Hello, my dear hivers!
Today I'll continue to share with you the story of the events that took place on October 1, 2025 during the aftershocks of earthquake.
At dawn, after the strong aftershock, we really assumed that we had "passed" the situation. But a few minutes later, after being shaken by several more aftershocks, we understood that our assumption was wrong. We felt a little fright each time the land moved, even in the tiniest way, since we were uncertain if a bigger quake would follow. Our anxiety was aggravated by the fact that our family was outside, there was no chance to be at ease in the open air especially at night.
Few people happened to sleep during the night which followed aftershocks. Most of the people were completely awake, presuming, praying, and just silently waiting for the shaking to cease. A few children and a baby who was with us needed a quiet and safe space to rest. Therefore, we felt the urge to build a temporary shelter.
At that moment (approximately at midnight), stars could still be seen which is a typical indication that the rain will not come. But the sky had already become cloudy, and the stars had disappeared at 1:30 a.m. That was the moment when we became frightened since we were all together on the roadside without any proper cover.
The men in the group quickly found a tarpaulin that could be used as a roof while others were spreading cartons on the ground to soften the rocky surface.
While the men were doing their job and working on the makeshift tent, the children behaved patiently. Some of the people, who were too tired, decided to lie down and rest while waiting.
One of my uncle helped by distributing food and biscuits to those who were hungry.
Another uncle of me brought out a butane stove carefully from the house in order to make coffee for my grandmother who was crying and shaking because of the trauma. We were lucky to have some sachets of coffee, milk, a tray of eggs, and a box of biscuits. These little things mattered so much at that time especially since many of us including kids were already hungry and tired.
My father used the pickup truck to secure the tarp and provide light so that everyone could see and move safely.
The tent was done after several minutes, and even though it was simple, it gave us a place to stay for the meantime.
The drizzle had been falling by 3:00 a.m. Those who could not fit or find a place in the tent, slept inside the vehicles while some people stayed under the shelter. The wind and rain got even stronger at 4:00 a.m. but we were grateful that we could rest and regain strength.
The strong winds and drizzle remained when morning came, and the damage around us could be seen by daylight. Most of the changes that had taken place because of the powerful earthquake, cracks, fallen objects and no doubt the work of nature could be seen very clearly.
Yet, through all the difficulties that we had, what was most remarkable was the fact that the night was so uncertain and scary, we had still faced it as a team. This gave us strength and hope from the little things done of each other’s kindness, and also comfort from the fact that we were not alone.
Sometimes, the darkest nights are the times that make us realize how much light we can be to each other.