The Call to Action

As humans, our ability to process the effects of the recent tsunami are thwarted by the magnitude of this task. The huge numbers, vast devastation and loss exceed the realm of our reality. It is easy to stop processing in shock and helplessness.

My family have recently returned from the South Coast of Sri Lanka. In that country, over 1.5 million people are now living in refugee camps where access to the basic requirements for human life including food, water, medical care, housing and sanitation are unavailable. Aid efforts are difficult, thwarted by lack of infrastructure, lack of organisation and the sheer magnitude of the problem. This is true across most of the affected region where before the wave, these countries were in various stages of development.

As a result of this situation the humanitarian crisis is vast. Despite the unprecedented levels of aid and donations that are being received, it is very possible that many people will not receive what is required to keep them alive, even if they have managed to survive the actual effects of the original natural disaster. All efforts, from all individuals, in all ways is therefore needed if this situation is to be ameliorated.

This is a call to action. For everyone, around the world. Do anything. Do everything. Do whatever you can. It is possible that the greatest efforts by the largest organisations in the world may not be enough. Do not rely on them alone. Every human being who believes they can become a part of the vast efforts required are a part of the solution.

Thousands of the world's humans have been lost. Let us not lose millions.