There's the story of destruction, with flames flaring up, extinguished, and then restarting, told by Canadairs unable to intervene in the darkness while everything burned. Then there are the stories of humanity and solidarity, which are the strength of a community.
The mayor of La Maddalena, Fabio Lai, who experienced the events that struck one of the pearls of the archipelago with apprehension, recounts the two sides of these days of the fire on the island of Santa Maria.
"These were long, difficult days, which put all of us to the test. But the part that undoubtedly hurt the most was the suspension of Canadair operations at sunset, when the fire wasn't yet out," he bitterly acknowledges. "Seeing part of your land burn and knowing there was nothing you could do, standing there watching the fire advance, was one of the most painful feelings I've ever felt. A sadness that I will carry in my heart, along with the images of those hours."
But there's another side to it: "Then night fell. Few resources, few options, but men and women who didn't back down. The workers remained there for hours, continuing to fight the fire and trying, with every means possible, to limit the damage. It was then," the mayor warns, "that we understood once again how the courage and sense of duty of a few people can become a light in the darkness. When everything seemed most difficult, they were still there. Defending our land, even for those who, from afar, could do nothing but hope."
And then there's something beautiful: "Something I want to share, even on such a sad day. When we went to bars, supermarkets, and businesses to buy food and drinks for the emergency workers, no one wanted to be paid. No one! Just like our young people who braved the waves on dinghies at night to deliver everything to Santa Maria. Perhaps this is the most romantic and truest side of our community: when there's truly a need, we all become a little closer."
(Unioneonline/E.Fr.)