Indonesia: Earthquake, Tsunami, Volcanic Eruption in 48 hours

Photo of eruption impact from the FB page of Jogjaku

Indonesia is no stranger to natural disasters since its location in the Pacific Ring of Fire makes it vulnerable to storms, quakes and volcanic eruptions. But this week, Indonesia was caught unprepared when an earthquake, tsunami and volcanic eruption battered the islands in less than 48 hours. Casualties are expected to exceed 500 and thousands of families need immediate relief.

Photos of the impact of the triple disasters have been uploaded already on Facebook. Click here to view the photos of the eruption of Mount Merapi, one of the most active and dangerous volcanoes in the world. Mentawai Island, meanwhile, was hit by a tsunami and here are the photos. The Mentawai map can be seen here.

Twitter reactions from Jakarta

mellydjie: Many natural event which struck Indonesia,really sad…forest fires,landslides,eartquake,flood,tsunami.Let us pray for #Indonesia.
veranotariza09: RT @devinoliver: Earthquake, a major tsunami,floods & a volcanic eruption have all occurred over the past 48 hours. Please #prayforindonesia
marshawenur: @Ryota_sw yea, the place whre tsunami occured is pretty isolated, its a small islands. So kinda tough 4 rescues 2 reach tht place. Its sad
NinRex: RT @radhialyani: The eruption of merapi, tsunami at mentawai & aceh, quake at jogja & tasik, all happened at the same date: 26
winnielimawan: Keep #prayforindonesia, we need restoration for what has happened: earthquake, tsunami, volcanic eruption, floods. God, restore our country
myBny: let us unite and join hands to support our friends affected Wasior, Mentawai and Mount Merapi (indonesia)
Gupta1978: In moment like this I realize,my tribulations is nothing compare to yours my sister and brother, people of Mentawai and Merapi.God Bless!
tatterscoops: Morning! Another cloudy day in Jakarta. My thoughts goes out to the victims of Mentawai, Mt. Merapi & lets not forget Wasior people in Papua
FadhilaAgustina: Just praying for the victims in Mentawai and Central java is not helping,they need more food and clothes and medicines to survive…

The recent tsunami disaster reminded everyone of the Aceh disaster a few years ago and the flashflood which hit West Papua early this month.

Photo from the FB page of Jogjaku

The support message by singer Justin Bieber was used by some netizens to highlight the “delayed response” of the government

justinbieber: just found out about the earthquake in Indonesia. everyone please pray for the people there. #prayforindonesia
martinmanurung: RT @hansdavidian: Dear mr. President, @justinbieber beat U 2 express concerns ovr yr fallen countrymen. U, sir, R a disgrace 2 R nation.

The twitter hashtag #prayforindonesia became a global trending topic for many days. Here are sample twitter messages from Malaysia, Singapore, and Manila.

#prayforindonesia global conversation on trendsmap

Relief efforts are coordinated by many groups, and also by the blogging community.

• Indonesian Red Cross: BCA Account No. 0353112233; Account name: Palang Merah Indonesia
• Lazis Muhammadiyah: BCA No. 8780171171;Mandiri No. 1230099008999; BNI Syariah No. 0091539444
• Blogger community: Deliver supplies to Jl Langsat 1 No. 16, Mayestik, South Jakarta  Ismira Lutfia & Nurfika Osman

Cafe Salemba reacts to the disaster response of various institutions and individuals

My condolences to the victims of tsunami in Mentawai, Sumatra and of vulcanic eruption of Mount Merapi in Central Java, this week.
Alas, same things repeat: slow response and lax coordination from the government, stupid minister blaming accidents on the victims for not obeying the God's rules, media blunders, insensitive netizens posting pictures of victims on soc meds, and so forth.

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