Natural Disasters: Nature's Wrath

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26 Feb 2024
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Natural Disasters: Definition, Types and Effects

Natural disasters are events that cause serious damage to people, the environment and property through the powerful and destructive effects of nature. These disasters occur as a result of various natural processes on earth and are often unpredictable and uncontrollable. Here is the definition, types and effects of natural disasters:

1. Definition

Natural disasters cover a broad category that includes a variety of natural events such as earthquakes, storms, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, floods, droughts and fires. These disasters are often sudden and severe and can endanger people's lives and safety.

2. Types

a. Earthquakes : These are vibrations that occur as a result of movements in the earth's crust. Major earthquakes can destroy buildings, damage infrastructure and cause loss of life.
b. Storms : Meteorological events that include strong winds, rain, hail and lightning. Storms such as hurricanes, typhoons, and tornadoes can cause damage and inundation along with floods over large areas.
c. Tsunamis : Refers to giant waves caused by submarine earthquakes, volcanic eruptions or other large explosions in the sea. Tsunamis can cause serious destruction and loss of life in coastal areas.
D. Volcanic Eruptions : These are events that occur as a result of magma rising to the surface and erupting. Volcanic eruptions are associated with a variety of hazards, such as lava flows, ash and gas clouds, and pyroclastic flows.
to. Floods : Floods that occur when water levels rise as a result of heavy rainfall, dam collapses or snow melt. Floods can inundate homes and infrastructure in low-lying areas and cause loss of life.
f. Drought : Prolonged and extreme drought can threaten food security and economic prosperity by affecting agriculture and water resources.
g. Fires : Dry and hot weather conditions can trigger fires due to natural causes as well as human negligence. Fires can destroy forests, homes and infrastructure and cause loss of life.

3. Effects

The effects of natural disasters can be serious in economic, environmental and social dimensions. These effects may include:

  • Deaths and injuries
  • Homelessness and migration
  • Infrastructure damage
  • Farming losses and food insecurity
  • Economic losses and property damage
  • Environmental pollution and ecosystem destruction
  • Psychological effects and trauma

Natural disasters test the resilience of people and societies and require the adoption of strategies such as emergency preparedness, disaster management and risk reduction measures.
This article provides basic information about the definition, types and effects of natural disasters. Preventing or mitigating the effects of these disasters is an important step to increase the safety and resilience of societies.

Earthquakes: A Review with Visuals

Entrance:
Earthquakes are seismic waves that occur as a result of the breaking of fault lines in the earth's crust. These waves can cause ground tremors, collapse of buildings, and even tsunamis. Earthquakes occur all over the world, but more frequently and more severely in regions where fault lines are more active.
Examination of Earthquakes with Visuals:
1. Fault Lines:
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fault lines
Fault lines are broken or cracked areas in the earth's crust. The energy accumulated along these lines is released when the fault line breaks and causes an earthquake.
2. Earthquake Waves:

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earthquake waves
Earthquakes produce seismic waves in the earth's crust. These waves are divided into three main types: P waves, S waves and surface waves. P waves are the fastest and most destructive waves. S waves are slower than P waves but can cause more damage. Surface waves are the slowest waves, but they cause the most shaking.
3. Earthquake Effects:

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Buildings affected by earthquake
Earthquakes can cause buildings to collapse, roads and bridges to collapse, landslides and tsunamis. This may lead to loss of life and property.
4. Preparation for Earthquakes:

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earthquake drill
It is very important to be prepared for earthquakes in advance. Buildings must be earthquake resistant, emergency plans must be made and earthquake drills must be carried out.
Conclusion:
Earthquakes are considered natural disasters and are difficult to predict. However, being prepared for earthquakes in advance can help reduce loss of life and property.

The Greatest Earthquakes in World History and Their Results

Many large earthquakes have occurred throughout world history. These earthquakes caused great loss of life and property. The largest earthquakes and their consequences are:
1. Chile Earthquake (1960): This earthquake, which had a magnitude of 9.5, was the largest earthquake recorded in world history. The earthquake caused great destruction in Chile and killed approximately 1,655 people. The tsunami that occurred after the earthquake crossed the Pacific Ocean and reached Hawaii and Japan, causing destruction there as well.
2. Alaska Earthquake (1964): This earthquake, with a magnitude of 9.2, was the largest earthquake recorded in US history. The earthquake caused great destruction in Alaska and killed 131 people. The tsunami that occurred after the earthquake hit the coast of Alaska and caused great damage.
3. Sumatra Earthquake and Tsunami (2004): This earthquake with a magnitude of 9.1 caused a large tsunami in the Indian Ocean. The tsunami hit countries such as Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India and Thailand and caused the death of approximately 230,000 people.
4. Japan Earthquake and Tsunami (2011): This earthquake with a magnitude of 9.0 caused great destruction in Japan and killed approximately 15,897 people. The tsunami that occurred after the earthquake hit the east coast of Japan and caused great damage.
5. Nepal Earthquake (2015): This earthquake with a magnitude of 7.8 caused great destruction in Nepal and killed approximately 8,848 people. The earthquake also caused the collapse of many historical buildings.
These earthquakes show how destructive earthquakes can be. It is very important to be prepared for earthquakes and take the necessary precautions.
To be prepared for earthquakes:

