Compassion is a necessity, not a luxury. Dalai Lama
I have now been on this earth 55 years and one thing I have learned during that time is that it is human nature to be compassionate, especially during times of suffering.
Whether it is from the aftermath of a tornado, hurricane, or other natural disasters, an accident, death, or the loss of a job, people will express an emotional side that they may not show during normal times.
Take 9/11 for example. The residents of New York City are not known for being the friendliest or the most understanding people in the world, but after 9/11 everyone pulled together to assist the dying and injured.