In the last couple of weeks, the topics of conversation have been centered around domestic issues i.e. Supreme Court proceedings and the US trade negotiations. The constant stream of breaking news on any new developments on these issues seem to have eclipsed the mind-numbing devastation caused by recent earthquake, followed by the massive tsunami in Indonesia. We glance over the page of the newspaper with sympathy, and then flip over to the next one instead of looking back and realizing that the death toll has reached an astronomical 1, 350 individuals. Even though most of the deaths were caused directly by the earthquake and the tsunami that ensued; gaping holes in the tsunami early warning system, combined with lack of drinking water and electricity in the vicinity of the targeted area has exacerbated the impact, and the devastation. While the scientists are looking at – how an earthquake of this magnitude could have triggered such a massive Tsunami, there are growing observations and concerns about rising sea-levels that may have played a role; suggesting a direct link between climate change and the impact it may have on a natural phenomenon like this. Having said that – the resources are scarce in Indonesia, and the victims of the disaster are unable to fix the damage themselves. Buildings and homes have been destroyed, and the lack of infrastructure is making the situation worse. As we have seen before, this tragedy once again exposes the disparity that exists in different parts of the world, when it comes to access to very basic necessities. It is imperative that the international community does whatever it can to assist the people and families who have been devastated by this natural calamity.
– Siya Sharma (11th Grade Student, Santa Clara, CA)
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