(image photographed from media sources)
Yesterday was another day glued to Local and International News broadcasts with my heart in my mouth, tears in my eyes and a horrible feeling in the pit of my stomach.
An 8.9 magnitude earthquake strikes deep in the sea off the coast of Honshu, Japan and triggers not just shaking in Japan, but also a massive tsunami along the coast and tsunami fears across the Pacific.
Video feed brings footage around the world showing the moments the earth shuddered and the subsequent enormous wave streaming inland at a relentless pace, sweeping everything before it … buildings, cars, boats, all tossed around like a temperamental toddler scattering their toys.
As a native of New Zealand and having spent most of my years growing up in the city of Christchurch, it has been only too clear in recent weeks and months that the earth’s destructive forces are not ones that man can easily reckon with.
(image photographed from media sources)
The Earth is restless and Mankind and his imprints are but mere dots on the earth surface… we are all humbled by the forces of Nature when they rise up.
That doesn’t make watching the News bulletins any less emotional, as people flee Natures forces where they can, are caught up in it when they can’t and all watch in horror as events tumble out of control around them.
New Zealander’s may have more first hand earthquake knowledge than they really care for of late, but as a Kiwi far away from my own broken city, my heart goes out to the people of Japan as much as it did for the people of my own as I watch the pain and destruction that Nature has unleashed on their land.
The hand of friendship, assistance and aid will be extended to Japan, and whilst family, friends and fellow Cantabrians may be busy shoveling silt, dodging gaping cracks in their roads, mending shattered homes and businesses, but they will not be too busy to join the millions around the world who will also be doing their bit to assist if they can.
The damage is done, the earth and sea have risen up, I can only hope that the people of Japan can also rise up again too.
Japan, you are in my thoughts and prayers during this dark day and long road to recovery. Stay Strong.
(image photographed from media sources)
(image photographed from media sources)
(image photographed from media sources)
Aftershocks are very stressful too… many say that they are harder to handle than the original quake(s)… and as New Zealander’s well know, there won’t be just the odd few…
(image photographed from media sources)
Edited to add: I’ve just seen in New Zealand News that despite the ongoing work in Christchurch, one of New Zealand’s three specialist Urban Rescue Units (48 members strong) is flying out to Japan today to be of assistance in the towns of the north eastern coast.
The team from Japan that came to Christchurch to assist in the work there, have (naturally) been released early for the urgent work now needed at home.
That’s what I call International care and help… Christchurch Kiwi’s knew they weren’t alone, I hope that the people of Japan know that they aren’t either.
