THIS is with reference to the report `At least 10 killed as Karachi apartment building collapses` (July 5). The tragedy in the old city area of Baghdadi in Lyari has once again highlighted the urgent need to address the growing threat posed byhundreds ofsuchdangerousbuildings.
Many families in these areas live under a constant threat, with breadwinners leaving for work each day worried that they are leaving behind their loved ones at risk in suchunsafe structures.
The Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) and all other relevant agencies should conduct regular surveys to identify and evacuate hazardousbuildingsbefore disaster strikes. Moreover, the reckless construction of high-rise buildings in cramped areas needs to be checked.
In the short term, the government should provide immediate shelter and financial assistance to the affected families and offer free counselling to survivors and eyewitnesses dealing with severe trauma.
