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Comptroller: Israel unprepared for quake
Yaron Drukman
Published: 23.03.11, 12:44
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10 Talkbacks for this article
1. non earthquake reports
chaim ,   pt israel   (03.23.11)
never mind, after the earthquake happens we shall have the same reactions we heard after the carmel fires. promises, promises and more promises to do something and everyone claiming they knew nothing of it.
2. Warning of Imminent disaster in past decade?
Talula ,   Israel   (03.23.11)
Someone doesn't know what imminent means. I love my country, but the fact is, we simply don't learn. We close the stable door after the horse has bolted. Every. Single. Time!
3. why not changing building code legislation
zionist forever   (03.23.11)
It won't cost the government a single shekel to change building codes, make sure they are built to withstand an earthquake. Even the newest buildings still use that old format of building on stilts. You have even a minor earthquake if it causes those stilts to go the whole building is going to come tumbling down. Even if its for the purpose of war we need to change that design. Whats the point of a secure room if a missile causes the stilts to collapse and then brining down the entire building? All new builds should be earthquake proof and all existing domestic buildings which are designed maybe above 10 stories should be enclosed and made earthquake proof. Money must be spent on the Dimona reactor, the thing is over 50 years old and its had plenty of problems in the past. It is also built near a fault line in the Negev. The Japanese reactor was built in the 70s and they complained that wasn't strong enough so I hate to think how weak a 50 year old reactor is especially considering the IAEA has never looked at the thing only the military who run it and the military do not take into account things like stability. As for the $1 billion allocated for strengthening buildings, thats a joke. In a country like Israel where nothing has ever been built to withstand an earthquake $1 billion is pocket change. All we ever do in this damn country is bury our heads in the sand to avoid spending money and then when the problem arises which we are no ready for we hold inquiries say this is what should have been done but wasn't
4. Salvation is in our hands
Chaim Braverman , PE ,   Jeruasalem, Israel   (03.23.11)
As a civil engineer and a senior consultant to the Knesset apppointed Zeiler Commission, we found that the regulation of the building industry is in disarray. The country has several modern standards already developed and in place. However, the implication of these standards is irregular, inspection by the various municipalities ranging from fair to non existent, with over 150,000 thousand unlicensed contractor running wild in this country. We presented a comprehensive plan to bring the country up to the standards of Los Angeles, California, Florida and Australia.. But unfortunately has become just another library book of what might have been.
5. Israel Unprepared For Quakes etc.
Edward ,   Savanna, USA   (03.23.11)
We all know that it takes MONEY to do anything and the main problem with Israel is that it has to spend a disproportionate share of it's money on defense. If you had a printing press like the Feds have where you can just print as much money as you like, then Israel could have both, high military spending AND Civil Preparedness. And if that is not possible, then guess which priority wins out!!!??? I think that the solution would be to pass a Dual Use Law, meaning that anything produced in the private sector could be converted to military use and that would free up more money for Civil Preparedness. You wouldn't have to divide money with two competing areas, they would harmonize one another.
6. #3 Burying our heads in the sand......
Philip ,   Afula, Israel   (03.23.11)
Luckily we have plenty of sand.
7. The report for all it worth will be buried as in the past!
David ,   Karmiel, Israel   (03.23.11)
One can only ask if the promises made by Netanyahu after the Carmel fire which killed 44 people have been implemented? Talk, talk, talk and great PR and promises. No doubt when the earthquake happens, and the experts say it will, if we will have to rely on an antiquated fire service with 30 year old fire engines. Leave it to Bibi, Steinitz, and Yishai we will be on our own and the world won't even report the "disaster" , never mind send help!
8. Fires
Chaim Braverman PE ,   Jerusalem, Israel   (03.23.11)
I spent a shabbat at Kibbutz Nir Etzion several months ago. The Kibbutz is located in the Carmel Forest, site of the great forest fire. There was a nice wall display of the history of the Kibbutz. Most telling was photo from 1985 showing the main building/dining room burning away from the previous great Carmel Forest Fire.. .So the recent fire was deja vu all over again.. saith Yogi Berra.. May the Almighty have mercy on this people in Israel.. because the government sure does not..
9. LOOK ON THE BRIGHT SIDE
LAWRENCE ,   SAFED ISRAEL   (03.23.11)
When a disaster strikes ,Israel will send emergency aid like they usually do .
10. Ynet - How about a series on this subject?
David ,   Shiloh Israel   (03.23.11)
A media that promotes public awareness about critical issues, performs a worthwhile service. As much as I detest Ynet's political leftish oriententation, at the same time I admire its general media coverage. So Ynet should know that I'm speaking straight! Maybe the series could be about public prepardness in general, concerning all sorts of serious threats. I'm sure there will be no shortage of content & also keen interest that will be generated from it.
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