flooding in india and pakistan
Climate induced flooding is becoming more prevalent throughout the world. See this BBC story, More than 200 missing in flood-hit district in Pakistan, official says
Besides the rain that fell, there is also glacier melting involved. As the glaciers retreat due to melting, they leave loose soils behind that can be rapidly transformed into mud floods that accompanies the flood water. While this article concentrates on Pakistan, portions of India have also experienced flooding and deaths.
In a related story, NPR this morning highlighted news from Pakistan that people are complaining that they did not get adequate warning of the flooding that did occur. Isn’t this a recurring theme for everyone to think about—if you have any responsibility for issuing a warning?
A simple checklist for you:
What warning systems do you have in place?
Are those systems fully operational?
When were those systems last tested?
Have any public information campaigns been accomplished for special hazards, e.g. dams; nuclear power plants; etc.?
Do you have a warning procedures manual for people to follow?
What procedures and processes do you have in place to provide for 24/7/365 coverage for providing warnings?
What is your training plan for staff to accomplish warnings?
Are all persons responsible for warnings been trained?
Do staff responsible for warnings fully understand their responsibilities and the authority they have for issuing a warning?
What partnerships do you have with other agencies that can help you with your warnings?
What can you do today to add to your warning capabilities?
