We are heart-broken when graphic images of tragic natural disaster hit
our native land. Today, the Union Minister of Information Ye Htut
admitted that restriction of donation process and barring real news to
the public have caused more damages to those people affected in flooded
zones. As usual, thousands of donors inside and outside Burma flocked to
extend their generosity at the modest. But the biggest question behind
any single kind of donation remains: "Where and how much
our donated goods will arrive in those hands who need the most?". It
seems the government is taking seriously in recent disaster rescue and
relief efforts by making visits by high ranking officials at the
grass-root levels. But the heavy doubts remain to all of us! All public
media still run the news about donation ceremonies; which appeared to be
window-dressing propaganda to the rest of the world. The mindset of
having series of endless donation ceremonies is not the solution! The
government is the most responsible party in making sure of how to
counteract in the swiftest way if a disaster strikes. Forming the
"Disaster Response National Committee" alone is not the promising
effort. It is more important that the ministry like "Social Welfare,
Relief and Resettlement" has to have technical professionals who can
manage the disaster response, elements of rescue and relief techniques
and measures top-to-the-down, control and command facilities, freest
ability to collaborate with different government and non-governmental
organizations in timely fashion.
Disasters are not preventable in
any given place on this planet. There is no advanced technology to
predict to this day. But it is the major task of the government to
counteract. It is sure the Mother Nature will retract its strike
momentarily. But the mission of rescue and relief still remains; for
months if not for a year.
We are overwhelmed with news about all
those donors, who extend their generosities; cash and kind. But we
cannot just rely on those donation processes. Forming committees and
commissions alone are not the solution.
I hope this mindset will leave all of us one day; as a history in the past.
KW
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