How could God let this happen ?

I was reading a thread on a message board that I regularly participate in, and the topic came up of the recent unspeakable tragedy in South Asia. Of course I am referring to the devastating 9.0 earthquake and ensuing tsunami that almost instantaneously changed or took away the lives of hundreds of thousands of people.

The question was, how could God let this happen ? How could a compassionate God allow such pain, death, suffering and unspeakable grief ? Here was my answer:

If there is no pain and suffering, we would not know compassion, forgiveness and comfort.

Tragedies like this force us to look at our lives, stop taking things for granted, and inspire us to help others and be better people.

Death and pain is just as much a part of life as birth and happiness. The two are always in check with one another. With the inconceivable loss of life and livelihood also comes incredible stories of survival. With the suffering comes aid, comfort and giving. Countries are putting aside their differences and working towards a common goal - to help their fellow humans in their dire time of need.

How could God let this happen ?

How could He not ?