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2005 has been one of the
most volatile years in recent history. However, as we look back at another
year in our lives, we find that it is not often man who dictated the
actions of 2005. Indeed, Mother Nature, like never before, played a
pivotal role last year.
At the beginning of the
year, Asia, and much of the world, was still riveted by the disastrous
affects of the Asian Tsunami. As one of the deadliest and most destructive
natural disasters in recorded history, the tsunami claimed the lives of
over 100,000 people. The disaster in the Far East emphasized yet again the
deep economic line between the rich and poor, especially in developing
nations. Due, in large part, to the fragile infrastructure of the third
world countries in which the tsunami was most deadly, we will likely be
feeling the affects of this unspeakable act of nature for years to come.
Fortunately, the generosity
of the world was evident in the wake of this disaster, as millions of
dollars in aid poured into the region from around the world. I
whole-heartedly salute those who gave what they could to the efforts of
rebuilding and reconstruction, which now appear quite successful, though
further assistance is clearly needed.
Though the tsunami in Asia
may have appeared distant to most Americans, several other disasters hit
much closer to home.
As familiar as the effects
of hurricanes are on those along the East Coast, people of the Gulf
regions are largely unaccustomed to these natural phenomena.
Hurricane Katrina in late
summer of last year was a true wakeup call for the citizens of Gulf coast
America, and wrought disastrous affects for hundreds of miles and across
several states.
Nowhere was the devastation
more apparent than in the historic city of New Orleans, who’s low-lying
nature proved disastrous for thousands of residents. Once again, the poor
and impoverished citizens were the ones hardest hit by Mother Nature.
Thousands of poor, largely minority citizens of New Orleans are now
permanently displaced, as their previous homes now appear uninhabitable.
Once again, Americans and
others around the world pooled together millions of dollars yet again to
help those in need. The generosity and the resolute nature of man is
highly visible even in the wake of such a terrible natural disaster.
Though many families have
been resettled, efforts to rebuild New Orleans and other ravaged areas
appear limited at best. The government of this nation would be wise to
focus more on the rebuilding of the Gulf coast and the resurrection of
people’s livelihoods than to pour money and resources into a public
relations game.
Instead of spending
billions of dollars in conflicts abroad, it is time to refocus our
energies on peace and recovery at home.
Just as we began recovering
from the effects of Hurricane Katrina, another storm appeared off of the
Gulf coast. Rita, at first, appeared even more devastating than Katrina.
The major threat from Rita was the devastation it would produce in already
destroyed areas, an unthinkable finale to a brutal storm season.
The mere threat of the
hurricane produced massive evacuation efforts along the coast. At the helm
of these efforts were the local and state governments, making wise,
precautionary decisions where the federal government was not.
Luckily, Rita proved to be
much less of a threat than originally thought, and another disaster was
averted.
Hurricane season was not
over yet, however, as another strong storm was brewing in the waters of
the Atlantic. Hurricane Wilma, christened by the U.S. National Weather
Service, would ironically reach the U.S. as mere rainstorms, not the
hurricane for which it was named.
That was no consolation to
the people of Latin America, who, for the third time this year, were
living under incredibly harsh storm conditions. The huge storm slammed
into poor, developing countries such as Cuba and Honduras, and continued
to make its devastating impact through Northern Mexico.
As a witness to the
destruction first hand, I can tell you that the devastated lives were once
again primarily those of the poor. The Miami Herald said, in a
December 26th issue, that the tourism industry in Mexico was
having its most profitable year up to the storm. Now, with hotels on the
islands of Cancun and Cozumel decimated, hugely expensive repairs are
required. The predominantly poor native populations who staff these large
resorts are now without jobs, without sources of income, and are
struggling to put food on their tables. Yet again, it will take years to
rebuild their livelihoods.
As the toll of natural
disasters around the world reaches record-breaking levels, it is time to
take a look at preventive measures the civilized world can take to guard
against future years such as this. Tsunami warning systems, not just in
the U.S. but also throughout the world, need to be implemented on a global
scale. With over 100,000 lives lost to the deadly waves this year, there
is no time to waste with this issue of critical importance.
At home, important
hurricane warning systems and monitoring devices need also be implemented
on a large scale. Also, levees and other physical guard systems need to be
strengthened and refined to deal with the unstoppable threat of
floodwater.
Finally, secure, fast,
efficient evacuation routes need to be ensured in all major cities in
threatened regions, not just to protect against natural disaster, but also
the threat of terrorism as well.
It is also important to
look at the scientific causes of the many natural disasters this year, in
hopes of preventing their escalation in the future. Global warming
especially needs to be given serious thought, and the support of the
federal government is needed for this necessary effort.
Though Mother Nature may
have been in control of the destruction last year, man was most certainly
in control of recovery. Millions of dollars donated by thousands of people
around the world, hundreds of hours of unpaid time donated by volunteers,
and much much more all help to recover the livelihoods that nature
attempted to take away. It is important to salute people, as Time
Magazine has done with their naming of Bono and Bill & Melinda Gates as
Persons of the Year, for all that they have given and inspired this year.
Let us begin the process of
recovery, and at the same time install the necessary measures to prevent
and limit the future effects of natural disaster at home and abroad.
Sources: Time Magazine,
CBS News, ABC News, CNN Online, BBC News, U.S. National Weather Service,
The Miami Herald
Also contributing
to this story are dozens of Mexican citizens who were kind enough to give
their time to tell me a little bit about their lives, this year, and the
hurricanes. Many thanks for their understanding of my Spanish, their time,
and the best of luck to them. |
