Saturday, July 25, 2009

Kuraburi flood

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1 comment:

  1. kevins.fingersAugust 13, 2009 at 9:15 PM

    It's hard to describe this day in terms that a southern Californian would understand. Not only are the climatic conditions of Southern Thailand vastly different from the mild, Mediterrenean California coast, but the community response to a city-halting situation was alien. Many first world nations would create a huge fuss over the loss of property and productivity, and subsequent cries for government help would be drowned out by the accusatory shouts of blame. In stark contrast, the Thais in Kuraburi merely stood back, let nature take its course, and picked up the pieces once she was done. Even when sand and canvas bags were delivered, the concerted effort to protect livelihoods and shops was headed by the American students staying there! I spent an hour or two filling sandbags alongside many local community members, but none seems too concerned over the meter-deep floodwaters. This experience - observing the calm nature of Thai people during what I judged as a fairly urgent emergency and being able to give back to the community in a small way by filling sandbags - was one of the most fulfilling learning experiences I had during the entire 6 weeks.
    -Kevin Huang

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