The 2010 Pakistan Floods: Risks And Human Disasters

Disasters form when hazards and vulnerability factors collide. The underlying causes, conditions, triggers and inadequate measures to reduce risk are all important aspects to consider when studying disasters. I will be using the social vulnerability perspective in this essay to examine the floods that occurred in Pakistan in 2010. These floods were considered to be a massive humanitarian disaster, leaving millions suffering through loss and insecurity. Specifically, I will be taking a practical approach and looking at the technological and human dimensions that contributed to this disaster. This is essential in order to better understand and prepare for the possibility of a future flood of this magnitude. I will argue that the 2010 Pakistan floods were based largely on problematic human structures that made it difficult for the vulnerable population to …show more content…
99). Zardari is infamous for engaging in corrupted activities, such as diverting millions of euros worth of disaster aid away from relief efforts (Rumi, 2010, p. 13). This lack of credibility, of course, left many citizens outraged as they “struggled to understand the government’s apparent indifference to their plight while renewing their suspicions about the president’s allegedly ill-gotten wealth” (Fair, 2011, p. 99). Despite his title, Zardari blamed Yousef Raza Gilani, the Prime Minister of Pakistan, for the poor efforts made on disaster management and flood aid (Fair, 2011, p. 99). With little being done by a disinterested government to mitigate destruction and alleviate suffering, corrosive communities amongst victims of the flood were formed. The people were angry over the irresponsibility and apathy the Peoples Party offered to a vulnerable population in desperate need of