Disaster management and mitigation is a specialized field. In this context, could rescue operations have be sped up if the State had a permanent National Disaster Management Framework (NDMF) Battalion stationed? Were there adequate State police personnel trained in disaster management? NGOs can often render invaluable service in times of such natural crisis. Were they involved?

This is not the time to preach and say that – this or that could have been done. In the aftermath of the catastrophic Himalayan tsunami, introspection of the entire situation from day one needs to be done to see whether the steps taken were prompt, proper and adequate. The idea is to learn from our inadequacies and deficiencies to set things rolling in the right direction. Though the Himalayan tsunami, in scale and magnitude was a thousand times bigger than the tragedy in Aizawl, a few parallels can be drawn, not in all but some respects.  

Role of NDMA, NDRF and SDRF

The National Disaster Management Agency, the apex body for disaster management in the country has stationed National Disaster Response Force Battalions in various parts of the country. NDMA had asked the Uttarakhand Government permission to station a permanent NDRF Battalion in the State two years ago. But the permission never came. Had there been an NDRF Battalion, definitely, to some extent they could have make a difference. NDMA through NDRF has been building capacity, of State police personnel in areas of disaster management, especially search, rescue and relief measures. States need to take this exercise seriously as disaster can strike at any time. States need to invest their time and resources in enhancing their disaster management systems. The response and work of the State Disaster Response Forces trained by NDRF are crucial during calamities.

The major landslip in a residential area of Aizawl in May this year was the test for the State’s State Disaster Response Force (SDRF). The entire exercise of search and rescue missions was in their hands, their performance and dedication was indeed exemplary. The training they received from NDRF gave them the required insight to deal effectively and evolve quick responses on ground to expedite the recovery of bodies.

Involvement of NGOs

During such times, a lot of ordinary people want to do their bit and get involved in the relief and rehabilitation process. It is through NGOs and even Government organizations like the Nehru Yuva Kendras, National Service Scheme cells, etc that people can contribute to ease the sufferings of others. Avenues for their training and involvement need to be factored in disaster management plans and their role clearly drawn. Mizoram is lucky to have an NGO like the Young Mizo Association that never fails the people in times of need. The YMA coordinated rescue operations during the landslip incident very well and also managed to collect more than Rs 80 lakhs for those who lost everything. In hill States and tribal societies, communities are close knit which makes it easier to bring people together for a common cause.

The Power of Social Media

In today’s fast paced world,  one of the best ways to put out information so that it reaches people is online media, especially social media. It was reassuring to see Google products used to search for people. The power of online media and the reach of social media need to be explored so that these can be used to the maximal.

Pratap Chhetri