Various issues to be considered in looting post disaster. These were the issues post Katrina in New Orleans, and post Tsunami in Japan
Why was there no looting in Japan during the Tsunami disaster?
Why do people loot in a disaster?
From LA Times, looters and lessons from Katrina
Is "looting" an act of agency during a humanitarian crisis?
New Orleans governor Kathleen Blanco orders NG to shoot looters
It was quite disturbing that we saw on the TV malls and groceries being stripped of their contents by hordes of people helping themselves to food, water and drinks. While it was not shown, they were allegations of ATM being forcibly opened and cash taken away? Is looting at those situation justified? Is it theft or survival instinct?
In a situation where there is no electricity, and your cash or credit card will not work, what will you do in order to have your next meal, or to have your clothes and blanket to sleep the night? Are we moralists here?
What is more important, the protection of property or the preservation of life?
In New Orleans, there were news of policemen acting excessively to police for the banks and grocery owners; there were firing of shots and killings to fend off "looters" At this point in time when we send SAF to Tacloban and other areas to enforce law and order, this issue must be examined very well
