The devastating earthquakes that recently struck Myanmar and Thailand have once again underscored the pressing need for a coordinated and effective disaster response mechanism in South Asia
The recent catastrophic earthquakes in Myanmar and Thailand have highlighted the urgent requirement for an effective and unified disaster response system in South Asia. Even with regional bodies like the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) in place, prompt and efficient aid to impacted nations continues to be problematic because of bureaucratic hold-ups, logistical hurdles and differing national strategies. The number of fatalities and damage to infrastructure could be greatly minimised if an organised and cooperative framework existed to guarantee a swift and smooth response across borders.
The BIMSTEC countries — Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand — often face natural and human-induced disasters because of their specific geological, climatic and economic conditions. This makes them well-suited to set up a Rapid Regional Disaster Response Centre (RRDRC). This centre would function as a focused platform for member states to collaborate on urgent disaster relief initiatives by exchanging information, skills and resources. This mechanism would not only improve disaster resilience but also bolster diplomatic relations and promote a sense of regional unity.
India, boasting its specialised and well-prepared National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), can take a pivotal role in this effort. The NDRF, overseen by the Ministry of Home Affairs, is an exceptionally skilled force focused on disaster response and management. It comprises several battalions skilled in search and rescue missions, medical support and engineering services. India has a strong history of helping countries affected by disasters, including Nepal, Sri Lanka, Japan, Indonesia and Turkey. Establishing a comparable coordinated initiative within BIMSTEC would guarantee prompt and efficient support in the event of a disaster.
A significant challenge in regional disaster response is the swift and effective transportation of personnel, equipment, and relief supplies across borders. A Rapid Regional Disaster Response Agreement within BIMSTEC could facilitate the creation of a systematic method for collaboration. This pact must define explicit operational protocols, guaranteeing that every nation honours the sovereignty and rules of others while facilitating aid when necessary. Within this framework, the impacted nation would hold the main responsibility for coordinating disaster response on its land. Nonetheless, it would have the opportunity to seek help from other BIMSTEC countries, which would reply according to established protocols. An assigned agency within BIMSTEC, like the BIMSTEC Disaster Response Cell, might act as the primary coordinator for these initiatives.
For the RRDRC to thrive, BIMSTEC countries must dedicate themselves to several crucial obligations. They ought to collaborate to establish monitoring and early warning systems, enact measures for disaster risk reduction and set up contingency plans for emergency response. In the event of a disaster, impacted nations must promptly exchange information with other members, allowing for swift action to be taken. Every country should be prepared to provide human and material resources for regional disaster response efforts. Exchanging technical knowledge and optimal strategies will enhance overall disaster resilience. Moreover, national Governments ought to integrate essential legal and administrative actions to ensure seamless collaboration within the BIMSTEC framework.
For the RRDRC to be effective, it is crucial to create Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for every BIMSTEC member state. These processes must encompass regional standby plans for disaster assistance, the use of logistical resources, and coordination systems for disaster response. Creating collaborative strategies and backup plans would aid in minimising losses during future disasters. Strengthening capacity is another vital domain. Countries ought to conduct routine training sessions, simulation drills, and conferences to evaluate the readiness and response effectiveness of the RRDRC. The BIMSTEC focal point, in partnership with the RRDRC, must conduct regular assessments of these procedures to improve efficiency.
Every member state must guarantee that it possesses the essential resources-both human and material-ready for prompt disaster response. Effective mobilisation of response by assisting nations could be enhanced through clear communication regarding the scope and type of support required. To ensure seamless coordination, impacted countries should offer local resources and services to aid relief initiatives. The aid supplies offered by supporting nations must adhere to the quality and safety regulations of the impacted country. Staff and resources sent for support must comply with the national regulations of the country seeking help and function within the specified disaster-impacted regions. To guarantee seamless cross-border support, member States must establish legal frameworks that enable the deployment of disaster response teams and relief supplies. This encompasses providing tax relief, simplifying customs processes, and speeding up approvals for staff and equipment. A committed national focal point ought to be set up in every member nation to collaborate with the RRDRC. This will guarantee that aid initiatives are effectively coordinated, minimising red tape and postponements. The creation of regional standby arrangements will enhance readiness, facilitating the swift deployment of response teams in the event of disasters.
The increasing occurrence and severity of disasters in South Asia necessitate a swift and unified response approach. The creation of the Rapid Regional Disaster Response Centre (RRDRC) within BIMSTEC is not merely a requirement but also a moral duty. Through promoting mutual assistance and teamwork, BIMSTEC nations can guarantee that disaster response is prompt, efficient and life-saving. The suggested framework, incorporating defined operational procedures, regional agreements and resource-sharing mechanisms, will greatly improve disaster readiness in the area. The moment to take action is now. BIMSTEC leaders should unite to formalise this framework, guaranteeing that no nation faces a disaster in isolation. By remaining united, we can create a safer, more resilient South Asia for future generations.
(The writer is a retired IFS officer, a former Executive Director of the National Institute of Disaster Management and a former Director of the SAARC Disaster Management Centre. Views expressed are personal)
