Burden
November 9, 2011 * * * * * Posted by: Silvia 
I have a burden on my heart, these days. I can't stop thinking of the flooding that so brutally hit the Cinque Terre and the city of Genoa. I can't stop thinking of the people who died and those who have been left with nothing but a crumbled house.
Can you imagine being left with anything but yourself, and still you thank God for that life you still have? I hardly can, but when I do, the feeling is overwhelming.
We live in the YouTube and Twitter era. Tragedies like this are almost broadcasted live by people who happen to witness them. I will never forget the screams of the two women helplessly watching from their window the waters flooding a central street in Genoa. Nor I will ever forget the waters carrying away boats and cars from Vernazza, and with boats and cars also the lives of those who refused to leave their houses and shops - who wanted to stay with their lives, with everything that represented their lives, and lost them instead.
I have a special bound with Liguria region. It's about 300km away from where I live and it's the first place I drove to when my parents bought me a car. I almost instantly fell in love with its deep blue sea, the flowers, the terraced hillsides, and the beautiful villages. To me, who at the time was eagerly reading any book I could put my hands on, it meant also places like Ospedaletti, where writer Katherine Mansfield spend her days trying to alleviate the symptoms of her tuberculosis; or Porto Venere, that brought back memories of a poet called Byron; not to mention Hemingway, my hero at that time... Hard to hear in the news that the Cinque Terre have now literally disappeared.
We all know who the culprit is. It's us. But it's not my intention to start a political or environmental discussion on responsibilities here.
The images I've posted were taken in Portofino and in a typical Ligurian village. To me, that ancient stone bridge represents the strength of the people living in this region. They will tenaciously start all over again. After having cried their victims, they will go on and, like that seagull, they will take off and glide.
In their heart there will be a burden, and the ferocious hope we won't be making the same mistakes.
Never again.
cinque terre, floodings, italy
Reader Comments (15)
Oh no...don't tell me! Over here - we've heard nothing about flooding in Cinque Terre or anywhere else in Italy (American news is so inward looking). One of my most favorite parts of my visit to Italy was the time I spent in Cinque Terre hiking from town to town. The most beautiful place on earth...and indescribable - really!! And - I just can't imagine how high the waters must have come to wipe out the towns. Now - I'm going to have to go check out the news from Italy. I'm so..so..so sorry.
And - who are the culprits???
Oh no..this is terrible news...:-(!
It is hard to believe in God (or anyone) when something like this happens. I have been there with friends in the US, with hurricanes and flooding, it is heartbreaking.
i feel as marcie does....sorrowful and uninformed. thank you for posting this, so i can catch up on this sadness. i haven't been to this region, but empathy doesn't require such a visit. i am sad for all who lost so much.
It is my imagination or has there been an increase in natural disasters in the past decade or so? And, the devastation seems so dramatic nowadays.
So sorry to read about this disaster, Silvia. Even though I don't speak Italian, the repeated cries of "Oh dio" on the video tug on my heart and need no translation.
What shocks me more than anything is that I, too, haven't heard anything about this flooding, Sil, and I watch CNN Int'l news every day. Why haven't we heard aboiut this??? My heart breaks for you and all who have experienced this tragic loss. I've been through a fire that destroyed everything, but a flood seems so different and more widespread. I grieve with you,
Thanks for bringing this to our attention.
So sorry to hear of this, it seems that this has been one of the worst years that I remember for these types of disasters all around the world. Sending hope and light out to those that are suffering, and a hug to you as well.
Thanks so much for your simpathy. I'm surprised to hear there has been no news coverage of this tragedy abroad... It's obvious what now is of most interest of Italy is its (sad) political situation... I'm gald I wrote about what has happended.
...the culprit is neglicence by local authorities and illegal building...
I've just found out a few interesting sites in English covering the flooding and also an Onlus called Save Vernazza. I'm moved by the generosity and love of foreign people for this Italian region. Another thing that deeply touched me were the many young people who came from all over Italy to help clearing the mud and the debrits both in Cinque Terre and in Genoa. It's great to see there are still young people full of passion and willing to do good.
Here are the links:
Save Vernazza ONLUS
Disaster Hits the Cinque Terre
Cinque Terre floods
It's so sad, this havoc that we wreck on this planet of ours and the attendant consequences.
I'm even sorrier, like the rest of our group, that this travesty has not been broadcast at all.
Thank you for the eye opener.
How devastating, Silvia :(
The voices of those women are still ringing in my ears. I wasn't aware of anything either and I am thanking you to bring this to our attention. Sending love and prayers for all those who are in distress in Cinque Terre.
All we hear about Europe is the economic crisis. I agree that these kinds of disasters seem to be occurring much more frequently. And since they are called "natural" disasters, it doesn't appear governments believe our actions have anything to do with them or that we can do anything about them. Your photos are beautiful in contrast and I'm encouraged by what you say about the strength of the people.
Oh Sil, I am so sorry about this disaster. The video, those voices are heartbreaking. I, too, haven't heard about this - how is this possible in our age of global information? I also wonder whether there are more of these "natural" disasters recently. I just don't have any words to express what I feel.
Like everyone else, I had not heard of this news either, how tragic. There are so many catastrophic events taking place in the world at the moment.
It is heart breaking when lives are lost and disaster strikes. Silvia you painted a beautiful picture and a loving tribute to a place that holds special meaning to you -- but you gave that special meaning to us as well and for that I say "thank you".
So sad ! There are floods in Thailand as well. We have to be more concerned about the environment and also animal welfare. Good post !
We should spend more time for taking care of our environment than for the political talk and fights. I wish we'd learn more from our Mother Nature than we do. Thank you for your reminder and sweet prayers for all those who lost their homes...