10th APRIL 1972

Tragedy is always hard to fully come to terms with.  For a death of some close, such as a relative or really good friend, you don't want to acknowledge or accept that they are really gone. You want to believe they'll be able to answer your phone calls.

On this day in 1972 an earthquake struck the town of Ghir in southern Iran, killing what was first estimated to be 4000 people. Not a single building was left standing. Police, soldiers and surviving villagers dug through rubble for almost four days after the disaster trying to find survivors. After these four days the death toll amounted to 5300.

The tragedy and heartbreak experienced by all those families must have been tremendous. To know that in a single moment, your life would be changed for ever. The earthquake (which measured 7.1 on the Richter scale) was one of the strongest in Iran's history.

Perhaps what struck me most was that at the time the Shah (or ruler) of Iran rejected offers of international help. People were dying, there was evidence of widespread of hunger, lack of shelter and basic supplies, and it was decided that even a little bit of extra help was not needed.

Humanity is brilliant at rallying together to help those in need. Haiti, Cyclone Tracey, Hurricane Katrina and any tsunami that has ever caused devastation anywhere, are all great examples of the ability of human kind to come together for a good cause, to help those who are suffering. As a people, we generally don't like to see someone hurt or upset. A perfect stranger can see you crying and offer words of support or encouragement, just by asking "what's wrong?" And yet the Shah of Iran was maybe too proud, or too indignant of the situation to accept even a little bit of help.

I mean, think about it. Money needs to be spent to acquire food, clothing, shelter and medicinal treatment for those survivors of the earthquake. After that more money needs to be spent to rebuild homes, places of work and other various buildings. The town was completely devastated so this rebuilding will take some time. In that time, the shops and such won't be open, meaning that no money will be exchanged, which causes other businesses to close. From this families don't have the money to continue living.

A little bit of help goes a long way.

You just have to accept it.



Image available: http://news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/hi/dates/stories/april/10/newsid_4400000/4400137.stm