Facing natural disasters, especially earthquakes, during train travel can be a very scary experience for any passenger. When the ground beneath the tracks shakes in a train running at high-speed or normal speed, shocks and vibrations are felt in the bogies many times more than normal. In such an unexpected situation, most of the passengers leave their seats out of fear and start running towards the emergency window or the main gate of the coach. According to disaster management experts and the safety protocols of Indian Railways, running towards the door in a moving train can prove fatal. Jumping out of a moving train or standing near the door increases the risk of a serious accident due to derailment or loss of balance. In such times, remaining calm and taking the right steps can save your life.
The first human reaction to feel an earthquake is to run outside, but in the case of trains this rule works completely the other way:
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Train speed and jerk: When an earthquake occurs, the friction between the train wheels and the tracks becomes abnormal. There may be strong oscillations in the train. In such a situation, if you run into the aisle, you may lose balance and fall on the floor or may collide with other passengers and get injured.
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Danger of OHE high-tension wires: If the electric poles (OHE Masts) installed along the railway track bend or break due to an earthquake, 25,000 volt high-tension wires may dangle around the bogie doors or the track. In such a situation, trying to jump out can be fatal due to direct contact with electricity.
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Trench, bridge or tunnel risk: You do not know whether at the time the earthquake occurred, the train was passing near a high bridge (river bridge), a deep ditch or inside a tunnel. Peeking or jumping out of the door is like walking straight into the mouth of death.
The strategy to protect yourself by staying inside the train coach is considered to be the most effective:
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If you are on a lower berth: Immediately bend down and hold both ends of the seat or the iron frame below firmly with both hands. Cover your head and neck with both hands or a bag/pillow to avoid injury from heavy items falling from the rack above.
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If you are on upper or middle berth: Do not rush to get down immediately, as there is a risk of slipping down the stairs. Lie down on your stomach on the berth itself, hold the railing tightly and protect your head with a sheet or pillow.
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If you are in the toilet: If you are inside the toilet, hold the hand-rail (handle) on the wall firmly with both hands and squat on the ground. Do not immediately run out to open the door until the train slows down.
The biggest danger in strong earthquake vibrations is from heavy suitcases, trolley bags and luggage falling on the head. In Indian trains, heavy luggage is often kept on the upper rack. As soon as the shock occurs, items may start falling down. So if you are in the aisle or on a seat, immediately cover your head with your bag, jacket or hands and avoid looking upward so that no sharp object hits the eyes and face.
This question often comes in the minds of passengers whether the train should be stopped by pulling the alarm chain as soon as an earthquake is felt?
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Expert advice: Unless there is an absolutely unavoidable situation, passengers should avoid pulling the chain immediately. The loco pilot (train driver) gets immediate information about the situation from vibration on the tracks, fluctuations in the OHE line or emergency wireless message from the station master.
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Danger of stopping in a bridge or tunnel: If you pull the chain and the train stops midway on a long railway bridge, narrow tunnel or sharp turn, it becomes extremely dangerous to carry out rescue operations or rescue passengers. The driver assesses the situation and tries to stop the train at a controlled speed in an open, level and safe place.
Do not create panic immediately even after the train has stopped completely:
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Wait for instructions from railway staff: After the train stops, the train guard, TTE and RPF/GRP personnel go coach by coach and inspect the situation. Remain inside the bogie until they give instructions for safe evacuation.
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Do not descend towards the track: If instructions are given to alight, keep in mind that there is no other train suddenly coming on the railway track (Up/Down Track) in the opposite direction. Looking both ways, move towards safe open ground while supporting the elderly and children.
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Stay away from broken electrical wires: Do not touch any wires, poles or signal posts lying on the ground, as current may flow through them.