Readers are often lulled into believing that all events occurring in America are the only ones in existence. And although Hurricane Katrina looms heavy on the front pages of hundreds of newspapers, it is not the only tragedy in the last few days.

More than 1,000 people have died in the last few days. All of them trapped in unfortunate circumstances that didn't have an identifiable, corporeal cause to blame.

In Baghdad, hundreds of Shiite pilgrims attending a religious event caused a stampede after started that there was a suicide bomber in the crowd. More than 300 were injured in the process, and as of Wednesday afternoon, the death toll had exceeded 730.

In a matter of seconds, one caused the death of hundreds of people gathered in religious homage. Mostly, women and children.

This isn't to say the tragedies America has faced at home haven't been grave.

With high-speed winds and inundating rainfall, the hurricane ravaged the southern coast. The government ordered an evacuation of the areas in the most immediate danger.

Sadly, the focus in New Orleans, however, is not on retrieving bodies but finding the survivors. At least there's some hope of helping the people stranded on top of car roofs, trees and in houses.

It's unfortunate that some would take the tragedy as a chance to loot their neighbor. Reports of looting have accompanied death tolls. Nature might not be a suitable scapegoat to blame and unite against, but there should be at least some sort of human decency.

Iraq is familiar with violence, even if this recent incident wasn't intentional. There's not "hope," but an acceptance, that these people are dead because of another suicide bomber threat.

Although the opportunities to help the people in either of these tragedies are not readily seen yet, as the efforts to help the victims of the tsunami in Sri Lanka were, we encourage readers to find ways to reach out to these areas of disaster. Donate to organizations aiding the effort, volunteer or offer assistance to those locally whose families live in the affected areas.

Gas prices are rising rapidly, partly because of the damage by the hurricane, and classes began and homework is already being assigned.

But our problems small compared to current events. Students don't need to dole out a whole week's wages to help all people in need whenever they need it, but a little bit helps. The result of everyone doing a small part would be more than enough.

Families are grieving over the loss of their loved ones, homes and sense of security. Acknowledging it is the bare minimum.