A total of five states have been hit with a massive storm that has officially killed 178 people. Alabama has been hit the hardest, reporting a total of 128 deaths. Mississippi, Georgia, Virginia, and Tennessee are among the states that were also hit by the destructive storm on Wednesday. The city that suffered the most from the tornado was Tuscaloosa, which is also the home of the University of Alabama. Although the campus wasn't significantly damaged, many students are staying at a shelter in the campus recreation center. This shelter only contains 125 beds, if the campus were terribly damaged where would the other thousands of students sleep? In Tuscaloosa, there have been at least 15 deaths, and another 100 people in hospital beds. The governors from Alabama, Mississippi, and Georgia have declared a state of emergency. President Obama has agreed to help the state of Alabama by deploying about 1,400 National Guard soldiers. Many people have been awe struck by the powerful tornado, and its damage to their community. Many streets are blocked, while others have faced the reality of losing their home. While the troops arrive, many, like the university students in Tuscaloosa, are helping one another in this disastrous event.
10 comments:
I feel bad for the people that got hit by the storm, but natural disasters are a part of life and all it really does is bring people together and show how much we really need each other when times are necessary, I also feel that natural disasters bring out the goodness in people and show the kind helping hearts of all people who are and are not affected.
These natural disasters are extremely devastating. I agree with Vernon that it is nice to see the compassion people show in times of trouble. Tornadoes are tough though because there is nothing that can be done to help with property damages, unlike earthquakes. With all the damage done recently from all the natural disasters it is tough finanically for the world, too. Hopefully all these extreme disasters will stop soon so rebuilding can be done.
It's a terrible that the tornado has caused so much widespread death and destruction in these states. Many other states never have to face a natural disaster like this on a regular basis. California has never had a reported cause of death due to tornados for the past century; these states are the victims of tornados yearly. It's good to know that help is being sent. Lets hope that the people who have been affected by this disaster will be able to return to their homes soon and work together in the effort to rebuild all that had been destroyed by nature's wrath.
We can't stop what's already happened, but what we can do is look to the future. According to the National Weather Service, tornado activity will be moving along the Eastern seaboard of the U.S. So, hopefully people on the East Coast are doing they're best to prepare for the worst. Hopefully the shelters are medically sufficient to prevent further complications resulting from the tornados.
@Vernon:
Ehhhh... I think that's a little too over-the-top. "All [natural disasters] really do is bring people together and show how much we really need each other when times are necessary"?
IMO, natural disasters just bring grief to those affected. There may be a bit of that nice, fuzzy, feeling you feel when you see a picture of people lending assistance to their neighbors, but really, natural disasters bring grief and... disaster.
Unfortunately, with each new natural disaster, the previous seems of little importance, especially because of the lack of media coverage since it becomes old news. It's important to bring aid to those who have just experienced a disaster, but let's not forget about those who are still trying to recover.
I agree with Andrea, that I feel like places that have been hit by a natural disaster only get immediate aid. It is good that people do come together to help and donate money, but it doesn't last long enough. It takes years for places to recover, but they are only in the media and getting attention for a few weeks. This also reminds me about how people tend to donate cans and other foods during the holidays. People are always needy and hungry during every other season as well as just winter, just like people in areas devastated by a natural disaster will need aid in times other than the time of attack.
since were on the west coast, most of us didnt really feel it, but i was actually in boston on tuesday-thursday so even though the storm was in the south, it actaully affected the upper north/east causing huge gusts of upper wind and delaying my flight about seven hours, sad right?
well, going away from my own bitterness, i do feel for the people who were actually hurt by the storm, but i feel that compassion is really just not enough. everyone says they feel bad and all, but when these disasters hit and people get hurt, unless you contribute in some way to actually help (such as donations or actual relief labor,you're really doing no more than someone who doesnt care at all
sorry if i sound bitter, but its the truth
It's really terrible and unfortunate how the southern states were ravaged with huge blizzard storms they've never encountered before and now face a more deadly disaster: tornadoes. These tornadoes have caused untold damage to families and it brings a horrible burden they have to live with forever. Personally, I think that the whole country should start helping and fundraising events to aid the states in the south that were hit by the tornadoes. Even Aragon should hold an event where students can donate money to help families in the South just like Japan. Its great to see college students as well helping one another and setting an example for others to aid the ones in need.
It's really tragic what has happened in the south... on the same note as Andrea's and Erica's it's kind of ridiculous that whenever a natural disaster occurs, there's a lack of media coverage of past disasters. And personally, I'm surprised that this storm hasn't received as much media attention as other recent natural disasters... although this particular incident may not have been as severe as others. I think there definitely should be more media coverage for even smaller disasters because these areas need the support that larger disasters receive as well.
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