An earthquake with 7.8 magnitude had struck Nepal, where according to BBC, the death toll has now reached more than 3k. And it could reach to 10k, according to The Guardian.
The earthquake reminds me of two quakes that struck Christchurch, NZ (not christ church, UK).
I am grateful, and not ranting on it. Alhamdulillah 'ala kulli ni'mah.
It was around 4.30 am, when 7.2 magnitude quake happened. 4 September 2010, yes that was the date. In southern hemisphere, it was winter and it was fasting month (Ramadhan). We were sleeping at the time, and awaken by the quake. It was a massive shock wave. At first I thought, that was me, having a nightmare. But it wasnt.
Things in the kitchen rattled. A mirror had broken into pieces. The quake took the power out, and it was still dark at the time. Me and housemates headed out from the house to seniors' which was two houses away from ours. We're first years, and that was our first time experiencing a quake. For a second, "is this what Allah has told us in surah alqari'ah, am i experiencing it now??"
We grabbed any food and had a very light sahur. I borrowed a senior's phone to call home (Malaysia); I left my phone and wasnt be bothered to take it along as I couldnt find it in such situation.
We prayed subuh in pitch dark, then arranged tables side to side in the living room and read mathurat under them. Literally. That was the first time I think I truly reflected upon on mathurat duas as one of us reciting it.
"wa amitnassyahadati fi sabilik"
Terrified.
For few days, we slept over in seniors'. I couldnt sleep for two days, anxious. We slept in the living room, heads under the tables. Just in case anything happened. Uni was closed, for two weeks, if I can still remember it right. It was a very meaningful Ramadhan, tarawikh and iftars. We even celebrated eid with aftershocks.
That was the first major quake that struck christchurch, and it killed none. Alhamdulillah.
Second earthquake struck was 6.3 magnitude, on 22nd February 2011. It was peak hour (around 1 pm) at the time and I was in EPS library. Lecturers would always remind students of the earthquake evacuation procedures, before starting lectures. Though Id been reminded over and over and over again, and had gotten used to aftershocks, I still froze. The building lurched by the quake.
This time, it was more devastating than the first one, the epicenter was close to Christchurch city. No power and telephone. We were advised not to drink water directly from taps and limit water usage. Again, uni was closed. National state of emergency was declared. The death toll was around ~100++. Buildings in the city had been damaged, liquefaction was extensive and cracks squirted sludge upwards. Some residential areas were badly affected that they had to rely on portable toilets shared between the neighborhood. I saw the damages myself as me and friends joined UC Student Volunteer Army to help shovelling the sludges in the cleaning process. Alhamdulillah, our neighborhood was okay.
When uni reopened, lectures were done in marquees, as work was being done to replace heavy plaster ceilings in the uni buildings. International students been given choices as to stay, withdraw or exchange uni for a period of time.
What an experience.
Ive learnt a lot from the quake experience; about my deen, Allah and friendships.
"Sudah merasa amankah kamu, bahawa Dia yg di langit itu tidak akan membuat kamu ditelan bumi ketika dengan tiba-tiba ia bergoncang?" 67:16
Allah is The Greatest.
"Setiap yang bernyawa akan merasa mati" 3:185
And when the time comes, no one can ever delay it or escape.
Lots of things going on, and as Ramadhan is approaching, let's be well-prepared for it so that the effects of Ramadhan be permanent
Oh and, selamat exam juga pada semua! Let it be the harvest of the hereafter :)
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