On July 14, 2021, one of the most serious natural disasters that Belgium has known began, with waterspouts devastating part of Wallonia, killing 39 people and flooding nearly 10,000 hectares.
A year later, a national tribute was paid this Thursday followingnoon in Chênée (Liège) to the victims and to all those affected, but also to the emergency services and numerous volunteers during an official ceremony in the presence, in particular, of the King and of the Queen.
On this occasion, Prime Minister Alexander De Croo also wanted to name the victims of these floods. In particular that of Rosa, a 15-year-old girl who was swept away by the waters. Ben, 14, was by her side, but mightn’t do anything to save her.
It was climate change that killed Rosa
The two teenagers had met at a scout camp and became friends thanks to their common interest in the climate. They both had the ambition to change the world, and to save the planet from global warming.
It was then that the torrential rains of last July fell on their camp. Rosa fell in the water. Ben jumped into the water to rescue her, but the current was too strong. The young man remembers precisely how he felt that day. “There was helplessness, sadness. I already felt that something was going to go wrong. I felt the force of water and the power of climate change. It was climate change that killed Rosa. I felt helpless and wished I might do something. I tried my best, but I mightn’t.” says Ben.
The Prime Minister called the teenager on Thursday. “He texted me asking if he might call me. Then on the phone we talked regarding climate change, Rosa, everything we did with Climate Justice for Rosa,” adds Ben.
To honor Rosa’s memory, three projects have been created. The first is the planting of a tree in her name in Ixelles, where she lived. The second is the installation of a bench in Rendeux, near the place where she lost her life. The latest project is Climate Justice for Rosa, a movement created by Ben and Rosa’s entourage to try to get things moving and challenge politicians.
“Climate change is here and something has to be done. I hope that politicians will finally understand that there is indeed a problem and that a solution must be found”, concludes Ben.
At 15, he is still shaken by the events of the past year, but he is determined to honor the memory of his friend by trying to change the world.