Amid Jalpaiguri cyclone, precautions school children should take during natural disasters – AyraNews24x7

More than 300 people were injured and at least five lost their lives when a severe storm hit Jalpaiguri district in northern West Bengal on Sunday. The natural disaster especially wreaked havoc in places like Rajarhat, Barneesh, Bakali, Jorpakdi, Madhabdanga and Saptibari.

To highlight the seriousness of the situation, reports that emerged later indicated that 42 people were admitted to hospitals, two of them in critical condition. The impact of the storm spread beyond Jalpaiguri, as nearby areas like Mainaguri were also damaged, with houses destroyed and trees uprooted by powerful gusts.

Since natural disasters like cyclones are frequent reminders of the power of nature, everyone—especially school children—should be well prepared and knowledgeable about safety precautions. The recent cyclone that hit Jalpaiguri is a stark reminder of this. So here are some essential safety measures that students should follow in case of such natural disasters.

• Practice Safety Practices: Mock drills should be conducted regularly by schools to familiarize students with emergency procedures and increase their confidence in responding efficiently during real-life emergencies that may affect the area in which they live.
• Seek shelter at higher levels: In areas where there is a risk of flooding, seeking safety on higher floors or in elevated areas can save many lives. It is important to teach children to move to higher places in case of floods and cyclones.
• Stay informed about natural disasters: In times of such emergencies, knowledge is important. Students should be taught about cyclones in school, as well as the proper safety precautions to be taken in case of one. Students need to be informed about cyclone warnings through local news channels, radio shows and weather applications.
• Stay away from flooded areas: Students should be taught to stay away from flooded roads, rivers and streams. Fast-moving flood waters can be extremely dangerous, and students should take precautions when navigating themselves during or after a disaster.
• Make an emergency plan: In the event of an evacuation order, students should know the safest routes out of school and where to hide inside the building.
• seek shelter: Students should hide in solid structures away from windows, doors and external walls during the cyclone. If they are stranded outside, they should choose low-lying areas for their safety.

In conclusion, school children can successfully reduce the risks and guarantee their safety during natural disasters like cyclones and floods by following these precautions.

Meanwhile, the National Disaster Response Force stepped in swiftly to deal with the situation and deployed personnel to provide aid and assistance to the persons affected by the Jalpaiguri cyclone. Prime Minister Modi is also expected to visit Jalpaiguri, the site of the cyclone, on April 7 to assess the situation in the affected area.