Tragedy

A great cyclonic storm was raging along the eastern coast. Back bays overflowed with sea water and inundated the hamlets and agricultural fields along the coastline, destroying lives and livestock. As news poured in of thousands perishing in what was regarded as the worst annual hurricane that battered the sea coast, a friend remarked with great satisfaction that it was so much better for this over-populated country. To him it was an act of purgation as the earth was much lighter now and none the worse for the loss of its lives. What was the real tragedy?