| Hurricane Katrina’s mighty fury echoed around the world with the strength and vengence of a scorned woman, leaving after her the aftermath of heartbreak and destruction. Out of this confusion and turmoil grew an outpouring of humanitarian relief from all corners of the world.
Over 120 countries and more than a dozen international organizations have offered support for the victims of Hurricane Katrina. In an effort of solidarity the international community has lifted its political agenda and joined forces to save lives from this tragic disaster. The international community has responded quickly by offering over $1 billion in cash and in kind help. Many offers range from $100 million from the oil rich nation of Qatar to $25,000 from Sri Lanka, still recovering from their disaster of the tsunami.
Initially, the response from the White House and President Bush was that the U.S. didn’t need any help, but soon his administration requested 500,000 meals-ready-to-eat (MREs) from the European Union and air transport support from NATO. Great Britain responded by sending 500,000 ready-to-eat meals. Germany has also sent 70,000 meals. France has offered 300 tents, 980 cots, 60 generators, three water purification units, aircraft, and two ships with helicopters and disaster unit personnel.
Subsequently, the State Department has reversed its policy and has accepted contributions. Secretary of State Condolezza Rice has said,"It is very valuable to give to each other and to be able to do so without a sense of means."
Daily shipments arrive in the South. Little Rock Air Force Base, 14 miles northeast of Little Rock, Ark., acts as a receiving portal for the shipments coming in from various countries. Shipments ranging from Israeli baby food to Egyptian blankets, and Russian tents to Unicef school supplies routed via Denmark, line the dozens of pallets that are being transported to the Gulf Coast. | | The international response has been overwhelming. Since the disaster over 31 international shipments have arrived at the base, bringing more that 4.77 million pounds in aid. Generators have arrived from China. Thailand has sent rice, and India has sent blankets. Other countries such as Peru, Finland, Romania, Chile, South Korea, Luxembourg, Slovenia, and Greece have sent disaster aid. Cuba has offered to send 1,100 doctors.
In another part of the South, Mexico and Texas have come together to help out in the relief effort. Mexico’s unprecedented offer of aid and the U.S. acceptance of disaster relief have created a dialogue between the countries. In San Antonio, Texans lined up with Mexican flags to welcome 200 Mexicans soldiers and doctors. This was the first time Mexican troops have been sent North of the Rio Grande since the U.S. Mexican War of 1846-1848. Mexican soldiers are trained in disaster relief. They have been dispatched to many parts of the world. Previously, they were dispatched to help Iran after the earthquake. Mexican troops assisted in organizing and giving out 2000 meals to the disaster victims. "We are here to offer humanitarian aid and obey the orders of our president," said Brigadier Gen. Francisco Ortiz, the mission commander.
Even countries that have been critical of the U.S. have pledged their support. President Hugo Chavez of Venezuela, a vocal critic of U.S. policy, offered 1 million barrels of gasoline, 5 million in cash, water purification plants, rescue volunteers, and more than 50 tons of canned food and water. Citgo Petroleum Corp has pledged 1 million additional funds.
Hurricane Katrina’s furor has subsided but the aftermath is still here with us. The U.S. is seeing a warm and compassionate response from the international community. |
