September 3, 2024
THIMPHU – In a world increasingly marked by the unpredictability of nature, disaster preparedness is an absolute necessity. The recent spate of extreme weather events—ranging from flash floods to landslides—has starkly reminded us of our vulnerability. These incidents have not only caused immense physical damage but have also exposed the cracks in our national readiness to face such calamities. With our fragile mountain ecosystems and climate-sensitive geography, we stand particularly at risk.
Our geography, while breathtaking, also predisposes us to a unique set of challenges. Being in the Himalayas, we are susceptible to a range of natural disasters—earthquakes, glacial lake outburst floods, landslides, and flash floods. These are not hypothetical scenarios but real threats that have already claimed lives and livelihoods. The question is not whether another disaster will strike, but when. And when it does, will we be ready?
The National Centre for Hydrology and Meteorology has already forecasted above-normal rainfall for the remainder of this monsoon season, with a heightened potential for extreme weather events. This is an urgent call for action. Yet, despite warnings, the pace of our preparedness efforts has been alarmingly slow. The lack of adequate infrastructure, insufficient synoptic-standard meteorological stations, and the absence of global atmospheric watch stations are just a few of the gaps in our disaster management framework. These shortcomings are compounded by weak internet connectivity at critical locations, which hampers real-time data collection and dissemination—essential components of effective disaster response.
Preparedness is not just about having a plan on paper; it is about being able to execute that plan under pressure, when lives are on the line. It is about ensuring that our first responders have the training, resources, and equipment they need to act swiftly and effectively. It is about educating our citizens on how to protect themselves and their communities when disaster strikes. And it is about building resilient infrastructure that can withstand the forces of nature, rather than crumble in their wake.
We must also recognise that disaster preparedness is not solely the responsibility of the government or specialised agencies. It is a collective responsibility that involves every citizen, community, and organisation. Public awareness campaigns, community-based disaster risk management programmes, and regular drills are essential in cultivating a culture of preparedness. When every individual knows their role in a crisis, the chances of mitigating the impact of a disaster increase exponentially.
Our disaster preparedness strategy must also be underpinned by robust scientific research and technological innovation. Investments in early warning systems, climate-resilient infrastructure, and emergency response technology will pay dividends in the form of saved lives and reduced economic losses. We must also enhance our coordination with international disaster response networks to ensure that we can access the necessary support when needed.
The risks we face are too great, and the potential consequences too dire. It is time we prioritised disaster preparedness at every level—from national policy to individual action.