There is certainly an order in the world. The planets move around the sun in precise orbits; the earth turns on its axis accurately; the moon orbits around the earth; these are just a few ways. The list is infinite. From the vibration of atoms, to the orbiting of the planets, there is an order in the universe. How then do devastating natural disasters occur? Immediate thought about them seems to reveal that natural disasters are freaks of nature. It does not seem sensible to see weather running berserk. Rain, which has been helping nature in its cycle, suddenly sows havoc. There are floods; thousands of plants, animals and humans perish. It looks as if a usually kind and gentle person suddenly become violent and kills for sport. Natural disasters come in many shapes and dimensions. Some natural disasters are easily predicted, others occur without warning. There are of course countless studies which show how natural disasters such as floods, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, droughts and typhoons occur. Scientists who spend their lifetimes studying the phenomena are able to analyse the causes. By causes all that we really know is what leads to them. We know that there is a fire below the earth, that at certain points the fire bursts forth and we have a volcanic eruption. We even know that the fire is a leftover from the fire that first begun burning when the earth was formed. With a lot more study, scientists have even been able to predict the extent of a coming volcanic eruption. There is even a way to say that an eruption is imminent. Without doubt, it is useful to know all this. In the countries where this kind of technology is available, lives can be saved through timely evacuation. What is so far not known is how the eruption can be prevented. Nature is just too powerful for any study to be possible in this area – at least so far. The same can be said for the other types of disasters including: floods, typhoons and earthquakes. Research stops short of prevention. Meanwhile the slaughter continues. All of man’s defences are too weak against nature. Perhaps it is nature’s way of telling us that we are still rather puny when compared with the vast powers of nature. It is often speculated that natural disasters are nature’s way of keeping the human population in check. Perhaps this is too much to assume, but it cannot be dismissed straightaway. Are any of these disasters caused by man? Well, we can see that man is not the cause of volcanic disasters or earthquakes, but perhaps we do in some way cause weather-related disasters such as droughts, floods and typhoons. We all know that the weather is being affected by the clearing of forests on earth. This is within our control. Hence some disasters could be controlled. All we can do is hope that a day will come when we can control all natural disasters. Till then we have to remain at the mercy of nature.

Watching the news recently, you could be forgiven for thinking that the entire country of China is a pile of shoddily constructed rubble, filled with wailing citizens, and that Burma is a whole country literally flattened, with people unable to work and an economy unable to grow at all. However, the facts are quite different – although they might not make for good news stories! In reality, investors in Asia are unlikely to be put off by these natural disasters, being much more balanced in their view of the region than journalists are, and realizing that long-term prospects for the region are better than ever.
Places like Tokyo and Seoul are tipped as being the places to invest in, where the markets still have at least as far to climb again as they already have, according to Mark Callendar, head of international property research at Schroders. Callendar also tipped Hong Kong and Singapore as being close to their peak – great for short term investments in the near future, but less promising over 2009.
ING Real Estate is another company that agrees with this sentiment, saying that it does not expect investment or demand to be severely affected by the natural disasters in Asia recently. Mid tier residential housing in Chengdu and Chongqing provinces is tipped to be on track again as soon as Sichuan province returns to normality, with a natural slowdown immediately following the quake to be expected.
Thailand is another Asian country that is looking rosy for investors, with a great economic start to 2008. The first quarter growth for Thailand was six percent up on the same period last year, and up close to six percent even on the quarter it followed. The new government in the region seems to be settling down, and this is making Asian property management that much more attractive in Thailand. Koh Samui and Koh Phangan will be hotspots for Asian property investors in 2008, according to Liam Bailey, head of international research at DSR. However, investing in Thailand can be tricky for foreign entities – strict ownership criteria put in place by the government mean that local firms must be engaged for buying real estate.
Some analysts have accounted for the effect of the sub-prime crisis in America on Asian property investment and management. Experts such as Jones Lang LaSalle, an international property consultant, have noted that markets that appear to have peaked (such as Tokyo and some Australian markets) will experience slower growth in 2008 than they did in 2007. The slowdown in these peaked markets will create a lowering of the overall transaction volume, but this natural rise and fall of markets has had much more impact on growth than the relatively minor (in economic terms) natural disasters in Asia.
Some experts have also gone to great pains to point out that even the acknowledged sub-prime crisis in America has been overstated in terms of its effects on Asian property management. Darren Styles, CE of the Brooklands Group, says that ‘Much of the negativity about the effect of the credit crunch n the overseas market has been exaggerated. It’s a tribute to the … resilience of the overseas property market’. He is still being approached by many people in the UK interested in buying Asian property.
Don’t let the exaggerated media coverage of natural disasters stop you from making a profit on Asian property investing and economies which are set to boom in 2008.

