Daily Lessons from Life 22 July 2012 - Russia arrests officials after deadly floods

"Russia arrests officials after deadly floods - AFP 22 July 2012

MOSCOW: Russia on Sunday announced the arrest of three local officials for negligence during flooding that killed 172 people and politically undermined President Vladimir Putin as he took up his third term.

The Investigative Committee revealed the surprise detentions during a lightning visit to the devastated Black Sea village of Krymsk by Putin's powerful domestic security mastermind Alexander Bastrykin.

The three Krymsk officials and a nearby town mayor now face seven years in prison -- a sentence rarely seen in such cases and one stressing the urgency Putin attaches to the first big disaster to strike since his May return.

Most victims died in their sleep in pre-dawn flooding that also destroyed the property of some 30,000 people in the worst such disaster in post-Sovie era.

Putin himself hinted at possible sackings when he raced to the little southern village for the second time in just a few days on July 15.

"People here think that there was no early warning -- despite the fact that the previous head of the administration said that there was one," Putin told local officials after being briefed by the residents of Krymsk.

"The Investigative Committee must issue an objective assessment of the actions of all officials," he said at the time. "

Similarly disastrous flooding in Beijing and other parts of China results in 10-12 reported deaths but not sure anyone get sacked or charged!

Lessons for me are:

1. Putin has a need to show that he is in charge and that someone has to pay for this disaster! So, his people acted swiftly to establish who is the BOSS!;

2. this case and those shown elsewhere clearly tell us that human beings are NOT very prepared for flooding disaster. The biggest rain fall in Beijing for the last 60 years tell us something is seriously wrong with the world weather. Perhaps we need to be prepared for the next Big Flood where a Noah's Ark will do!;

3. The 172 deaths in Russia is simply too many deaths. Terrible death to have when water hits you when you are asleep!! Would really be productive IF the investigation find out HOW such a case can be prevented for the future!

The innocent died, some officials took the blame. More importantly, make sure it does not happen again.