Only 2 weeks after the Christchurch devastation which is still filling our TV screens each day, Japan has faced something so much worse. 8000 times worse apparently. While I'm not belittling what Cantabrians are going through, it's hard to fathom what Japan is facing.
I watched in awe, shock, horror... whatever you want to call it... the footage on the news as the tsunami came in and wiped out everything in its path. I hardly slept last night. I was haunted by the images of cars frantically trying to turn around and outrun the oncoming wave, but failing as they succumbed to the huge wall of water that engulfed them. The terror those people must have felt.
I've come to the conclusion that one of the scariest things about a natural disaster is how out of control it is. We spend our lives meeting deadlines, making it to meetings, making everything just so and then in comes Mother Nature with a whole set of different ideas. And we're powerless. We feel just how mortal and inconsequential we are in the scheme of things. And it's terrifying.
However I also believe that what is meant to be is meant to be, and while that doesn't mean I don't believe we also walk the path we choose, certain things - like natural disasters - are always going to happen. So what I'm taking from the recent world disasters is this - we can only pray for the health and safety of our family and friends, and be as prepared as possible. So on that note I've got a wee list of things I'm putting in my emergency kit in case anyone is struggling where to start.
- Torch and batteries (or wind up one)
- Radio with batteries
- corded phone
- can opener
- tinned and long lasting food
- pot or cooking pan
- small gas stove with gas canister
- water
- water purifying tablets
- first aid kit
- medicines
- copies of medical records, birth certificates, insurance documents
- Small denomination cash (no atms!)
- A can of petrol
- toilet rolls
- hand purifier
- bleach
- medicines
And that's as prepared as anyone can be. I have no idea what the future holds and if Ken Ring is correct, then I could be headed down to another major quake when I go to Christchurch on the 19th March. I hope not, not just for me but for Christchurch too - they've been through enough already.
And now my heart breaks for Japan. So much destruction. So many lives lost. So much to be rebuilt. I'm hoping beyond hope there isn't a nuclear meltdown as well, I so believe in being nuclear free and this just confirms my belief.
The auctions for Christchurch are coming to an end tomorrow, thank you so so so much to everyone who's contributed with items and with bidding - I'll post the final tally once they finish.
Goodnight Japan, stay safe and strong.
L xx
It's unbelievable what is currently happening around the world, such devastation and misery!
Let's hope that Ken is wrong!...Like you I am travelling to Christchurch next weekend to teach, the city & it's people have been through too much already.
Posted by: Ann | March 13, 2011 at 12:07 AM
Thank you for sharing your survival kit list Louise, I am thinking of adding a pair of aqua shoes for each person to our kit too.
Posted by: Raewyn A | March 13, 2011 at 02:25 PM