I once heard someone asking why the major disasters that happen in the world befall in poor countries, often reaching those who are in most need, principally referring to the Asian tsunami, the recent tragedy in Haiti, and the whole situation of the African continent.
Upon learning about the rains that hit the state of Rio de Janeiro last week, I remembered this comment, and today I wonder if this person was not right. In Brazil, a religious country, the excuse would be karma, or fate. But even if fate exist, why those who already suffer so much in life, must suffer even more?
Many people, especially those who do not know much about Rio de Janeiro or Brazil, are not aware that many Brazilian citizens live in places totally unfit for habitation, such as on top of dumps, slopes of hills and riverside areas, as they have no option of where else to live. Although we are now considered to be a rich country, referring to the economical situation, the quality of life is still hard, leaving much to be desired. And sadly, the people most affected by the rains were precisely those that do not have other options.
The mayor of Rio stated that Monday’s rain (6th April) was the biggest in history. And till today 229 deaths were recorded, the city hardest-hit was Niterói with 146 fatalities. The fire department continues to work on rescuing people and President Lula stated that he requires a full assessment on Rio de Janeiro’s condition as he guarantees aid from the federal government. At least in these moments we see solidarity from all sorts of people.
PS: At no time I intend to compare such extreme situation in the countries cited above with what is happening in the state of Rio de Janeiro, that despite having been declared state of emergency did not have so much destruction as those places.
I am sorry for the lost in your country that is rather terrible. As you have mentioned the world worst things are happening in the poorest countries on the question why I have no answer but if you look at the globe mainly they are all located on the south half of it. All those worm beautiful countries pay for the things we enjoying up there on the north side of globe. How bad is that. The saying I know is that 'Gods mills work slowly but they works!'
ReplyDeleteI am a South African and although we do not suffer from many natural disasters, I can empathise with your lower class people being the most vulnerable when a disaster should occur. As long as there is such a huge divide between the rich and the poor and more people are moved from shacks into housing this problem will reoccur. Lenka does have a point, all the most beautifully sunny countries must have a balance on the scales of nature. It makes me wonder how people dealt with disaster thousands of years ago when, as the poor, possesions were few and there was no such thing as a fire brigade to rescue them?
ReplyDeleteHi Lenka e Leila,
ReplyDeleteThank you for your comments. It is good to see that people understand and feel sorry for others, principally those in need. I agree with Lenka’s point, about the geographic position of the southern countries, and the fact that they may be in a disadvantageously position, globally speaking. I just hope all those places could have the money and technology to prevent, or at least help the population when a disaster happens. As Leila said the differences between poor and rich plays a huge role in this issue.