It begins with a threat. Perhaps you heard it on
the radio, or saw the news flash on TV. Some terrorist group demanding
that unless its ransom can be paid in cash, it will release Anthrax over
Washington DC. Two days later, a chartered helicopter soars above
Washington, spraying a cloud of dust in the air.
Sooner or later, there is going
to be a biological attack on a major city. Are we prepared to deal with
it? Fat hope.
Scenario one: Thousands die as
millions rush to leave the city. The police tries to set up barricades
to control the tide of human bodies but hundred die in confrontations
with riot police. Those trapped in the city inhale the spores. Within
hours, hospitals are over flooded and little can be done since the
country’s limited supply of anti-serum has already been dispensed to
the military. Thousands lounge in waiting rooms, unable to receive
treatment. The Center for Disease Control and the World Health
Organization step in but little can be done. It is too late, millions
die.
Scenario two: In the hours
before the attack, citizens rush to bomb shelters while trained
personnel evacuate the sick and disabled. Those in the bunker pay close
attention to radio and news broadcasts, while trained personnel from
both the Center for Disease Control and the World Health Organization
work in synergy to contain the situation. They set up multiple base
camps around the city and provide hospitals with an adequate supply of
antibiotics and vaccines.
Once sensors detect the Anthrax
spores, police intercept the plane carrying the terrorists. In the
meantime, weather forecasts enable the medical workers to predict where
the deadly cloud will drift next. The terrorists are brutally tortured
and forced to reveal their leader who is subsequently apprehended and
executed. (Hey, it can’t be a happy ending for everyone, you know)
With solid preparation and little panic, only thousands die. Tourism
drops, sending a few hot dog stands out of business.
