Mass Disaster Incident

Mass Disaster Incident

Introduction

Disasters are harmful for not only human settlements but also for other creatures. A disaster can be seen as a catastrophic incident that affects society and community infrastructure to such a degree where interventions become necessary for recovery (Fishbane et al., 2012). Alexander M. Butman incidents defined mass casualties as "disasters that arise on a site when in neighboring communities or populations are not similar or related events happened in the same (Ingrassia et al., 2010). In other words, it happens if the number of victims, injured or killed in a given site, exceeds the capabilities of emergency medical services in the locality.

Discussion

Types of Disaster

Disasters are usually divided according to their causes in two categories: natural and manmade (Goldschmitt & Bonvino, 2009):

Natural Disasters

Meteorological disasters: cyclones, typhoons, hurricanes, tornadoes, hailstorms, snowstorms and droughts

Topographic disasters: landslides, avalanches, mudslides and floods

Disaster plans originating from underground earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and tsunamis

Biological disasters: epidemics of contagious diseases and insect pests (locusts)

The Man-made Disasters

Wars: conventional wars (bombing, blockade and siege) and unconventional warfare (nuclear, chemical and biological)

Civil disasters: riots and public demonstrations

Accidents: in transport (planes, trucks, cars, trains and ships); collapse of structures (buildings, bridges, dams, mines and other); explosions fire, chemicals (toxic waste and pollution) and biological (health)

Mass Casualties Incident

Research reveals an example of the cumulative effects of a major disaster occurred in November 1970, when a cyclone, followed by a huge tidal wave, struck the eastern portion of Pakistan on the coast of the Bay of Bengal. The impact of surge and subsequent flooding caused severe destruction. 500 000 people were killed, most drowned livestock, crops were destroyed, deteriorated soil and water sources were polluted (Goldschmitt & Bonvino, 2009). The requirements imposed on Pakistani society as a result of the disaster, came at a time when an extraordinary speaking discontent in the country due to political influences, economic and administrative exercised in that the western territory of Pakistan. The civil unrest that followed the declaration of the new state of Bangladesh, in March 1971, forcing 10 million people to migrate to India, especially around Calcutta, where they received food and shelter in camps coordinated by various organizations volunteers.

As civil unrest worsened in Bangladesh, became ineffective administration, the economy nearly collapsed and communications are difficult. These factors and the few monsoon rains caused the famine is spreading across the country. Relief efforts to help cyclone victims were halted temporarily in December 1971, when the government of India sent its army to Bangladesh to support those who fought for local liberty. The war was bloody and intensely destructive, producing a very high number of injuries that required surgery, and the destruction of roads, bridges and railways strategic. The war also left another serious problem: some 750 000 people who had been non-Bengali-side management of the former West Pakistan, urgently needed food, shelter and clothing (Goldschmitt & Bonvino, 2009). The combined effects of disaster and war, November 1970 to January 1972 have affected the population of Bangladesh, about 75 ...