Padang Earthquake, Sumatra, 2009On 30th September 2009, a magnitude 7.6 earthquake occurred just off the southern coast of Sumatra, Indonesia; the epicenter was 45km from the capital city Padang. Government reports say 1,115 people died, though it is estimated far more perished. The most deaths occurred in the vicinity of Padang Pariaman. These photos of Padang Pariaman were taken one month after the earthquake.
Flattened by the earthquake, this home once provided a magnificent view over the valley below Pariaman.
Subsequent to the earthquake, heavy rains triggered massive landslides. An entire village was swallowed at this spot leaving about people 60 dead.
A shell-shocked mother and her two children squat helplessly outside their former house.
Parents busy with reconstruction, a child sits forlornly amidst the rubble.
Aid took much longer to reach the villages on the outskirts of Padang, leaving many with little alternatives but to beg for help.
Taking care of her grandchildren, this lady like many around her was riven with sadness but remained steadfast in her dignity.
Heroes Among the Ruins
A few years ago, Zainal Abidin became a quadraplegic after a fall from a coconut tree.
Zainal Abidin's new plywood and zinc hut (in pink) sits adjacent to his previous home decimated by the earthquake. He was left behind in the house and later found alive in the rubble.
Severe bed-sores are common among the paraplegic in Pariaman.
Zainal's sister was taught how to tend to his bed-sores by Dr Derek Allen, himself a hero. Founder of the non-profit organisation Troppodoc.com, Dr Allen was one of the first volunteers to arrive and provided free medical assistance in Pariaman and Padang.
As usual, kids find ways to remain upbeat and use whatever the circumstances are to have fun. These two are enjoying the rain amidst the ruins.
