Mennonite Central Committee

MCC Indonesia worker sees death and devastation firsthand

January 4, 2005
Abang Rahino

Abang Rahino

In the midst of the tsunami-racked region of Banda Aceh, Abang Rahino, MCC Indonesia staff member, reported encountering stunning scenes of death and devastation.

"There are dead bodies everywhere. I am sure this is unforgettable," Rahino told fellow MCC staff members, Jeanne and Dan Jantzi, in a phone call earlier today, Jan. 4.

"There are dead bodies everywhere — on the streets, on trees, in broken buildings, in the water, in the river, sticking out of the rubble. It's very terrible."

"I saw 60 or more bodies being hauled away in a truck. There are about two meters of rubble under my feet. It took me a long time to walk the two kilometers to get here because I had to be careful not to step on nails or glass or bodies. I am sure there are thousands of bodies under my feet buried in the rubble. The smell is horrible. I am sure this is unforgettable."

Rahino reports that survivors are being evacuated from the worst affected areas, leaving the dead and the rubble behind. He said local community members are at the "end of their strength after nine days of sorrow and the hard work of gathering their remaining family members and burying the dead. " Military personnel are also reaching the limit of their energy, he said.

MCC funds will assist the NGO Forum in sending volunteers to Aceh to assist in the relief efforts. Over 200 Acehnese students in Jogjakarta have signed up as volunteer laborers. The Mennonite Synods of Indonesia are also preparing volunteers to send through the NGO Forum. The volunteers will include doctors, medical personnel and laborers to assist in cleanup efforts.

Rahino is in Banda Aceh conducting an initial assessment of the context, needs and potential partners for tsunami relief. MCC country representatives Dan and Jeanne Jantzi will be meeting with partners in Medan, North Sumatra, tomorrow and then joining Rahino in the city of Banda Aceh on Friday to coordinate MCC's efforts with the field operations of the NGO Forum, of which MCC is a member.