Editorial

When it comes to disasters, don't forget us out West

Friday, August 20, 2004

Disasters seem to bring out the worst in people and the best in people, and the latest storm is no exception. Countless stories are emerging of neighbor helping neighbor, as well as state and federal aid coming to the rescue.

Then again there are the other stories, of a $10 bag of ice, $3 gallons of gas and $2,000 generators.

But storms like Hurricane Charley have no trouble getting our attention, whether we're Floriida residents or the president of the United States -- especially in an election year.

Pictures of the destruction and stories of 22 people killed make us sit up and take notice.

The storm caused an estimated $7.4 billion in damage to homes, businesses and personal possessions, more than any other hurricane in Florida since Andrew in 1992, according to the Insurance Institute, as quoted by The Associated Press.

We all sympathize with those devastated by Florida's storm, and want to do all we should, whether it's through individual donations or, if justified, even through our taxes or federal low-interest loans.

But U.S. Sen. Ben Nelson has a good point to make. Nelson, who coined the phrase "Drought David" to draw attention to the West's ongoing, five-year drought, sees that our state is in an unfair competition with Florida for a piece of the federal pie.

McCook native Nelson expects a bill to aid victims of Charley probably will surface after Congress reconvenes from its summer recess.

"I want to make sure those who think about Hurricane Charley focus on Drought David," Nelson told the Omaha World-Herald on Thursday. "Whether they're hurricane losses or losses due to a sustained drought period, you can be upside down financially."

And, upside down is right. While the Florida storm is estimated at $7.4 billion, the National Drought Mitigation Center estimates the 2002 drought alone caused $11-12 billion in losses, and that is not even a complete estimate.

According to a study cited by a University of Nebraska professor, the 1987-89 drought created nationwide economic losses of approximately $40 billion, and in 1995, FEMA estimated the average annual loss caused by drought is $6-8 billion.

Yes, there is aid available in the form of farm emergency and small business loans and other programs, and this summer has been a relief, 2.16 inches of rain more than normal received for the year so far.

But McCook is 1.47 inches of moisture below normal for the month, and was short at least a foot of rain for the two years previous. Yes, ladies and gentlemen of the U.S. Congress, Florida needs help. But don't forget about us.

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