People groan, "Nothing but bad news!" when their sight is assailed by the articles that dominate the pages of today's newspapers. The periodicals' pessimism leaves little room for the stories that deal with heartwarming examples of mankind's good will. News reporters and news writers may be following in the footsteps of some historians, for history often focuses upon the disasters and chooses these ill-fated events as its main mile markers. Human interest stories have become a rare treat for the unsatisfied masses. Nonetheless, in times of need, whether publicly recognized or not, the community does come to the aid of the unfortunate individuals who become victims of natural disasters. Click on the pictures to follow the links concerning natural disasters' specific roles as catalysts of humanitarian aid throughout history.