http://www.npr.org/2011/10/27/141770333/bangkok-at-risk-of-its-worst-flooding-in-decades
As Bangkok's residents prepare for the imminent disastrous flooding coming their way, it makes us think about the true damage natural disasters cause. Besides being a hazard to human life, developing countries must repair physical damage and struggle to manage with a crippled economy. In addition, many are forced to move away from their homes. Natural disasters have a huge impact on health in developing countries. As these people in Bangkok are displaced because they have to move to higher elevation, they will have to find places to live, whether in city slums or shantytowns. The lack of jobs in a devastated economy leaves many without income and a way to pay for any healthcare. Since so many people are living in unsanitary conditions and in close proximity, disease can spread fast. The inability to get healthcare in combination with the increased chance of disease transmission makes the flooding in Bangkok a recipe for disaster.
Because of situations like this, we realize that we have to have ways to mitigate natural disasters quickly. However, even with plans, it is very hard to predict for everything that comes our way. This incident is not isolated in only Bangkok. Scientists have warned that as global climate change worsens, weather patterns will become more and more extreme. Bangkok should be a warning to all developing countries who cannot handle and initiate the response necessary to large scale natural disasters. International aid groups can only provide so much help for so long.
Natural disasters that hits developing countries damages so many parts of the country but most importantly it affects people's health. As we have been learning, without basic needs, people suffer from many infectious diseases. It is true that this natural disasters are not something human can control, but we can still reduce the damage by preparing before the natural disaster comes. Even though, some developing countries do not have enough funds to prepare for the natural disasters, it cost lesser to prevent the problem than solve the problem after natural disasters have happened. Therefore the international organizations and many developing countries need to pay a more attention to issues with natural disasters in developing countries.
ReplyDeleteNatural disasters pose a huge problem – for developed and developing countries alike. They wreak havoc and have long lasting adverse impacts, not just for themselves but for many others countries as well (because of the globalized society we live in). Consider that Thailand is the world’s largest exporter of rice. With much of the country inundated, the impact on its economy is sure to be grave. The problems posed by a natural disaster go far beyond the immediate impact it creates – attempting to rebuild necessitates huge costs. Something not all countries can afford.
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