In previous articles, I have referred to the topic of crisis and disaster management, which lies at the core of national security for all countries worldwide. This is because no country has ever been completely free from crises or disasters, whether natural or industrial. However, the success in handling such situations is closely tied to the state’s institutions and their ability to manage these challenges, especially disasters. The key distinction between crises and disasters is that crises often have early warning signs, allowing countries to prepare in advance and mitigate their impact. In contrast, disasters typically occur without warning, whether they are natural, such as earthquakes, floods, and volcanic eruptions, or industrial, such as a gas leak from a factory. A prime example is Japan’s 2011 “triple disaster,” which involved a 9.0-magnitude earthquake, devastating tsunami waves, and a nuclear meltdown at the Fukushima nuclear power plant. The professionalism of the Japanese government in managing the crisis provided a significant model for handling such large-scale disasters.
Based on this, reports confirming the establishment of a National Emergency Management Center in the Kingdom are of strategic importance. Given the challenges posed by disasters—especially industrial ones—such a center will enable proactive planning and measures to address emergencies when they arise. Moreover, establishing these centers to enhance national preparedness, as announced, will facilitate necessary procedures for dealing with disasters. Like crises, disasters share three key characteristics: they are sudden, involve high levels of risk, and require swift, decisive action within a limited timeframe, often with incomplete or conflicting information about the nature of the threat.
History offers many lessons in this regard. One such case, which I have previously highlighted, is the Bhopal disaster in India in 1984. In the early hours of December 3, a gas leak at a pesticide plant led to the release of a toxic cloud, spreading over an eight-kilometer radius for approximately seven hours. The incident caused transportation system failures and thousands of deaths within a short period, with thousands more suffering injuries. The disaster had numerous contributing factors, including human error and the lack of maintenance at the industrial facility. However, a crucial aspect was the Indian authorities’ handling of the catastrophe. The absence of a comprehensive disaster response plan led to severe consequences. For example, medical professionals were unaware of the gas’s chemical composition, resulting in incorrect diagnoses and ineffective treatment, increasing the death toll. Additionally, the lack of alternative communication systems hindered coordination among emergency response teams. Preventive measures, such as proper factory maintenance and adequate training for safety personnel, could have significantly reduced the disaster’s impact.
Several key lessons emerge from such incidents. First, crisis management teams must have access to complete information about industrial facilities and the hazardous materials they use. This knowledge should not be limited to response teams but should also be shared with nearby residents to educate them on how to act during emergencies. Second, hospitals near industrial sites should stock appropriate antidotes and ensure doctors are trained in treating exposure to specific chemicals. Third, regular maintenance of industrial plants and transparent reporting of any malfunctions are essential for early intervention. Lastly, emergency plans must be in place, and local communities should be trained on how to respond effectively. This brings us to a crucial point: the importance of simulation exercises. Many crisis management organizations worldwide conduct routine emergency drills, where hypothetical scenarios with significant risks are simulated. While no single scenario fits all countries, these exercises help develop strategies tailored to local threats, ensuring better preparedness for potential disasters.
Note: This article has been automatically translated, the full article is available in Arabic.
Source: Akhbar Al Khaleej
Dr. Ashraf Keshk, Senior Research Fellow