Question

What are the guidelines for the management of floods according to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA)?

Answer 1

According to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), floods can be managed by taking preventive and preparedness measures. The important guidelines include:

• Early warning systems should be used to alert people about possible floods.
• People living in flood-prone areas should be evacuated to safer places when necessary.
• Flood-prone areas should be identified and construction in high-risk areas should be avoided.
• Drainage systems, embankments and water channels should be properly maintained.
• People should be educated about flood safety and disaster preparedness.
• Emergency services should be ready for rescue, relief and rehabilitation.
• Natural resources such as forests, wetlands and river channels should be protected to reduce flood risk.

Thus, early warning, proper planning, safe evacuation and community preparedness can greatly reduce the loss of life and property during floods. NDMA's SACHET system also provides geo-targeted disaster alerts to help people receive timely warnings.