Catastrophic Times

This part of the world in which I live has come through some disastrous events over the past few weeks. There has been flooding rain where once had been drought, and cyclones have borne down on our north where they are commonplace, but the last one was a whopper. It has almost seemed as if a vengeful God has looked down and decided to teach us a lesson - decided to teach us that we are not as in control of our lives as we would like to think. We humans who think we can plan everything in our lives to an infinite degree were shown that our plans are for naught when faced with nature in all its fury.

Our family were fortunate in that we live in the hills, and although it rained day after day after day, we kept safe and dry. Others were not so lucky. Particularly when the dam protecting our city was full and the surge of water knew no boundaries. It headed for the open sea with us in its path. The river which snakes through the city and its suburbs, broke its banks and slowly but surely the homes in the low lying areas flooded. The river once so quiet, once so clean, surged past old landmarks with debris hurled through its rushing water, and even loosening pontoons and walk ways that had once formed part of the landscape. We listened avidly to news reports or left our safe homes and stood close to the river trying to get a sense of the drama unfolding over such a short time.

There were scenes of devastation to the north and west of us that overshadowed the quiet flooding our city had endured. One whole town at the foot of the range to the west, was swept away with lives lost and we could only listen to the tragic stories that were told by survivors with amazement and sorrow that such events could happen so quickly. We heard of cars lifted up by the floodwaters and swept away with some occupants failing to reach safety. How could this happen? Bewildering, we ask the question of each other. There are no clear cut explanations although people try to scientifically explain the unexplainable. They look for someone or something to blame for nature's wrath.

As people try to restore lives and property wrecked, we can only reflect on the good that has come out of it. The number of volunteers who gave of their time and effort over many days to help their fellow man gives the lie to the belief that humanity is a dying art form. There may be a dose of selfishness in most of us, but it can be quickly submerged when the call to help is heard and we know we cannot ignore it.