DURING the last few years Pakistan has faced many man-made and natural disasters. It has been affected by floods, an earthquake, drought and cyclone that has created a threat to human society.
In recent years, such events left a huge number of population homeless, thousands of innocent people lost their lives, while children were separated from their families and left in a state of traumatic condition.
Hundreds of thousands have lost the means of livelihood. It is a deeply saddening fact that people affected by floods are still struggling to return to normal life.
If we take a look at the history of disasters, in the last decade Pakistan has faced three major disasters. In March 2000, millions of people were affected by drought, 2.5 million people were devastated and 78,000 died -- 17,000 of which were children -- after a massive earthquake in October 2005, while 2010 floods in all the four provinces killed at least 1,750 people, affecting 20 million. The floods were considered the worst in Pakistan’s history.
Keeping above examples in mind, one has no doubt that Pakistan has become more vulnerable to man-made and natural disasters. In order to lessen the effects of all such vulnerabilities, it is required to devise a multi-dimensional and comprehensive approach. In doing that we are required to have a political, as well an institutional, commitment in order to make availability of a competent force. It can only be done when training starts from school to professional college level.
If we take a look at the school syllabus, we find nothing that provides knowledge to children and youth at any level of their studies regarding disaster preparedness and management.
The government should devise comprehensive policies in order to revise syllabus that could focus on types of environmental hazards and disasters. The main objective of this exercise should be emerging approaches in disaster reduction and management.
Once it is agreed to have disaster preparedness, mitigation and awareness imparted to youngsters right from the beginning, effects of such events can be mitigated. In this way we would also be able to have more understanding of disaster preparedness and management at all levels.
Recently a book I’m prepared for emergencies has been published by WHO. It is about preparing young minds that deal with the information to stay safe and prepared in every situation. The theme of the book is to equip with the information of how to be prepared for emergencies.
The book is divided into four key segments of understanding to have a more comprehensive approach towards emergencies like knowing, planning and practising.
The book is divided into four coloured pictorial stories to catch the attention of children and provides them with valuable information on earthquakes, floods, extreme heat, and drought.
There would be rather a little effect of emergencies resulting from disasters if we know how to approach and deal with the situation.
To achieve the task, the government should devise a plan, such as revision of syllabus, including action-oriented approaches to disasters, preparedness and management in textbooks for schools, colleges and universities.
AMJAD ALI SURHIO Dadu