chamaporn

1st Summary/Response

California coastal town fears replay of mudslide that killed 10 people

In the article “California coastal town fears replay of mudslide that killed 10 people” by Greg Rising, the effects of winter storms that caused mudslides last year in the coastal town of La Conchita, CA were discussed. Ten years ago, tons of mud plunged down onto this town. At that time, houses were buried and people were wounded but nobody was hurt. But during this recent incident, some parts of the town were buried and people were killed. Scientists are still not absolutely sure that this area is safe. It is possible that the disaster could happen again. However, the homeowners in La Conchita refuse to move out of their town. The county officials discussed conducting a comprehensive study in the risk area but the cost figures and schedules have still not been set presently.

In my opinion, the officials of the county and the state of California should set their policy of protecting people n La Conchita from mudslides. They should have plans for handling emergency situation that could happen at any time. Although they have many discussions about possible disasters, discussion alone is not enough for the residents. The residents in this dangerous area want more discussion. The county should provide a map that shows the water flow that can cause mudslides or a information guide book about mudslide awareness.

In addition, the county should set up the necessary equipment to warn people in this dangerous area, such as, a big horn and a warning lighthouse. That would be very important for people in the area because they would know when a disaster is occuring and they could prepare themselves for evacuation. The government should also educate the people in the risk area about mudslides and how to prepare for a bad situation like this.

Finally, the county should have measures to support people after a disaster happens. They should take care not only of physical aspects of the residents but also mental aspects, too. After we lose someone we love or our property, we feel down. If the government has anyway to provide emergency counseling after mudslide disasters, I think they should provide this. Giving money to disaster victims is one way that can help these victims, but I think giving them protection policies would help them feel better.

No one wants to face a disaster like this. But this situation is a natural disaster that we cannot alter. The best thing that we can do is learn how to live with natural disasters and learn how to protect ourselves from disasters.

Rising, G. (2006, January 8). California coastal town fears replay of mudslide that killed 10 people. Associated Press. Retrieved from Lexis-Nexis database, May 31, 2006.

posted by chamaporn @ 2:20 PM