Earthquake Fear Understood
An short earthquake this morning put the locals' fear of a Tsunami into full frame for me. During the quake we were all wondering . . . "Is this another big one? Will there be another Tsunami?" and calls came from home to check our wellbeing.
The quake lasted only a few seconds 5-10 seconds or so and was only really a rumble that started like a heavy truck going past and then developed into a decent shake that caused things to rattle on the shelves a bit.
It was the first earthquake that I've been in that I've actually felt.
It wasn't frightening as such - we're inland a fair ways and a pretty solidly built house, but it certainly did stop me to think "Is this the big one? How long will it last? Will there be another big wave?"
I now have a deeper understanding of why the local people relocate inland and basically run for it. To date I've simply observed their fear and thought their responses to be over-reactions. They still are to some extent but I definitely have a deeper appreciation of their plight.
There is another aspect to this morning's quake that was really reinforced, and that is the perception of the world. A mother of one of our SWAP Ambassadors was on the phone desperate to make sure that we were all OK. It was made worse because they were in the shower and didn't answer their cell phone.
I understand this situation. I too have children and want to make sure that they are OK at all times, but there is something very different about the headline "Earthquake in Samoa" from earthquake in Sydney, or Hobart, or Cairns.
Make no mistake about it, Samoa will never be the same post-Tsunami and my desire to make good over here is renewed.
We're all perfectly OK.
Samoa too is perfectly OK.
Samoa tourism however is not.
We all have a little deeper appreciation of what it is like for others around us and are just as keen as ever to help as many people experience life in Paradise as we can - via the web or in person. I would say that it's just wise to stay at a resort back from the beach a little, that's all.
And if you're interested, follow us and support us with the SWAP Foundation.
Thanks
Tagwords: samoa earthquake
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