Ten years ago, on 26 Dec 2004, a huge earthquake off Sumatra triggered a deadly tsunami which crashed into coastlines around the Indian Ocean. 230,000 people died, and millions lost their homes. I recall visiting Banda Aceh and Meulaboh in Indonesia days after the disaster. This was the closest land to the epicentre, and the worst hit. The SAF were already there, mounting our largest relief effort ever, to support our close neighbour. Our Home Team, NGOs, and individual Singaporeans were also helping. I was overwhelmed by the extensive damage. But despite the trauma, grief and uncertainty, the survivors were determined to recover and not give up. A decade later, many of the destroyed areas are again bustling with life. The survivors have also rebuilt their lives. But we also remember those who have perished. The tsunami shows starkly how fragile and uncertain human life is, and how resilient and united we must be in the face of adversity. Natural calamities will happen again. We must be prepared for them, and work together to protect ourselves. – LHL P.S. For more on the Indian Ocean Tsunami, see The Straits Times e-book special.
Posted on: Thu, 25 Dec 2014 23:00:05 +0000
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