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Thursday, December 1, 2011

For Kochiites, what to do if the Mullaperiyar dam breaks !!

For people in Cochin and nearby areas, there would be a time gap of 3 hours before the water reaches the city limits. The water reaching with full force towards the city would be around 20-25 feet high. The first 2-3 minutes holds the key to surviving the speeding water. After 5-10 minutes the force of the water flow decreases and within an hour and a half, the water level subsides. 

The main route the water will flow is via the Periyar River. People living near the river side can find a safe spot by travelling towards Thrissur. Those living near Aluva, Kalamassery, Edapally can find a safe spot by travelling towards Kattor, Iringalakkuda, Peraambra or Kodakara. But it is better to travel towards Thrissur. People living near Vytilla, Fort Kochi and Ernakulam can find a safe spot by travelling towards Aleppey.


Carpooling will be an effective method to save more lives because every life is important. It is best to drive in a single line. With panic rising, there is a huge chance for people to drive haphazardly and traffic to slow down. If you find yourself stuck in traffic with no tall building within vicinity for escape, stay in the car, while keeping the engine running and completely closing all the windows. Reason being that even when you car in underwater, there would be lesser chance for the water to seep into the car when engine running this might help u survive the first first 2-3 mins of heavy force of water. Boarding a train might be a good idea and flight is a big NO because the airport is close to Periyar River. 


Those who cannot get vehicles should try to get on top of buildings - flats, the Kaloor stadium or the gallery stand should be reasonable safe. Although the stadium is not so tall, its construction is such that the water will take more time to get inside its complex structure. The newly constructed Lulu mall should also be safe with its complex construction. People in remote and coastal areas should try getting on top of hills, get on to boats or swim 1-2 km into the sea with inflated tubes or life jackets.


Avoid flats with parking areas on the ground floor. As they stand on pillars (made of hollow bricks) the force of water and debris that it collects on the way can make it collapse. If you are stuck at home, empty syntax tanks or refrigerators and stay inside; these things will float and can absorb shock up to an extent. If you have old tyres, tie it to something strong and tie yourself to the tyre. Stay away from petrol pumps and gas stations.


Ref the link below for the animated view of the disaster.http://www.mathrubhumi.com/special/mullaperiyar/animation.html


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