Bangladesh Tragedy

I was just reading the story about the tragic loss of life in the Bangladesh cyclone.

The United States expressed "its deepest sympathy" for the victims of the cyclone that struck Bangladesh as it took part in international efforts to provide emergency relief. Hundreds of people died and tens of thousands were left homeless after a powerful cyclone smashed impoverished Bangladesh with huge waves, severe winds and torrential rains, officials said Friday.

Even with the death toll topping 1,100 people, this can be seen in a positive light, as it was not as deadly as the 1991 Bangladesh cyclone, unofficially known as Cyclone Gorky, which killed over 138,000 people, or the 1970 Bhola Cyclone, the deadliest ever recorded, which killed over 500,000 people. While every lost person is precious, it was with excellent evacuation plans, that most people got out of the way of this deadly storm. International aid is beginning to arrive and with much help the country can be brought back from this devestation.

I remember the refrain when I was growing up, and when Bangladesh was used as a symbol of great need, like Biafra, and the teachers would encourage people to eat all of their food, even though it was cafeteria food, and chide us with, "there are starving children in Bangladesh, who would be glad to have that food." It was true then, and is true now, as this nation is once again stricken by disaster. We may not box up our lunches and the send them, but we can pick up the phone and make a donation to assist them in their time of need. Thanks, and our best wishes and prayers go with them on this evening after the cyclone.


cyclone