Watching news lately has become an emotional trial – I want to know the progress of salvage and rescue efforts in the aftermath of cyclone Sidr at the same time watching the unspeakable sufferings of the victims has become unbearable. A father standing alone washing dead bodies of his two Sons (about the age of my own Son) before burying, a mother crying her heart out after losing everybody in her family and her home and wondering why she was spared and confused about how to carry on, a boy weeping uncontrollably after losing his siblings and parents baffled not to find the only refuge he has seen in form of his loving parents. The story goes on and more clips get aired as the harsh reality gets uncovered and captured through the lens of flocking news crew and cameramen.

Most of my friends and family were fortunate enough not to face nature’s fury and its repercussion. Some of them at worst lost power for a few hours though backup generators were there to keep their televisions, computers, refrigerators and lifts functioning. Many of them spent the windy, gloomy and rainy day reading newspapers or watching the tragedy unfold near the coastal areas. Of course, that wasn’t the case and it never is for those poor and helpless people playing in the reality show called “life and death” on that horrific day. All lives are precious and I am saddened as much as I would be if my family and friends suffered like those in the path of the cyclone that day.

Rescue efforts are continuing and aid is coming. However, much more is needed to cope with the colossal damage of lives and livelihood. Nothing can bring back those departed souls of the fathers, the mothers, the sisters, the brothers and the friends but we need to do whatever we can to bring the survivors back to their feet, as most of those victims do not even have the luxury to recuperate and mourn – there is no insurance, no grievance leave, no savings, no paid time-off.