Humanitarian Aid in Bangladesh - Andrea Maiorella Nel Novembre del 2007 il ciclone Sidr si abbatte sulle coste del
Bangladesh con venti da 240Km/h, provocando 1100 vittime e mettendo in ginocchio un intero paese.
La macchina degli
aiuti umanitari si mette in moto cercando di offire ai sopravvissuti acqua, cibo e medicine.
L'Ass. Umanista di Appoggio Umano "Quanti Einstein", é tra le associazione che ha offerto il proprio aiuto ed Andrea Maiorella ci ha regalato queste righe dove racconta la sua bella quanto dura esperienza.
Abbiate la volontá di dedicare un po' di tempo a questa lettura, ne vale la pena! Richard
Report of the distribution of clothes and food after the storm in Bangladesh.
Dear friends do not know if I can pass on things that you start by saying, it is difficult to express in a simple little story. They are emotions that you feel a few times in our lives, or at least in my life I never had an emotion so strong and special as that of yesterday. I will try to do my best to convey what they have been for me these last days.
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| Photos of Andrea Maiorella |
The "uncle" (Heracles my friend and traveling companion for many years, our Bangladeshi friends all call him "uncle" now) having taken a bad influence, has seen fit to take a day off. influence in this decision is the fact that, with our in Bangladesh , you know more or less when you go to a place and you never know when it's back, who got to know knows. Half an hour later that his uncle he is back at the accommodation of Masud, I saw it coming a truck loaded with bags full, under the leadership of a Bengali and sat beside him Pasha, a column of coordination Bengali , A really cool guy that is worth to meet at least once in their lifetime.
Himel tells me it will be better for me to follow the truck with another medium, but I see many of our trucks that have already risen on the back and settled on the best loading and because I enjoy the hint that I can climb too. A very enjoyable trip.
During the run, sing some songs Bengali , others smile at me, who does photos, songs listener Bangladeshi from his cell phone. Climate is very euphoric and energetic. Every now and then someone from the front, sitting on the roof of the cockpit, shouting something that looks like a:
"beware of the trees ...!"
and we all turned down for not taking the side branches that pass over our heads. Everything becomes a game in which I join and every time you pass a pleasant trees apart from a sort of Mexican wave from the stadium. Do not say that I am beginning because that is not true. It is to tell the truth this time there is half of my best part in starting the whole mess but that has entertained the troops, so that makes me notice Himel before falling from the truck that will go to areas where there were many casualties, and then asks me, at least when we're there, try to observe a certain respect. I fully agree.
We are waiting for the port and the 'ok to take on board all the goods. When I see what kind of "boat" will carry all "that stuff" I hope all is well. Meanwhile, taking photos all together in front of the truck still loaded with the orange banner humanist done on purpose in preparing these days of fundraising. Even at work I start to load the bags, despite the advice of Himel and Masud telling me to sit in the shade because the sun beats down a lot. There is much movement of people along the walkway of the pier: the road before the bridge all the stalls of vendors have stopped to observe the loading of the goods. They are many, as always. This massive presence of these people in every corner, every alley in this country, in every activity that you have to make. This feeling of belonging also to a lesser extent, in this culture, to be joined for a short period and also be brought along this strong feeling in Italy sharing, of belonging. Some of the vendors brings a jug of water with a smile, it's very hot and the sun beats down on our heads relentlessly. Masud Himel and quench their thirst and they show me a drink and put in the shade to rest a bit 'but I tell them I'm fine and I prefer to contribute with my help. I take the pitcher and I poured water on his head and starts to move.
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| Photo of Andrea Maiorella |
the small pier there are other boats brought by NGOs and aid ship of men dressed with bands of white on his arm and also a woman in uniform. They have a yellow banner with slogans in bengoli and are taking pictures too. Our I explain that they are part of an NGO that is working in the affected areas and that they have a medical team. I have a feeling that it is moving really a great machine to help and I think that the current military government in Bangladesh is doing so much.
During our helicopters crossed is infinitely above our heads that continue to supply the more remote areas. Around our boat motor seen passing tree trunks, shrubs, baskets, hut remains, pieces of bamboo and more. We also float a cow, reduced skin and bones and now scorched by the sun. You see, you smile, perhaps to defuse. I do not know what to think about what you see. In what conditions will these people.
Should I be worried? I do not know is the first time live this kind of experience.
For me at least, it means to be a special experience to come here. I do not know if others who are with me live on this boat the same way. My mother would be very concerned about the conditions and the risk of diseases of the areas where we are going. I think this will be a long time for a beautiful and meaningful day in my life.
arrive near the first village. While we're still getting closer I see many women and children peeking out from all sides. Become tens, hundreds, are many.
are beginning to crowd the shore. Someone asks to take one of their boats to get close to us but is stopped. There
bustle. There are many. There are huge. Along the riverbank
whole trees knocked out and pour in the water. Some are banana trees, bamboo others are real oak trees or the big drum. Incredible think and imagine a fury like a disaster and so in such a 'short time.
