Kutch). This puts even Karachi in close proximity of the possibility of a major earthquake. Even Lahore suffered devastation by the Kangra earthquake back in 1905.
Every earthquake of intensity leaves behind tales of tears and trails of terror and a lesson to be learnt – the lesson to lessen the terror and tears of an earthquake. The lesson to never ever again let corruption turn government schools into rickety skeletons condemned to be the mortuary of their pupils and to never let towering oversights like Margalla Towers overshadow hopes of lives under them. The lesson for all of us to build houses, not cemeteries.
NDMA was formed in 2007. Something is better than nothing, some would say. Now we at least have something in times of need, some others would say. But everyone would agree that we must make ourselves do more. Things like training doctors and paramedics to save lives and limbs amid earthquakes instead of embarking upon a spree of mass amputations. Like creating mass awareness on how to build houses that could hold ground on shaky earth, and what to look for in big housing projects as signs of veritable earthquake resistance. And like educating the people on how to deal with an earthquake.
Countries like Japan and New Zealand nestled on restless grounds have learned how to live with the undependability of the land underneath. Every month earthquake drills are held in Japanese schools during which alarms sound and children retreat under their desks to shelter from falling debris. All offices and many private houses in Japan have earthquake emergency kits. Offices and schools also keep hard-hats and gloves for use in the event of a quake.
Construction damage is reduced due to uncompromising adherence to strict building regulations (can we imagine that in our plundered city of Karachi?). In New Zealand building regulations ensure that earthquake shaking is taken into account in the building design.
Pakistan should establish a joint earthquake public safety organisation with Nepal to create constantly upgraded mass public awareness on survival against earthquakes ranging from construction codes to school and office drills. The public body should consist of highly trained seismologists, safety and rescue experts and medical professionals with non-profit participation of personnel from relevant nongovernmental organisations not only from Pakistan and Nepal but also from China and other countries like Japan and New Zealand.
Pakistan’s armed forces have vast and impressive experience and expertise in rescue operations. Representatives from Pakistan, Nepal and China’s armed forces will add essential functional value to the proposed body.
Nepal’s recent earthquake should help Pakistan and Nepal be better prepared for the next time an earthquake visits us again.
Email: moazzamhai@yahoo.com
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