Safety of dams in crisis situations

The safety of dams in crisis situations can be divided into several areas that can affect their functions. The aim of this work is to focus on water crisis situations on the technical infrastructure during emergencies, of which there were many in the world. The protective function of dams can be based on a thorough analysis and their measures. In the article there was risk analysis performed on a dam of choice. The ALARP analysis was used to determine risks that have to be addressed and taken precautions against. According to F-N diagram it was determined that ALARP region is located at frequencies of 0,000 1 (1-in-10 000 years) and number of people at risk at 1 – 1 000. Next there was a benefit-cost analysis performed of mitigation project, that concluded beneficial value of the dam and the costs of the mitigation project and the BCA ratio came out > 1, thus the mitigation project was recommended. In conclusion there was recommended to use both methods in comparative manner.

Snakebite Mitigation Project of the Madras Crocodile Bank/Centre for Herpetology, India: background and a brief summary of activities

Snakebite is a serious problem in rural India where several highly venomous species are commonly found in and around agricultural areas where prey such as rodents and amphibians are abundant. Four snake species, referred to as the Big Four, are responsible for the most serious and fatal bites: spectacled cobra (Naja naja), Russell’s viper (Daboia russelii), common krait (Bungarus caeruleus) and saw-scaled viper (Echis carinatus). A polyvalent antivenom is made to treat these bites but public awareness and distribution of this life-saving drug is inadequate. The Madras Crocodile Bank and its partners are conducting a snakebite project which includes venom sampling and research, snake and snakebite treatment centre mapping, and a nationwide awareness campaign for snakebite mitigation.