2.2. Hazard Parameters Considered

We collected a lot of data there starting from land-use data, residential, commercial, public, playground, infrastructure what are the infrastructures are there, Doctors clinic, community toilet, community taps, school. Hazard parameters we considered, flood duration, water level during the flood, areas frequently affected, building height, building materials, building conditions, plinth level these all we collected.

In this segment, the focus is on the variety of data collected to assess the risk factors associated with hazards. This includes various types of land use (like residential and commercial), and specific infrastructures present in the community that could impact the hazard's effect. The 'hazard parameters' like flood duration and water level during a flood are critical for understanding how severe a flood can be and which areas are prone to flooding. Additionally, physical characteristics of buildings like height and materials along with their conditions are also considered important as they determine how well structures can withstand flooding.

Think of it like preparing for a weather forecast. Just as meteorologists analyze past weather data and current conditions to predict future storms, the same process occurs here but focuses on understanding floods. For example, knowing the height of buildings can help predict how much flooding will affect them; taller buildings might endure but those lower could be severely impacted.

Now here are some of the facts that in 2006 after 2006 lot of residential areas this is actually a road this is one of the fraction of the Rajiv Gandhi Nagar, many are transferred into commercial areas.

This chunk discusses the transformation of land use in the area, particularly after 2006. Residential areas have been converted into commercial spaces, which indicates a shift in how land is utilized. This change can have significant implications for hazard preparedness; for instance, more commercial buildings can lead to higher foot traffic and greater exposure to hazards during flooding. Such changes may also affect community services like emergency responses.

Consider a neighborhood that was once primarily homes but has changed over time to include many shops and businesses. This would be like a community having to adapt to a new mall opening in their town—suddenly, more people are around, increasing the chance for crowd-related hazards, especially during emergencies.

People started to build G+1 structures in though this is not allowed, but community allowed that community reported that many people are now constructing G+1 structure in Rajiv Gandhi Nagar okay.

Here, the focus shifts to community building practices, particularly the construction of G+1 (ground plus one) structures, which are not permitted according to regulations. This indicates a possible lack of enforcement or community tolerance for such illegal construction. This could lead to increased risks during flooding as these unofficial structures may not be built to withstand significant weather events, exacerbating the hazard impact.

Imagine a school having a rule against skipping grades, but then students figure out a way to do so. If too many students jump to the next grade without proper knowledge, it could lead to major gaps in learning—just like unsafe buildings could result in devastating damage during floods.

Also the electricity supply; it can easily electrified, and current can kill people during emergency or flood inundations. Access roads are very narrow; you cannot evacuate, two people cannot pass easily from this one. And the roads are zig-zagged, so when these roads are filled by water and then during the flood or inundations that you cannot step in we do not know where you are putting your leg okay.

This part emphasizes the infrastructure challenges that arise during emergencies like flooding. Poorly maintained electricity systems can pose drastic risks during water inundation, where live wires can lead to electrocution. Additionally, narrow and irregular roads complicate evacuation efforts, presenting significant safety concerns during emergencies when people need to leave quickly.

Think of a fire drill in a school where students are instructed to leave the building quickly through narrow hallways. If those hallways were also blocked by water, it would be chaotic; students might panic and get hurt. The same situation arises during floods when roads are dangerous and hard to navigate.

So in 2005 it was a Mithi river, and this is the road, and the flood came like this okay gradually and then it was around 8. People could not evacuate during 2005 one reason that there was no designated place there was no early warning and the head of the household was not at house. So the woman cannot take the leadership decision to go to other places or it was sometimes too late when they decided to evacuate entire area, surrounding areas were inundated with water, and they have also the loss fear of losing property or looting kind of questions.

This chunk recounts the events of a flood in 2005, explaining the failures that prevented successful evacuations. A lack of early warnings and no established evacuation sites compounded the problem. Women were particularly affected as traditional roles may have prevented them from making decisions about evacuation without male heads of households, leading many to hesitate until it was too late.

It's similar to being in a classroom during a fire alarm without a clear exit plan. If students don't know where to go or feel confused about leaving, there’s a chance they won't escape swiftly. The hesitation due to concerns about losing their homes or belongings can also paralyze action, just like moments of indecision during an emergency evacuation drill.

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