aklima was the girl, everyone said, who suffered the greatest losses among those who lived in kaichchakona. she lost her beloved father and three younger brothers. her mother was sent to the chittagong military hospital with severe injuries which she might not survive. her only surviving sister was also injured and in hospital with their mother. 18 year old aklima was not there the first day we came, but we returned the day after and send a messenger for her to the school where she had taken temporary shelter after their house was totally destroyed.

landslides happened at three-four places in this large settlement of poor people. people seemed better off here than the other places; many good clay houses, tv sets, bigger rooms and many families with domestic animals. still nature doesn´t make a difference when it releases its forces onto helpless people. the worst sufferers were still among the poorest of this community, as the only space they could afford was the most exposed places in the hillside, not in the more low lying areas.

in the pictures, you can read about the tragic sufferings in aklimas blank stare. you can see the place where her family enjoyed their togetherness, now just a flat ground where the remains of a corner wall can be seen. in the last picture, what once was a house is now a pile of rubble.

aklima is a girl we want to follow up as we will follow up humayun and fahinoor. we have promised them three months of aid, but more important is that we include them as our family and go to see them everytime we are in chittagong, with or without further financial aid. money is not a problem, we will not let them down, but money is not the most important thing here. money can not buy back her family, she has to struggle with the trauma and sorrows for years to come. at the same time she has to go to work so that she can support her small remaining family. showing off money will only put her in trouble as remote relatives will find a new interest in promoting themselves as her "guardian". we therefore keep our support very low-key, ensure the basics and rather focus on standing besides her.

when people are in total darkness, everyone of us can be a small candle for htem to bring back hopes and guide the way through the night. just do not leave them alone. never allow yourself to say "it is not my concern"! indifference is the most dangerous stand you can take! aklima is our sister, she needs us.