Deadly Tornadoes In Southern U.S.

With all the hype over the death of Osama bin Laden, it’s easy to forget what else is happening for the United States. From April 25^th to 28^th, the U.S. experienced its largest amount of tornado strikes, with 362 tornadoes killing at least 285 people. The previous record number of tornadoes was 148.

The cost of this storm is incredibly high. It is estimated that the total cost of the tornado will lie somewhere between $2 – $5 billion, and according to one site the cost of removing debris in Tuscaloosa, AL will be somewhere between $70 – $100 million. When president Obama visited he said, “I have never seen destruction like this.”

The Red Cross has set up shelters for the people affected by the weather, reporting that they haven’t set up a system like this since hurricane Katrina. In fact, one thing a Louisianan said about the destruction was, “It reminds me so much of home.”

One thing that concerns me is that many people in the United States will treat this news like any of the other catastrophes presented in the news. Many will forget.  The constant bombardment with news of natural disasters has caused us to become desensitized. The earthquake that hit Japan already feels like old news, especially compared to recent developments with the War on Terror.

I don’t mean to sound like I’m on some moral high ground — I’m just as desensitized as everyone else. Part of me has forgotten that the earthquake that devastated Haiti was only a year ago and that the people there are still in desperate need of help. And while that the U.S.’s priorities should be focused on helping the recovery in the South, we shouldn’t forget about other natural disasters that still affect many people.

While it may be hard to figure out the best way to help, just remember that it’s often the small things that can make a big difference. First of all, try not to forget. It sounds silly, but if we don’t think about these important issues then we can’t do anything to help. We must continue to talk about these events, and despite the tendency for the news to move on to bigger and flashier things, we can continue to find information via the web and through friends. And if you are really feeling up to it, donate. Donate money, time, whatever you can.  If everyone contributes a little, a lot of good can be done.

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