[Editorial] A 'Global Tragedy' That Must Not Be Repeated

The scale of the damage from the earthquake and tsunami that hit southern Asia on Sunday is growing like a snowball. If the count continues unabated the number of people who died on the day of the event will be well over 100,000. There are worries that water borne diseases could bring about a second series of casualties. Peaceful costal villages and tourist spots were tuned into hell in a single moment. You're at a loss for words when you learn that more than one third of the dead, perhaps as many as half of the dead, were children who lacked the ability to fend for themselves. The nationalities of those who were killed includes dozens of countries, including the 11 that were directly hit by the tsunami. You might call it a "global tragedy" and the "globalization of tragedy."

Of the greatest urgency is confirming the dead and returning the injured and other residents in isolated areas back to normalcy. Each country and international organizations such as the United Nations must think of the problem as their own and spare no assistance. The responsibilities of rich nations such as the United States and the European Union are that much greater. Korea should be no exception. Instead of sending troops to Iraq, we should get actively involved in times like these. While it would be like fixing the barn after the cow escaped, there absolutely needs to be an early warning system. It is encouraging to see countries reacting favorably to the UN's rapid response to that need. The goal should be to establish a warning and response system for all international disasters, and not just earthquakes and tsunamis.

Korea needs a comprehensive review of its warning systems for various disasters, and to improve on any weaknesses. There of course should also be a better system of response to disasters overseas as well. We hope the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade gives thought to why its homepage has been swamped with complaints that the government has not done enough to deal with the situation. It has been days since the disaster took place, and yet it still does not know how many people have died. The people need to learn what actions to take in when met with calamities, wherever in the world they may be. It might be difficult to completely escape a disaster, but it is people's rightful endeavor to make sure the resulting tragedy is not a great one.

The Hankyoreh, 31 December 2004.

[Translations by Seoul Selection (PMS)]