When the news of the earthquake and attendant tsunami in North-East Japan was just breaking someone appeared on BBC World, I think it was, postulating that the casualty figures would be reasonably low (but then, what is reasonably?) given Japan's state of preparedness for such events. It wasn't a foolish thing to say, and it was well-meant, almost a tribute to an impressive people and culture, but it was wrong and I knew it was wrong even as it was being said. In fact, I think the guy saying it knew deep down he was simply hoping for the best.
The estimated figures on the death toll from Miyagi alone make us fear for the worst. And, I think we all know now, the worst might be very bad indeed.
Sometimes it seems the reality of other people's suffering is the only reality there is. Fortunately it's not, but there are days when it feels callous even to think that.
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