Tears for South Asia quake victims

These recent months have been heart-rending because disaster after disaster has struck different parts of the world. Without going into the apocalyptic predictions which is the sole territory of soosayers, most of us can't help but be concerned over the fate of so many victims.
The latest natural disaster has already claimed more than 30,000 victims. Perhaps the final figure may reach 40,000 or more. But what is undeniable is that many people have been left without fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters and neighbours. There are also those who have nobody to mourn for them because all have perished.
In Pakistan, the wails are echoing across the mountains. Pakistan's neighbours, India and Afghanistan, are also affected. It is times like this that we realise that Mother Nature does not play favourite with any nation, people or territory.
South Asia has millions of people living in cramped spaces, so when a disaster like an earthquake hits an urban area, the casualties will be many, not how few.
It is heart-warming to learn that many foreign countries have rallied to help the affected nations. The aid has been quick and meaningful.
Britain has sent its Rapid rescue teams. Japan has transported in its quake experts and America has made her presence felt with its Chinook helicopters. Around the world, nations friendly or otherwise have volunteered help.
Sometimes, we wonder if these natural disasters were meant to take place because only in catastrophic situations that the human spirit of compassion and generosity surge forth.
We all hope that such disasters will be far and few between but the signs of earthly upheavels are too frequent and too violent to be ignored. It is most certain that in the near future, there will be other natural calamities. We all hope we will be spared but Mother Nature is now wreaking havoc in the most unexpected areas.
The victims of the South Asia quake who tend to break most of our hearts are the helpless young children and their mothers. Everyone of us has a mum and we know how close the truth is when TV networks like CNN shows pictures of these people grasping at straws for help.
Before the disaster is forgotten, there will be many, many more graves. In the recent history of mankind, the pages are beginning to be coloured by blood. Civilisation is no stranger to deaths but for these tragedies to play out with such rapidity is alarming and worrisome.
We all can only render whatever assistance we can muster, and in those helpless moments in front of the TV, we pray for better days and stronger hearts so that we can all greet tomorrow with hope and optimism in our hearts.