ICCBS seminar recommends establishing specialized USAR teams trained in high-rise fires, structural collapses, and hazardous materials following the Gul Plaza incident.
Following the devastating Gul Plaza fire, the Sindh Forensic DNA and Serology Laboratory (SFDL) at the International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS), University of Karachi, organized a seminar attended by all stakeholders. The event aimed to address the unique challenges posed by high-rise fires and structural collapses.
The seminar concluded with a recommendation that specialized Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) teams be established. These teams would be trained in handling high-rise fire situations, rescuing individuals from collapsed structures, and responding to hazardous materials incidents. Such expertise is crucial for effectively managing future emergencies of this nature.
This call for specialized rescue teams comes after the Gul Plaza incident, which highlighted the need for more comprehensive training and preparedness measures in urban firefighting operations. The seminar underscored the importance of having a multi-disciplinary approach that can adapt to various types of disasters affecting high-rise buildings.
The ICCBS seminar not only provided valuable insights but also served as a platform for collaboration among different sectors involved in disaster management, including government agencies, private sector entities, and academic institutions. By fostering such partnerships, the hope is to enhance response capabilities and reduce loss of life during future emergencies.
With this recommendation, the University of Karachi aims to contribute significantly to improving urban resilience against high-rise fire risks. The establishment of these specialized rescue teams will be a step forward in ensuring that communities are better prepared for and can respond more effectively to such catastrophic events.
