Logistical challenges

FDA Staff Return to Chaotic Offices: Broken Equipment, Missing Chairs, and a Shortage of Everything

The mandated return to office for all FDA rank-and-file staff resulted in significant logistical challenges on the first day. Thousands of employees encountered overcrowded parking, lengthy security lines, and a shortage of basic office supplies, including chairs and desks, in makeshift workspaces. Many reported “chaos and lost work hours” due to these issues, with employees resorting to scavenging for essential items across the campus. The situation was further complicated by ongoing concerns about Legionella bacteria in the building’s water supply.

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India Prepares for Massive Kumbh Mela Gathering Amid Safety Concerns

The Maha Kumbh Mela, the world’s largest public gathering, commences this week in India, anticipating over 400 million attendees for a six-week Hindu festival. Millions will participate in ritual dips at the confluence of three rivers. To manage this immense crowd, the Indian government has constructed a temporary city with extensive infrastructure, including numerous restrooms, kitchens, and electricity connections. This event serves as a significant case study in crowd management, given the inherent risks of such large-scale gatherings, as tragically demonstrated by a deadly stampede in 1954.

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