The date is 26th December 2004, while many of us still celebrating the Christmas and spending holidays with our loved ones, one terrible event has hit in some regions in Asia. As we all have noticed, the tsunami disaster in Southeast Asia has claimed more lives that we could ever predicted. On the 26th evening I watched the news, and seeing that the earthquake (measured at 9.5 Richter scale) had caused a big tsunami waves. The earthquake is said been caused by the breaking between Asia plate and Srilangka plate at the bottom of the sea. That day, in the news they say the biggest casualties come from the offshore line of Srilangka, about 5,000 people. Indonesia had about 2,500 casualties. It sounded weird to me because Srilangka is 1,000 km away from the epicentre of the earthquake, while Aceh, a province of Indonesia in Sumatra Island, lies only 149 km from the epicentre. But I didn't really pay attention at that time.
The next couple of days have been attracting the world's attention. As the experts flew in, they told the world a news that would never been forgotten. The casualties is might reaching ten times that what we expected. In every updated news session on T.V. the number keeps getting bigger and bigger. One week after the disaster, the record has shown more than 150,000 deaths. This is really a mourning day for the world. Many countries are affected -direct and indirectly- by this tragedy. Indonesia has claimed about 94,000 casualties as the region with hardest hit.
This terrible disaster has once again bring us into another reality. That us, human, won't stand a chance against the mother nature. The movement of the earth plates at the bottom of the Indian Ocean had managed to conquer civilization. Tsunami, just like any other natural disasters, it doesn't discriminate its victims. It doesn't single out us, they never discriminate based on race, gender, age, profession, etc. It is different than a man-made 'disaster' such as terrorist acts. Tsunami hit everything, everyone that stand in its path. Nothing can stop it, yet prevent it. What we can do as a part of this natural system is to be aware and ready.
For the survivors, the nightmate is far from end. They've lost everything, their loved ones, their precious possessions, their shelters, even some of the worst, lost their will to live. Most of them have nothing left, only the clothes they wore that morning. Buildings were flattened and ruined, blocks of residence buildings were wiped out and looks like made from cardboard. For most of the survivors, only little hope and keep them alive. Hope to find one of their loved ones even deep inside they had a great doubt about it. This catastrophy had made another great fear, an outbreak.
The tsunami, eventually found out, has destroyed shore lines, changing the geography map. Even moved away some little islands, destroying the deep sea ecosystem and its natural resources. Also, one of the most fundamental needs for us, water. The water beds were polluted by rubbish and sea water or salt water. In the areas that hit, sanitation is the biggest concern. Water wells are no longer available or able to function. This could lead the survivors into another phase that is normally could take far more numbers of victims. The disease like malaria, dysentry, cholera are the familiar trio to show up at this chance of event.
The countries that affected by this tsunami asked from the world to help them. They didn't have to ask twice. Australia, one of Indonesia's closest neighbours acted immediately and promptly. Since the first day, the Australian Government has rallied so many aids to help the victim countries. Medicines, food, water supply, medical experts keep being flew in. Followed by more wealth countries like U.S.A., Japan and China, they together helping the unfortunate one.
So, thank you for those who has helped us, especially for the Australian Government and its people. If any of you live or reside in Australia, you already know how the people in Australia react about this tragedy. Donations come not only from the Government but from the people, taxi drivers, teachers, accountants, social workers, waitpersons, housewives, etc. During the Old & New on the 1st January itself, they have gathered an easy one million dollars for just an hour. The Australia Unite programme even earned more than 20 million dollars which was held by the three major TV stations in Australia.
Anyway, I hope this tragedy would at least give us some precious lessons. Scepticism would always exist but then hopes would keep us alive.
"Despite everything, I believe that people are really good at heart."
Anne Frank