Himel and Masud are worried about me. Masud asks me not to get off the boat at all. But Himel wants it to go with him. I recommend to stay close to him and he held me by the hand.
Among the people we have formed a group that seeks to maintain 'order. Some armed with sticks trying to take away people but especially the incredible multitude of children, as a raging torrent coming from every corner of the small bay. They also have a whistle and try to contain the crowds of desperate people. I seem to lions in cages. A scene that I hope to never see again. I fall two tears down her cheeks. I try to hide my concern not to stir those who took responsibility to bring back entire home.
Himel tells me not to get close and not touch people. There are a few steps away from me.
Those who try to maintain calm and order in the mass distribution of children smiling at me, desperate to control the crowd behind a fence made with the species of bamboo. On the other side of that boundary, there are arms you tend to me, there are faces of people seeking help, there are people who lost everything in one night.
Some women look at me, shouting something bengoli speak. I guess they're telling me what happened to their home or their loved ones. Children look at me with curiosity, trying to approach and ask me something but are repelled back.
do they represent for these people? For these people we
salvation? We
the gentle giant that can lead them to safety?
What can we do to avoid falling into a situation gooders really dramatic, really trying to bring a hint of hope to these people?
A few steps away from me A tragedy is unfolding. Can I touch them with your hands and shake their hands. With less than a meter away from me, their faces carved from hunger, the desperate look. And the children, many, uncontainable that men with the whistle and the stick back promptly rejected to protect me.
When you end up seeing the human being as reduced hours in extreme conditions?
What finally wake this god chained ...?
I try it right away too. I even right way to keep order in my head with an angry mob of my thoughts that push from behind a barricade as those people.
begin this human chain formed from ours, by recommendations of other movement humanist, by new people in the structure of Masud. Himel
I see that he gets to hold the people and keep order in the fair distribution of the material.
Rashid, too, looking respectfully returning women who manage to escape the chain of people and near the boat. I see him explain that for the good of all that is best returns between the lines of people waiting their part.
Something makes it different from how I have known in recent days. Even Himel. We are all a bit 'different from all other days. You belong to something big. There is to be part of something great and unique. That's when the human being joins forces nothing can stop us. Even though we are paying only volumes rescue a temporary situation. Indeed, perhaps facing a strong need help, there is more this force together.
Hand hand stores come the crowd relaxes. Now people are allowed to pass though always under supervision of someone trying to remain calm. Now take some pictures. First, though eloquent images were not able to take pictures. It seemed to me to photograph the animals in a cage.
you establish a good cooperation with the villagers in the other two stages. There is a growing force in the air. Himel Masud and care for me because I did not stop a moment and tell me to put in the shade. In fact, there was a hot crazy but I could not stop. I wanted to actively participate in this experience. Every now and then when I felt like I wet my head would stop and start again but I've never felt better than this day.
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| Photo of Andrea Maiorella |
In the days after we finished with Masud to do a final lap in one of the affected areas, where his father is giving a hand to the reorganization of rural areas. This time we left money instead of food and clothes. Coordination Masud had left about 6000 taka more to distribute in the poorest areas.
Nothing to say, very normal day, except for the cry of that old man with wet eyes. She looks at me after we opened the envelope with her money. Two eyes deep and sincere. The hollow face like most of its people. The unshaven. We give you the money and he looks at me deeply moved.
In the silence of that campaign is upset by the cyclone can hear his words echoed with strong force. A force as if to protect me with her voice. Masud looks at me and translates the words of old:
"He said thank you and pray for you." The
hug me but that face is brought with me a present, inside my heart. Inside of me I carry those words shouted with emotion that I have pierced the silence for a moment, those deep eyes and the blessing arrivata da qualcuno che soffre. E come dice Silo, quando quel poveraccio soffre é qualcosa di grande che invoca il cielo.
Spero di essere riuscito a darvi un’immagine luminosa di questa esperienza, nonostante la difficoltá nel tradurla in immagini. Vi abbraccio calorosamente.
Andrea
Altre informazioni interessanti:
- Portale ufficiale del governo del Bangladesh
- Sul web dmoz.org troverete informazioni relative ad hotel Bangladesh , turismo in Bangladesh , lavoro in Bangladesch , ed altre attivitá
- If you are interested in reading the news bangladesh can visit this site in English
- To book a trip with Bangladesh Airlines visit their website
you liked the article, Andrea? Leave him a message! Greetings Riccardo Agostini EmozioneAvventura
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