The Sumatra Earthquake of 26 December 2004: Indonesia Tsunami

NB: We do not resell your papers. Upon ordering, we do an original paper exclusively for you.

NB: All your data is kept safe from the public.

Table of Contents

Description of Disaster
Description of Affected Population
Cultural Considerations by Crisis Workers
Nature of Verbal Interactions and the Approach Used
Cultural Response to Catastrophic Events
Family Rituals
Conclusions
Reference List

Description of Disaster

On Sunday 26 December 2004, a colossal earthquake started shaking the northern region of Sumatra Island, and the Andaman Sea. “The development of the earthquake was drastic and within a few minutes, a 1200 km stretch of the Indonesian subduction zone had slipped an average of 15 meters” (About.com, 2011). With a magnitude of 9.0, the earthquake was recorded as the largest to occur along the coast in more than 40 years (National Geographic News, 2005). As such, the earthquake resulted in the development of a large tsunami off the Sumatran Coast that led to destruction of large cities in Indonesia. One 2600 ton ship, Apung1, was moved about 3 km inland by the tsunami creating an attraction site in Banda Aceh. A combination of the earthquake and tsunami resulted in a death toll of 130,000 people in Indonesia alone. The impact of the combined disaster was felt in 11 countries, including the African coastlines of Somalia, Kenya, Tanzania and South Africa (National Geographic News, 2005).

Description of Affected Population

Generally, many people were affected with respect to their geographical location, economic, social and cultural backgrounds. According to the US Geological Survey, a total of 227,898 people were confirmed dead across all the affected countries. Majority of the affected people belonged to the Muslim and Indian religion. Prior to the disaster, a section of the Acehnese and the Indonesian military were in constant civil war. However, the earthquake and tsunami helped in reuniting people and the fight came to an end after a peace treaty was signed the following year.

Cultural Considerations by Crisis Workers

As a crisis worker, one must put cross-cultural issues into consideration in order to effectively reach the needs of the victims. This ensures that there are few cases of post-traumatisation of victims as a result of ignorance by volunteers. In an Indian and Muslim environment, I would advocate for the following cross-cultural issues to be considered in efforts to achieve a faster victims’ recovery.

Nature of Verbal Interactions and the Approach Used

Different communities have different values which impacts the approach a crisis worker should employ in offering help. This should be put to consideration to avoid any cases of distrust by the victims. Also, the first approach taken by a volunteer will influence the kind of response to be expected. Aceh was the most negatively affected region in Indonesia with respect to humanitarian aid; this happened because of the conservative nature of the Islamic population living in the area (Science Life, 2010). Also, these people negatively impacted efforts of the U.S. humanitarian aid due to lack of trust in them. In the same region, women had to be attended to through special approaches and they had unique needs. To fully support and win the trust of such a population, a crisis worker should ensure perfect compromise on his or her part.

Cultural Response to Catastrophic Events

A Muslim population usually places a strong trust in religious beliefs. In the case of the Indonesian earthquake, some people believed that the tsunami was sent by Allah to punish Muslims who had been avoiding their morning prayers for materialistic gains. When helping victims with such strong beliefs, it is important to listen to them and avoid conflicts. This approach will help survivors to recover from psychological traumas faster than where they are engaged in constant arguments with crisis volunteers. For the sake of avoiding further complications, the volunteers should set aside their religious beliefs and values, and listen to the victim.

Family Rituals

Family rituals are usually conducted by some communities as a cleansing rite. As a crisis worker, it is important to support such activities especially because it may help to reduce the psychological trauma experienced by some victims. In Indian society, people believe that one of their own should be given a nice send-off through organizing a burial ritual. Where possible, it is advisable to support such practices for faster recovery.

Conclusions

In conclusion, a crisis worker should be informed about various values of a victimized society and prepare to effectively respond to the issues at hand. This understanding may impact positively on the recovery of the victims who may also change their views in some way. For example, Indonesia’s initial distrust in the services offered by American volunteers changed after they learnt that Americans gave them the best aid (Science Life, 2010). Attaining such skills is, therefore, mandatory in making a difference in society.

Reference List

About.com. (2011). The Sumatra Earthquake in 2004. Web.

National Geographic News. (2005). The Deadliest Tsunami in History. Web.

Science Life. (2010). Military Medical Might: Indonesia to Haiti. Web.

Click Here To Order Now!