Padang Earthquake : 10 Days Later

10th October 2009 - The situation is pretty grim at several villages around Tandikat, up in the hills north of Pariaman. Villages were lost overnight in the 7.6 magnitude earthquake and landslide on 30 Sept 2009. The epicenter was 45 kilometres (28 miles) west-northwest of Padang, Sumatra, and 220 kilometres (140 miles) southwest of Pekanbaru, Sumatra. Early death-toll estimates extended beyond 1300.

Ten days after the quake, survivors of the earthquake were seen mourning over the loss of their homes and families. Their lives had been torn apart with some still searching and hoping to find their families and friends. One cannot but feel the sense of intense hopelessness and despair.

One of the survivors, Pak Budiono, in his 40s, was clearly distraught and was seen sitting on what used to be his home. He had lost everything including his family and friends. One can feel the burden and uncertainty that lies ahead of him. How does he rebuild his life? Where does he go from here? What shall he eat? Pak Budiono explains that there isn’t much that he can do at this moment but to rely on assistance from local and global aid. Government assistance in the form of food have been pouring in but slowly due to logistics contraints.

For those who have survived, the painful struggle begins. Children have begun begging for money on the streets near their homes. They can be seen carrying mostly small carton boxes waving them each time motorist passes by. Each time hoping for compassionate dollars so that there is food for the next few days.

For many children, going to school is no longer available as most of the schools had collapsed during the quake. Some schools have already begun constructing temporary shelters so that classes may continue. But these are the very lucky few.

With many residents displaced, there are pressing issues that need to be addressed - clean water, clothes, food and shelter are among them. Whilst global and local aid have been pouring in, the delivery of supplies such as food, water and medical supplies to the affected area becomes even more critical.

Mercy Relief, an independent non-governmental humanitarian charity, established in response to the human tragedies in Asia, has been actively distributing food and medical supplies to the affected areas in Pariaman Padang.

The team that consisted of doctors, nurses, paramedics and a logistician operated from a field clinic at Mercy Relief’s base camp in the outlying area of Sikucur, Pariaman Padang, and conducted mobile clinics to attend to the injured and sick at the remote areas. The team saw over 800 adult and paediatric cases in all, ages ranging from 8 months to 80 years. The cases included wounds, upper respiratory tract infections, fever, cough, diarrhea, severe asthmatic and skin problems. Several minor surgical procedures were also required.

These people have not had their injuries and medical conditions treated as they have difficulties in getting to local hospitals or clinics due to the devastation and transportation constraints. These have resulted in further infection exacerbated by the inavailability of clean water and food. 

As the global and local relief and rebuilding efforts gain momentum, the lives of those affected in Tandikat will never be the same again.