In LHOKNGA, Indonesia, Qurrata Ayuni, a 28-year-old survivor of the devastating earthquake and tsunami that struck her hometown two decades ago, has turned her resilience into a meaningful mission. In a bold move against Aceh’s male-dominated coffee scene, she operates a café that serves as an inclusive space, particularly for women, by hiring and empowering them in the area hardest hit by the disaster.
On December 26, 2004, a massive 9.1-magnitude earthquake off the coast of Sumatra triggered a tsunami that claimed approximately 230,000 lives across multiple countries, reaching as far as East Africa. In Aceh alone, around 160,000 perished. Ayuni narrowly escaped the tsunami by chance, having stayed with her aunt in Banda Aceh instead of at her family home in Lampuuk, Aceh Besar district. Despite surviving, the tragedy took her parents and younger sister, who was only six when their house was ravaged by the colossal waves.
Post-tsunami, Aceh’s infrastructure has been reconstructed and fortified, with early warning systems installed in coastal areas to alert residents of potential tsunamis. Roughly 9 miles from Ayuni’s café, students at a public high school in Lhoknga regularly participate in disaster drills, especially in response to earthquake alerts, preparing for evacuation in case of a tsunami.
The school, situated a mere half-mile from the shore, was completely demolished by the tsunami, much like many other buildings in the area. Many of the teachers at the school survived the disaster as teenagers, witnessing towering waves akin to coconut trees. As the only remaining eyewitnesses at the school, they now impart their experiences to the younger generation born after 2004, ensuring they understand the historical significance of the tsunami and how to respond to such disasters.
Under Principal Eka Sari Dewi’s guidance, the school educates students about tsunamis, urging them to stay vigilant and prepared for evacuations when necessary. Through monthly disaster simulations, the students have become adept at responding promptly when disaster strikes, ensuring they know how to protect themselves and others in times of crisis.
These exercises, as Fazli from the Aceh Disaster Management Agency explains, aim to enhance the school community’s preparedness, promote awareness, and equip students with essential skills to navigate potential catastrophes.
Earthquake and tsunami preparedness are crucial in minimizing casualties during disasters, according to Fazli. Young survivors like Ayuni often struggle to come to terms with their past experiences, but there is hope that future generations can be better equipped to handle such challenges. Ayuni emphasizes the importance of remembering the impact of past disasters, even as infrastructure and economies recover.
