The dramatic rescue operation of 22 miners in the gold and copper mine of Chile’s San Jose was superb, awe-inspiring and heart-warming.
The tragedy struck on 5th August when, at a depth of over 700 meters, a wall in the mine collapsed, suddenly trapping the 69 hapless miners. They rushed to adjacent chamber meant for emergency refuge and took shelter there.
Then started the great story of courage and determination. Chilean president rushed to the spot, sought all possible technical help from international community and personally supervised the never-before-heard rescue operation.
After 17 days a drill successfully reached the underground chamber, where the miners were trapped, by making a small hole and brought the good news to the outside world that they were alive. At this stage the rescuers started supply of food, water and medicine and made a communication link with the miners through the hole.
After more than two months drilling through solid rock the rescuers succeeded in creating a shaft to operate a rocket-shaped capsule to uplift the miners from the underground chamber. Finally, after 69 days the trapped miners were brought out one by one. The complete evacuation took 22 hours.
For the miners it was rebirth after death. This feat was made possible because of the determination of the Chilean government, all out international cooperation and support of advanced technology. Last but not least, it was because of Allah’s will and His help in the form of wisdom and courage which He has given to man.
Joyous scenes were witnessed when the miners came out and met their relatives. Tens of millions of people were watching the grand rescue drama on TV screens all over the world. They reacted with sighs of relief, cries of joy and tears of love and sympathy.
One of the rescued miners summarised his feelings during the ordeal in the beautiful words that he was in the company of both God and Devil. Devil was pushing him towards despair and death, and God was pulling him towards hope and life. He further said that he clutched the hand of God Who finally saved and salvaged him.
Yes, He is with us wheresoever we may be. No one is ever alone. He always watches upon us, helps us, consoles us, guides us and gives us strength and courage to fight adversities. Without His help nothing is possible. However severe the difficulty or adversity may be, His help is always at hand. He never abandons His servants to whom He is the greatest source of strength. This teaches us the great lesson of life to face difficulties with courage and determination. Further we get the lesson that He helps those only who strive to the best of their ability to overcome difficulties.