Recovery from Storm Eowyn is ongoing. Many premises still without power and water and some are being told that it could be 4 February before they get their power back. Crews from Austria and, I think, France, have arrived in Ireland to help with the necessary repairs. We were lucky that our power came back on just 7 1/2 hours after the red warning expired and 17 1/2 hours after it went out. Our water returned after a day and a half. The only thing yet to return is our phone service and if we have to be without something for any length of time, that would be the thing. I rarely use it for phone calls--I've had the phone for 2 years and maybe had 20 calls or less during that time. We can make emergency calls if we have to, but hopefully we won't.
People have really stepped up to help. Of course, the crews out there working hard to restore power and water in sometimes adverse weather conditions are doing a difficult job. Others are offering what they can. Over the weekend, a local small business owner, Joe of Joe's Tech Help, opened up his tiny shop and told people to bring their devices in and leave them to be charged. He also offered his wifi so people could send and receive messages. He offered what he had to people who needed it. A local school opened up so people could come in and get hot water, fill flasks, have tea, toast, and a chat. They offered what they could. In other parts of the county, GAA (Gaelic Athletic Association) clubhouses opened up to provide hot showers and laundry facilities. They offered what they had. In Donegal town, a church set up a Recharge Centre, where they are providing hot meals and beverages, electricity, wifi, and a place to come together and chat. The hot meals are being provided by local restaurants because they have licensed kitchens. It's a space to recharge devices and people. Everyone is offering what they have to help people who need it. The storm was awful. The response has been an outpouring of care, kindness, and community. With all of the super-sized ugliness in the world right now, this care and kindness is comforting to witness.
6 comments:
It is a strange dichotomy in some ways, Shari, that it takes common adversity to draw people together in kindness, with concern for welfare of the other. We don’t need more terrible weather but we do need a continuation of this charitable spirit. Just yesterday, I held open a door for a fellow struggling with a large package, without an acknowledgement or a word of thanks. Strange indeed!
We're social animals and definitely need to work together, as you say, David. But it seems that we're quite good at drawing arbitrary lines to keep others out of the 'in-group.' 😒 How rude of that person to not acknowledge you at all! A simple nod or a smile wouldn't have required much effort.
You really were lucky Shari. You didn't even need to go 24 hours without power. The damage must have been bad in other places, and not just damage, but have available crews to get everyone back on track. I hope everyone's lights are back on soon and it's smooth sailing for the rest of the winter.
I think we got the power back so quickly because there's a water treatment plant/pumping station nearby. Irish Water was coordinating with the ESB (Electricity Supply Board). It really was something that people say they've never experienced before. Like you, I'm hoping that people get power and water back very soon. That first shower is going to feel really good :-)
Thankfully in the face of adversity the community always does seem to pull together. I do hope all those that are still without power and water get it back soon.
All the best Jan
Someone wrote a book about that several years ago--how people come together in crises. I also hope everyone is back to having power and water soon. It's hard to deal with--especially the water--when there's no alternative. We lived for a couple years without running water in Alaska, but that was fairly common, so there were alternatives in place. Not so here, understandably.
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