I'm sure everyone's heard about the recent (frequent) natural disasters around the world, particularly in Asia. Typhoons Ketsana and Parma slammed into Southeast Asia about two weeks ago, leaving destruction in their wake. Two powerful earthquakes rocked Indonesia's Sumatra island soon after.
Major floods hit India, Nepal, Bangladesh and much of East Asia, with thousands killed. Two-thirds of Bangladesh was inundated for months, leaving millions homeless. More than 3,000 died in China's catastrophic Yangtze River flood and millions were displaced.
Let's ask ourselves why are disasters like these happening more frequently now.
We know that human communities will always have to face natural hazards, whether floods, droughts, storms or earthquakes. But today's disasters owe as much to human activities as to the forces of nature. Indeed the term ‘natural’ is an increasingly misleading.
This is why we must raise awareness among our community and take action. There is little that can be done unless the flood waters recede. The people need a clean and dry place to stay and that will require evacuation. Most victims are not able to leave. Flood waters are dangerous because it is unclean and the waters become carriers of diseases. This is where medical teams come in. Unfortunately, disaster relief require specialized skills.
That does not mean we cannot do anything. The rampant occurrences of these disasters is beginning to disappear from public consciousness & interest. Because it is no longer exciting. But more people actually need crucial help to rebuild their lives.
Attached to this post is a link for all of us to indicate our availability for next week. Our reach-out project will be held from 2 to 6 Nov 2009, to raise funds for many of the above mentioned disasters. (Campus venue to be confirmed)
We have contacted Mercy Relief and will be working closely with them to provide monetary aid for those affected.
If anyone has suggestions how we can reignite the interest and awareness for the public to donate, pls voice them out!
PLS FILL IN THE FOLLOWING. THANKS!
http://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dHVpMDVOZUdCS2hKN1ZLS3dkcENha0E6MA
Ikeda Sensei has the following guidance to share regarding the Oneness of Man & Environment, how we all are inherently interconnected.
"We need to awaken to a common consciousness of all being inhabitants of Earth. This consciousness is not to be found in some distant place. It will not be found on a computer screen. It lies in our hearts, in our ability to share the pain of our fellow human beings. It is the spirit that says: "As long as you are suffering, whoever you are and whatever your suffering may be, I suffer also."
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