3rd July 2024 (9 Topics)

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Hathras Stampede

Context

Stampedes during religious gatherings are tragically common in India, often due to poor crowd management and safety oversights. Recently, a stampede in Uttar Pradesh’s Hathras district claimed the lives of at least 116 people, predominantly women, highlighting the urgent need for effective crowd control strategies.

What is a Stampede?

A stampede is characterized by the chaotic movement of a crowd, resulting in injuries and fatalities. It typically occurs due to panic triggered by perceived danger, overcrowding, or the rush to achieve something desirable.
Causes of Stampedes: Stampedes are primarily caused or exacerbated by panic and can be prevented through improved design and management of spaces where mass gatherings occur. Factors contributing to stampedes include:
- Lack of adequate lighting
- Uncontrolled flow of crowds
- Structural failures like collapsed barriers or buildings
- Blocked exits or evacuation routes
- Inefficient design of infrastructure such as entrance doors
- Fire hazards and other safety oversights
Reason behind casualties:
- Traumatic asphyxia: There is partial or complete cessation of respiration due to external compression of the thorax and/or upper abdomen.
- Myocardial infarction: Heart attack, caused by decreased or complete cessation of blood flow to a portion of the heart
- Direct crushing injury to internal organs, head injuries, and neck compression.

Preventive Measures

Effective crowd management is crucial in mitigating stampede risks. Strategies include:
- Live Surveillance: Monitoring crowd density, bottlenecks, and disturbances to anticipate and prevent incidents.
- Communication: Coordination between organizers, local authorities, and law enforcement to manage crowd behavior and ensure timely interventions.

NDMA’s guidelines for Crowd Management

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has formulated guidelines for integrated crowd management, which are crucial for ensuring public safety during various types of events. Here are the simplified pillars and considerations as per NDMA's guidelines:
- Pillars of Integrated Crowd Management:
- Capacity Planning: Assessing the venue's capacity to accommodate the expected number of attendees. Ensuring adequate facilities like exits, seating arrangements, and emergency services.
- Risk Assessment: Identifying potential hazards and risks associated with the event. Evaluating factors like crowd density, weather conditions, and infrastructure vulnerabilities.
- Preparedness Planning: Developing detailed plans and procedures for managing crowds effectively.
- Incident Response: Establishing protocols for responding to emergencies such as medical emergencies, fires, or crowd disturbances.
- Capacity Building: Training personnel involved in crowd management on safety protocols and crowd control techniques. Educating the public on safe behavior during events to prevent panic and stampedes.
Parameters for Planning and Management:
- Type of Event: Whether it's religious, educational, sports, entertainment, etc.
- Expected Crowd: Considering demographics like age, gender, and economic backgrounds.
- Crowd Motives: Understanding why attendees are coming (social, academic, religious, etc.).
- Venue: Assessing location, layout (open or closed), accessibility, and infrastructure.
- Stakeholders: Involving NGOs, local authorities, and community members to enhance coordination and support.

Notable Stampede Incidents

Moscow, Russia (1896): Over 1,000 deaths due to a crowd surge over souvenir rumors.
Allahabad, India (1954): Around 800 fatalities during the Kumbh Mela due to poor crowd control.
Lima, Peru (1963): 326 deaths after tear gas use during a football match triggered panic.
Wai, India (2005): Over 340 deaths during a temple pilgrimage due to slippery steps.

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Hathras Stampede

What is a Stampede?

Preventive Measures

NDMA’s guidelines for Crowd Management

Notable Stampede Incidents

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