Every monsoon season brings heavy rain, sudden floods, and the risk of landslides. If you live in North India, the Himalayas, or any flood‑prone zone, you need a plan that works fast. This guide gives you simple, actionable steps you can start today. No jargon, just what you need to protect yourself and your family.
First thing: put together a kit you can grab in minutes. Include a few liters of drinking water per person, a few days’ worth of non‑perishable food, a flashlight with extra batteries, a basic first‑aid set, and a whistle to signal for help. Add a waterproof bag for important documents like IDs, insurance papers, and a copy of your health records. If you have children or seniors, add any prescription meds, baby formula, or hearing aids.
Keep the kit in a dry, easy‑to‑reach spot near the main entrance. When a red alert from the IMD lands, you’ll have a few seconds to grab it and move to safety.
India’s weather department uses three colors: yellow (caution), orange (danger), and red (extreme). A red alert, like the one that hit Punjab and Delhi‑NCR recently, means heavy rain will flood low‑lying areas and rivers could breach. When you see a red alert, treat it as a command to relocate to higher ground or a designated shelter.
Set up phone alerts from the IMD or local government apps. If you prefer text, register for SMS updates. A quick glance at your phone can give you the latest warning, letting you act before the water rises.
When a flood warning is issued, follow these steps:
For landslides, the warning signs are different. Look for sudden cracks in walls, unusual bulges in soil, or new streams of water on slopes. If any of these appear, evacuate immediately and move to a flat area away from the slope.
Don’t wait for the water to reach your door. Sketch out at least two routes out of your neighbourhood—one that stays on higher roads and another that uses back streets if main routes get blocked. Share these routes with every family member.
Pick a meeting spot outside the danger zone, like a school or a relative’s house. Make sure everyone knows the address and a backup spot in case the first one is unreachable.
Practice the plan once a month. A quick drill helps kids remember what to do and reduces panic when an actual emergency hits.
During a flood or landslide, power cuts are common. Keep a battery‑powered radio on hand to receive updates if the internet goes down. Listen for instructions about road closures, rescue operations, and safe zones.
If you’re stuck, stay on higher ground, avoid wading through water, and never cross a bridge that looks unstable. Even shallow water can sweep a vehicle away.
When officials declare the area safe, don’t rush back inside. Check for structural damage, gas leaks, and contaminated water. If you smell gas or hear hissing, leave the house and call the gas company immediately.
Take photos of any damage for insurance claims. Notify your insurer as soon as possible to speed up the settlement.
Finally, reflect on what worked and what didn’t in your preparedness plan. Update your kit, adjust evacuation routes, and share lessons with neighbours. The more you practice, the smoother the next response will be.
Preparedness isn’t a one‑time task; it’s a habit you build over time. By keeping a ready kit, staying alert to weather warnings, and rehearsing your evacuation plan, you give yourself the best chance to stay safe when the monsoon turns fierce.
An early morning earthquake of 4.0 magnitude shook Delhi NCR on February 17, 2025, prompting quick evacuations but no major damage. Authorities stress preparedness due to seismically active fault lines. Despite the strong tremors, buildings remain intact, reflecting the region's infrastructure resilience.