Scrambling for aid belies bigger issue
Nepal’s devastating earthquake has brought to everyone’s attention all its shoddily constructed buildings and houses (‘UAE rushes aid through air bridge’, Gulf News, April 29). They have collapsed and been reduced to a pile of debris. Many people have been buried under the debris and these injured human beings and others are being evacuated after the tragic incident. India is extending its support in the evacuation and sending help by way of volunteers, medical aid and food. Humanitarian help from countries near and far have become a means of consolation and support.
Geologists’ predictions and warnings were expected, but when and where was not specific nor accurate. Why was this not achievable by the geological research and development team in this day and age? People are bound by the mercy of their elected leaders and everything else is left to the Almighty. So people of high calibre are needed in positions of authority, like Singapore’s first Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew, who recently died. Although there is a strict standard of regulations and guidelines, very few builders comply to the norms of earthquake-resistant buildings when it is time to design and construct. This has to be extended not only to areas with seismic activity, but elsewhere, too.
From Mr M. K. Gunaseelan
Abu Dhabi
Reeling in the aftershock
It is a relief to hear that six Dubai friends have returned home to their worried families safe and sound from the earthquake in Nepal (‘Relief as Dubai group returns unhurt from Nepal’, Gulf News, April 30). The reports pouring in from Nepal state that numerous hungry and desperate villagers are rushing towards relief helicopters in remote areas of Nepal, begging to be airlifted to safety, four days after the devastating earthquake killed more than 5,000 people. With fears rising on food, water and medicines shortages, Nepal is declared as a country in a state of emergency since the disaster.
This is the most deadly earthquake for Nepal in more than 80 years. Some villages were completely destroyed and have become nothing but a heap of debris. Yet, Mount Everest is standing as tall as ever. Those who remained in the capital, Kathmandu, were sleeping outdoors in tents, in parks and other open spaces. Many have lost their houses and others were too terrified to return home after several powerful aftershocks were felt. In addition to the man-made disasters we already witness, Nature is also adding its own contributions, to make human life a series of agonising events.
From Mr Sunny Joseph
Mala, India
Destroy ivory to send strong message
I applaud the action taken by Dubai authorities to destroy confiscated illegal ivory and I think that it definitely sends strong signals to all those who are associated with the illegal trade (‘UAE destroys more than 10 tonnes of ivory’, Gulf News, April 30). Why aren’t the governments of other countries acting in this way?
From Mr Naga Raj
UAE
Website comment
More to be done on ivory trade
I also applaud this action taken by the UAE authorities, as poachers are destroying these magnificent creatures. Still, I feel that more needs to be done. However, this is better than nothing.
From Ms Magan
UAE
Website comment
US judge makes India proud
The Gulf News story on New York City getting its first Indian-born female judge was an interesting read (‘New York City gets its first India-born woman judge’, Gulf News, April 29). According to the report, 43-year-old Raja Rajeswari migrated to the US as a teenager and later spent her time in several bureaus and I believe this is laudable. She has made Indians proud. She is the first woman judge honoured in Staten Island. Kudos to Rajeswari.
From Mr K. Ragavan
Bengaluru, India
Under pressure from tailgaters
I believe most of the accidents occur in this part of the world due to tailgating. I have seen many of these cases and have been a victim of the same. The drivers are so bad that they do not have the patience to wait for even a second, and they come careening out of the blue, flashing their headlights. They do not even care that there are other vehicles moving in other lanes, and it is difficult to change lanes right away. They make drivers nervous by continuously flashing their lights and, as a result, we try to move to the other lane in a hurry and sometimes, this results in an accident. I, however, try my best to avoid the fastest track to escape tailgating, but I have noticed that sometimes, there are drivers who flash at you even in the slower lanes. They can change lanes and overtake from the left, but they want us to move and make way for them instead. It is really very difficult for people with new driving licenses to drive on the roads because of these tailgaters. Most of the drivers move at very high speeds, and they expect us to do the same as well. Tailgating puts drivers under mental pressure.
From Mr Ajeet Kumar S. Pillai
UAE
Opt for exercise
The report on patients trimming fat was an interesting and informative read (‘Doctor, I want to look like Jennifer Lopez’, Gulf News, April 27). It is really alarming to read figures from Dubai Healthcare City about the ever-increasing obesity of patients in UAE. Of course, this could be the case in other countries, too, as the lifestyles of most people has changed drastically. People used to go for walks or use bicycles to go from one place to another. But, presently, the living standards have changed all that. Now, people seldom cook at home and eat healthy food. To top it off, they do not exercise. The irony is that even the gyms in most of the buildings in Dubai look deserted. If this trend continues, I am sure obesity figures will continue to multiply year after year.
From Mr N. Mahadevan
Dubai
Turning a blind eye to Israel
The killing of Palestinian Abu Jaisha after inhumanely leaving him to bleed, was man’s inhumanity to man in capital letters (‘No excuse for Israel’s shooting’, Gulf News, April 28). When will Israel see sense and start practising a bit of humanity? They spread a great deal of propaganda but, it has been acting as a horrible, bloodthirsty nation for a long time now and it is supported by the US in all its wrong doings. To top it off, the United Nations (UN) has been turning a blind eye towards the atrocities committed by Israel.
From Mr Thomas Matthew Parackel
Kerala, India
Smartphones are harmful
When it comes to smartphone usage, this letter is right (‘Letters to the editor: Time to limit smartphone usage’, Gulf News, April 29). Carrying these devices has done more harm than good in relationships. People spend more time on smartphones than they spend with their partners. This is getting out of hand. The rate at which trends are changing is even scarier.
From Mr Ivan Bagambiire
UAE
Facebook comment
Pakistan makes a wise choice
While travelling from Washington, US, to Delhi, India, I picked up a copy of Gulf News at the airport in Abu Dhabi and read editorials and news reports about the refusal of Pakistan to help Saudi Arabia in its struggle against Yemen (‘Sharif underscores deep ties with Saudi Arabia’, Gulf News, April 25). I agree with the almost unanimous decision by Pakistan’s parliament. I am sure that Pakistan shares the concerns of Saudi Arabia and the Gulf countries about the rebels in Yemen supported by Iran, which is on a mission to enhance its influence in the region. However, I believe that Pakistan felt that, with its economic problems, it could not afford a war in addition to its continuous struggle with terrorists in its own territory. Pakistan might have also learnt from a number of other costly and futile military interventions, such as by the US in Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan, by Russia in Afghanistan and by India in Sri Lanka. To my knowledge, this is the first time Pakistan decided to avoid military adventurism. It seems that this is a mature decision.
From Mr Jay Kumar
Washington, US
Technical programs too costly
This Gulf News report is talking about something that is sadly true, as many people of working age have basic educational degrees without technical skills (‘UAE firms struggle to search applicants with technical skills’, Gulf News, April 30). The percentage of skilled candidates with technical certifications is very low. This is mainly because the majority are unable to afford the high costs involved in technical educational programs and courses.
From Ms Fatima Suhail
Sharjah
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