Don’t crowd disaster scenes during rescue operations

The ongoing efforts by rescuers to extract those trapped in the rubble after the collapse of a building in Huruma, Nairobi must be commended. On Thursday, some four people, including an expectant woman, were pulled out alive from the debris, a day after a baby had been rescued 80 hours after the seven-story building caved in.

The police, Kenya Red Cross staff, National Youth Service personnel and volunteers have been working round the clock with hope of rescuing more survivors. But as every second ticks, their hope of saving more lives dwindles. Relatives and friends of missing victims are understandably apprehensive.