Sea surge

The tragedy is "unprecedented", the devastation "unimaginable". So many countries hit in so little time. An earthquake in Aceh measuring 9.0 on the Richter scale, detected first by the US Geological Survey, causes a tsunami which hits Indonesia, Phuket, Thailand, Penang, Malaysia, India, Sri Lanka and even states in the East African belt. The toll is set to rise above the 100,000 mark before the year ends. International relief efforts have been sent from as far as the US, which pledged the highest amount of aid set at US$50 million dollars. Britain and Australia follow closely behind with pledges of US$30 million or thereabouts. And of course, the EU with its 25 member countries and the world's highest GDP per capita, donates a measly US$4 million, dwarfed already by the contribution from Singapore.

It's quite a sight, seeing how many different groups of people band together when a common threat exists. And once that problem goes away, we resort to the same behaviour of fighting among ourselves. Aceh is one of those states which wanted to break away from the Indonesian archipalaego, it's independence hopes crushed when the Indonesian military moved in. Now look at who go begging to that same government who not too long ago it was telling to screw off. And that military which was not too long ago shooting people in Aceh is helping with relief efforts. In Sri Lanka, no matter if you're Tamil or Sinhalese, Buddhist or Hindu, when the waves come, nature gives the same treatment. And because it's holiday season, we have tons of tourists from all over the world scattered throughout the many island resorts, which by the way consists of a large number of Europeans (EU better wake up), a truly international humanitarian crisis exists. It's strange that so many people must die before the rest of us wake up and do something, together. A tragedy of such proportions is necessary for international cooperation?

Furthermore, it's not a uniform level of commitment from all parties. As mentioned already, the EU has the most reason to help but seems to flounder when it is needed most (Iraq anyone?). Further demonstrates that they are just full of Chirac nonsense and irrelevant until they can get their act together. However more tellingly, it depends which country you are from that the aid amount differs. The Bam earthquake in Iran last year was just as bad, but guess what, you're Iranian and since you insist on holding on to some nuclear technology, go rebuild your own damn country. The fault of the government burdens the people. But guess what, in government you get what you deserve, and from a theocratic government which the people ushered in less than 3 decades ago, this is what you get. No aid and lots of bullshit on the international stage. In Indonesia, where the democratically elected President watches as key members of his government who are needed most in this crisis cut loose and run, corruption runs rampant. The disaster is a reminder that unless SBY is serious about dealing with corruption, this is the kind of crap he faces each time the shit hits the fan. Instead of ministers doing their job when they are needed, they find the nearest hole to hide in.

I live less than a thousand kilometers from the epicentre, and felt the slight tremors which reverberated throughout the island when Aceh was hit. No tsunami, thankfully, but no lack of compassion either. The amount of money donated by Singaporeans to date now goes several times above the amount the government pledged. The Red Cross alone has received the same amount the government has pledged from walk-ins to its office, and different organisations, even my former school, is doing something to help the affected people. I'm sure this scene is repeated in about any country on Earth with news channels now. Pessimists may say this is a slow week, and as news channels have nothing else to broadcast, the disaster takes centrestage everywhere and people get out all their year-end bonuses to help. In this case, even the pessimistic view has optimistic undertones. Individuals are doing their utmost in helping others they don't even know, putting money and aid in the hands of people far from their own homes. Shouldn't you too? Go to the Red Cross website and do your part.

They say it's an omen that 2004 ends in this manner, and the beginning of 2005 is greeted with such tragedy. But I say we must see the bright spark in the darkness, that in tragedy we see compassion for our fellow human beings, regardless of race, religion or creed. The event does not signal any change or reveal any new trends in world behaviour. Mother nature does not have a political agenda, if plates have to move, they move. No omens or portents exists, and we should not try to taint the new year with any predictions or otherwise. Right now, the most pressing thing to be done is to do what we can for the tsunami victims, and let learning to empathise be on our list of resolutions for next year.

Don