Six thousand natural disasters have occurred worldwide over the last twenty years, with a million lives lost, two hundred million people affected, and trillions of dollars in property damage. Weather and climate are major drivers of risk but…
“Disaster is personal and can’t be compared. Once the sky is blue again and the water, fire, shaking, or surge is gone, the scene is always familiar. The remains are gray with a mottling of brown. Shades of shadow are the only color. Aftermath looks pretty much the same.”
Against The Wind – Dawn C Crouch
When I wrote this, I was primarily thinking of storms, i.e. hurricanes or tornados, but in light of the recent fires in California and so many other natural disasters that seem to grow in intensity every year, I do not seek to compare tragedy but I do feel a terrible kinship with survivors. I feel their loss and shock because I have been there. And we are survivors not victims. I constantly listen to designations and labels used by media, government, and all those unaffected by the event because the labels morph and change. Victim/Survivor. Displaced/Refugee. What labels have you noticed??
A Side Note: The SALVATION ARMY was particularly helpful and unselfish in their aid to those affected by Hurricane Katrina. I donate to the Salvation Army and I also try to donate directly to anyone I know who has been affected or to friends of someone who was impacted by the disaster. If we all would work to support each other directly with no thought of publicity or tax advantage, I believe the world would be a better place. Many people helped us get back on our feet after the hurricane. I will never forget their heartfelt assistance.
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