It’s hard to imagine one year has passed since the triple disasters struck in north eastern Japan on 11 March 2011.
I can still remember vividly the terrifying footage of the earthquakes that started it all; the gruesome images of the tsunami rolling in and cars in its path being swept aside; and the subsequent alarm arising from the melt-down at the nuclear plant in Fukushima.
Amidst news updates of the repeatedly futile attempts to bring the melt-down under control and to stem the release of radioactive materials into the atmosphere, the greatest consolation was the quick and generous response of other countries to offer aid for the disaster victims – as well as the steadfast and stoic resilience shown by the victims themselves.
Photo tribute to the victims of the disasters and the volunteers.
Although saddened by the tragedy like many others, I put together a compilation – at that time – of some photos that I’d taken over the years in Japan.
“Photos that bring to mind some pleasant memories of a beautiful country with a wonderful culture, and most importantly the hospitable and kind people that I’ve had the privilege of encountering in Japan.
In the mass of depressing scenes depicting the horrors of the disasters, hopefully these photos will help remind us of the beautiful Japan.” March 27, 2011.
I’d hoped that the images would slightly ameliorate the depression caused by the horrors of the disasters.
It seems apt that one year after that fateful night, we should take pause from our hectic lives to remember the victims of the triple disaster, who had perished or who are still suffering from the aftermath.
May the passage of time heal the terrible wounds and losses that nature has so terribly dealt them.
Below is the photo remembrance that I compiled last year – my own little contribution – terribly insignificant compared to those who had risked life and limb physically helping out at the scene of the disasters.
May we also remember these selfless workers and volunteers who truly displayed the greatness of the human spirit.
