January 2, 2009
When will they get banned?!
No, it's not fog or mist or some such romantic image. It's smoke from all the firecrackers and fireworks set off on New Year's Eve in our neighborhood. I took this from our gate looking down our street at 1:00 a.m. of January 1. According to this morning's papers, two died and 346 were injured because of firecrackers and stray bullets. I think that's in Metro Manila alone and of course it doesn't count the minor injuries that didn't have to be brought to hospital emergency rooms. The Department of Health says that's already a 'significant reduction' from years past. I guess I have to agree. The explosions lasted only ten minutes this year—I remember a time when they lasted for a full hour—and by the time I got up in the morning, the smoke had completely dissipated.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
25 comments:
I think it is amazing that people will set fire to their money and get some kick out of it.
I look at fireworks as a fools' way to give his money away. I don't know why they just don't stand on the street corner and use a cigarette lighter to set fire to their money. In the end the only difference is a little "bang."
Brookville Daily Photo
And it appears that fireworks were responsible for the night club fire in Bangkhok..I'm with you 100% these things are dangerous and should be banned ...
Lovely photo though...
It's amazing how much smoke they generate - I would have thought that was mist. I think there are problems all over with people using fireworks irresponsibly, such a shame.
The fireworks here were fantastic to watch, but the next morning there was still a lot of smoke. I and many people with me ask ourselves why people don't spend that money on more noble causes, but it's such a tradition that it will probably continue for a while to come. I enjoy it as long as it is there anyway.
They did this in my neighorhood too although not as much as they do it on the 4th of July. I hate it and wish they would stop. I always worry they will get hurt or start a fire especially in dry weather. I live out in a more rural area of town and I'm pretty sure I heard some gunfire too!
I hate to think exactly what is in that toxic soup you are breathing in this photo.
Wow, that is a lot of smoke. I have never understood why people think they need to shoot guns, or set of fireworks on these occasions. I do enjoy fireworks from time to time but, only when handled by professionals.
It's hard to imagine the amount of fireworks necessary to create that much smoke. Unbelievable.
Either this is a huge amount of fireworks or you have a very different type than we have here.
We have severe restrictions on fireworks but they still get into the hands of kids who are too young to be playing with them.
Happy New Year, Hilda!
Sometimes I am glad that burning fire crackers is banned in Malaysia. Occasionally I do miss the noisy sound though! :o)
You've made something beautiful from something not-so-nice. Happy new year Hilda!
I can just image that horrible smell, too. Well, banning it won't stop it - you just have to hope folks eventually wise up on the lost money, lives and limbs.
I saw the picture of the 12 years old boy injured by firecracker.... poor little child, he's really scared.
Smoking!
I was surprised this year round here as there weren't that many fireworks going off. Here the safety aspect has really improved after years of people being told the do's and dont's. At Bonfire night (5th Nov) I think most people go to orgaised events.
Not too many fireworks lit around these parts. I have to admit I do enjoy a good pyrotechnics show though.
Marley:
How long did it take? Every January 2, our papers report on the deaths and injuries, and show horrible images of people maimed because of accidents. It doesn't seem to be working.
Wayne:
I know that people will still get their hands on them even if they're banned if they're really determined, but it will help.
Everyone:
I love fireworks! But, like Sharon, only if they're set off by professionals.
im really impressed with duterte in davao. he implements ban on firecrackers and is strictly being followed. cant the mayors of metro manila do this?
This is terrible. It looks like the fog/smog of London long time ago! We have fireworks injuries on New Year's Eve in Italy as well. People get carried away and don't realize the dangers...Ciao. A.
My father taught me to be terrified of live fireworks when I was a kid. I can't imagine the acrid smell that must have accompanied this smoke. But, it is a marvelous, moody photo.
Things thankfully have quieted down some here in recent years. I don't hear nearly as many guns or firecrackers going off on New Years as I used to.
That's a powerful photo.
Happy new year, Hilda!
This is the reason I only went out for a few minutes at the turn of the new year. Too much smoke. And I was busy. at facebook. he he he
I love the photo, btw.
Oh my gosh, that's terrible. but it is indeed a great photo. I do love seeing good fireworks, but private use is banned in most of LA - not that it stops everyone. This year we did not hear that many. As a child, we had sparklers & those were fun & pretty safe.
I detest new year noise. I'd rather listen to the yearend countdowns in diff FM radio stations. But it's impossible to not attend the clan salo-salo.
Our neighborhood was noisier and more smoky this year. Still nothing compared to years prior to 2006.
I think "a significant reduction" is still unacceptable. ZERO should be the target. A total ban on private use of firecrackers should be put in place. That would also eliminate the fume which is harmful not only to the environment but to us as well. The Department of Health should know better.
Post a Comment