The Power of Nature

(Taken from CNN.com)

Every now and then our presence on this world is put into perspective. We have cultivated most lands, explored every region, built structures able to ward off weapons, and developed weapons capable of destroying the world; but we are still not the most powerful force on Earth. While humans are at the top of the food chain, we are still at the mercy of nature. With all of our knowledge and technological advances, we still cannot bar nature when it’s at its strongest. This is no more apparent then what occurred yesterday as a vicious tornado swallowed Oklahoma City suburbs, leaving a trail of destruction 22 miles long and 2 miles wide. An early estimate rated it as an EF4, which means it had winds between 166-200 mph.  Dozens were killed and hundreds were injured in the unrecognizable communities.  

Even with contingency plans and preparation we are no match for such an undeniable force. Oklahoma City had been affected by powerful twisters previously in 1942 and 1999, and since then they have been aware that it could occur again, and yet even with this knowledge gained from previous storms they couldn’t stop it. This fall, parts of New York and New Jersey were destroyed by Sandy even after warnings and hurricane-type precautions were made. One needs to look back at the deadly volcano Mt. Vesuvius, whose eruption in AD 79 killed around 25,000 people and as recently as 1944 relinquished nearby villages. In 2011, a deadly earthquake and tsunami occurred off the coast of Tohoku, Japan leaving thousands dead or injured. It’s terrifying to think that we aren’t in 100% control of our lives because all it takes is one natural disaster to destroy everything. We can mitigate the effects with precautionary measures like with the levees in New Orleans, but just like Katrina proved, eventually nature always wins.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to everyone affected by the several tornadoes that have occurred this week and to all of those still dealing with the aftermath of previous natural disasters. I can't imagine words can begin to describe the pain and suffering you are going through. 

-Kyle