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A disaster is a sudden event that causes serious damage and even loss of life. I
witnessed just such an event last December. It is something that is
etched in my memory forever. It was the
school holidays and my family spent a day at the theme park in Genting
Highlands. We were leaving the mountain resort in the evening when it started to
pour. The winding road was slippery so Father drove more slowly than usual.
There was a tour bus and several cars behind us. In front of us was a sports
car. We had almost reached the bottom of the mountain when we saw small rocks
falling onto the road in front of us. We could hear rocks bouncing off the roof
of our car too! The sports car in front of us accelerated and shot forward.
Father did the same and we hurtled forward. Then came a loud noise. I looked
behind and saw huge rocks, soil and mud crashing down on the road where we were
moments before. I watched in horror as the tour bus was buried by the landslide.
The car behind the bus was pushed off the road and down the side of the
mountain.
Father stopped when he thought it was safe. My parents told my brother and me
to stay put. Mother used her mobile phone to call the fire brigade while Father
ran back towards the landslide. Other motorists joined him. They pulled at the
rocks and soil covering the buried bus and cars. Sirens could be heard getting
closer. Fire engines and ambulances raced past us. Firemen took over the rescue
operation and urged my father and the others to retreat to safety. They feared
that more soil and rocks would fall down.
We waited as the rescuers set to work. We hoped that they would reach the
buried victims in time. Reporters arrived and interviewed us about the disaster.
It turned dark and we began to feel tired and hungry. Father decided to head
home. All the way home, the scene of what I witnessed played in my mind over and
over. When we arrived at home, we switched on the television and watched the
news about the disaster. It was reported that all the bus passengers were safe.
However, the people in the car that slipped down the mountainside were badly
injured.
A disaster happens out of the blue. When it happens, people must have the
courage and willingness to help. Although seeing the disaster happen before my
eyes was frightening, I also recall how my father and others went to the aid of
the victims and that makes me feel better. |
