General Chat

I can't get my head or heart around the sheer number of people who have died or who are missing after the hurricane in Myanmar. My heart goes out to these people.
Sue x

I do wonder how, in such a short space of time really, the cost in lives has been estimated.

It's a real tragedy for sure, but as the country is in such disarray I wonder how they are able to estimate the numbers - anyone have any idea?

Jac

I was like that after the Tsunami - for weeks i could not watch a news report without crying

I know, its just Unbelievable.
we should all be counting our blessings,I can only Imagine the true horror of it all.
My heart and prayers go out to those people.

Never thought of that, Jac. My local paper had the breakdown of towns and villages and their losses. One bigger town, Bogolay, has lost 10,000. I just can't imagine it.
Sue

Its unbelieveable sue, isnt it??


Caz xxx

Sue ... I was just saying that to someone today. The figures to me are just figures and I think that is the only way I can cope with death and destruction on that scale.

Jac... I wonder if they estimate by region. They know approximately how many people live in different regions and perhaps they calculate on the devastation in a particular area taken by aerial photos.

Jean x.

I find it incomprehensible, Sue.

And sadly we all have to accept some responsibility for it!

I saw on the news a man searching through the rubble for his children. I couldn't bear to watch the look on his face. The newsreader went on to say that he had lost his mother, wife and 3 children including a 3 month old baby.
Sue

Errol, responsibility for the cyclone or helping these people pick up the pieces? If it's the latter then I will gladly take some responsibility.
Sue

Me too Sue...

Jean x.

Me too - I'm more than happy for our country to send aid in whatever form.

They were having problems getting aid to them,I think its been sorted now,hopefully.
those people need all the help they can get.

When the tsunami hit Asia, my grandson's mum was involved in setting up a hospital in Bandeh Aceh at the age of 21. She couldn't talk about what she had seen for ages but we have gradually heard some horrendous stories. My son spent many a long night sitting up with her after nightmares.
Sue

No sue, for the ferocity of the cyclone and the damage caused - there is well documented evidence that global warming is having a direct impact on tropical cyclones etc. Elso, deforestation and in particular the decimation of mangrove swamps (a feature of Burma) has been shown to also have an impact on the devastation caused. So yes, we do have to accept some responsibility.

I understand what you're saying, Errol, but at the moment I'm just thinking about the people. It's happened and now we need to rally round and send these people what they need to get back their lives.
Sue

I agree Sue,the rights and wrongs arent the Issue at the moment,getting help to these people is.

Although you are correct in that we need to rally around, it is very much ostrich head syndrome if we ignore right now some of the factors that played a part in this tragedy.

I'm trying very hard not to get annoyed with you Errol.
Sue