Thursday, December 30, 2004
Tsunami
I cannot watch the news on Tsunami disaster without bursting into tears so now I just let the others fill me in. I know it is an Ostrich syndrome but that is what I have to do. In the meantime life goes on. I go about daily business, laugh and joke, make plans and feel happy but then I feel guilty about all those people and their misfortune.
In some of those places where the damages are slightly less, people are trying to get their businesses opened and trying to keep future tourist interest alive. Without tourism income those countries will be even less likely to get back on their feet soon enough. The question remains though, will the tourists feel confident enough to carry on like before?
I am not sure if I can make this statement without making some readers unhappy but will our interest, care and concern would have been to the same extent if our countrymen were not visiting those countries? Don't take me wrong, British people are the most generous people when it comes to aid, care and donations than any other people I know. We have of course sent aids to many people many times but I think having so many of our own people there as victims makes it even more personal and touching.
Like I said on the first day of disaster, the real help will be needed when all the initial shock wears off, helpers will think they have done all they can and the affected countries will start to rebuild. Aftermath of these disasters bring in lots of diseases and many more will die. That is when the aid will be needed but perhaps by then this disaster will be forgotten or at least put on a side?
In some of those places where the damages are slightly less, people are trying to get their businesses opened and trying to keep future tourist interest alive. Without tourism income those countries will be even less likely to get back on their feet soon enough. The question remains though, will the tourists feel confident enough to carry on like before?
I am not sure if I can make this statement without making some readers unhappy but will our interest, care and concern would have been to the same extent if our countrymen were not visiting those countries? Don't take me wrong, British people are the most generous people when it comes to aid, care and donations than any other people I know. We have of course sent aids to many people many times but I think having so many of our own people there as victims makes it even more personal and touching.
Like I said on the first day of disaster, the real help will be needed when all the initial shock wears off, helpers will think they have done all they can and the affected countries will start to rebuild. Aftermath of these disasters bring in lots of diseases and many more will die. That is when the aid will be needed but perhaps by then this disaster will be forgotten or at least put on a side?
# posted by butterflyuk : 12/30/2004 10:15:00 pm