  • Make sure buildings are earthquake resistant.
  • Make emergency plans and share them with your family.
  • Participate in earthquake drills.
  • Prepare an earthquake bag.
  • Create an emergency communications plan.
  • Learn the earthquake risk of the area you live in.
  • Learn what to do during and after an earthquake.

Being prepared for earthquakes can save lives.
Additional Information:

  • The Richter scale is a scale used to measure the magnitude of earthquakes. Each full numerical increase in the Richter scale indicates that the earthquake's oscillation increases by a factor of 10.
  • The Mercalli scale is a scale used to measure the intensity of earthquakes felt on the ground. There are 12 levels on the Mercalli scale. Level 1 indicates that the earthquake was not felt, and level 12 indicates that the earthquake was very severe and caused great destruction.



Images from Great Earthquakes

1. Chile Earthquake (1960):
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en.wikipedia.org
2. Alaska Earthquake (1964):

en.wikipedia.org
3. Sumatra Earthquake and Tsunami (2004):

en.wikipedia.org

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5. Nepal Earthquake (2015):
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These images show the destruction that large earthquakes can cause.
Additional Images:

  • Fault Lines:


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  • Earthquake Waves:

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  • Earthquake Effects:

Storms: Indicator of Nature's Power

Storms are one of nature's most powerful and impressive events. When the wind speed exceeds 74 kilometers per hour, it is called a storm. Storms occur due to pressure differences in the atmosphere. The meeting of warm and cold air masses is one of the most important factors that cause storms to occur.
Storm Types:

  • Tropical Storms: Storms that form over the sea in tropical regions and can reach speeds of more than 119 kilometers per hour. Hurricanes are also a type of tropical storms.
  • Mid-Latitude Storms: These are storms that are weaker than tropical storms and generally occur in temperate latitudes.
  • Winter Storms: Storms that occur during the winter months with snow and ice.

Effects of Storms:
Storms have many effects, including high winds, heavy rain, hail, and storm surge. These effects may cause loss of life and property, power outages, transportation disruptions and damage.
Preparing for Storms:
It is very important to be prepared for storms in advance.

  • Follow the weather forecast.
  • Prepare an emergency plan.
  • Make sure your home and garden are storm proof.
  • Prepare an emergency kit.
  • Stay home during a storm and take necessary precautions.

Storms are a display of the power of nature. Being prepared for storms in advance can prevent loss of life and property.
Additional Information:

  • Bofor Scale: It is a scale used to measure the intensity of the wind. There are 12 levels on the Bofor scale. Level 0 indicates that no wind is felt, level 12 indicates that there is a hurricane.
  • Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale: A scale used to measure the intensity of hurricanes. On this scale, hurricanes are classified from category 1 to category 5. Category 5 hurricanes are the most intense hurricanes.


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Tsunamis: The Power of Giant Waves

Entrance:
Tsunamis are giant waves that occur as a result of events such as seafloor earthquakes, volcanic eruptions or undersea landslides. These waves are often unnoticed in the open sea, but as they approach the shore, they gain height and speed, turning into a destructive force.
Formation of Tsunamis:
1. Earthquakes: Seismic waves generated by the breaking of fault lines on the sea floor are the most common cause of tsunamis.
2. Volcanic Eruptions: Large volcanic eruptions can cause tsunamis by throwing large amounts of rock and ash into the sea.
3. Submarine Landslides: The sliding of large rocks or soil masses on the seabed can also cause tsunamis.
Characteristics of Tsunamis:

  • Tsunamis travel at speeds of up to 800 kilometers per hour in the open sea.
  • As you approach the shore, the wave height increases and can exceed 30 meters.
  • Tsunamis can come in multiple waves and last for hours.

