Thursday, July 29, 2010

Chaos when disaster strikes

Awhile ago when a severe earthquake hit Pakistan’s north and even Islamabad, the nation as well as the government was at utter quandary. No one really seemed to know what to do and how to handle the chaotic situation. Plane after plane landed at Islamabad International airport but there was no mechanism to absorb the aid and disperse it to the people who needed it the most. The fall of Margalla Towers in Islamabad was a similar site as were all other quake hot affected areas. There was a complete breakdown of services network. Had it not been for the Pakistan Army, the management of the disaster hit areas would have been from possible.

After the quake, many organizations like NDMA and ERRA were formed, but their actualization till date remains a far cry. Because these organizations, still largely managed by the army have no effective participation of the civil / local governments.

And the yesterday’s crash of the Air Blue airbus at Margalla Hills, Islamabad was yet another repetition of a ill-managed effort. Everyone rushed to the rushed site and crowded the area. No one really knowing what to do. There was no central body to manage, coordinate and organize the rescue work...... Read more

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