Once again, on top of all the human-made tragedies — wars, bombings, murders, rapes, torture — caused and excused by the dehumanization of people by other people, mother nature marks her turf with major natural disasters. If you are a bit behind on this, the Guardian Website has detailed information on the effects of cyclone Nargis that slammed into Myanmnar (Burma) and the earthquake that ravaged the Sichuan province of China. The New York Times also has a regularly updated topic page on the “Sichuan Earthquake.”
CARE, Save the Children, Friends of the World Food Program, UNICEF USA, American Friends Service Committee, and Doctors Without Borders are some of the charities accepting donations for disaster relief and other good causes.
Of course, much has been said and more needs to be said (and done) about how the policies and behaviors of those in power magnify the horrendous effects of these catastrophes on the lives of ordinary people. The devastating effects of the cyclone in Myanmar are clearly attributed to the lack of timely warnings, junta-caused dire living conditions of most of the population, and criminally incompetent and obstructionist response. In China inadequate building regulations, corruption of construction inspectors, greediness of builders, and poverty most likely contributed to the mounting body count.
Everywhere, the overwhelming grief of people who have lost their loved ones and the selfless efforts of rescuers reflect our common humanity. Too bad that doesn’t at least shake-up the causers of human-made tragedies into realizing that people’s lives and rights must be respected everywhere.
Filed under: Disasters, Media watch | Tagged: Burma, China, cyclones, disasters, earthquakes, Myanmar, news
