Week of February 10, 2014 Mt. Sinabung Eruption

At least 14 people were killed Saturday February 1st following a major eruption of an active volcano on the Indonesian Island of Sumatra, just a day after thousands of villagers living nearby were allowed to return to their home. (This was reported by Voice of America news on February 3rd). The 2,406 meter high volcano has been erupting for four months, spewing columns of ash kilometers into the air and sending lava and deadly gases down its southern slopes. Since September , authorities had evacuated more than 30,000 people, housing them in tent encampments and nearby schools.

Sinabung is one of nearly 130 active volcanoes as part of the 'Ring of Fire' volcanic belt that encircles much of Indonesia. Mt Sinabung had been dormant for four centuries. The evacuation zone had been between 5 to 7 kilometers on the southeast slope of the volcano. Prior to this most recent eruption the Jakarta Globe reported 31evacuees had been killed as a result of various illnesses such as breathing difficulties, depression, asthma and hypertension. 16 nearby villages had to be evacuated.

These initial pictures of the volcano and the impact it had on people are from the Jakarta Globe and the internet. Once we received approval to use disaster relief funds our focus was on providing food, water, clothing for children and personal hygiene kits to the evacuees. We worked with local government agencies to administer the needed food and supplies 50 kilometers away in the city of Medan.

 

Thanks to professional photographers and the internet, we have found some amazing pictures of the volcano.
Obviously, we aren't allowed near it, so this will have to do. Not to complain, they are better than we would ever take!!So while this volcano puffed and rumbled, there were earthquakes in the mountain, according to a newspaper it claimed that they were able to record over 900 quakes. Not big enough to cause damage in the village however.

more than amazing to us!

waiting for a ride to safety

a boy and his buffalo, below is what is left behind as a family flees their home.

 

The weight of the ash causes roofs to collapse.

I think a photographer cleaned up the yellow flower to make a stark contrast, it's amazing how the ash just covers everything. It will obviously kill the plants, devastating many crops which is a huge economic hardship for the people.

Trying to salvage the tomatoes and the villagers try to survive the ash which makes many people sick with breathing disorders.

It's evident here why masks are one of the many things they were asking for!

There are two dangers from the volcano, the ash and then the flow of lava. Many volcanos will only do one or the other, this one had mostly lava flow, with some ash thrown in for extra excitement!

Tight quarters, but a place to sleep in safety.

 We worked to provide masks, food, water, clothing for the children, diapers, baby food, sanitary napkins and personal hygiene kits.

 

 There are many times the scripture, "When you are in the service of your fellow beings, you are only in the service of your God," comes to mind. Many opportunities to help those in need. And the wonderful members who answer the call wherever that call may come. One of our leaders said, "Service is synonymous with keeping the commandments of God, and it represents our love for the Lord. Service is the gospel of Jesus Christ in action. "

 The hygiene kits read, 'Help from Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints.'

 'Many hands make light work'...  Members of the Medan Branch and non members gathered  to put together 1000 hygiene kits on Valentine's Day. What a great way to spend Valentines.

 Medan is known for its 3 wheel motorcycles. We couldn't  find a taxi after meeting at the church, but there were a few baycek drivers so we thought,  'lets give it a try.' It made for some good laughs as we thought that for Valentine's evening we could have been in a limo back home (maybe), but we will always remember this Valentines Day for many reasons!

 Loading the trucks to take the supplies to the government command post where they will ultimately be distributed to those in need.

 The  Mormon helping hands jackets to let people know who we are, and what we are doing

 

 We loaded 3 trucks to take about 2 1/2 hours away in to the mountains as close to Mt Sinabung as we were allowed to go.

 Along the way we stopped at a road side look out that sold corn on the cob. The overlook offered scenic views that were spectacular. Just below were baboons that were most interested in whatever corn we left behind.

 

 The relief post with leaders of the BNDP. Bureau of Natural Disaster Prevention along with PMI (Red Cross of Indonesia).

 President Rico, Branch President of the Medan Branch formally delivering the supplies to the command post.

 The sign in the background reads, 'Post, Volcano Eruption, Mt Sinabung.' Those who made the drive with us to the command post. We just really love these people!!!!We are the missionaries and they are our teachers in so many ways.

A hazy day, you can barely see Mt Sinabung in the distance in the upper left.

 

Another very humbling yet wonderful experience. We are reminded of the song. "We have been given much and we too must give." We are not sure after all is done who has been the greater beneficiary...the receiver or the giver?