I was dismayed to learn of the government of Myanmar refusing some of the humanitarian aid being offered for the survivors of Cyclone Nargis. Whenever I hear of a government refusing food and medicine in a time of need, I cannot help but be reminded of Japan’s reaction to foreign humanitarian aid offered immediately after the Great Hanshin Earthquake of 1995.
I was living in Japan in January of 1995, about 160 miles east of Kobe in Kakegawa, a small town in Shizuoka Prefecture. The quake awakened me from deep sleep that morning. I was shocked to see the names of the dead being shown on television all day. There were so many names the broadcast of names was pulled down. The next day I walked around in disbelief as I grasped the enormity of the disaster. Over five thousand dead.
International relief began arriving in Japan soon after the quake. I was in shock when I learned that the Japanese government refused to let the foreign relief workers come to the aid of the search and rescue operations. The life-saving, sniffing dogs arrived at the airport. They were sent back to Europe. I watched in horror as the search and rescue efforts moved at a snail’s pace.
Now the government of Myanmar provides an encore performance. Cargo planes full of supplies for survivors are refused. So much more could be done. I am grateful the United Nations planes were given permission. Also glad to learn that one of the US planes is landing.
Sad, sad.
Another example of government NOT for the people.
I’ve also heard about Myanmar’s authorities decision. This is really unbelievable. I just cannot figure out why governments take such decisions, especially when they don’t have enough resources to do well by themselves.
Comment by Simonne — May 23, 2008 @ 5:47 am