In a matter of minutes, land and sea merged to kill, injure people and destory properties. It is a matter of not paying attention to the developments in low-lying lands? It may be the case where future builders and developers may have to be more careful about their building practices.

In less than 10 minutes, lives of residents of up to 12 Asian, European and African countries changed. The earthquake that hits Indonesia produced huge wave killers that also affected residents of various European and American continents. Many vacationers took advantage of the end-of-the-year holidays to go to a once-idyllic island in Thailand. They came from Norway, Sweden, Belgium, France, Australia, England, New Zealand, Finland, South Africa and some Central and South American countries. A lot of them wanted to find out about this magic place made famous by Leonardo Di Caprio and Co. who shot a film there a few years ago. For many vacationers, Phuket Island was like a home away from home. They had been going there for a long time. They appreciate the local residents, foods and openmindedness. More importantly, they loved the large expanse white sandy beaches surrounded by coconut groves. In the last few years, many westerners have built homes and resorts on and around the island to capitalize on the growing tourism industry. Now, all that is left are the devastations and the memories of lost lives and short-lived dreams. The recent events in this part of the world show our interconnectedness and how we need to pool our efforts to survive together as the human species. There are far more natural destructive forces that we have to defend ourselves against. What happens to one affects us all whereever we may be.

So far, many countries and individuals have sent assessment teams to Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand and India to find out about the extent of the devastation. Each one of us can do something to help. Money is needed. Already, many rich countries have already made pledges of millions of dollars. The day-to-day survival of the victims depends on how much we contribute to the relief effort.

Investors, home and resort developers may have taken some lessons about the Dec. 26, 2004 earthquake and tsunami occuring in various Asian countries sharing the Indian Ocean. That does not mean that beach-front or water-front properties will lose their appeal. The same attractions offered by the quiet and aquamarine waters of Phuket island will draw many people from all over the world to these types of properties. The rebuilding will start soon.

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