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| ABOUT CORK AID TO SRI LANKA |
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 Unawatuna Bay
Our breakfast had (fortunately) been delayed because there was no bread. Usually at this time of day we'd be snorkelling in the bay with the turtles but at this moment in time we were supposed to be making our way down the beach to the boat trip that we had previously booked for 9.30am.
Oblivious to the impending danger, the waiter returned with our bread and exclaimed, "my God, what is happening to the water!" Without any warning the water surged toward us and as we fled the now buoyant furniture was hitting us on the backs of our legs.
We climbed up a stairway to get to safety, while all the less sound structures around us collapsed. Happy that we were together we said our goodbyes, helplessly observing as less fortunate people floundered in the raging waters below us - convinced that if the water didn't take us, falling masonry might, such was the strength of the torrent.
We as a family are most grateful to all those that helped us to safety, grateful to the local and foreign people (Indian Air Force, British Consulate) that endangered their lives to rescue us three days later.
On arrival home, we thought of all the broken families and their sadness as we watched the images on TV - images we witnessed first hand. We thought of how unbelievably lucky we were to have survived - as the newspapers put it, "Family Saved by their Daily Bread".
I was compelled to help. We called on our neighbours, family and friends and asked them for donations. The response was remarkable. It convinced me we really could unite and make a difference.
A sincere thank you to all.
Majella Tarbatt
Note: Cork aid to Sri Lanka has raised €43,000 in direct aid for the people of Sri Lanka. €29,500 of this was donated to Project Galle 2005, an operation set up by volunteers on the ground to deal with the cleanup, and distribution of food and essentials in the direct aftermath of the Tsunami. The remainder has been funnelled into Individual longer term projects, some of which are described here. |
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