Res Gestae

Boy, did I just find out that my father’s home village in Bukit Tinggi is now reduced to rubbles due to the March 6th earthquake of 6.3 magnitude.

I tried calling relatives over there that same evening but the lines were probably disrupted and/or congested. However, one of my aunties phoned on Thursday and I received the detailed hands-on news.

Thank God, no deaths in the village, as far as she can tell at that point. But most of the traditional old houses are flat. Only few survived and, fortunately, my great grandmother’s house is intact. Only minor hairline cracks. Well, it is built in 2004 so that probably explains the durabilty.

At the time when my auntie called, the electricity and most of the water distribution system is still down. Furthermore, some of them who are still concerned of after-quakes are sleeping outside in tents or simply on the ground with sarong as blanket.

I hope relief will be there asap and there will be no after-quakes.

More news: Sumatra quake survivors count losses, get help from neighbors.