Steemit Engagement Challenge S5-W2: Natural Disaster In my place
Natural Disaster: Golly Erosion and landslide
The term Erosion is used to describe a geological process where earthen materials gets worn away and are being transported to a new location by natural forces which could be running water, wind or a glacier.
Rushing water has often been the reason behind most cases of erosion and if left unchecked, it may graw in dept and scale into a gully erosion.
The Northern edge of the city of Uyo is being threatened by an encroaching gully erosion characterize by massive landslides nipping away access roads, farmlands and properties.
screenshot from Google maps
The areas marked with red on the map above are currently experiencing gully erosion, at the point labeled X which is Ikpa Road, the road is completely inaccessible though work is being done to remedy the situation. You will have to stop and hike across the eroded area then get picked up at the other side to complete your journey.
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while at the point labeled Y , traffic will have to take a detour into the nearby bush so as to cross the affected area.
As shown in the picture, running water had created a trench in the part of my town and the walls of the trench have been experiencing massive slides. Each rain that falls adjusts the landscape in the gully, making it deeper and even wider, encroaching into the road.
The people can't access the affected communities directly by road, alternative routes are used which are longer and cuts across isolated areas.
The landslide has washed away a sizeable portion of fertile farmlands exposing infertile subsoil.
The most probable course Is the effects of running water. Once it rains, surface water gradually gathers and rushes down hill. Due to the loose nature of the top soil at this locations, the force of the water will dissolve and carry the soil away depositing it further down hill. While nature contributed to this disaster, failure to attend to the situation on time is also to blame.
Following this link to get a 3D view of the initial stage of the gully erosion
Though we don't have any provision for an advance warning for a case like this, people have been asked to watch out for signs and avoid building in such lands. It was also stated that areas in the south of Nigeria are prone to flooding, gully erosion and associated land slides.
Everyone can become a part of the early warning systems, educate the people on what to lookout for, create hotlines to receive input from the public. Educate the public on simple methods of checking erosion like the making of stone dams and the planting of trees to hold the soil.
Getting ready
While hoping for the best I am prepared for the worst. I have an emergency bag for the family which contains the following items:
• unperishable food and water to drink.
• a well stocked first-aid box.
• some blankets and soap.
• a battery operated radio with battery.
• a battery operated flashlight with battery.
• over the counter drugs for malaria and diarrhea.
• a regrouping point in case we are separated.
the authorities are working on a solution. The point marked with green and labeled z on the map was also seriously affected by a gully erosion. The restoration effort resulted in the place becoming a mini park as shown in both pictures below.
What3word of picture location Showing a former gully erosion site in Uyo
What3word of picture location: Showing stone Nets preventing landslide
The walls are held by stone nets that prevents sliding and the floor is made of reinforced concrete laid in steps with other features to break the strength of the rushing water.
About myself
Username | @manuelhooks |
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Joined | June 2021 |
About myself | Achievement 1 |
I will love the following @kesybliss, @oasiskp and @gentlesun to participate in this Engagement Challenge
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Erosion is very scary, because when we walk we may drown,
Many of the victims could not be saved by this disaster, but we must always be vigilant so that we do not become victims,
Good luck to you👍
Thanks for the advice and for visiting my post. Being vigilant at all time reduces the risk of being taken unaware.