Less than three weeks after the authorities here proclaimed that their first-ever exercise to test the preparedness for a great earthquake was a success, a gentle earthquake of 4.9 magnitude on Monday made clear that neither the public nor emergency services are in fact ready to deal with a real-life disaster.
The earthquake, which shook buildings, caused no damage – but showed that few are aware of what to do in the event of a real crisis, large-scale advertising campaigns notwithstanding.
Some workers left many high-rises when the earthquake struck, but did not appear to know that use of elevators exposed them to lethal risks. “In our building, everyone rushed out, but half took the stairs, while the other half took the elevators,” said Seema Thapa, who works at Som Dutt Chamber II in Bhikaji Cama Place at South Delhi.
“Some of the women started crying and some were panic-struck as they were on top of a 12-storey building. It was indeed horrific, with lifts jammed and rush on staircase to reach out to an open space,” said Pullman chairman Rakesh Malhotra.
Editors note:
From the first hand experience i had, i could clearly see visible cracks in the glass windows of high rise buildings. And many left their work to move out of high rise buildings. Thankfully no one was hurt.
Some of the prayers of Masih Maud(a.s.) for protection from Earthquake
“Rabbe akhhir waqta haza”
(O My Lord, delay the earthquake which is very near. Tadkirah)
“Rabbi la tureni zalzalata ssamate Rabbe tureni mawta ahdin menhum”
(O My lord; keep the strong earthquake out of my sight, o my lord do not show me loss of lives(people from jamat). Tadkirah)
Source: Treasure-house of prayers
Categories: Asia, India, Natural Disaster