Flood is deemed one of the most impactful natural disasters ever fallen upon human beings. Damaged shelters and community infrastructures, disrupted livelihood that is supposedly harmonious, impoverishment due to loss of assets, and most dreadfully, deterioration of health which may potentially lead to death if incurable in extreme means. One common case would be rapid rising of flood levels causing people to drown amidst an evacuation. Waterborne diseases refer to illnesses induced by microorganisms such as viruses and bacteria that are not visible to the human eye, yet largely swamping contaminated water. Notwithstanding, patients could also be infected post-contact with feces hence the importance of hygiene and sanitation. Few commonly arise illnesses of such are food-poisoning, cholera, typhoid fever, dysentery (critical diarrhea where blood or mucus are detected in stool) all of which share similar contributing factors that is via contaminated water, a phenomenon most prominent in flooding events.
Those residing beyond California often perceive this very state as a well-established, upbeat, an impressive state that seems to have everything coming together thus their desire of shifting here to embark on their California Dream. Though not everything is untrue because it is evidently affluent and supposed it is an independent country itself, it would potentially rank the world’s 5th largest economy; most parts of California is a factually flood-prone state which have experienced countless damaging floods over the years. Many people underestimate the impact a flood can bring to an entire community because it is JUST WATER, not fire, not tsunami nor an earthquake, how terrible could it possibly be? Unfortunately saying, flood is capable of achieving such catastrophic degree of damage where billion dollar worth infrastructures (transportation, water and power supply, sewer networks, etc.) can be disrupted in prolonged periods. Here is one sufficiently concrete example eventuated in this very prominently well-established state for you to not devalue its powerful impact.
The Great Flood – 1862
Sources revealed that out of all transpired flooding events befalling California, none of their impact is equivalent to that of the Great Flood, it is straight up the most destructive one. Though taking place hundreds over years ago, it had significantly marked its very spot in the minds of thousands involved and also the largest flooding event ever recorded in the history of Oregon, Nevada and California itself. While most floods receded in the upcoming days, the Great Flood lasted a month long, starting from December 1861 up to January 1862. There were no celebrations of New Year as the entire state was swamped with saturated water hence a death toll in the tens of thousands. Almost all components of infrastructure were drowned, buildings, transportations, rivers; leaving people to unmerciful consequences. Nonetheless, this tragedy could be regulated if metal roofers existed that long ago.
This Is How NGOs Can Step In To Assist
Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) as its terminology suggests presents themselves as an autonomous board of members whose activity or movement separates with that of the government. They are typically established due to a list of unified goals and aspire to accomplish them through voluntary contribution amongst members. Despite its independence, some NGOs are allocated funds by local, state and federal government through grants depending on the situation and are mainly controversial. Therefore, there exists NGOs who insist on drawing a fine line between themselves and any possible government officials or political parties. Though absolute independence refers to the absence of governmental funds and subsidy, they do not wish to be intervened by governmental terms while in completion of tasks. With that, they operate through memberships, campaigns, public donations, sales of merchandise goods and other down-to-earth means. California COMMUNITY Foundation, Team Rubicon and Operation USA are three highly active NGOs who seek to provide aid for disaster-stricken victims, domestic or international.
Prior-planning
Disaster aiding NGOs must remain prepared at all times and an immediate response is crucial amidst any ongoing disastrous events. This can be done through strategic planning and proper allocation of funds all done before an event transpires. Some fundamental steps would be frequent collection of funds and donations throughout the establishment to ensure financial capability when giving immediate response. Next, plan out whether monetary or goods donations are feasible for various circumstances as some situations demand money-aid and others may demand provision-aid of basic living necessities such as food and drinks, clothes and medications, so on and so forth.
Immediate Response
When tragedy arises, start to gather all members who are willing to contribute. Remember the core to an NGO is established on voluntary grounds, by pressing individuals who are unkeen does not work in times of a charity. Other than manpower, allocate funds for either monetary or goods donation (or a combination of both) depending on members’ consensus and gather everything needed for the relief. In times of a disaster relief, start with assisting affected victims by safely executing them to nearby relief centers and ensure they are in good condition. Then, equally distribute the donations to each family. In the meantime, assign a separate team that would assist victims in moving their belongings to higher grounds of their house. When water subsides, NGOs can also consider a metal roof installation for more flood-prone neighborhoods to reduce its likelihood if the next same tragedy were to arise in the future. Better safe than sorry, contact metal roofing malaysia for more professional advice.
Bottom Line
While not being desirably equipped with sufficient funds may be tough to get a volunteer program properly executed, do your very best. Having a team of volunteers to be granted a helping hand in such an unpredicted disaster is already deemed a gift from above, people hardly complain about the quantity because it is the quality that genuinely matters. If you are interested in joining a benevolent volunteering team in California, you might find this insightful.
