The worst natural disaster since the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami is now Cyclone Nargis with anywhere between 20,000 and 60,000 lives lost.
The population of Burma is centered around the low-land, marshy coast. That coast received the brunt of the category four storm. Maps and space images from the Foreign Policy blog show the coastline before and after the storm and compare the flooding to population centers. Needless to say it is bad.
The isolationist junta that rules Burma has actually requested international aid though it is suspect if United States aid will be allowed to enter or if aid groups will be allowed to help out those “unpatriotic elements” who do not support the regime.
On May 10 the new proposed constitution was scheduled to be put to a vote. The document would put a democratic face on the regime and was opposed by pro-democracy groups. It is unlikely if the document will be voted on now if ever. Maybe Nargis will be like Bhola Cyclone and be the cause for freedom. Or maybe the government will crush any uprising and the world will not care, again.
Regardless, keep Burma in your prayers.
1 comment:
Yes, I pray for the gentle, poor people of Myanmar. As you said, may this disaster be a catalyst for political change.
Glad to discover your good blog today.
Shalom from Jerusalem.
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