Experts point out that if floodwaters and mudflows burst through a valley and inundate areas—as occurred at the Nepal-China (Tibet) border—sweeping away buildings, vehicles, and people in an instant, even attempting to run will not enable escape in time.
The flash flood and landslide event near the Nepal-China (Tibet) border has become a heartbreaking scene, as massive volumes of water, mud, rocks, and debris rapidly surged down the valley, sweeping away homes, cars, and structures instantly. This has raised questions about how victims can survive such incidents and whether fleeing in time is possible.
Hatim Sharif, a hydrologist from the University of Texas at San Antonio, explained that when a mudflow is approaching, there may be very little time left to escape by running.
He stated that running may not help, nor will attempting to drive away, because the water mixed with mud and debris can move at high speed with enormous force, comparable to liquid concrete. This means being on roads trying to flee horizontally or driving through floodwaters may not be safe options.
The key to survival is "moving to higher ground."
Experts advise that in the event of sudden floods caused by landslides or mudflows, it is crucial to quickly leave the watercourse area and head towards higher terrain.
Sharif estimates that safe areas should be at least about 6 meters higher, if accessible quickly.
The main principle is not to try to outrun the flood horizontally but to change elevation as fast as possible by leaving low-lying areas, valleys, and places near waterways.
Do not wait until you see the wall of mud.
Experts warn that this type of disaster is extremely dangerous because it can occur suddenly and is not always preceded by heavy rainfall as a warning.
If you are in mountainous or vulnerable areas and authorities issue warnings about landslides, flash floods, or rising river levels, you should immediately evacuate the risk area. Do not wait to see the floodwaters or mudflow with your own eyes, because seeing the mud rushing in may mean there is very little time left to escape.
Long-term solutions require developing warning systems.
Scientists believe one way to reduce future losses is to install water level monitoring devices along rivers and streams in high-risk areas, combined with real-time data transmission to authorities.
Sharif estimates such systems could provide people with advance warnings about 20-30 minutes before floods arrive, which could be critical time for evacuating to higher ground.
Researchers also warn that mountainous and narrow valley areas are especially vulnerable because if landslides or snow and ice avalanches block rivers, water can accumulate rapidly before bursting forth as powerful floods.
They stress a simple survival rule if facing floods or mudslides: “Don’t wait — don’t try to outrun the water — don’t drive through the flow — move to higher ground.” Especially for those living in or traveling through mountainous areas, closely follow official warnings and plan evacuation routes to higher ground in advance, because in sudden disasters, decisions made just minutes before can mean life or death.
Source:AFP
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