In the air the helicopters drop their loads of water into the flames, which devour them thirstily. The flights are repeated over and over again. The brave pilots grant themselves no break.
Back on the ground there is a short, even whistle sound. It’s the signal to leave the location immediately. All firefighters react simultaneously but without running. In their quick, steady steps there is no sign of despair to be noticed. And they will return soon.
At the same time others are busy bringing sufficient amounts of water. They attend to injuries that under these extreme circumstances can’t be avoided, while the leaders – from the epicenter of the disaster – are giving signals and monitoring the situation. Valiant men and women.
In the Matanzas industrial zone, they don´t stop fighting. After each tactical retreat there is a new attempt to dig trenches in order to impede fuel from flowing, to cool surfaces and to evaluate damages and risks.
On the other side of the bay you wince with every new explosion automatically thinking, how much more intensely those may wince who face the fire directly, when already people in the distance feel such fright. Courage is their only answer.
Matanzas and its inhabitants fight back in spite of the few hours of sleep, in spite of the nervousness that is only logical in view of the constant catastrophe and the cloud of smoke, that rises like a sinister threat.
There is the braveness of those who offer their houses and vehicles, their blood and their food, the strength of their arms and their knowledge.
The courage of the families in other parts of Cuba, who know that their relatives are fighting the flames and that of the Venezuelans and Mexicans that confront them as well.
The courage of the leaders of the country, who in these fateful days also had their share of burns and other injuries without being able to rest carrying the additional burden of responsibility.
And finally the courage of the island that in spite of the adversities refuses to say “I give up,” that becomes one voice of encouragement, one embracement and one “Matanzas, I’m here for you.” David once defeated Goliath. We will not stand behind that.
