Many loved ones and precious memories were lost when landslides shattered the peaceful lives of residents of northern Hiroshima. It has now been one year since the disaster, and the bereaved families and survivors are moving forward step by step, while still enduring their sorrow and loss.

New lives have been created, and the colours of new communities are emerging.

Haruka Suenaga, 32, lost both her parents after their house in the Yagi district of Asa-Minami Ward was completely destroyed by a landslide. Informed by her sister that their parents' house had been swept away, Suenaga rushed to the site with her husband, Hiroshi, 33, from Higashi-Hiroshima.

Haruka Suenaga watches the remains of her parents’ house being demolished on September 1 last year, wanting “to see this house full of memories until the very end.” She could not stop her tears when she saw many items belonging to her mother as the roof of the house was lifted by heavy machinery in Asa-Minami Ward, Hiroshima.Photo: ANN

They desperately searched for her mother and father, but the couple was later found dead. In the two weeks following the disaster, Suenaga frequently visited the site where her parents' house used to be and searched for mementos of them.

Suenaga learned she was pregnant at the beginning of autumn, and she gave birth to a healthy baby boy in June. She named him Kosei, hoping he will shed bright light on people, as his name suggests.

“We have to do our best for our child,” says Haruka Suenaga, holding her son, Kosei, as his father, Hiroshi, touches his forehead in Higashi-Hiroshima, Hiroshima Prefecture, on August 2.Photo: ANN

The parents she had relied on are gone, but she has adopted a positive attitude, saying, "From now on, we have to protect this child by ourselves." She thinks her parents in heaven will also watch over her little boy.

Shinzo Tachikawa, 78, lost his older brother and his brother's wife in the disaster. He now cares for a flowerbed he created at the former site of his brother's house to mourn the couple, who liked flowers.

Tachikawa said: "The year has gone by so quickly. Many types of flowers used to bloom here in their garden. The flowers were swept away, but I'm sure my brother and his wife are happy to see this new flowerbed here." Marigolds in full bloom were swaying in the summer wind as he spoke.

Shinzo Tachikawa stands dumbstruck on August 26 last year near the site of his brother’s house, which was destroyed in the disaster.Photo: ANN

Yasumi Suga, 69, lived in the prefectural Midorigaoka Jutaku housing complex that was damaged by the disaster. She continues to help Masako Miyahara, 83, who also lived there and is preparing to return to her former apartment in the restored complex.

Yasumi Suga, right, helps Masako Miyahara move back to her house in Asa-Minami Ward, Hiroshima, on August 8. “My current aim is making sure Miyahara gets settled into her new life,” Suga says. They intend to help each other in the future as well.Photo: ANN

Suga and Miyahara became acquainted at their small shelter and have supported each other for the past year by eating and going to public baths together.

"It's a new step, isn't it?" Suga said to Miyahara, who has regained her former life. Suga said she also wants to return to the housing complex as quickly as possible.
 

Copyright: Asia News Network