For disasters at "home" like 911 or Katrina, US-based news would be a lot more focused on the humane side rather than the economic ramifications.
A disaster occurring thousands of miles away doesn't really mean anything to the US public other than they can't access some Asian websites. So the humane side would be downplayed against the economic effects.
News is business and it'll mention what's most important to their audience first.
Slashdot Mirror
It's just human nature of proximity.
For disasters at "home" like 911 or Katrina, US-based news would be a lot more focused on the humane side rather than the economic ramifications.
A disaster occurring thousands of miles away doesn't really mean anything to the US public other than they can't access some Asian websites. So the humane side would be downplayed against the economic effects.
News is business and it'll mention what's most important to their audience first.