Is natural disaster due to LOA? The Law of attraction does not discriminate between good or bad, kind of vicious, false of imagined. An event like that of Italy is no different that what is happening all over the world. If you perceive the law of attraction as a ‘being’ who ought to reward or punish his or her community, or if you are referring to self imposed good and bad, the LOA does not necessarily work that way, we all know that we do not wish to attract bad things, cruelty, and crime, the LOA refers to how we deal with good and bad as opposed to how to prevent natural disaster. Natural disaster is merely a natural organism like that of mother earth, and the human body, our stomach rumbles, other people’s body tremble, some become diseased , others live healthier. The meaning I am giving to situation can determine if I live in pain and sorrow or accept natural disaster as beyond my control, However, I have control of how I react to things, I can choose to be happy, I can choose to be sad. Whatever I choose consciously or unconsciously I attract to my life that which I think and feel about most, thus it is the LOA in as far as I the soul, who drives my ‘thought’ feelings’ and action’ as I think so I become, as I feel so I attract. when I react, I attract. Lets go further and assume that if you were fully aware that a particular space on earth has a ‘hot spot’ a fragile space, where you already read, studied, that earth quakes already happened in that same place over 100 years ago. so let us suppose you moved to that area, let us suppose you were the mayor of that area, and decided to build houses there, 100 years later, you are the attractor who attracted many people to that area, and as a consequence, they died in an earthquakes which you had full knowledge that it will happen, or you may have gone through amnesia and did not realize that there is going to be an earthquake. your thoughts, feelings and actions you took to move to that area in the first place, is not accidental, and building houses in that area is not accidental, attracting people into that area, by whatever means you had to attract them, even on a level of collective consciousness or morphogenesis field, others were attracted by just that, and suffered the consequences of the LOA. I hope this helps Remained Blessed beautiful Child of the Universe, and know that you are the co-creator of everything, you are the divine intelligence, you are the control panel of the blood that circulate in your inner universe, whether you know it or not. Many Blessings Andre

When you have major natural disasters occur like the cyclone in Myanmar (Burma), the massive earthquake and on-going aftershocks in China, the devastating tornadoes in the US or the last major hurricane Katrina, everyone is dramatically affected by the pain and suffering. The massive destruction and chaos left behind in such widespread areas is not only devastating for the people directly hurt by the disaster but very disconcerting and unsettling for people everywhere.

In the two most recent disasters we can – in real time – see and feel the pain and utter hopelessness of those directly involved in China and can only image the devastation and destruction in Myanmar. The same holds true for all the tornado victims in the Midwest and Southeastern US – or fire victims in California and Florida. And now, the storm center has again predicted for this year a large number of hurricanes and named storms.

While somewhat remotely viewing all of this destruction and devastation elsewhere, we realize that the rest of us have been spared. It could have been us whether we live in hurricane, earthquake and tsunami territory, flood zones, tornado alley or the heat and drought areas. We all realize the obvious real-time destruction pales in comparison to the enormity of the loss. While you can see the look of despair in the eyes of the victims, you can also see the disquieting look of sadness and helplessness in your neighbors’ eyes.Helping Others Requires Nurturing of Self

Even though millions regularly and generously reach out to help those living through the loss of loved ones, no homes to return to, no income and massive destruction, it is important to nurture self at the same time so you are in a position to help others.

