On May 3, Cyclone Nargis (Category 4) hit the low-lying Irrawaddy delta in central Myanmar, killing thousands upon thousands of Burmese people, the exact number of deaths still unknown. While the deadly storm exerted its immense power to destroy, the response by Myanmar’s ruling junta to rescue and save lives was reportedly “not nearly the same magnitude.” The military government also prevented foreign rescue workers to enter Myanmar, accepting only material aid, supplies and equipment. Even the United Nations had to stop sending aid because of this incomprehensible decision. Myanmar has been so isolated from the world for decades, as its military rulers refuse to share power with the people. Details about the devastation were few and far between from the ruling junta. Despite all the secrecy, however, news of despair among villages hardest hit began to get out. The survivors are hungry and they need medical attention immediately. Realizing the magnitude of the devastation and their limited capacity to contain its effects, the military junta has allowed some aid agencies into the country only very recently. I could hardly understand why Myanmar even held an election May 10 to approve a new army-drafted constitution. I couldn’t understand why political power is more important than the welfare of the governed. I thought a society forms a government in order to serve all its members. Oh well ... While the world was still praying for the Burmese people’s survival and recovery, another disaster struck, this time in China. A 7.9 magnitude earthquake hit Sichuan province on May 12, during the day when family members were separated from each other — parents at work and children in school. The quake killed thousands upon thousands of people estimated as high as 50,000. Unlike Myanmar, however, the Chinese government opened its doors to other countries offering assistance, including a professional rescue team from Japan and The Red Cross from Taiwan. Its state- run media also covered extensively the disaster areas and how government leaders responded within hours of the quake. This swift response from the Chinese government, including its openness, deserves appreciation. While some reporters say that natural-disaster coverage isn’t a politically sensitive issue, still, the Chinese leaders’ quick action and media transparency are a departure from the country’s policy in the not-so-distant past. Anyway, the purpose of my column this month is to issue a call for assistance from all our readers. Please help the victims of these most recent calamities that struck Myanmar and China. You may choose local or international agencies of note whose record of service is impeccable. Beyond material help, let us pray for those who perished, for those who survived, and for their leaders to find ways to alleviate their people’s sufferings. |
Myanmar and China |