What would you do if an earthquake struck Singapore this moment? With so many high rise buildings, where will we run to? Where can we hide? It wouldn’t be like feeling the aftershocks of an earthquake in a neighbouring country, for we would have time to run, or even take the lift down to the ground floor. We can only count our lucky stars that our little island is not located in any earthquake area, and is safe from most natural disasters.
Everyday, I read reports on the Szechuan earthquake, and how now finally, the rescuers have finally managed to reach the most remote mountainous areas to reach trapped victims. Why am I so concerned about an event and people in an area I’ve never been to, and only heard of? Well, because by a twist of fate, I could have been holidaying somewhere in Szechuan, instead of Hangzhou-Suzhou-Shanghai. I could have been stuck there, I could have been one of the victims, waiting for rescue, or just desperately finding a way out and reach my family and friends.
But more than that, it’s because I’m a Chinese. And this earthquake has very vividly demonstrated that, even though the earthquake happened in an area most of us are not familiar with, even though the earthquake has shattered many lives, it has not shattered the Chinese spirit and unity. Even till today, fund raising efforts big and small are happening all over the world, wherever there are Chinese. The fund raising isn’t meant for immediate rescue efforts or emergency relief needs. The fund raising is meant to rebuild the lives - physically and psychologically - of those in Szechuan. For it may have taken minutes for the 7.8 earthquake to shatter the lives of thousands of people, it will take at least 7 years to rebuild their lives, homes, schools and hospitals.
This day, on China’s Children’s Day, my thoughts go out to the young victims of this disaster, especially the orphans and those who have lost an arm or leg. Right now, what they need is support, help to get them over this emotionally and psychologically, for they are young, and may not know how to express themselves. So the funds are also equally important to help them get back to life as quickly as possible, and to ensure that they continue to get an education and proper healthcare, lest they be forgotten and get taken advantage of by unscrupulous characters.
So as you are sitting in the comfort of your study room, or your living room, in front of your PC/laptop, reading this, or reading the latest death toll of the earthquake, what are you doing to extend a helping hand? More than ever, the phrase ‘it’s the thought that counts’ rings true.
My message to Szechuan survivors - be strong and survive on. I will support you. Though I can’t donate tens of thousands of dollars, I hope my contributions will help, in its little way, in rebuilding your lives. Jia you!