Tragedy of fellow humans zaps the energy out of all people, especially those that live in areas where a natural disaster is always eminent on the horizon. So just what can you do to nurture self while maintaining respect for those in such great need? Three Steps to Nurturing Your Energy

While you are in the process of doing what you can to help others in such great need, there are a number of things you can do to nurture and uplift your energy. First, limit the amounts of time you sit in front of the television watching such a tragedy unfold – no matter what your feelings are about the tragedy. While it is appropriate to view the news so you can obtain the necessary information about what is happening in a disaster area, in your surroundings and in the world, too much viewing of such great loss imbeds that negative energy in your mind, body and spirit. You need to balance all of that negative energy with some positive viewing. Find some light programming that will bring a smile to your face or make you laugh to help re-energize self. Listening to soothing music before bedtime also helps. Go for a walk, bake some cookies, talk to a friend, meditate or pray. Take positive action to uplift your spirits.

Next, do something kind for someone you know that is in need. Perhaps a friend just had surgery and would like a newspaper, your son and daughter-in-law need someone to baby sit their newborn so they can just have a couple of hours of quiet time together – or one of your family members could use a few words of encouragement and someone to say “you are doing a great job under the most difficult of circumstances”.

Even though you may give money or donate food and clothing to those suffering from a major disaster, you may not be able to travel to where the natural disaster actually occurred to help in person. By helping someone nearby, you will be giving them positive energy and hope. At the same time you will be refueling yourself so you can move forward in your life with your own hope regenerated. If the strong among us during such times is not filled with hope, those in need will have no one to turn to in order to help restore their hope. Without hope, life has no future.Third, mentally make a list of all of the things for which you are grateful. You can even do this on a tablet or in a journal if it is hard for you to remember everything you wish to put on the list by doing it mentally. Create a Gratitude Journal and use it regularly – it will bring balance to your life.

One of the greatest positive energy builders in your life during a crisis perceived or real, is to recognize the numerous “good things” in your life and your surroundings. It can be little things like being grateful for your pets, a good neighbor or a friend – to huge things like freedom, your children, a good income, a roof over your head and good health. The more things you can put on this list, the more you will replenish your energy that is being depleted when such catastrophic disasters occur. The gratitude list should be a perpetual list that you add to regularly and look at often.

As unsettling as it may seem, a major natural disaster often brings the best out of the vast majority of our citizens. It is up to those of us on the periphery of such catastrophic disasters, whether on our soil or abroad, to maintain hope so we can share it with those in such great need. Remember to limit your viewing time of so much negative energy, do something kind for someone in need and create your “gratitude list”. Hope is positive energy. It rapidly becomes contagious when shared with others, especially those in need.

© Pat Heydlauff, all rights reserved 2008

None of us really like to think about natural disasters but unfortunately, they do occur from time to time. Perhaps we are in a location that is prone to natural disasters, such as hurricanes or earthquakes. How secure is the information that is on your computer should tragedy strike? Many people do not really take into consideration the fact that they need a backup service in order to make sure that their data is secure. If you don’t think about this, however, you could really be in some trouble should something unexpected happen. For some areas that are prone to natural disasters, you may see the disaster coming from a long way off. Still, every area is susceptible to something unexpected happening. If you are in the habit of backing up your data locally, you may not be able to save it if something should happen in this regard. Of course, the first thing that you need to worry about is your own personal safety and that of your friends and family. The last thing that you want to do, however, is to be putting back the pieces of your life together and trying to put your business back together as a result of data loss. For this reason, it is a good idea for you to have a remote backup in case this should happen. Not only can a remote backup protect you from natural disasters, it may also be able to protect you from many other disasters that may happen on your computer. For example, have you ever experienced a computer crash? If you have, you can certainly understand how quickly data loss can occur. Everything can be going along smoothly and then suddenly, everything is down and unable to be restored. How much sensitive data do you have on your computer? Many individual store such thing as e-mails, pictures and personal letters in the form of documents. Unfortunately, if you don’t back these things up they can be gone in the blink of an eye. How much is this data worth to you? Many people, when they really think about it, could not put a price on the things that they keep on their computer. This is another reason why it is very important that you protect your computer at all times through the use of a remote backup service. The same is true in a business environment. You may have irretrievable data on your computer that would bring your business to a grinding halt if something should occur that would make you lose it. Fortunately, there are some remote backup services that will be able to protect all of your sensitive data should a natural disaster occur. Even if you should lose everything, you can still restore these important files whenever you are able to finally get back to life as normal. It’s bad enough whenever a natural disaster disrupts your life, don’t allow it to disrupt your computer data as well.

