent awaits Monsoon season!-Part 1
• Monsoon threatened by Indian Ocean Dipole!-Part 2
• Monsoon 2011 and Cyclones – Sub-continent’s coastal threat?-Part 3
• Monsoon and its Dangers – How many people will die this year?– Part4
• When will Monsoon start over Pakistan? – In Detail!-Part 5
• Monsoon 2011: Backlash of the floods? – History of Pakistan floods in Detail-Part 6
• Monsoon rain of July 28, 2010 – Dark day, but more was ahead!-Part 7
• Much awaited monsoon showers lashes Karachi!-Part 8
• Little girl may return for Monsoon: La-Nina episode!-Part 9
• Heavy downpour in Karachi!-Part 10