Earthquake Essay
Hello! My name is Navin Patel I am a resident of Bhuj village in Gujarat. I used to live with my parents, grand parents, two brothers and a sister. Unfortunately I lost my entire family in the earthquake of 26th January, 2000 Only my younger sister and could somehow survive the tragic incident
I still remember that terrible day We were getting ready for the Republic day celebrations in school My father was about to go to the fields to carry on with his work My grandparents and mother were busy in their daily activities Suddenly there was a thundering sound of something falling down.
I was about to fall down. Cupboards, chairs, and all other things in the house started vibrating. Utensils in the kitchen fell down. There arose a loud noise of crying, moaning from all sides. My father realized that this is earthquake. He started shouting.
I suddenly remembered that in case of an earthquake one has to run out towards a plane ground or roads. I grabbed my younger sister and headed outside. I asked other members of my family to do the same.
But alas! By the time they could come out, our entire house had collapsed. My parents, grandparents and brothers got buried under the heap of mud, bricks and stones.
I could not bear the sight and became unconscious. I was lying in the veranda of a house when I awoke. My sister was sitting near me. Everybody around me was injured. They were crying and screaming. All the buildings in our village were diminished. Many people were trapped under the heap of debris.
Many were crushed to death. It was a horrible scene. Soon after some time the rescue squads arrived. They started treating the injured people. Some started rescuing people trapped under the heaps. Along with the uninjured people present there, my sister and I started helping others.
From the very next day, help was extended to the sufferers by all sections of the society in various ways. Many social workers and those who wished to help us rushed towards this area. They distributed food, medicines, and clothes among the victims.
Some provided monetary help to the injured. They encouraged those who were left alone and deeply traumatized. They extended every possible help to us. We lost everything in this earthquake but we certainly experienced humanity and compassion of people towards the victims.
Recently the Government has constructed new cottages for us. My sister and I stay in one such house nowadays. Many of us experienced the selfish attitude of government officers during this incident. But these occurrences are part and parcel of life.
This incidence taught me two important lessons. One is will power and secondly to face all kinds of adversities in life courageously.