I. INTRODUCTION

Optimal utilization of the water resources through appropriate conservation and management measures assumes critical importance in sustaining the life support systems. The pattern of demand for water is undergoing gradual but continuous changes towards increasing pressure for drinking and other household and commercial needs relative to the demand for irrigation as the emerging trend is towards less water demanding perennial crops in lieu of seasonal crops. Progress in this direction is quite limited and flood control works continue to be on conventional lines like strengthening the riverbanks, construction of retaining walls, embankments,

There was no attempt in the past for assessing the flood incidences, their intensity, pattern of occurrence and vulnerability of different regions. Flood proofing is feasible only after identifying the root cause of floods from its origin. It is therefore proposed to organize a basin wise study in major river systems that are vulnerable to flood, to find out the causes of flood and its intensity

II OBJECTIVE:

It is the purpose of this paper to promote the public health, safety, and general welfare, and to minimize public and private losses due to flood conditions in specific areas by provisions designed:

A. To protect human life and health;

B. To minimize expenditure of public money for costly flood control projects;

C. To minimize the need for rescue and relief efforts associated with flooding and generally undertaken at the expense of the general public;

D. To minimize prolonged business interruptions;

E. To minimize damage to public facilities and utilities such as water and gas mains, electric, telephone and sewer lines, streets and bridges located in areas of special flood hazard;

F. To help maintain a stable tax base by providing for the second use and development of areas of special flood hazard so as to minimize future flood blight areas;

G. To insure that potential buyers are notified that property is in an area of special flood hazard;

H. To insure that those who occupy the areas of special flood hazard assume responsibility for their actions.

III CAUSES OF FLOODS:

When it rains or snows, some of the water is retained by the soil, some is absorbed by vegetation, some evaporates, and the remainder, which reaches stream channels, is called runoff. Floods occur when soil and vegetation cannot absorb all the water; water then runs off the land in quantities that cannot be carried in stream channels or retained in natural ponds and constructed reservoirs. About 30 percent of all precipitation is runoff, and melting snow masses may increase this amount. Periodic floods occur naturally on many rivers, forming an area known as the flood plain. These river floods often result from heavy rain, sometimes combined with melting snow, which causes the rivers to overflow their banks; a flood that rises and falls rapidly with little or no advance warning is called a flash flood. Flash floods usually result from intense rainfall over a relatively small area. Coastal areas are occasionally flooded by unusually high tides induced by severe winds over ocean surfaces, or by tsunamis caused by undersea earthquakes These flood losses are caused by the cumulative effect of obstructions in areas of special flood hazards, which increase flood heights and velocities, and when inadequately anchored, damage uses in other areas. Uses that are inadequately flood proofed, elevated or otherwise protected from flood damage also contribute to the flood loss

IV EFFECTS OF FLOOD:

