There are plenty of disasters to go around

Our attention has been focused on hurricanes lately, first Harvey in Texas, then Irma in Florida, now Maria in Puerto Rico, with more to come.

It’s a small world, and many of us have friends and relatives living in the affected areas, and, when the Internet is working, we can keep up with them minute-by-minute if not through live video.

Thankfully, Americans are generous in time of need, and donations of material, money and time are pouring in to the affected area.

But public concern is fickle.

While our attention was focused in the southern United States, some 40 million people were displaced and at least 1,200 died in flooding the Mumbai region of southwest India.

Tuesday, a magnitude 7.1 earthquake killed at least 245 people in central Mexico and injured more than 2,000.

Attention focused on a young girl, buried in a the rubble of her school, trapped under the slab of a floor, supplied with oxygen and food but still trapped, possibly with classmates.

We remember a 1985 Mexico City earthquake receiving much more attention, but it was a magnitude 8 temblor and tsunami that left 5,000 to 45,000 people dead and 30,000 injured.

We’re glad that people are genuinely concerned and will generously give when they know there’s a need.

But recovery from all these disasters will take months and years, and the need for help will remain long after the news crews have moved on to the next disaster or scandal.

That’s when help is truly needed and appreciated.