Published Dec 29, 2004
Much like my country, I’ve been enjoying my vacation, relaxedly resting stingy in my posting. But the coverage of the Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami on the French TV station in my hotel are compelling and shocking.
The latest reports suggest that the death toll will pass 100,000. That’s 100,000 dead in minutes or hours. To put that number in perspective:
- In the 20 years of the Vietnam War, about 58,000 Americans were killed
- The battle of Antietam is often called the bloodiest day on American soil. 26,000 died.
- In the bloody, chaotic battle at the beginning of Saving Private Ryan, D-Day, 10,000 American and British soldiers were killed and wounded.
- In the largest battle of World War II, the Battle of Kursk between the Germans and Russians in 1943, 56,000 Germans were killed and wounded.
- 66,000 were killed when the atom bomb was dropped on Hiroshima
The quake and tsunami were devastating on other measures too:
- Islands were moved
- The Earth began to spin faster and wobble
This disaster has fallen on some of those who are least able to help themselves. The nations of the world are stepping up. This holiday season, let’s all give to help the victims of this disaster. Click here to donate to Doctors Without Borders.