Collapse of the bridge!

Tragic crash last night's 500-meter road bridge spanning the Mississippi River in Minneapolis, Minnesota during rush hour is yet another example of the fact that "All Hazards" includes more than the natural disasters of hurricanes, earthquakes, floods and tornadoes, and goes far beyond the manmade disaster of terrorism. With night falling and bumper to bumper rush hour traffic, the bridge has only a momentary warning squeak before suffering a structural failure and the sending of more than 50 cars in the murky waters of the Mississippi mud.

But Hennepin County, Minnesota, metropolitan area that includes Minneapolis, is unlike most of the nation. Hennepin County has a compact multihospital to address all hazards "disaster". While relations and even the governor of the state have used the word "catastrophe" that leaves disaster in par means "loss of ability to respond." Hennepin County led by Hennepin County Medical Center and joined by other hospitals in the compact but easily dealt with this tragedy.

Unfortunately, the sun setting and the speed of the water added to the dangers created by the submerged bridge structure itself has caused to the (rescue and body recovery) exceed the available resources (light). Thus, despite the fact that there were more than sufficient rescuers and equipment, despite the fact that health care in Hennepin County was truly "All Risks", prepared, unlike 95% of the nation, the tragedy has finally rise level of the disaster (needs exceeded resources).

As the sun breaks now in Minneapolis rescuers are returning to help the survivors and recover the dead from the river, returning to their families. The nation should try to Minneapolis and Hennepin County, Minnesota, not only with a soft shoulder of sympathy for those lost and those who have lost loved ones, but with the mind to learn how they dealt so well, so heroically in this tragedy Instant and maybe even a green eye of jealousy for the fact that they are "All Hazards" prepared beyond their imagination.

In the words of a native of Minnesota and guru of international renown, disaster preparedness, James G. Schultz, PhD.:

"Hennepin County Congratulations to you and thank you for everything you do!" ......