Proof that we are all at the mercy of nature

Dear Editor

From time to time, although perhaps rare in our neck of the woods, we are taken by surprise at what nature can contrive and with by the realisation there is nothing we can do.

Such an unusual event took place over much of the country recently.

On the afternoon of Monday, October 16, the sky grew unusually dark. With Storm Ophelia hitting Ireland, it seemed perhaps in the gathering gloom it was heading our way.

Travelling by Tulliebelton, a friend and I witnessed trees and hedges peering through the almost darkness and oncoming cars with full headlights on, yet it was afternoon.

When nearing Bankfoot, all the lights were on, including the street lights on the main street, and all the traffic with full headlights on.

I think the general consensus was: “What’s happening?”

But then it was announced that this was the result of sand being blown, it seems by the prevailing winds, from the Sahara.

I then thought and found it no wonder our ancient ancestors so often lived in both awe and fear of natural events they could not understand. Such an event as this would have filled them with dread. Perhaps the Gods had been avenged. But one fact is true, no matter how clever and sophisticated we have become, we are all at the mercy of nature.

Thomas Brown Church Place Bankfoot