Myanmar, Nargis, and signs of hope?

Posted by Benjamin on: 05.07.2008 /

So it is a very very dark time in Myanmar–with tens of thousands dead from Cyclone Nargis, which made landfall on May 2nd.

Along with all the dark truth about how this is going to very negatively affect rather a lot of people in Burma, which is #132 out of 177 on the Human Development Index, especially in light of the current developing world food crisis, as well as some truth about the extent to which such a storm is a result of climate change, I think there’s a lot of puzzle pieces which point to hope:

See for instance, this list in the International Herald Tribune, with pledges of US$12 million and lots of logistical aid from 15 different nations. Here’s the really crazy thing. The population of Burma in 1900 was 10 million. Now it’s 55 million. If the disaster had taken place in 1900:

How long would it have been before the rest of the world even *knew* about the disaster?
How long would it have taken to mobilize help?
How long would the people of Burma have been pretty much on their own in trying to cope with the aftermath of such a huge disaster?
How many nations would have taken part in helping?

I don’t have the beginnings of an answer to any of these questions (ask someone with an appropriate Ph.D.). But I have a strong suspicion that the changes between the answers for “In 1900″ and “In 2008″ are solid grounds for a little joy and hope in the midst of heart-wrenching disaster.

Does that make any sense?
Do you agree?
What “should” our response to Cyclone Nargis be?
Your thoughts?

7 Responses to "Myanmar, Nargis, and signs of hope?"

Comment by: David H
1 05/7/08 10:24 PM | Comment Link |
The response to the cyclone is rather complicated by the political issues there. Organizations such as MCC rightfully feel an obligation to respond. The trick for them becomes to make sure those hit hardest by the disaster actually receive the help. For the wider world, the issue is already arising that the foreign aid not be used to prop up a despotic military regime that has destroyed the economy of the country and has an abysmal human rights record.

My personal reaction is that there is little option other to offer help. Many are dead. More are sure to die. I hope the politics will get sorted. But the people need help now.
Comment by: Benjamin
2 05/7/08 11:21 PM | Comment Link |
a despotic military regime that has destroyed the economy of the country and has an abysmal human rights record

Now why does this sound so … familiar. When I read it I got this haunting sense of dejavu.
Comment by: joe
3 05/8/08 2:24 AM | Comment Link |
They’re saying here that the devastation is on a par with the Tsunami. We can only hope and pray that those generals with power within the junta have a modicum of humanity and allow NGOs to meet the needs as best they can.

As with the aftermath of the Tsunami, it sounds like there is a mountain of human misery awaiting anyone who manages to get in.
Comment by: Janice
4 05/8/08 1:50 PM | Comment Link |
Since Burma was colonized in 1900 it probably would have received better attention than now. In the years after the SPDC took over they would have been very much alone. Since the uprisings and massacres in 1988, there has been on and off increased focus or attention on Burma, but unfortunately access has remained slim. The fact that aide is ‘landed’ is a good thing though its uncertain how (and when)distrubution will ocur. Most that I know of have not yet heard from family or friends which is incredibly disturbing to say the least. I haven’t been able to find out anything about those I know.
Comment by: David H
5 05/8/08 2:06 PM | Comment Link |
Reports from today are that 100,000 may be dead and 1.5 million in need of help. Relief agencies that have been granted admission have supplies and distribution ability for about 10,000 people. The US is discussing air-dropping supplies. The reason for not beginning with that already is inefficiency of that method. I would guess there is also a heavy dose of attempt to use relief as leverage. But given the limitations being imposed by the ruling junta, they would appear to prefer the death of thousands of relaxed restrictions even for a short period of time.
Comment by: Janice
6 05/8/08 2:21 PM | Comment Link |
they would appear to prefer the death of thousands of relaxed restrictions even for a short period of time.

Of course they would. All that matters to them is their own comfort. Which, at this time, may be somewhat disturbed. Which is a good thing for everyone else because it means possible unprecedented access. People really need to be praying over this situation. Hate to say this, but what a time for a take over. (not necessarily from without)
Comment by: Benjamin
7 05/8/08 11:36 PM | Comment Link |
Most that I know of have not yet heard from family or friends which is incredibly disturbing to say the least. I haven’t been able to find out anything about those I know.

Janice–I’m sorry you haven’t been able to get news. Sounds really frightening, actually.