6 February earthquake

Three consecutive tremors hit southern Taiwan in the early hours yesterday, the biggest registered 6.4 on the Richter scale.
Immediately there were scenes of carnage and destruction as several high rises collapsed. To now, some 12 people are confined dead, dozens still missing, and with each passing moment the chances of survival, especially those trapped under rubble, grow grimmer.

I was boarding the flight to Vancouver when the news broke and immediately called my relatives back home. Luckily, things are alright with them, nobody injured and they are all sound.

Money is pouring in from all over the country, and there are many stories of hotels and restaurants offering victims free  food and shelter . In times of need, the Taiwanese know the true, heartwarming meaning of solidarity and humanity.

I was immediately reminded of the date. 6th of February, the day eight years ago dad passed away... And its the day known as new years eve eve. I remember somehow dad telling us once about how terrified he was once as a child, when a massive earthquake struck chiayi, his hometown , the Baihe quake of 1964, which struck also shortly before the lunar New year. He told me vividly the carnage and destruction after the quake, and how for days after that he and his family were so afraid to sleep indoors. It was a 6.3 quake. The one yesterday 6.4, and in a very similar area.

The things that I remember...

Japan immediately pledged aid and supplies after the quake, as gratitude for
The people of Taiwan who were the biggest donors after the 2011 earthquake. China, the country that claims it owns and governs my homeland, is surprisingly silent.

May people be well, May my homeland be safe and pass through this difficult time with ease and through unity.