The force of the descending mudflow can destroy cities and take the lives of many people. It is possible to escape in an emergency only if you know the safety rules during mudflows.
The occurrence of mudflows is typical for mountainous areas. To minimize the destruction of residential buildings, buildings located in mountainous areas are strengthened, trees are planted on mountain slopes, dams, embankments and bypass canals are being built.
People living in hazardous areas, as a rule, are warned in advance of the threat, and evacuation in case of mudflows occurs in advance. In this case, it is recommended to take documents, valuables, also a small supply of food and drinking water, and a first aid kit with you.
Before leaving, you should ensure the maximum tightness of the home: tightly close windows, doors and all ventilation openings. All communications should be disabled. The same actions should be performed if there is no time left for the evacuation.
The average time for mudflows to descend from the mountain is about 20 minutes. Often, the noise and roar of a mudflow are the only warning of impending danger. This means that this is the time allotted for emergency evacuation.
People who find themselves in the risk zone must urgently retire to safe places - to the slopes of mountains and hills, not subject to mudflows, at least 100 m upwards. At the same time, assistance should be provided to evacuate children, the elderly and the disabled, as well as notify neighbors and all passers-by.
It should also be borne in mind that stones and debris of rocks can be thrown from the mud stream over long distances, therefore, if possible, you need to retire to the maximum safe distance. At the same time, it is recommended to avoid valleys and gorges, which are often affected by mudflow movement.
If a person gets into a mudflow, you need to try by all means to extract it with the help of improvised means, ropes, poles, etc. In this case, the victim should be led in the direction of the flow, gradually leading him to the edge.
After the mudflow disappears, first of all, you should make sure that there is no repeated threat, then report the incident to the authorities and the Ministry of Emergency Situations. In the presence of injuries, you should, if possible, provide medical assistance to yourself. Provide cold to the affected areas of the body and apply a pressure bandage.
In the absence of their own injuries, it is necessary to provide first aid to those in need, and then proceed to work to extract the injured. It is also necessary to have the maximum impact in the work on clearing transport routes, because only in this way can the flow of outside help be accelerated.
