Helpless and Hapless

allsmiles | 28 December, 2004 04:19

There are days and then there are days ....when I'd rather not rush to get the morning paper. In fact I'd rather not read it at all. I have seen all I could during the various 'breaking news' throughout yesterday showing the same story of massive waves, destruction, loss and endless sorrow. The coastlines of many countries jolted like never before. The impact spanning right from Indonesia as far as the eastern coast of Africa.

The seismic activity lasted for hours each time triggering another tsunami. Each time more people on the coast line drowning and tsunamis causing more destruction. The worst hit are the fisherman who now must be terrified of the seas which used to be their main source of livelihood. Now apart from having to cope with loss of loved ones (once the official toll figures, which are increasing by the hour, are out; till which time they have to fight with uncertainity and live with vain hope). Getting on with their lives will be an uphill task. How in a matter of a day their lives turned upside down. And where do they go from here?

I said something about the security of the earth earlier... and I think we take so many things about our own environs for granted too. What if all the elements decide to unleash all their power with all their fury, would our technological advancement actually help us? Or does it put us in a more dangerous position?

Leaves you feeling helpless and totally unprepared? What would happen if you found yourself in a similar situation? What would you do? What can you do? The thought that calamity can strike at any time and all that you have toiled so hard during your lifetime all vanishes just like that .... without a trace...into flotsam!

It hasnt sunk in ..in spite of those high waves....not just yet. The shock, the disbelief.. and even the helplessness against Nature's wrath.