Effects of Tsunamis:

  • Tsunamis can flood coastal areas, causing loss of life and property.
  • It can destroy buildings and infrastructure and sweep away cars and ships.
  • Salt water flooding farmland can cause long-term damage.

Preparation Against Tsunamis:

  • Early warning systems can warn of the approach of tsunamis, triggering evacuations and other measures.
  • It is important to build tsunami-resistant buildings in coastal areas and identify tsunami risk areas.
  • Tsunami education and awareness efforts can help people learn how to protect against these disasters.

Tsunamis are one of nature's most destructive forces. However, being prepared in advance and taking the necessary precautions can significantly reduce the loss of life and property.
Images:
1. Fault Lines:
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fault lines
2. Tsunami Waves:
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tsunami waves
3. Tsunami Effects:
4. Tsunami Warning System:
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Tsunami warning system
5th Tsunami Exercise:
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The Largest Tsunamis Ever Experienced

Tsunamis are giant waves that occur as a result of events such as seafloor earthquakes, volcanic eruptions or undersea landslides. These waves can flood coastal areas, causing loss of life and property.
Many large tsunamis have occurred throughout history. The biggest of these are:
1. 1960 Chile Earthquake and Tsunami: This earthquake, which had a magnitude of 9.5, was recorded as the largest earthquake in the world. The tsunami that occurred after the earthquake crossed the Pacific Ocean and reached Hawaii and Japan, causing the death of more than 2,000 people.
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en.wikipedia.org
1960 Chile Earthquake and Tsunami
2. 2004 Indian Ocean Earthquake and Tsunami: This earthquake with a magnitude of 9.1 caused a large tsunami in the Indian Ocean. The tsunami hit countries such as Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India and Thailand and caused the death of more than 230,000 people.
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en.wikipedia.org
2004 Indian Ocean Earthquake and Tsunami
3. 2011 Tōhoku Earthquake and Tsunami: This earthquake with a magnitude of 9.0 caused a large tsunami in Japan. The tsunami hit the east coast of Japan and caused the death of 15,897 people.
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2011 Tōhoku Earthquake and Tsunami
4. The Great Hurricane of 1780: This hurricane, which occurred in the Caribbean, caused a tsunami, also known as a storm surge. The tsunami hit islands such as Barbados and Martinique and killed more than 22,000 people.
5. 1883 Krakatoa Volcano Eruption and Tsunami: The eruption of the Krakatoa volcano in Indonesia caused a huge tsunami. The tsunami hit the islands of Java and Sumatra and killed more than 36,000 people.
These tsunamis are one of nature's most destructive forces. However, being prepared in advance and taking the necessary precautions can significantly reduce the loss of life and property.


Volcanic Eruptions: The Power of Nature

Volcanic eruptions are natural events that occur when molten magma underground rises to the surface and explodes. These explosions can have different intensities and shapes depending on various factors.
Causes of Volcanic Eruptions:

  • Tectonic Plates: The movement of tectonic plates can cause magma to reach the earth's surface through weak points in the crust.
  • Magma Pressure: Magma accumulation underground can increase the pressure of the magma and lead to an explosion.
  • Volcanic Gases: Accumulation of gases in magma and increased pressure can also cause an eruption.

Types of Volcanic Eruptions:

  • Skating Eruptions: These eruptions are characterized by a relatively calm flow of lava.
  • Pelean Eruptions: These eruptions are eruptions in which highly viscous clouds of lava and ash are explosively ejected.
  • Plinian Eruptions: These eruptions are the most violent type of explosion in which very large ash clouds are thrown into the atmosphere.

Effects of Volcanic Eruptions:

  • Lava and Ash: Lava and ash can destroy buildings and infrastructure, destroy farmland, and endanger human and animal life.
  • Volcanic Gases: Volcanic gases can be toxic and cause respiratory problems.
  • Volcanic Tsunami: Underwater volcanic eruptions or volcanic slope collapses can cause tsunamis.
  • Climate Change: Large volcanic eruptions can release large amounts of ash and gas into the atmosphere, leading to changes in global climate.

Preparation for Volcanic Eruptions:

  • Volcanic Risk Maps: Volcanic risk maps can be used to identify potentially hazardous areas and create evacuation plans.
  • Early Warning Systems: Early warning systems can be used to predict volcanic eruptions and warn people.
  • Education and Awareness Raising: It is important for communities to be informed about the risks of volcanic eruptions and methods of protection.

