MUET 9 AUGUST 2017
5
Making the most of infographics
6&7
Listening and reading
8
Student essay and teacher analysis
When lightning strikes
By MAWAR MUSTAFA
WHAT do you feel when you are in the middle of a thunderstorm? For some people, it strikes fear in their hearts. While thunder may not hurt you – except for the ringing in your ears if it is really loud – lightning certainly can! Malaysia is one of the world’s top lightning hotspots. Do you know that we have one of the highest number of lightning strikes in the world? On March 15, 2017, The Star reported that Malaysia gets more than one million lightning strikes a year. As unpleasant as it is to hear the booming sound of thunder, it is nevertheless important to pay attention when you hear it. Thunderstorms occur in every state, and every thunderstorm is accompanied by lightning. Lightning is very dangerous. It can strike people and buildings, and cause considerable damage, as well as loss of life. According to Universiti Putra Malaysia’s Centre for Electromagnetic and Lightning
Protection Research (CELP) director Prof Dr Mohd Zainal Abidin Ab Kadir, lightning killed 112 people and injured 156 people from 2008 up to March 14, 2017.
ACTIVITY 1
Most lightning deaths and injuries occur when people are caught outdoors, says the Malaysian Meteorological Department. Thus, it is extremely important to check weather conditions before going on outdoor activities. Lightning can strike anytime throughout the year, while thunderstorms are most likely to happen during inter-monsoon seasons, between April and May, and from October to November. Over land, thunderstorms usually develop in the afternoon and evening. Over sea, they usually strike at night. Based on the infographic below, what advice would you give to the different groups of people (listed in the table on the right), in the event of a thunderstorm?
Before the storm...
Watch for signs of approaching storms.
When thunderstorm approaches... Move to a sturdy building or car. Do not take shelter in small sheds or under isolated trees.
If there is lightning and a sturdy shelter is not available, get inside a car and keep the windows shut. Do not take a bath or shower.
Turn off air-conditioners. Power surges from lightning can overload the compressors.
Get to higher ground if flash flooding is possible.
Postpone outdoor activities if thunderstorms are imminent. Get out of boats and away from water. Telephone lines and metal pipes can conduct electricity. Avoid using the telephone or electrical appliances. Use phones only in an emergency. Unplug appliances when not in use.
If you are driving on highways or flyovers, be alert to strong gusts.
If caught outdoors and there is no shelter nearby...
Shelter in a low spot – away from trees, fences and poles – that is not subject to flooding. Source: Malaysian Meteorological Department
If you feel your skin tingle or your hair stand on end, squat low to the ground. Place your hands on your knees with your head between them. Make yourself the smallest target possible, and minimise your contact with the ground.
ADVICE
1. A family having a picnic in a park
Move to a sturdy building. Do not take shelter in small sheds or under isolated trees. If a sturdy shelter is not available, get inside a car and keep the windows shut.
2. A travelling salesman driving on the North-South Expressway 3. A group of jungle trekkers 4. A group of students in a lecture hall 5. Adults and children swimming in the sea 6. A fishing boat out in the sea with a crew of 10 fishermen 7. A boy playing games on his mobile phone 8. A building crew working in an unfinished building
ACTIVITY 2
Tips on thunderstorm and lightning safety
Check the weather forecast before leaving for extended periods outdoors.
PEOPLE
If you are in a forested area, take shelter under the shorter trees. If you are boating or swimming, get to land and find shelter immediately.
Thunderstorms bring heavy rain which can lead to flash flooding. As floodwaters recede, the danger may not be over for those affected. They may be infected by diseases as shown in the infographic below. Imagine a scenario at a relief centre for flood victims where a doctor is examining some patients. In groups of four, role-play the scene, with one of you playing the role of a doctor and at least two of you playing the role of patients. In the role-play, the patients have to provide the doctor with information about their symptoms, while the doctor has to ask questions to be able to diagnose them correctly. The doctor will also have to explain how they could have contracted the diseases and advise them on health and safety precautions.
Common diseases after floods
Symptoms: ● High fever ● Headache ● Muscle pain ● Eye redness
● Gastrointestinal problems such as diarrhoea and nausea
TYPHOID Cause: Salmonella Typhi bacteria deposited in water or food by a human carrier
Symptoms: ● High fever ● Headache ● Disorientation ● Lethargy
● Gastrointestinal problems such as diarrhoea and nausea
MELIOIDOSIS Cause: Burkholderia pseudomallei bacteria found in contaminated water
Symptoms: ● High fever ● Headache ● Muscle pain ● Localised swelling
● Respiratory problems such as cough, chest pains and breathing difficulties
DENGUE Cause: Virus carried by Aedes mosquitoes
Symptoms: ● High fever ● Pain behind the eyes ● Nausea
● Skin rashes that appear two to five days after fever ● Severe joint and muscle pain
LEPTOSPIROSIS Cause: Contact with water contaminated by rodent urine
Health and safety precautions to take during and after floods Thoroughly cook and boil food and water before consumption
Wash hands with clean water and soap before preparing meals, after going to the toilet, and after being exposed to floodwaters
Avoid eating food that has been exposed
Do not play in floodwaters Source: Health Ministry