Indonesia

From destruction to reconstruction – life continues in Meulaboh

April 2005

April 26, 2005 is the four-month anniversary of the Indian Ocean tsumani. This photo essay tells the story of how one community in Indonesia is moving "from destruction to reconstruction." Individual family stories can be found in the sections titled [Read more].

Presbyterian Disaster Assistance has provided $3.3 million to help in this initial period. Generous giving of more than $10 million by Presbyterians throughout the United States will enable PDA to be a continuing presence as survivors continue their journey. PDA will be helping with reconstruction, rehabilitation, and recovery in the affected countries for at least five years.

Photos were taken by Petteri Kokkonen, Action by Churches Together (ACT) International/FinnChurchAid

One of the worst hit areas on the west coast of Sumatra was the town of Meulaboh, which lost tens of thousands of its residents in the tsunami. Many of those who escaped with their lives lost their homes, and now there are more than 35,000 displaced people living in tents or barracks in Meulaboh.

One of the three water plants in Meulaboh was destroyed completely, while the other two were badly damaged. Therefore, one of the first priorities was to develop a functioning water-supply system for the area.

A water and sanitation project set up by Action by Churches Together (ACT) International

members, Norwegian Church Aid (NCA) and Church World Service (CWS), started to operate very soon after the tsunami.

The water purification system installed on the shore of the Meurebo River can produce 20,000 liters of clean water per hour — enough for more than 16,000 people.

Water samples are taken daily to monitor its clarity and cleanliness.

From the water stores of the water purification unit, the clean water is transferred by hoses into a water bladder on a truck, which then delivers the precious water to camps.

The water will keep villagers alive, since most of it is used for drinking. In some places, it is also used for washing purposes.

Continue reading Meulaboh photo essay

To tsunami response page