Chris Mooney is a freelance writer and the author of two books, 
On August 28, 2005, I had a sinking feeling in my stomach. Like so many, I felt helpless understanding the devastation that would ensue in New Orleans and along the Gulf Coast from Hurricane Katrina. Just over two years later, I have that same feeling.
Because Bangladesh is one of the low-laying regions most at risk from sea level rise, as a marine biologist I'm all too familiar with how vulnerable it is to flooding and storm surges. It's also one of the most densely populated countries and - as Chris has expressed - I fear this storm may be a worst case scenario. It's my sincere hope that we're mistaken.
I don't understand why we haven't been hearing more in the news about Sidr's approaching landfall and what's taking place on the ground in Bangladesh to protect as many as possible. What we can do now, at least, is prepare to come together, organize, and ready ourselves to provide aid. As we approach Thanksgiving in the United States, I hope readers will open their hearts to those on the other side of the world who will need our help most.
Environment
Comments
Holy Cow!!This is a massive storm. This is probably going to be worse than Katrina In its scale of destructiveness I'm not a religious person but I will saying my prayers for those in its path. Thanks for caring enough Sheril to get the news out about this unfolding disaster.
Sincerely
Matthew D.
Posted by: Matthew Della Valle | November 14, 2007 9:46 PM
I know people who have many family members in Bangladesh, and I am scared and worried for them. I have not been tuned into the news most of the day, but when I have had it on, there has been a total void in reporting the storm.
Posted by: Linda | November 14, 2007 9:56 PM
I called the news desk at my local ABC station today. Their take... contact ABC World News, as this is an international story, not a local one. Probably needs to be told, but as a local station they are not equipped to handle it.
So... note to ABCNEWS.COM, flagged for World News Tonight, and I get a reply back that indicated all news story submissions would be forwarded to legal for review.
That media, folks.
Posted by: Wes Rolley | November 14, 2007 10:39 PM
At least, as you point out with the image, TWC is on top of this one with some very significant coverage for an event far-away from most of their audience.
One has to wonder how the wingnuts are going to react once Sidr does hit CNN & MSNBC with stories that suggest some of this could be an indication of storm surges and storms to come.. if not "already here, now." Most likely, they'll have their sly fox nearby to sing them lullabies...and back to sleep.
Posted by: cieldumort | November 15, 2007 3:40 AM
We haven't heard about it because it's Bangladesh, not the US. It's really that simple. Maybe if Sidr have veered a little and hit Calcutta head on...
Posted by: The Ridger | November 15, 2007 10:47 AM
Matthew D -
look, i know this is gonna sounds nasty as fuck, but it's gotta be said.
don't fucking pray, get and do something. the people whose country's infrastructure is about to be shattered don't want you to sit on your pious ass talking to the magical sky-daddy, they want you to donate your spare change to the Red Cross and support your local aid efforts.
Lepht
Posted by: Lepht | November 15, 2007 2:41 PM