I’ve always seen first responders as unsung heroes and very special people because, when everyone else is running away from danger, they run into it.
— Dwayne Johnson, American actor
Following the end of the search and rescue (SAR) operation at the Batang Kali landslide site on Christmas Eve, I would like to pay my highest tribute to the unsung heroes of Batang Kali in this column this week.
Over nine days since the tragic incident took place on Dec 16, we watched with bated breath the SAR effort and prayed in silence for more of the missing to survive the deadly landslide.
Indeed, nature’s wrath can be cruel, merciless and unforgiving as we have witnessed only too often. In all disasters and tragedies which are beyond our control, some may choose to refer them as “acts of God”.
If men are not that proud and honest enough to concede, they should point the finger at themselves. We do not realise how destructive we can be; not many are actually aware or refuse to acknowledge that when they do battle with Mother Nature, it is obvious who will emerge victorious (or in this case, more destructive.)
The end result is more catastrophic natural disasters, causing unnecessary, senseless loss of lives and properties. We have witnessed many of such tragedies with great remorse and sadness but unfortunately, men continue to destroy the environment in the name of progress and development.
The landslide at Father’s Organic Farm in Batang Kali is one such tragedy. Thirty-one people were killed in the 2.30am incident but 61 survived after tonnes of earth came crashing down on the farm campsite.
Eighteen of those killed were adults and 13 were children.
On Christmas Day, a video of the search and rescue team hard at work at the site of the tragedy and several photos of the rescuers which came into my inbox touched me immensely.
I was overwhelmed when viewing the video and seeing the dedication and commitment of the rescuers to duty. They were prepared to risk life and limb, even when the chances of finding anyone alive was very slim.
By Dec 19, three days after the landslide, it became clear that it was near impossible for any of the missing persons to survive. But all the members of the SAR team, the police and army personnel involved in the rescue effort, were adamant to continue the search. None were giving up; all wanted to stay and soldier on.
These are the unsung heroes who are faceless and nameless but nonetheless, their selfless sacrifice and compassion for others will not be forgotten.
Indeed, we will not hesitate to describe these SAR members as heroes for they are prepared to carry out difficult tasks in dangerous situations. They show great strength, courage and grace, even under very trying circumstances.
There are probably more heroes out there than we might think. Indeed, it is true that people who are heroes do not always get recognised, like the Batang Kali rescuers.
Some of them do not even think of themselves as heroes, for they are just ordinary people who are brave, calm, and kind.
On Dec 26, I’m glad that Bernama reported on the state of the situation among those involved in the SAR operation. It tells a more intimate story at ground zero by the Bernama journalist.
The recently-ended SAR operation at Father’s Organic Farm has left a profound effect on the members of the rescuing team.
Bernama quoted Hulu Selangor Fire and Rescue Department head Ahmadi Muhamad Hasan as saying that apart from the physical exertion, the emotion of personnel was also affected during the nine-day SAR operation.
Recalling the efforts to search for victims of the tragedy, he said the soft earth and rainy weather also hampered movements and demanded the perseverance of rescuers.
Ahmadi said the rescuers were given mental therapy and words of encouragement to raise their morale to continue looking for victims.
Despite the discovery of the bodies of four family members who were the 27th, 28th, 29th and 30th victims on the seventh day of the search, he said the SAR operation continued to face difficulties.
“To find just one more victim in a very wide area of almost 15 acres is very difficult,” he added.
But all of them persevered and did not give up. They carried out their tasks and responsibilities as only they know how – that is, until the body of the last victim, an 11-year-old boy was found.
I sincerely hope that the government, in good time, will think of a reward for these unsung heroes of Batang Kali. I believe Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim knows how to do the right thing.
The views expressed here are those of the columnist and do not necessarily represent the views of New Sarawak Tribune.
