It wasn’t a river, nor was it much of a stream. The Ruisseau des Quartes in Marcourt, an unattractive and ordinary tributary of the Ourthe, itself flowing into the powerful Meuse that courses through France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and empties into the chilly North Sea. This insignificant waterway was merely 2 meters wide, with marshy patches and shallow depths of just 5cm in some areas. On the 10th of July 2021, parents delivering their children to the United World Colleges summer camp had to leap over this stream while carrying bags to the dormitories.
The drive to the camp had left fourteen-year-old Benjamin Van Bunderen Robberechts feeling anxious. The thought of undergoing a Covid test upon arrival was unsettling, fearing a positive result. As Belgium started easing restrictions, Benjamin eagerly anticipated socializing with fellow teenagers. Fortunately, the test came back negative, allowing Benjamin to settle into his dorm room and meet his campmates, including Rosa.
Rosa Reichel, a 15-year-old with roots in Denmark and Germany via New York, where her family resided in Brussels, made a lasting impression on Benjamin. With her dyed red hair, black eyeliner, and chunky silver necklaces, Rosa approached Benjamin, sharing a risqué joke that sparked an instant friendship between them.
Rosa’s defining trait was her infectious laughter, a quality that resonated with all who knew her. Her jovial demeanor, coupled with a caring nature and a knack for lifting spirits, made her a dependable and uplifting presence. Benjamin was captivated by her charm, considering her the most remarkable person he had ever encountered.
The rain began to pour on the 13th of July, prompting Benjamin and Rosa, along with other campers, to express their discontent during morning activities. Despite the dreary weather, they found solace in each other’s company, engaging in light-hearted banter and outdoor activities. However, tragedy struck when a sudden surge of water engulfed Rosa, leading to a frantic rescue attempt by Benjamin that tragically ended with her being swept away.
The catastrophic flooding that ensued across Wallonia, a predominantly French-speaking region in Belgium, resulted from unprecedented rainfall, with warnings issued by UK meteorologists unheeded by Belgian authorities. The deluge wreaked havoc, submerging towns like Trooz under six meters of water, leaving residents stranded and in dire need of rescue.
As the community grappled with the aftermath of the disaster, volunteers like Philippe Duquesnoy and Inge Van Tendeloo emerged as unsung heroes, dedicating countless hours to rebuilding homes and restoring hope to the displaced. Their selfless acts of kindness and unwavering commitment to the community endeared them to the residents of Trooz, embodying the spirit of resilience in the face of adversity.
The narrative unfolds to reveal the profound impact of climate change on the region, as climatologists warn of future flooding events exacerbated by global warming. Despite efforts to fortify the area against future disasters, the specter of recurring floods looms large, challenging the resilience of communities already scarred by tragedy.
In the midst of loss and devastation, Benjamin emerges as a voice for climate justice, advocating for policy changes and global recognition of the victims of environmental disasters. His journey from grief-stricken survivor to climate activist reflects a profound transformation fueled by a sense of duty to honor Rosa’s memory and effect meaningful change in the world.
The poignant remembrance of Rosa on her 18th birthday underscores the enduring impact of her life and the collective grief shared by those who knew her. As time marches on, Rosa’s legacy lives on in the hearts of her loved ones, a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.