Ahsan Kamal

English | اردو The development-industrial complex ignores the structural inequality that turns natural hazards into disasters. The state and global institutions of governance talk about disasters as a technical problem. They talk about disaster management using certain keywords and terms, such as vulnerability, risk reduction, and disaster preparedness. This techno-bureaucratic talk is rooted in an ideology that consciously and systematically tries to distract us from the real issue — that disasters are as much caused by structural inequality and poverty as by climate and weather based events. This ideology tries to sell quick-fixes or technological innovations to address issues that require deep, wide, and long-term political solutions. The maneuvor is not simply distracting, it ends up increasing the vulnerability of the people on the frontlines of these disasters. When disasters strike, there’s a sense of urgency, almost on the same lines as in a car accident. There’s an urgent and very real need for quick relief and rescue operations, and the goal is to minimize the loss of life and long-term injury. But unlike an accident, disasters hint at the underlying cancerous sores and inner wounds that require stronger and more sustained treatment. The rescue and relief phases after disasters end quickly, within hours, days or weeks. […]