The land of Indonesia is once again shattered. Bengkulu, known as the home for the famous Raflessia Arnoldi, was shocked with tectonic earthquake measured on 7.9 Richter Scale on Wednesday, September 12, 2007. This earthquake also shook the western coast of Sumatra Island. Fifteen people were killed, and dozens other were injured during the earthquake. The heaviest damage caused by the earthquake with the epicenter of 159 km southwest of Bengkulu, 10 km below ground, can be seen in the district of Lais in Northern Bengkulu.
Lost, loss, and sadness were unavoidable. Tens of thousands buildings were heavily damaged, and public facilities were also shattered. The clouds of fear and anxiety were covering residents who were forced to leave their homes and seek for refuge in temporary shelters, as they were avoiding the earthquake aftermath.
People were drowned in sorrows, including children. They had to face the reality and the after quake trauma in temporary tents.
Children of the earthquake victims now must live their lives from one tent to another. There are no more homes where they can shelter, no more comfortable classrooms. All activities ? eating, drinking, sleeping, playing, and even studying ? must take place under the tents.
As time rolls by, aid is coming. Physical and non-physical support from various parties are slowly improves the life of children living in tents. Laughter can now be heard again at the land of Lais.
Now, they can only survive and wait for helping hands as they try to discover the meaning of disaster in their early age.
Photo and Text by : ISMAR PATRIZKI