Lioda Conrad, an artist from Knysna wrote a harrowing emotional post after she fled from the raging fires explaining what she went through that night.
Knysna, South Africa (09 June 2017) – Shell-shocked, exhausted and close to tears. So much loss and devastation, it’s hard to take it all in.
No power, so limited access.
Fleeing for your life from a raging fire is not an easy task, but we managed. My friends are safe, I’m alive and safe.
I had no sleep since Tuesday, having gone on my knees at the water’s edge, freezing as it was so very cold. I asked only for people to be safe, and we were – around 10,000 evacuated and incredibly, yet sadly, only 5 lives lost.
I could not believe that Belvidere was surrounded by fires raging within 1-2 meters, and all still standing. Miracles abound, many not so lucky and spoke to many people who had lost everything they had.
Youngsters last night, lost and alone, with a parrot and cats and dogs, house burnt down and they did not know where their parent were.
The kindness of people, of all colours, was astounding. That is how we should be as a nation. We all saved each other, we all cared, we all helped.
Some of the young gents helped the elderly, they just said yes, carried a few of the frail care folks in make-shift blankets down the hill to the beach and safety.
Many day workers stood in the wind outside and I asked them to come in to keep warm.
We cared, we stood together, we didn’t damage, harm or hurt one another. We stood as a nation should.
Paramedics were great, roadworks at it from early to clear roads as well as they could to give limited passing ability, and the firefighters, well what can one say about those brave people who faced mountains of fire and tried against unthinkable odds.
Bravery of men who came from no-where to transport people along a cold beach thru the night to save lives, all at own cost, homes opened to those who needed a bed, refusing to take payment in the morning.
Someone picking up the tab for hundreds of people for sandwiches and coffees, accommodations are given, cars turning up to take hundreds to Sedgefield, salt of the earth people.
Brave souls housed in ordinary people.
Now I need love, a huge hug and sleep but sleep is all I will get tonight.
We are so, so very lucky.
by 
Ek wil net dankie se vir die pragtige brief wat hier verskyn het. Dit gee mens nuwe moed vir die lewe uit die as. Mag die Here julle seen wat so help met die regte gesindheid en liefde. Ons bid vir julle vir krag en sterkte en julle moet weet dat julle terug sal kry wat julle verloor het tienvoudig.
Die hart seer en vernietiging is on beskryflik, maar so ook die pligs besef van almal in omliggende dorpe en later die hele land. Die polisie moes mense wegwys wat dadelik kom help het. Meeste besihede het ommidelik toe gemaak en gaan help. Kerke het binne ure met insamelings begin. Een biker club was van die eerste om te help. Dankie aan elke persoon wat gehelp het…. die skool kinders by die Hope church vir die koffie…. Die oumas wat kinders opgepas het sodat ma en pa kon gaan help. Dankie Dankie Dankie. En dan die wat hul lewens verloor het…. Rus in Vrede.
Besides monies what other help can we give to those in Knysna. Do you need people, more hands down there?
Please send me bank details where I cN deposit money for the Knysna victims
Hi there.
Please send bank details so that I can contribute towards the relief effort for the people of Knysna.
My email address is – abrahada@telkomsa.net
Thank you.
Darrel
0828253377