Floods and Earthquakes: How Prepared is Kasheer?
FEATUREDSOCIETYEDUCATIONEARTH AND ENVIRONMENT
The session brought together experts in disaster management, engineering, and geology to discuss Kasheer’s vulnerability to natural disasters. The discussion compared the 2005 earthquake and the 2014 floods, outlining their immediate and long-term impacts on life, property, and the environment. Additionally, the panel analyzed the effectiveness of international response technologies and debated the challenges—such as substandard construction and weak accountability—that hamper Kasheer’s readiness for future disasters, while also considering potential strategies for better individual and systemic preparedness.
Floods and Earthquakes in Kasheer: How Prepared is Kasheer?
Overview of Session and Panelists
The program hosted a live discussion with three expert panelists:
Bilquees Dar, Consultant Disaster Management, provided insights on disaster response strategies and historical data.
Iftikar Kakroo, Chief Engineer at Srinagar Smart City Ltd (SSCL), focused on urban planning and the engineering challenges inherent in the region.
Ashiq Hussain Bhat, Assistant Professor of Geology at SP College Srinagar, explained the geological causes behind seismic events and flood phenomena.
Discussion Points
Regional Vulnerability and Natural Disaster Frequency:
Statistics and Comparisons: The panel examined data on the frequency of natural disasters such as floods, earthquakes, landslides, avalanches, and wildfires in Kasheer compared to nearby regions and countries. They noted that Kasheer is particularly susceptible to severe flooding and earthquake hazards.
Key Susceptibility Factors: Natural predisposition to seismic activity compounded by man-made factors increases the overall risk. Rapid urbanization and deficient town planning were pinpointed as major contributors to the region's vulnerability.
Historical Events Analysis:
2005 Earthquake: The discussion recognized that while the seismic nature of such events leaves limited scope for prevention, understanding the inherent risks remains crucial.
2014 Floods: The panel dissected the factors that led to the 2014 floods. They considered the interplay of natural heavy rainfall with man-made influences such as urban expansion, inadequate flood channels, poor irrigation management, and deforestation. They also assessed how the flow and form of river Jahlim exacerbated the flooding.
Impact on Kasheer: Both disasters had vast repercussions:
Socio-economic Impact: Extensive damage to infrastructure, loss of life, and disruption of economic activities were discussed.
Environmental and Health Effects: Short-term impacts included immediate humanitarian crises and property loss, whereas long-term effects involved ongoing health issues, environmental degradation, and sustained economic disruption.
Lessons Learned and Comparative International Practices:
Learning from Past Disasters: The experts explored whether Kasheer has sufficiently learned from the aftermath of the 2005 earthquake and 2014 floods. They also compared the situation to recent floods in neighboring regions like Pakistan, discussing what best practices Kasheer could adopt.
International Technologies and Response Measures: The session highlighted advanced disaster response strategies from high-risk regions such as Japan and China. The panel debated the potential for integrating technologies such as seismic shock absorbers, improved flood management systems, and comprehensive urban planning initiatives in Kasheer.
Systemic Barriers: Persistent issues were noted:
Substandard Construction: The use of inferior building materials driven by cost concerns was flagged as a major hazard.
Accountability and Awareness: The lack of stringent adherence to construction standards and accountability in implementing disaster preparedness protocols was seen as a significant hurdle.
Technological and Infrastructure Gaps: Despite advances in technology, the region still struggles to create a sustainable and uniformly safe response to natural disasters.
Forward-Looking Preparedness and Individual Action:
Future-Proofing Kasheer: The discussion concluded with a debate on whether Kasheer is ready to tackle future flooding events and earthquakes. The panelists stressed the need for integrated approaches that combine state-of-the-art engineering practices with robust disaster management policies.
Actionable Strategies: Suggestions included:
Embracing established international strategies adapted to local conditions.
Enhancing public awareness regarding construction standards and disaster preparedness.
Empowering individuals with knowledge and resources to become disaster-ready, while simultaneously urging policy makers to improve urban planning and enforce quality control in construction.