Poland 8

TSUNAMI - WAVE OF DEATH

"In remembrance of those who lost their lives in the Tsunami waves, and those who survived, and in particular to my friend Nasir and his family I devote this work. "

21 December 1994

The British Airways plane approached for landing. The view from the window after leaving cloud level was breathtaking.

Below us were the Maldive Islands - Paradise on earth. It's an

archipelago of about two thousand small islands emerging straight from the ocean, surrounded with atolls, so small that it is hard to believe they are inhabited.

`At one moment one could hear a whisper of fear from among passengers. We could see an airport. This word "airport" sounds impressive, but we what could see from above gave the impression that asphalt had been put directly on ocean waves.

We made it! Our pIane landed safely on the runaway, doors were opened and we could see the marvellous view. Around us the ocean exhibited a play of all shades of blue and green; its waves delicately brushed the shore and its roar invited us to bathe.

Fast passport control and we hailed a water taxi which took us to the hotel – our destination. It was on a small island. We landed at a jetty, at the end of which was our bungalow built on piles driven into the atoll bottom. It was a hut from outside but inside it was a luxurious apartment with every convenience and an amazing view from the window; I was in Paradiśe, Paradise on earth.

Adding to the charm of the islands were the native inhabitants - kindhearted, willing to help and always smiling. The Maldives are also a Mecca for divers: at only a depth of several metres there is the under-water world of coral reefs, vibrant with life - the under-water Paradise.

I visited these islands by invitation of my friend, whom I have known since we went to school together. Nasir became my guide to the archipelago, he showed me secrets of the islands hidden from many tourists.

Time flies, especially when one is enjoying oneself, and the moment of return has to come. I remember when I was boarding the pIane, I turned round and looked at the islands and peaceful waters of the Indian Ocean for the last time. I made a promise to myself that I would come back someday.

Tragic news came from the area of the Indian Ocean basin. A strong earthquake and the resulting tsunami waves razed cities to the ground and took out the lives of their inhabitants. My ‘small islands’ - the Maldives - were on their way.

Has Paradise on earth ceased to exist? Will my dream to go back to these islands never come true? Are my friend Nasir and his family alive?

I know that eighty-five people perished on the islands, many are missing and there are enormous material losses; coral reefs are also destroyed.