The Indonesian tsunami and a survivor's diary of hope

Following the 7.4 magnitude earthquake and tsunami to hit Central Sulawesi Province, Sabtarina, Area Program Manager of Wahana Visi Indonesia, kept a diary in the days following the devastation in Palu.

The Indonesian tsunami and a survivor's diary of hope

Following the 7.4 magnitude earthquake and tsunami to hit Central Sulawesi Province, Sabtarina, Area Program Manager of Wahana Visi Indonesia, kept a diary in the days following the devastation in Palu.

Emergency – Your support is urgently needed
Donate now

Over 2 million people have already been affected

Despite living in a disaster-prone country, the devasting scenes were hard to comprehend for Sabtarina. “It was shocking to see how the earthquake and tsunami swept away everything - even houses and tall buildings with strong walls came crashing to the ground … Our place was in a total chaos. I saw a lot of children with items salvaged from the ruins of a family member’s house in the neighbourhood of Palu,” she recalls.

The initial concern for Sabtarina and her Wahana Visi colleagues was to set up temporary shelter utilising a large open space at their office.  Around 200 families, many with children and infants, had lost everything.




The first response to the disaster focused on providing food, water, health and shelter kits, blankets and child protection assistance to 80,000 individuals.

“We’re also thankful for the international community for raising funds for support including local volunteers who are pitching in to help,” says Sabtarina, “I’m grateful that my fellowmen remain positive despite this painful experience. I know that in due time, together, we will rebuild Palu again.”

area-program-content-image


Share this story