Volcanic eruptions are one of nature's most destructive forces. However, being prepared in advance and taking the necessary precautions can significantly reduce the loss of life and property.
Resources:


Floods: The Destructive Power of Nature

Floods are natural disasters that occur due to various reasons such as excessive rainfall, overflowing rivers or sea level rise. It is common in many parts of the world and can cause loss of life and property, damage to infrastructure and losses in agricultural production.
Causes of Floods:

  • Excessive Precipitation: Heavy rain falling in a short period of time or prolonged downpours can exceed the water retention capacity of soil and water basins and lead to floods.
  • Snow Melt: Rapid melting of snow in high-altitude regions during the spring months can cause floods by suddenly increasing the flow of rivers.
  • Storms: Severe storms, such as tropical storms and hurricanes, can cause flooding in coastal areas and low-lying areas due to excessive rainfall and wind.
  • Sea Level Rise: The rise in sea level due to global warming puts coastal areas under greater flood threat.

Effects of Floods:

  • Loss of Life and Property: Floods can drown or sweep away people, destroy buildings and infrastructure, causing loss of life and property.
  • Infrastructure Damage: Floods can disrupt transportation, communications and energy by destroying roads, bridges, power lines and other infrastructure facilities.
  • Losses in Agricultural Production: Floods can inundate agricultural lands, damaging crops and livestock, and causing food shortages and economic losses.

Fighting Floods:

  • Flood Prevention Works: Flood prevention works such as levees, dams, canals and irrigation systems can play an important role in reducing the risk of floods.
  • Early Warning Systems: Establishing early warning systems in areas at risk of flooding can enable people to evacuate and take necessary precautions.
  • Disaster Management: Improving disaster planning and emergency response capacity can help minimize damages caused by floods.

Floods are a demonstration of the destructive power of nature. However, being prepared in advance and taking the necessary precautions can significantly reduce the loss of life and property.
Additional Information:

  • Floods in Turkey: Turkey is a country with a high risk of floods. Floods occur in many regions every year.
  • Floods around the World: Floods are common in many parts of the world. Asia and Africa are the regions most affected by floods.

Resources:


  • China Floods of 1931:


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  • China Floods of 1931
  • 1970 East Pakistan Cyclone:




  • en.wikipedia.org
  • 2004 Indian Ocean Earthquake and Tsunami
  • 2011 Tōhoku Earthquake and Tsunami:



Drought: Destruction of the Source of Life

Drought is defined as rainfall significantly below normal and reduced water resources. This situation causes negative effects in many areas such as agriculture, water resources, human health and economy.
Causes of Drought:

  • Climate Change: Global warming increases the risk of drought by changing precipitation patterns.
  • El Niño and La Niña: These natural climate events can cause drought in some areas.
  • Excessive Water Use: Excessive use of groundwater and pollution of water resources can further exacerbate drought.

Effects of Drought:

  • Losses in Agricultural Production: Drought causes losses in agricultural production by causing crops to dry out and animals to become dehydrated.
  • Water Shortage: Drought can lead to shortage of drinking water and irrigation water.
  • Health Problems: Drought can cause health problems due to food shortages and contamination of water resources.
  • Economic Losses: Drought can lead to economic losses in sectors such as agriculture and tourism.

Fighting Drought:

  • Saving Water: Saving water is the most important step in combating drought.
  • Protection of Water Resources: Excessive use of groundwater and pollution of water resources should be prevented.
  • Drought-Tolerant Crops: Growing drought-tolerant crops can reduce losses in agricultural production.
  • Development of Irrigation Systems: Using efficient irrigation systems can ensure more effective use of water resources.

Drought is nature's warning to us. We all have a responsibility to protect our water resources and combat drought.
Additional Information:

  • Drought in Turkey: Turkey is a country with a high risk of drought. Especially in recent years, the impact of drought has been increasing.
  • Drought in the World: Drought is common in many parts of the world. Africa and the Middle East are the regions most affected by drought.

Resources:

Images:


Forest Fires: Disaster that Disrupts the Balance of Nature

Forest fires are one of nature's most devastating and distressing disasters. Every year, forest fires occur in many parts of the world and cause loss of life and property, infrastructure damage and disruption to the natural balance.
Causes of Forest Fires:

  • Human Activities: The biggest cause of forest fires is human activities. Carelessness at picnics, burning stubble, arson and faults in power lines are the main causes of forest fires.
  • Lightning Strike: Lightning strike is also a natural cause of forest fires.
  • Drought: During periods of drought, forest areas ignite more easily and fires spread faster.
  • Wind: Strong winds cause fires to grow rapidly and become difficult to control.

