With the Christmas season upon us where we see ourselves celebrating with our families and close friends it is indeed fitting that we take a moment to remember all the victims of the Tsunami of 2004. Over 150,000 souls were lost that day, where early in the morning a seaquake off the coast of Indonesia, was followed by a tsunami which was felt all the way to Seychelles and to the East coast of Africa!
On the morning of the 26th December 2004, Boxing Day, or the day after Christmas, we were in the Seychelles on holiday from Ghana, and on our way for a morning swim. Earlier in the morning I watched with horror the developing story on CNN of the events unfolding off the coast of Indonesia. I remember speaking with my director at the time about the events unfolding a few thousand miles away and what effect if any the event would have on the Seychelles and our business which was located at the port area in Victoria. At the time I speculated that perhaps we would see strange tides for the coming few days. I could not have imagined that a short few hours later how wrong I would be on my speculation, thinking later how I wish I had been correct - strange tides indeed!
At around 9am Seychelles times while on the way for a morning swim we witnessed the arrival of waves which earlier in the morning had so devastated our neighbours in the Indian Ocean. I will spare you the reader of the particulars of those waves and add that never in my short life of 42 years have I seen such a mighty spectacle as that which the ocean 'played' upon our beautiful shores that day. India, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Maldives, Kenya and many more countries in the Indian Ocean basin were not spared that day and neither would we in the Seychelles.
Our country is small - 116 islands, 80,000 + total population, so waves which struck down so many earlier in the day would surely not spare us!
Much damage was inflicted to homes, hotels, businesses and other structures located along our coastline that morning. Victoria our capital city was flooded several times over. Sail boats, fishing boats and other pleasure crafts were sucked out to sea and tossed about as if bath toys. Immediately the nation pulled together and began the effort of cleaning up and or securing property even as Toyota pick-up trucks floated down the street! Whilst we did not suffer massive casualties, we did nevertheless suffer a few deaths. A close and dear friend that day lost her life as she became a victim of the natural events that day. Her memory and love of life and family, will always be with us!
Indeed the Seychelles did pull together that day! It did take many months for the country to recover and rebuild what mother nature took away. Hotels were cleaned up. Homes repaired. And businesses reopened. The bridges which had been damaged or washed away were rebuilt. Those who died live on in our thoughts and hearts.
Seychelles today 5 years on is indeed what it was then and that is paradise islands on earth! We are humbled and in awe of what we have been given.
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Sunday, December 6, 2009
LeKK Adverts - SpotLight On George Camille Art Galleries
George Camille - Artist & Painter. Born In Seychelles In 1963 & Awarded Scholarships To Study Art At Blackheath School of Art in Goldsmith College In London.
With Permanent Exhibitions At 4 Conveninient Locations In The Seychelles.
- Kaz Zanana:- Revolution Ave in Victoria
- Sunstroke:- Market Street in Victoria
- George Camille Gallery:- Casino Des Isles on Praslin Island
- Green Gecko Gallery:- Anse Reunion on La Digue Island
When In Seychelles Why Not Organise A Visit?
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