トーマス・C・カンサ
I joined the volunteers that went into the devastated areas to rescue animals and take them back to the shelters. On my first rescue assignment I had seen an array of carcasses of animals. floating ! in the rivers. It was such a tragic sight and I became emotionally dra ined. On my next trip I found it mildly easier to cope andhelped (support) an awareness project about the plight of pets in general. I made time to visit one of the shelters for animals which housed predominantly cats. I was told that the shelter held a family of eighty cats which need to be fed and cleaned daily. Some needed medical care. Some of these feline creatures just ignored me as I passed by .Some came all over me.
STORY1 South African volunteer recalls relief experience by Thomas Kantha
I could not believe what was unfolding before my eyes! The utter destruction caused by the tsunami after the Great East Japan Earthquake was unbelievable. Seventeen years ago, I was caught up in of the ‘action’ when the Hanshin earthquake hit the Kobe area, and, due to my proximity I was able to respond almost immediately.
However, this time I wanted to reach the area as soon as possible and provide whatever assistance I could offer. I gathered my tent, sleeping bags and warm clothes and called nearly every transport department, however, there were no flights, rail or bus service available. I then called the city volunteer department and was surprised to hear that they had no idea what was happening!
There was no grabbing of things nor any looting. It was always, “You first, please!” Even when food was distributed, it was organised in a disciplined manner. I was highly impressed by the way people were able to team up and keep their spirits up. There was no running water, no gas and no electricity, but the human spirit was there in abundance.
I was prepared for a chaotic situation but, to my surprise, no shops were looted and people shared what little they had. There was no fussing and waiting for handouts. People of all ages were engaged in helping each other. Everyone helped those that were weaker. I witnessed this without fail everyday. When I first came in by bus, the roads were severely damaged however, seven days later these roads were as good as new - kilometer after kilometer.