Recently, it seems as though I just keep writing about natural disasters. Cyclones and massive flooding in Myanmar, tornadoes in the Midwestern USA, and now the 7.8 magnitude earthquake in central China.A 7.8 magnitude earthquake is no laughing matter. Once when I was in college we had a minor earthquake - I think it was under a magnitude of 3.0, but it was still unsettling. I can't imagine what such a large earthquake would feel like. Reports from people 150 kilometers from the epicenter say it felt like a rolling and shaking, but that sounds too tame. "Rolling and shaking" is what disco dancers used to do; an earthquake has terrible destructive power that far outweighs the impact of the groovy fashions and moves of the disco era.
Over 5,000 people are reported dead in just one county in central China, with more deaths expected to be reported as this area of China has over 78 million residents (Source: BBC). The quake struck at around 2:30 PM, when kids were still in school and people were still at work. Apparently 900 children are trapped in their collapsed school. Can you imagine anything so terrifying as being trapped?
The only positive thing about this event is the Chinese government's reaction. In the past, it shut down access and tried desperately to control the flow of information within China and to the rest of the world. I suppose the government wanted to make sure a positive spin was put on the event, or more specifically, on their reaction to the event.
However, this time it's different. The Chinese government is very quickly disseminating information, and reacting to the event. The media (well, the BBC, which is where I first heard of the quake) is taken aback, in a good way, at the ease with which information has come forth. With information comes the ability to help. This contrasts starkly with Myanmar's response to the cyclones, though aid is slowly trickling in.
I think the reason China is being more forthright about the earthquake is the upcoming Olympics in Beijing. The country is already under a microscope for the way it's handling the Tibet issue. The last thing they need is further condemnation for their mishandling of a natural disaster. So, if the world wanted to influence Chinese politics by giving them the Olympic hosting responsibilities, I would say they have succeeded... at least in this small way.
If you would like to help victims of the earthquake in China, consider the following organizations:
Photo courtesy of CNN.com and Getty Images.
The only positive thing about this event is the Chinese government's reaction. In the past, it shut down access and tried desperately to control the flow of information within China and to the rest of the world. I suppose the government wanted to make sure a positive spin was put on the event, or more specifically, on their reaction to the event.
However, this time it's different. The Chinese government is very quickly disseminating information, and reacting to the event. The media (well, the BBC, which is where I first heard of the quake) is taken aback, in a good way, at the ease with which information has come forth. With information comes the ability to help. This contrasts starkly with Myanmar's response to the cyclones, though aid is slowly trickling in.
I think the reason China is being more forthright about the earthquake is the upcoming Olympics in Beijing. The country is already under a microscope for the way it's handling the Tibet issue. The last thing they need is further condemnation for their mishandling of a natural disaster. So, if the world wanted to influence Chinese politics by giving them the Olympic hosting responsibilities, I would say they have succeeded... at least in this small way.
If you would like to help victims of the earthquake in China, consider the following organizations:
- Red Cross - Provides disaster relief
- Mercy Corps - Works within "disasters, conflicts, chronic poverty and instability to unleash the potential of people who can win against nearly impossible odds"
- China Tomorrow Education Foundation - Builds schools in rural China to ensure education for all
- Alpha Communities - Works with people and communities to realize potential, initiate change, and create opportunities in rural China and Mongolia
Photo courtesy of CNN.com and Getty Images.
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