THURSDAY'S building collapse in Lyari, one of Karachi's oldest and most rundown areas, in which several people were killed and injured, highlights two major issues: the need for municipal authorities to streamline disaster-management methods and to more strictly enforce building codes. Rescue efforts were hampered by the fact that the building is located in a congested area with narrow lanes and limited access. Heavy machinery could not get through and there were fears that even if it did, usage of the equipment could destabilise the surrounding structures. There is confusion over whether the building had been declared dangerous by the Sindh Building Control Authority; however, observers say the regulator has powers to get a dangerous building vacated and demolished.

This is not the first time such a tragedy has occurred in Karachi. Yet, whereas it is the government's responsibility to manage a disaster like this, it has often been witnessed that the authorities lack proper rescue equipment, and many paramedics, belonging to private ambulance services, lack training. The city administration needs to lead a coordinated rescue effort whenever such incidents occur, incorporating the services of private ambulances and other volunteers if needed. However, it must be an orderly affair. Rescue personnel need to be trained in crowd control to manage the army of volunteers, curious onlookers and mediapersons who descend upon disaster sites. Also, when a structure is declared dangerous occupants often refuse to leave, as they have no alternative accommodation. The state needs to enforce a mechanism whereby owners of condemned buildings help relocate tenants until such structures are demolished and rebuilt. And while a proper survey of old and vulnerable buildings is in order, the building authority needs to make its process of approving new projects stricter, considering many builders' lack of attention to safety protocols.