Mudslide in Oso

The very same day that my Dad arrived, a huge landslide north of Seattle swept away dozens of homes in the small town of Oso. They disappeared from the earth’s surface in just a few seconds. Everyday newspapers showed photos of the fatalities.

In addition to the scale of the devastation, I was surprised by two facts:  first, apparently the tragedy could have been prevented. And second, unlike the way it would have been in Poland, there was no official mourning period. The governor, however, ordered a minute of silence to commemorate the victims.

I learned that in the United States official mourning is rarely proclaimed. The last time, it was imposed on a national scale was after the shooting at Fort Hood military base in 2009. Perhaps we may this this happen again.

The absence of such a decree did not discourage residents from voluntarily showing their support. In one of the press pictures of the landslide, I noticed a half –mast American flag. I later read that it had been found in the mud.

Private citizens in a gesture of solidarity have organized local events, such as concerts to raise money. Neighbors prepared meals for survivors and created small altars with flowers and candles. I also saw the information about joint praying vigils. As part of the official Washington’s month of poetry, one can also submit entries supporting those affected by the disaster.

And another community initiative: during the press conference, representatives of the well-known Indian tribe Snoqualmie offered a large donation to their distant neighbors. We are all mountain folk, and mountain folk stick together - donors commented on their generous gesture.

A few days ago, President Obama called the landslide as a major disaster. This declaration allows families to qualify for the receipt of government assistance.

Seeing in the news every day, how volunteers offered to search the devastated area, one can be assured that the local authorities and neighbors will not abandon the community of Oso.
                                                 

H. 
Ps. 22th of April President Obama came to see the mudslide in Oso.He found personal time with the victims families. He also reassured that the government help is promised. This is..what America is all about. When times get tough, we look out for each other.We get each other's back. And we recover, and we build, and we come back stronger- were some of President's words of support.