Christmas Tragedies

I got back from visiting my brother in upstate New York yesterday afternoon and was planning to post a few pictures from our chaotic but happy family gathering. But the news of the day has swept that aside. The early reports indicate that at least 14,000 people have been killed by a tsunami originating in the Indian Ocean.

I've been transfixed by the news reports this evening. There's something especially tragic about catastrophes that coincide with celebrations, especially Christmas with it's modern emphasis on comfort and little luxuries. Last December 26th it was an earthquake in the ancient Iranian city of Bam that left 26,000 dead.

I donate regularly to the Red Cross, particularly in support of their international work. Please consider whether there is something you can do to help. This tragedy is likely to be minor in comparison to the on-going man-made situations in Darfur and similar places, but these natural disasters have a shocking suddenness that makes a humanitarian response both urgent and costly.

Thank you, of course, for the kind Christmas messages that have been left here over the holidays. I'll be posting some happier Christmas details shortly.

New Year's Eve Update: Current figures are now roughly ten times higher, at least 127,000 people have been killed directly by the tsunami, more are expected to die due to diseases caused by contaminated drinking water and other causes.

Listening to: Bittersweet Symphony (iTunes Store link) by The Verve from Urban Hymns.