Effects of Forest Fires:

  • Loss of Life and Property: Forest fires threaten human life and cause houses, workplaces and other structures to burn.
  • Destruction of Natural Balance: Forest fires destroy natural habitats, damage flora and fauna and destroy biodiversity.
  • Soil Erosion: Forest fires erode the soil and cause floods.
  • Air Pollution: Forest fires cause air pollution by releasing large amounts of smoke and greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.

Fighting Forest Fires:

  • Preventing Forest Fires: It is very important to develop human awareness and take necessary precautions to prevent forest fires.
  • Early Warning Systems: Early warning systems allow fires to be detected at the initial stage and rapid intervention.
  • Fire Fighting Teams: Fire fighting teams prevent fires from growing by quickly and effectively intervening.
  • Air Vehicles: Air vehicles such as helicopters and planes play an important role in fire extinguishing efforts.

Forest fires are nature's warning to us. We all have a duty to protect our forests and fight forest fires.
Additional Information:

  • Forest Fires in Turkey: Turkey is a country with a high risk of forest fires. Especially in the summer months, forest fires occur in many regions.
  • Forest Fires in the World: Forest fires are common in many parts of the world. The Mediterranean basin, Australia and the United States are the regions most affected by forest fires.

Resources:

  • General Directorate of Forestry: https://www.ogm.gov.tr/
  • World Wildlife Fund: [invalid URL removed]
  • United Nations Environment Programme: [invalid URL removed]

Images:


The Largest Forest Fires in History

Forest fires have existed as a destructive force throughout human history. These fires caused loss of life and property, infrastructure damage and disruption to the natural balance. There have been many large forest fires in history. The most important of these are:
1. The Great Fire of 1785: This fire, which started in New Brunswick, Canada in 1785 and continued for about 3 months, destroyed 2 million acres of forest area.
2. 1871 Peshtigo Fire: This fire, which started in Wisconsin, United States in 1871, destroyed 1.2 million acres of forest and caused the death of 1,500 people.
3. The Great Fire of 1910: This fire, which started in 1910 in Idaho, United States, destroyed 3 million acres of forest area and caused the death of 87 people.
4. 1939 Black Friday Bush Fire: This fire, which started in Australia in 1939, destroyed 2 million acres of forest area and caused the death of 71 people.
5. 1987 Black Monday Fire: This fire, which started in Australia in 1987, destroyed 11 million acres of forest area and caused the death of 48 people.
6. 2003 Siberian Taiga Fire: This fire, which started in Russia in 2003, destroyed 20 million acres of forest area.
7. 2009 Black Saturday Fire: This fire, which started in Australia in 2009, destroyed 4.7 million acres of forest area and caused the death of 173 people.
8. 2018 California Wildfires: These fires, which started in 2018 in California, United States, destroyed 1.7 million acres of forest area and caused the death of 103 people.
9. 2020 Australian Forest Fires: These fires, which started in Australia in 2019-2020, destroyed 46 million acres of forest area and caused the death of 34 people.
10. 2023 Turkey Forest Fires: These fires, which started in Turkey in 2023, destroyed 350 thousand hectares of forest area and caused the death of 8 people.
As can be seen, most of the largest forest fires in history have occurred in the last 100 years. This can be attributed to the increase in drought and the risk of forest fires due to the effects of global warming and climate change.
Forest fires are nature's warning to us. We all have a duty to protect our forests and fight forest fires.
Additional Information:

  • Forest fires are common in many parts of the world every year.
  • Forest fires cause loss of life and property, infrastructure damage and disruption to the natural balance.
  • It is very important to develop human awareness and take necessary precautions to prevent forest fires.
  • Firefighters, aircraft and many other teams and vehicles are involved in responding to forest fires.

Resources:

  • General Directorate of Forestry: https://www.ogm.gov.tr/
  • World Wildlife Fund: [invalid URL removed]
  • United Nations Environment Programme: [invalid URL removed]


Forest Fires Images

Wildfires are one of nature's most destructive forces. Below are some images showing the damage caused by wildfires:
1. Forest Fires:
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2. Causes of Forest Fires:
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3. Effects of Forest Fires:
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4. Fighting Forest Fires:
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5. Great Forest Fires in History:
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www.haberet.com
6. Forest Fires in Turkey:
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www.ogm.gov.tr
7. Preventing Forest Fires:
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8. Information about Forest Fires:
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9. Helping with Wildfires:
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10. After Wildfires:
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These images show the devastation caused by forest fires and the work required to combat this disaster. We all have a duty to protect our forests and fight forest fires.
Additional Information:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mN94_9x0xGA

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