Over 170 Dead... Worst in 60 Years
Criticism Arises Over Inadequate Disaster Alert System Worsening Damage
[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Suhwan] As Germany experiences its worst flood disaster in 60 years with a rising death toll, voices from various sectors are calling for the introduction of a disaster alert messaging system.
According to major foreign media on the 20th (local time), German officials are reportedly raising their voices in favor of implementing a disaster alert system.
Foreign media reported that some ministers and senior officials pointed out that the disaster prevention system was not adequately prepared during this flood disaster, resulting in numerous casualties.
Currently, Germany provides disaster information through push notifications via a government-provided smartphone app instead of a disaster alert messaging system.
However, this notification system has been criticized because it uses mobile communication networks, which may fail during natural disasters, preventing people from receiving alerts. Foreign media reported that many residents did not receive disaster alerts during this flood due to partial destruction of communication networks.
Unlike in South Korea, the reason Germany does not have a disaster alert messaging service is believed to be the lingering aftermath of illegal surveillance conducted by the government on citizens during the Nazi regime era.
To fundamentally block such surveillance, various systems were established that, in principle, prohibit the collection of citizens' personal information, preventing government authorities from holding related data such as citizens' phone numbers.
Ultimately, these systems acted as obstacles that prevented sending urgent disaster alert messages to citizens in emergencies, which is analyzed to have led to significant casualties in this flood.
Foreign media reported that criticism is pouring in over Germany's inadequate disaster prevention system related to this flood disaster, which reportedly caused at least 170 deaths in Germany alone.
Experts pointed out that the inadequacy of the disaster warning system and delays in evacuation operations worsened the damage.
The German Minister of Transport emphasized in an interview with local media, "This flood has served as a wake-up call for all of us," adding, "While protecting personal information is important, protecting citizens' lives is also crucial."
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