Floods not only damage property and endanger the lives of humans and animals, but have other effects as well. Rapid runoff causes soil erosion as well as sediment deposition problems downstream. Spawning grounds for fish and other wildlife habitat are often destroyed. High-velocity currents increase flood damage; prolonged high floods delay traffic and interfere with drainage and economic use of lands. Bridge abutments, bank lines, sewer outfalls, and other structures within floodways are damaged, and navigation and hydroelectric power are often impaired. Financial losses due to floods are commonly millions of dollars each year. The flood hazard areas of the city are subject to periodic inundation which results in loss of life and property, health and safety hazards, disruption of commerce and governmental services, extraordinary public expenditures for flood protection and relief, and impairment of the tax base, all of which adversely affect the public health, safety, and general welfare.When it rains in, flood control channels, rivers, and washes quickly fill up with fast moving water, and this can create a potentially life-threatening danger to anyone who gets caught or swept away.

“A foot or two of water can cost our life! Nearly half of all flash flood fatalities are automobile related. Two feet of water will carry away most automobiles. Also avoid walking also through floodwaters, even six inches of water can sweep off our feet.”

A flash flood is a torrent of water rushing through normally dry or low-flow creeks, streams, washes, ravines, culverts, or over lower lying ground. In desert areas, a raging torrent of water may move off the mountains for miles into relatively flat terrain. The violent rushing of water collects debris and mud as it moves and becomes destructive to everything in its path.

V CONTROL OF FLOODS

The basic methods of flood control have been practiced since ancient times. These methods include reforestation and the construction of levees, dams, reservoirs, and floodways (artificial channels that divert floodwater).

1. An effective method of controlling floodwaters is to construct coordinated groups of dams and reservoirs on the headwaters of the streams that lead into the main rivers, so that water can be stored during periods of heavy runoff and released gradually during dry seasons

2. People have created a flood problem by cutting down trees and digging up the vegetable cover of the soil, thus increasing soil erosion. Flood control in these areas has been directed to restoring vegetation and instituting efficient methods of soil management, such as crop rotation and contour plowing.

3. Another method of flood control is the construction of floodways on the lower reaches of rivers to divert floodwaters. The rivers are widened at certain points and allowed to overflow. Inundation of certain confined areas prevents the flooding of other areas.

4. In the past, agricultural lands were regarded as only having the role of food production, but are now considered to have several functions, such as flood protection, fostering of water resources, and so on.

5. Flood Control Facilities With regard to integrated flood control projects, emphasis has been placed on embankment construction in coordination with the reengineering of the courses of rivers, dredging as well as the setting up of pumping stations located at the main exits of the drainage pipes behind embankments, so as to pump off rainwater that cannot be drained off by gravitational force within the city

6. Over bank Flood The primary purpose of over bank flood control of control is used primarily to protect property adjacent to the stream from frequent flooding.

7. Flood Barriers variable height flood barriers provide total flood protection to doors and windows, whilst also preserving the visual integrity of the building. Flood Barriers are the ideal flood defence for homes, commercial premises and retail outlets. Recommended uses are in  House doors and windows · Driveways and garages · Business premises · Shops and Stores

8. Flood Gates Designed to provide maximum protection from impact damage and violent water, our Flood Gates allow us to leave our property with total confidence that our products, plant and possessions are safe from all but the most overwhelming flood conditions. Recommended Uses Commercial premises and industrial units likely to be unattended when flooding occurs. Isolated properties liable to be cutoff and evacuated during floods

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Flood Gates can be supplied to protect up to a flood height of 1.8 metres and to an installed width of up to 6 metres.

9. Removable Dams Removable Dam system has been engineered to provide similar levels of protection to permanent flood defence schemes, but with the distinct advantage of being removable when not required – thus preserving the integrity of the landscape and architecture. The system can be used between existing structures but has been primarily designed to be completely self-supporting over almost any distance and may be specified for virtually any height of floodwater. Recommended Uses: – Roadways, subways, embankment promenades, industrial complexes, shopping precincts

11.Flood-Proofing Services All services of flood-proofed buildings – electrical, heating, road, and sewer – must also be protected from flood damage. Special valves can protect sewers and water pipes; telephone equipment and electrical transformers must be located above design flood levels. Auxiliary generators may have to be installed, and hydro lines, access roads and bridges to buildings must be protected. Buried hydro lines and gas mains must be located and designed to resist damage from possible flood erosion or uplift forces.

