natural disasters - a persistent threat to human security in pakistan

Natural Disasters

A Persistent threat to Human Security in Pakistan

Taimur Shan

“Threats and Conflicts: Human Security in the 21st Century”

A Public Conference

April 23, 2015

What is a Disaster?

According to International Federation of Red Cross (IFRC)

Any event that could lead to a respond beyond the capacity of a local community is termed as a disaster (Ifrc.org, 2015).

When hazard meets vulnerability

What is NOT a Disaster?

Any event occurring beyond our control but not affecting humans directly or indirectly.

Type of Disasters

• Natural Disasters• Man-made Disasters

Pakistan in the light of Natural and Man-made disasters

Geography

Loss Assessment

• Unavailability of latest data to assess human loss.• No local mechanism for early loss assessment.• Performed by International organizations at a later stage.• Time consuming.

Disaster Response

• State’s response• Local Press & Media response

Major Natural and Man-made Disasters in Pakistan (2005-2015)

Disaster Year Deaths Affected Population

[1] Earthquake

2005 73, 338 2,869, 142

[2] Flood

2010 1, 985 20,202,327

Military Operations (SWAT, South & North Waziristan)

2007-2014 [3] 52, 000 [4] 3 million

Lessons Learnt

• Develop mechanisms at state level for the assessment of losses.

• Equip Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) with state-of-the-art

• Capacity building of the National Disaster Management Authority for early recovery and post disaster management.

• Build a National Trauma Centre.

Conclusion

“Pakistan’s largest city Karachi, home to around 18 million people, could be “wiped out” by a tsunami. The simulated drills had shown that in the eventuality of a major earthquake it could create waves of 0.9 to seven metres high that could reach and devastate Karachi in a matter of hours.”