Thursday, December 30, 2004 @1:38 PM
Latest Death Toll: Over 80,000.
Waves as high as five storeys triggered by an underground earthquake off Sumatra, brought a terrifying end to the Christmas holidays. As I watched the news every passing day, I'm only grateful that the tsunamis did not affect Singapore in any major way lest for some tremors felt on some parts of the island. The rows of bodies waiting for their loved ones to recover them, the lingering smell of putrefying flesh hung in the air, building bore the marks of the unprecedented onslaught of the waves, holiday resorts and houses had been flattened, overturned vehicles everywhere etc. These scenes really affected me.
Malaysia and Thailand have even decided to forgo New Year's Celebrations nationwide in memory of the victims of the devastating tsunamis that hit both countries. 3 days of national mourning, everyone should wear black from Tuesday to Thrusday and all flags to fly at half-mast. What we Singaporeans can do is to do a rightful part of your own as a citizen of the world, donate what you can to help them: food, medicine, clothings and money to any drop-off points in all parts of Singapore. Check out the daily newspapers for more details.
Pray for all the victims.
We've been blessed so let's be thankful.