Daily Times

The public’s memory is short. Twelve years is not too long a time to forget the devastating earthquake that struck Pakistan’s northern areas and Islamabad with its catastrophic fallout obliterating life and property and gearing NGOs, national and international governments to play their respective roles in relief measures. The media also played it’s role, but it is unfortunate that a great share of their efforts were dedicated to competitive reporting. It seemed like most of our media was more concerned with telling us how they had bought the latest earthquake related tragedy to our television screen’s first, rather than actually providing responsible coverage.

Generally, print and electronic media reports were news-oriented rather than investigative and educative for the common man on one of the deadliest earthquakes in the region’s history. Most of the reports were morbid announcements about the latest death toll and the newest tragedies.

No coverage was given to expert opinions from scientists, engineers, seismologists, environmentalists and town planners to educate the common man about preventive measures in case of another severe earthquake. Obviously, such reports couldn’t be classified as ‘breaking news’, and wouldn’t have made our media houses as much money as the reports on the latest dead child.

Forgotten amid ritual news! No media report of the ruinous 2005 earthquake gave common tips on the deadly consequences of glass, mirrors, bulbs, chandeliers, sliding glass windows and doors.

Most reports on the October 8th earthquake were morbid announcements about the latest death toll and the newest tragedies. No coverage was given to expert opinions from scientists, engineers, seismologists or environmentalists to educate the viewers about preventive measures

No specialist input to media supplements on the grievous 2005 tremor could educate the commoner how, where and when to seek shelter in the wake of a cruel quake — indoors, outdoors, under the staircase, in basements, under strong and secure tables, at the sills and rims of entrances or covering with pillows under the beds of a bedroom! No special report could render expert advice on any unforeseen electric or gas leakages, fire emergencies, medical first aid boxes, physical security from thefts and robberies, the importance of helping old, sick and ailing with solace, mobility and safety, coping with the aftershocks.

No professional advice on how to make one’s home sturdier: bolting bookcases to wall studs, installing strong latches on cupboards, strapping the water heater to wall studs, locating a place in each room that one can go to in case of a quake, a spot where nothing is likely to fall, like a doorframe, keeping canned food, dust masks and goggles, battery-operated radio and flashlights, knowing how to turn off gas and water mains.

No specialised guidance despite specialists’ galore at special reports on what to do when a quake hits, for example, dropping down, taking cover under a desk or table and holding  on, staying indoors until the shaking stops, staying  away from bookcases or furniture that can fall,  fire alarms and sprinklers going off during a quake. For those outdoors, staying away from buildings, trees, power lines, dropping to the ground. If in a car, slowing down, driving to a clear place, staying in car until shaking stops. These are common tips which our illustrious media and concerned experts needed to give in reports rather than competing for breaking news.

The writer is HoD Public Affairs and Senior Faculty, CBM, Institute of Business Management, Korangi Creek, Karachi. He can be reached at parvez@iobm.edu.pk

Published in Daily Times, October 7^th 2017.