A series of storms are wreaking havoc across Asia. Torrential rains have drenched the region, killing thousands, swamping hundreds of thousands more (millions have been affected in China) and creating a string of humanitarian disasters. It is tempting to throw up our hands in helplessness when faced with nature's fury, but the truth is we are frequent accomplices in the destruction. Sometimes hubris is the culprit, other times -- far too often -- the problem is indifference to the consequences of actions, or ordinary greed.
Although typhoons and monsoon rains are expected during the summer, this year's batch seems unusually severe. In the Philippines, 100 people are confirmed dead and many others are still missing after four days of rain. Vietnam is experiencing its worst flooding in nearly half a century: Thirty-two people have been killed and at least 5,000 are homeless. The damage is estimated at $20 million. Cambodia and Thailand have not been hit as hard, but they have not been spared either. Low-lying areas are submerged, crops have been lost and they are bracing for yet more rain.
In Northeast Asia, Typhoon Olga has left a trail of destruction in her path. South Korea has reported at least 40 dead, and dozens more are missing. Nearly 40,000 hectares of farmland were destroyed, and about 25,000 people have been left homeless by the floods. They are also menaced by stray land mines and artillery shells washed away by the rain. Nor is there relief in sight: The country is already getting the first winds from Typhoon Paul.