Basic Flood-Proofing Methods

1. Buildings on Piers, Piles, Columns or Bearing WallsElevating structures above design flood level on some kind of support provide reliable protection against flood damage. This method uses land efficiently, does not raise the flood level, and has minimal adverse effects on flood flows.

2. Making Lower Levels of Building Watertight (Closure and Seal Method) Flood-proofing the lower levels of buildings by sealing them against water penetration requires that they be made strong enough to withstand cracking from the lateral and uplift pressure of the water.

3. Surrounding Buildings with Flood-Proof Walls or Berms: This method involves generally the same considerations as those required in the design of small dams. It has several disadvantages such as increasing the possibility of catastrophic failure and is not practicable for individual buildings in dense urban areas.

4.Floodproofinr Our Home

We can take an active role in protecting our property from flood damage both prior to and during flood. Prevention Methods:

· We can divert water from our property by regarding or constructing an earthen berm. Both of these may require a permit so check with the County Planning and Development Department first.

· The construction of swales (shallow ditch) and retention areas (small shallow depressions) are other effective methods of preventing flooding. Again, We will need to check to see if a permit is required.

· If roof drainage is a problem, gutters can help direct runoff.

· Another way of protecting a building from flooding is by raising the building. This can be expensive, but may be very cost effective.

· During a Flood

· Fasten plastic sheeting or other waterproof paper across windows and doors

· if evacuation appears necessary and only if time permits:

· Turn off the electricity at the main power switch and turn off the gas at the main valve.

· Move valuable papers and personal items to upper floors or higher elevations.

· Move outdoor possessions inside, anchor them down, or tie them together so they don’t get carried away.

· Keep a battery-powered radio handy and tuned in to a local emergency broadcast station: follow all emergency instructions.

· Move to high ground or an established emergency shelter. If it is safe to evacuate by car, take nonperishable foods, blankets, a flashlight, dry clothing, and any special medications with We. Be aware that many stores and gas stations will be closed since pumps and registers may not function if electricity has been cut off.

· Do not drive where water is over the road: part of the road may be washed out or be much deeper than it looks.

· When we return to our home and find that it has been flooded, check first for structural damage. Then air out the home in case of possible gas leaks. Do not turn on gas or electricity until utility representatives have checked them for gas leaks and short circuits.

VI. METHODS OF REDUCING FLOOD LOSSES:

In order to accomplish its purposes, this includes methods and provisions for:

(1) Restricting or prohibiting uses which are dangerous to health, safety, and property due to water or erosion hazards, or which result in damaging increases in erosion or in flood heights or velocities;

(2) Requiring that uses vulnerable to floods, including facilities, which serve such uses, be protected against flood damage at the time of initial construction;

(3) Controlling the alteration of natural floodplains, stream channels, and natural protective barriers, which help accommodate or channel floodwaters;

(4) Controlling filling, grading, dredging, and other development which may increase flood damage; and

(5) Preventing or regulating the construction of flood barriers which will unnaturally divert floodwaters or may increase flood hazards in other areas

VII CONCLUSION:

The problem of flood control has assumed national importance because of the increasing frequency and intensity of floods in all of the great river valleys as a result of deforestation. Many aspects of flood control can be handled by individual states or groups of states acting on a regional basis Encourage the mapping of the floodways to develop more effective flood control programs Maintain and re-establish forest cover ,to improve the capacity of the ground to absorb heavy rainfall. Ensure that purchasers of homes and other real property are fully informed of hazards from floods. Continue proper soil conservation measures to complement the existing systems. Improve and upgrade existing flood control measures as necessary.