ASIA EARTHQUAKE

This is the biggest earthquake in 40 years that the whole of Asia had ever seen measuring 8.9 in the Richter scale. What made it worse was that it was below the sea. As a result of the earthquake, a tsunami was created and mother nature took control of many people’s lives including ripping anything in its path. It left an unforgivable environment, in which, many escaped but where thousands have died and still rising by the hour.

The worst hit was Sri-Lanka where it is estimated 20,000 people were consumed by the disaster and more than a million are without a home. In Thailand it is estimated that 2,000 people are dead. India’s death toll is around 5,000 people. Areas of Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Madras have been badly affected. In Indonesia the death toll is above 27,000 and still rising. Other countries have been affected like Malaysia, Burma, Maldives and Somalia.

The scale of the damage is colossal, but where it hurts most is whether a person’s loved one is alive or dead. Many are still searching, hoping and praying that he or she has not been affected by the lethal waves and floods. One tourist had explained, ‘It was like a dam had collapsed.’

Most of these countries have been hit hard in tourists regions where unfortunately is where a bulk of the countries’ revenue comes from. Thus, hundreds of holiday makers who came to these heavenly islands, in a mad rush to get away for Christmas, were suddenly brought back down to earth or sadly consumed by the tsunami, many of whom were British. The British government has announced that 18 Britons have died as a result of the tsunami.

This catastrophe will be long term has many of the countries have to recover economically and emotionally. The plight of the thousands of fishermen will continue and the difficulty of the tourist workers has begun. India will not be affected badly like Sri Lanka or Indonesia as it has been hit in the areas that have least developed. However, you cannot escape the tragedy that has been caused.

There are many problems that the disaster had caused as this is not just one country that has been affected but a whole host of countries, which will prove to be an unprecedented challenge for the global community. Aid is arriving in many places, but not quick in enough to combat the prevention of disease. Thus, we ask you to donate as much money as possible to any of the charities that are going to support the victims in Asia so that they can get their lives back on track.

We should all pray for the people who have died in this tragedy, perishing because of it and suffering because they have lost someone.

Frederic Johnson (Newham, London)