The tragedy in Nepal once again raises the issue of the state of disaster preparedness in South Asia. Events across the last decade show that SE Asia is becoming vulnerable to natural disasters (April 27). In crises, it is very difficult for one government and country alone to put together its resources. Thus, SAARC and ASEAN could have a joint disaster response team on standby at all times.
Govind Singh Yadav,New Delhi
The government deserves praise for the speed and agility with which it has rescued Indian nationals. By extending quick relief to Nepal, following an equally challenging mission in Yemen, India has shown the world that it is a force to reckon with whether it is a case of war or disaster.
Jayanthy Maniam,Navi Mumbai
That the airlift of Indians from strife-torn Yemen by the government was not given its due by the media was a legitimate point made by a Union Minister. This was belatedly made up by the media later. But in the case of Nepal, there seems to be needless overcorrection. The stories of stranded Indians returning are now threatening to overshadow the main purpose of this mission — that of assisting a friend and neighbour in its gravest hours of distress. The residents of Nepal need as much attention, if not more, as an Indian visitor seems to be getting. The government and the media need to be more sensitive to this aspect and keep in mind the larger image of a traditionally, benevolent nation that India has always been.
R. Narayanan,Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh
Some of the headlines in the electronic and print media are odd. I came across one example — “Kannadigas in quake-hit Nepal moved to safety” — that was prominent and found it shocking that in such a tragic time, we find it comforting to be told that “Kannadigas” are safe. What about the countless others who are alive and suffering? Don’t they count enough to be mentioned in the same light? Such appeasement is in bad taste.
Sumita C.,Bengaluru
