[Lifestyle] Cyclone Biparjoy: Experts share health measures to stay safe

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Cyclone Biparjoy has now intensified into an extremely severe cyclonic storm, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said. It is expected to cross Gujarat’s Saurashtra and Kutch regions as well as adjoining Pakistan coasts and is expected to make landfall between Mandavi and Karachi on June 15, 2023. As such, the review meeting of the Cabinet led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has directed senior officers to take every possible measure to ensure that people living in vulnerable locations are safely evacuated as well as ensure maintenance of all essential services such as power, telecommunications, health, drinking water etc.

“Chaired a meeting to review the preparedness in the wake of the approaching Cyclone Biparjoy. Our teams are ensuring safe evacuations from vulnerable areas and ensuring the maintenance of essential services. Praying for everyone’s safety and well-being,” PM Modi tweeted.The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) also sent out a tweet with guidelines on how one can stay safe indoors and outdoors during the cyclone.

“As cyclone Biparjoy nears the landfall zone, we are all on high alert whether – children, youth and their families, government and non-government actors, and media. This is the right time to take certain precautions,” pointed out Dr Antaryami Dash, deputy director, health and nutrition, Bal Raksha Bharat (Save the Children), as he listed some measures.

Prioritise hygiene and sanitation: Ensure proper hygiene practices and sanitation measures are followed, including regular handwashing with soap and clean water. Use alcohol-based hand sanitisers when water is unavailable.

Secure and protect water sources: Take steps to secure and cover water sources to prevent contamination from floodwaters and debris. Store clean water in appropriate containers.

Ensure adequate supply of medications: Have a sufficient stock of essential medications, including oral rehydration solution (ORS) for existing illnesses and to address anticipated water-borne diseases during and after the cyclone.

Build a well-balanced emergency food supply: Prepare a balanced emergency food supply consisting of non-perishable items that provide essential macronutrients, vitamins, and minerals.

*Wash your hands with soap and boiled or disinfected water before preparing or eating food, after toilet use. Wash children’s hands frequently (always before meals), said Dr Shrey Srivastav, MD (Internal Medicine), Sharda Hospital.

If your water supply has been compromised, follow the guidelines provided by local authorities for water purification to ensure a safe water supply, said Dash. “Disinfect water for washing by mixing 1/8 teaspoon of household bleach per 1 gallon of water. Let it stand for 30 minutes. If the water is cloudy, use a solution of 1/4 teaspoon of household bleach per 1 gallon of water,” added Dr Srivastav.

Dr Srivastav listed a few additional measures that can help

*Use a mosquito net to prevent malaria.
*Drink boiled water.
*Do not eat contaminated food.
*Avoid using electronic equipment.
*Keep a first-aid kit ready along with certain essentials in a portable waterproof bag that can be carried in emergencies
*Get medical care if you are injured, sick
*Stay hydrated

 

https://indianexpress.com/article/lifestyle/health/cyclone-biparjoy-health-experts-measures-stay-safe-8659856/