Mon, 10 Jan 2005

Disaster management

We wish to express our deepest empathy and heart-felt compassion for the victims of the earthquake and the killer- tsunami.

Residing in Indonesia, The Jakarta Post has been the only authentic source of news for English readers. We appreciate the great efforts put in by the staff of the Post in portraying the real picture of disaster-struck Aceh and in clearing the misconceptions regarding the delay in the provision of relief to the affected areas.

The exclusive interview with Sabine Rens, the head of the Indonesia mission of Doctors Without Borders (MSF) has helped us understand the need for concerted human efforts in relieving the grief-stricken victims of the mental trauma and torture that they are presently undergoing.

With rescue efforts ongoing, and relief on its way, it's time for us to educate the masses and spread public awareness in vulnerable areas, thereby mitigating the impact of any such disaster that may occur in the future.

The need of the hour is to seek inspiration from the 10-year- old British "angel", Tilly, who saved the lives of hundreds from the tsunami with classroom knowledge, and sharpen our skills in disaster management.

Students of Grade 9, Texmaco DPS International School, Karawang, West Java