Seminar Speakers Underscore Learning Towards Adaptation
Such was the consensus among speakers who took part in a seminar spearheaded by the Quality Learning Foundation (QLF).
According to National Disaster Warning Council chief Smith Dharmasaroja, it is necessary for the youth to be able to grasp the scientific realities behind natural disasters, such as their causes and impacts, for them to act accordingly.
Previously head of the country’s Meteorological Department, Smith said that Thailand had encountered various calamities in the past yet people still have not taken steps to educate and fully prepare themselves.
Said Smith, ”People can’t just put the blame on nature. It is our fault if we do not prepare for it. It is our job to learn how to live with nature safely.”
Smith argued that Thais had a dismissive attitude on natural disasters as the latter are deemed unnecessary for employment. He strongly emphasized the need for disaster education, including lessons in geology, geography, and the earth sciences, from as early as pre-school. Moreover, he advanced the analysis of statistics and data records to enhance the probability of guiding people in cases of impending calamities.
Another speaker, Amornvit Nakornthap of QLF presented data which showed that while the country is at a medial ranking of the 2011 World Risk Report being 85th of 173 countries, its lack of coping capacity stands high at 76.23%. Education, he emphasized, would improve the country’s preparedness and ability to cope when disasters strike.
For his part, Prof. Seree Supratid of Rangsit University, a hydrologist, lamented his frustration towards the populace which he said is “…motivated for a very short amount of time” when the impacts of a disaster is still apparent. He posited that people need to learn, and from thereon, adapt to disasters because prevention is difficult to achieve.