It looks almost certain now that the Boxing Day tsunami was the worst natural disaster of modern times. The death toll of 150,000 could rise still further as relief workers reach some of the most remote areas. For Britain, to, it was the worse peace time catastrophe in living memory. Worse than Aberfan, the Herald of Free Enterprise, Lockerbie and September 11th.
But just as the images of horror and grief will stay with us for ever, so will the memory of human kindness and generosity. The British people have opened their wallets to an unprecedented degree. The heart rending stories and picutures have encouraged us. So has the thought; �there but for the grace��. One of my nieces is teaching English in Thailand on the other side of the country unaffected by the tsunami. I have twice visited one of the islands off south west Thailand worse hit.
Britons have also been spurred on to give by the countless stories of selflessness and generosity by local people. There have been so many reports � whether in Sri Lanka, Thailand or elsewhere � of locals showing almost no regard for their own safety or that of their families, while going to great lengths and at enormous risks to themselves to rescue and help visitors.
Doubtless their have been examples of frustration, error and greed. But what maintains my faith in humanity, here and abroad, it peoples natural desire to help and do good.
So if you haven�t already done so, why not join the millions of other Britons who have donated to the official disaster relief fund. That simple act of human generosity would be a fine way to start 2005.
