First Myanmar was struck by a deadly cyclone. Before the sad images of neglected Burmese left our memory (which is a very short window for Americans) China was hit with a horrific earthquake. These two tragedies have combined for over 40,000 deaths, with thousands more expected. As I sit here, thousands of miles away, reading media reports about the disasters, it’s difficult not to notice the stark difference in each government’s response to their country’s plight.
It’s been well documented about the problems the Burmese people have endured of late. The military junta has been stifling and abusing the Burmese citizens for far too long. Their actions in the wake of the May 3rd cyclone have been absolutely appalling. The junta continues to prevent proper amounts of aid from foreign sources. UN Secretary General Ban Kai-moon was quoted in the New York Times stating, “This is not about politics; it is about saving people’s lives. There is absolutely no more time to lose.” The Associated Press reported that while foreign media feed images of the carnage and wreckage of the cyclone, the Myanmar junta broadcasts video of how well the survivors are being treated. This is just inhumane treatment and a travesty at all levels. I hope, even pray, that the good people of Myanmar get the help they so desperately need and deserve. [Side note: President Bush said that the slow flow of aid suggested that the generals in charge were either “isolated or callous.” He must have forgotten Hurricane Katrina]
On the flip side, China’s government has been openly asking for foreign aid. Top officials from the Sichuan province have gone on the record asking for food, supplies, satellite communication, and medical assistance. Reports indicate a sense of urgency (as there should be) in getting the Chinese citizens the help they need. The BBC’s Quentin Somerville says this is one of the most open and speedy responses to an emergency he has ever seen from Chinese state media. Say what you will about the Chinese government in general, but their actions have been more than commendable in this time of crisis.
While I haven’t traveled to either China or Myanmar, I have traveled to regions of Southeast Asia that have striking similarities to the areas that have been hit by these natural disasters. The people of these regions lead such simple lives. There is no cable TV, or savings accounts. They only possess the necessities to get them by from day to day. I’m sure that even now, many of them have no idea what happened to them. CNN reports on the children that are left to survive, clueless as to why their parents are gone. I can’t possibly articulate my empathy for both the survivors and victims of these two disasters.
Having just moved to a region in the US where an earthquake is a real possibility, I can’t help but have images of a disaster ridden LA. I wonder what the response would be if LA is devastated by an earthquake and how the people will react. First of all, will I even be alive? What will be the response time be for aid? Will martial law prevail? All very chilling thoughts, let’s hope that I won’t have to answer these questions.
Click here to assist in the Burmese disaster relief.
Click here to donate to the Red Cross for both the Burmese and Chinese relief efforts.
(The New York Times and the BBC contributed to this entry)
Tags: China, Myanmar, Natural Disasters
