Harda train disaster
Few takeaways from the experience of Harda ADM(2010 Batch IAS)
07-08-2015
06:58
Few take aways from our disaster management relief work:
1. Personal rapport with sarpanchs is more beneficial when mobilisation of volunteers is required.
2. When departing for such operations, it is helpful to carry a. Powerbank b. Nokia 1100 or similar low battery consuming phone. C. Dry fruits, snacks, drinking water, torch, raincoat, umbrella. D. Extra pair of DRY socks. E. A polythene to protect your electronic gadgets. (I learnt D and E the hard way this time).
3. Don't use all officers/staff at a single place/time. We need to plan for support teams as well replacement reserve.
4. Railways have institutionalised arrangements (Medical relief van, breakdown van) which have all ready to carry support systems, including satellite phone.
5. We too should think of having ready to carry shipping container, having all necessary facilities. It can be moved easily using a trawler.
6. We should appoint a RESPONSIBLE and COMPETENT employee to report PRECISE figures of dead bodies recovered.
7. Either collector or his authorised PRO only should talk to media to counter rumour mongering.
8. After whole night rescue operation don't think of chance to get sleep next day even if rescue works are over. We will have to be prepared mentally and logistically for high profile movements.
9. At the end, the whole event may just turn out to be a major paperwork exercise. Numerous reports and lists. Faces becoming figures.
Communication
Bsnl failed . Idea was thankfully working.
Portable battery operated loudspeakers were huge help in guiding crowd and ensuring safety of over enthusiastic rescue workers.
Railways provide muscle but needs coordination by local administration. They are endowed with physical resources but are sometimes in need of coordinating hand
Documentation
However, there was no predocumented or preplanned strategy as such. All decisions happened on spot as and when required. The district disaster management plan helps mostly as a telephone directory.
07-08-2015
06:58
Few take aways from our disaster management relief work:
1. Personal rapport with sarpanchs is more beneficial when mobilisation of volunteers is required.
2. When departing for such operations, it is helpful to carry a. Powerbank b. Nokia 1100 or similar low battery consuming phone. C. Dry fruits, snacks, drinking water, torch, raincoat, umbrella. D. Extra pair of DRY socks. E. A polythene to protect your electronic gadgets. (I learnt D and E the hard way this time).
3. Don't use all officers/staff at a single place/time. We need to plan for support teams as well replacement reserve.
4. Railways have institutionalised arrangements (Medical relief van, breakdown van) which have all ready to carry support systems, including satellite phone.
5. We too should think of having ready to carry shipping container, having all necessary facilities. It can be moved easily using a trawler.
6. We should appoint a RESPONSIBLE and COMPETENT employee to report PRECISE figures of dead bodies recovered.
7. Either collector or his authorised PRO only should talk to media to counter rumour mongering.
8. After whole night rescue operation don't think of chance to get sleep next day even if rescue works are over. We will have to be prepared mentally and logistically for high profile movements.
9. At the end, the whole event may just turn out to be a major paperwork exercise. Numerous reports and lists. Faces becoming figures.
Communication
Bsnl failed . Idea was thankfully working.
Portable battery operated loudspeakers were huge help in guiding crowd and ensuring safety of over enthusiastic rescue workers.
Railways provide muscle but needs coordination by local administration. They are endowed with physical resources but are sometimes in need of coordinating hand
Documentation
However, there was no predocumented or preplanned strategy as such. All decisions happened on spot as and when required. The district disaster management plan helps mostly as a telephone directory.
