natural disasters - a persistent threat to human security in pakistan
TRANSCRIPT
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.”