8/17 Morning Report

The digging continues after the massive earthquake hit Peru yesterday. Media reports of 500 dead after the 8.0 quake are expected to go higher.

The Red Cross said it would send planes with tents, blankets and other aid from Panama.

With a major highway ruined, Peruvian rescuers airlifted victims by helicopter and aircraft to hospitals in Lima. Officials appealed for blood donors to come forward so they could treat the injured.

It may not reach the victims of this earthquake, but many will benefit from giving blood. So, if you can, please do so.

A bit further north, Hurricane Dean is roaring into the Caribbean. The first hurricane of the season is shaping up to be a big one.

Computer models showed the hurricane could become an extremely dangerous Category 4 storm as it passed south of Jamaica early next week.

Forcasters had predicted 16 named storms for this season, which began on June 1. On average, there are 10-11 storms a year, and maybe 6 of those actually become hurricanes.
(…let’s see if this year’s forecast is as accurate as last year’s…)

On the subject of hurricanes, the New York Times had an article on the state of repair in new Orleans. In typical media fashion, all it focuses on is how much has not been done. True, it does mention that some work has been done, and progress has been made. But, constantly repeating that the Corps of Engineers plan for completion in 2011 will leave many to vulnerable to the “1 in 100 storm” really shows bias. Of course it will take time. Certain areas will be at some degree of risk probably equal to the risk there was before all the projects were planned or started. That is the nature of disasters. Every positive point was negated in the article. A classic example that all the media can do is find fault.
(…heroes have to be dethroned, slighted and faulted…good works have to be flawed…and they wonder why so many people don’t trust the media these days…)