Government slacks as Cyclone attacks

by Lauren Hanley

According to the Weather Book, cyclones are extremely dangerous wind-and-pressure storms that spin in rapid circular motions; they destroy everything their path. Imagine being helpless against this powerful storm.

On Saturday, in Yangon, Myanmar, Cyclone Nargis struck causing a spiraling increasing death rate of citizens. Generals had predicted a deadly cyclone and failed to notify citizens; leading to a fatal demise of their population.

One is left outraged and confounded as to why government officials would want to withhold such vital information, which would have saved thousands of innocent lives.

A total of 10,000 people from one town were killed by the violent cyclone. The storm’s 12-foot tidal surges and destructive winds trampled and ruined the bamboo homes of this village, leaving the town in shambles.

The government failed to sufficiently caution them of the impending storm in a timely manor and have continued to inadequately supply them with aid after the storm.The only aid provided by the Myanmar officials was marked by an ugly social injustice. The military have started to clear streets but only the areas where ruling elite live. They have forsaken other residents, including Budhistt monks, to fen for themselves.

The presence of the International groups such as Red Cross has been carefully monitored by the ruling officials of Myanmar, who are suspicious of the group’s actions. This had further limited the support given to the desperate victims.

My main concern is for these poor people that are plagued by a heartless government. They need help and deserve to receive it. In order to deliver aid, smaller groups of people should enter the borders and visit the victims in disguise. They should also secretly transport the injured victims out of the town so they can get the quality assistance of doctors.

I do not care how it is done but these people need to be reached. Since our military and government officials are preoccupied with the war in Iraq, it is up to the people of the United States to help out. We have to come together and fight to save lives. If we don’t then no one else will.