Risk Factors in Landslide Disaster Emergency Rescue

In the wake of the horrible landslides in Wayanad district of Kerala, among other articles and news, I came across a write up by a disaster management expert from the United Nation. A portion of his article translates roughly to 'An area that met with a disaster requires people with special skills. Even if there are small things to do (like serving food), some experience is required; such as the presence of mind to deal with disasters when they are seen in person, and benevolent behavior towards those affected by the disaster comes from the experience handling such situations.' this inspired me to give a thought on the the delicasies and risks involved in the Emergency rescue. Watch the videos running on news channels - you will come to know that the emergency recue after a landslide is no child's play. Landslide disasters caused by heavy rainfall pose significant risks to both rescue teams and affected communities. Understanding these risks is crucial for ensuring the safety of rescuers and the victims. Let's delve into the key factors: 1. Environmental Damage and Tragic Scenes: - When a landslide occurs, the natural environment is severely impacted. Houses, facilities, and infrastructure are destroyed, leading to heavy casualties. Rescue workers face immense pressure and risk as they enter the disaster site amidst harsh conditions and heartbreaking scenes. You are standing on soil which is close to a type c soil which has already been disturbed and will be witnessing situations similar to where the medical support staff has to decide on whether they are going to rescue a person with head injury or a person with amputated limbs first using the limited available resources 2. Traffic Paralysis and Communication Barriers: - Landslide disasters can disrupt lifeline systems, paralyzing traffic and interrupting communication. Rescue personnel, equipment, and instruments struggle to access the disaster area. This hinders smooth, rapid, and effective rescue and disposal operations, amplifying the mental stress faced by responders. Overdoing things there and overcrowding at the disaster response area means more people prone to the inherent and operational risks there. 3. Derivative Disasters and Early Warning Challenges: - Secondary landslides or other unforeseen derivative disasters may occur during emergency rescue efforts. Providing timely and effective early warnings becomes difficult. These derivative events can lead to higher casualties and strain the psychological endurance of rescue workers, intensifying the challenges of emergency response. 4. Personal Safety and Mental Health of Rescue Workers: - The personal safety and mental well-being of rescue workers are at risk during landslide emergencies. Operating in challenging conditions, they face potential safety threats at any moment. The psychological pressure on rescue workers can impact their overall health and increase the risk of mental health issues. 5. Configuration and Usage of Protective Equipment: - Properly configured personal safety protective equipment is essential for self-protection during emergency rescue and disposal. High-quality, sufficient, and advanced scientific rescue gear and competency to use them ensure efficient and safe operations. However, challenges exist nationwide due to economic constraints and varying awareness levels. Nonstandardized equipment usage, coupled with inadequate training and management, reduces effectiveness during critical moments. Remember, addressing these risk factors requires coordinated efforts, respect to the command, advanced planning, and adaptive strategies. Let's prioritize safety and resilience in landslide disaster management! Reference - https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11069-024-06811-x