However, they are determined to stand on their feet again and reconstruct their small paradise. This was the message conveyed via slogans written on banners raised on ruins and carols sung by children around the Christmas tree.
"We are decorating the Christmas tree and we wish that the area will not experience such a tragic event again. We are trying with all means in all possible ways to offer light and hope, gather people in various festivities so they can forget for a while what they have been through and look ahead," Michalis Schinas, member of NAOMA's board of directors, told Xinhua.
"There are still many unresolved serious problems and people are trying to keep it together and live with hope," he said, stressing the strength of solidarity.
Costas Boufis, NAOMA's Vice President, lost his primary residence that day. All he was left with was the swimming suit he was wearing.
With the emergency relief aid he cleared the basement of his destroyed home and set up a temporary shelter for his three children. He prefers this than a camp, he told Xinhua.
Many of his neighbors left Mati, saying they cannot stand the signs of the devastation. Boufis chose to stay and make a fresh start and he is eager to see soon many of the promises given to fire-stricken residents materialized.
"If one goes through the shock we have been through these two hours when havoc broke out, then he will not fear a thing. What's the worst that could happen?...The message is that we all believe that something will get done and the situation will improve... We stay here and we are trying to improve things. We need the state's support," Boufis said.
【国际英语资讯:Feature: Fire-ravaged Greek seaside resort lights Xmas tree, sending message of hope, determ】相关文章:
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