Think America is Doing Bad? Check Out Indonesia - Marguerite Bysshe

Since the end of August 2018, articles such as "Indonesia Reels from the Earthquake and Tsunami, Experts Warn of More Deadly Disasters to Come" and "Indonesia quake death toll nears 2,000 as more bodies are found" have swept the world. In recent months, detrimental earthquakes and tsunamis have wrecked havoc on Indonesia. Most recently, on September 28, an earthquake shook the island of Sulawesi with a magnitude of 7.5 (for reference, these earthquake only occur roughly 20 times a year worldwide). Palu, a city located at the north part of the island was hit the hardest. A tsunami followed shortly after, sending the death toll over 2,000 with 3,000 more missing. 

(photo from https://www.theatlantic.com/photo/2018/09/photos-from-the-deadly-earthquake-and-tsunami-in-indonesia/571765/) 

Efforts to find the missing have since been halted due to the overwhelming demand and need for funds elsewhere. On top of that, bridges and roads have been destroyed or blocked, making it extremely difficult for emergency vehicles to access those in need. Not only has this tragedy left 74,000 homeless and grieving, it has left an entire city in shambles without the money to rebuild. Experts have cited that plans have already begun, but serious progress isn't expected until 2020 or 2021. That leaves 74,000 people in and out of temporary housing for at least another year. 

(photos from https://www.theatlantic.com/photo/2018/09/photos-from-the-deadly-earthquake-and-tsunami-in-indonesia/571765/) 

Two other major earthquakes have hit Indonesia this season. One in Lombok and one off of Java and Bali. Hundreds of quakes have rocked Lombok in recent weeks, putting the entire island on edge. However, when the most recent 7.0 earthquake hit the island, the results were worse than what could have been predicted. Thousands of buildings were destroyed and surrounding islands have been sending aid since. Food, water, and other donations, specifically from Lombok's neighbor, Bali, have helped just some of the thousands displaced. The final death count remains at just under 100 with hundreds more missing or injured. This quake has also caused a lot of problems for tourists and foreigners staying on the island. Plus, the cost of repairing damages will be about $342 million. 


(photos from https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-45080138)

The quake off the coast of Bali was similar but not as intense. It did impact the IMF summit that was taking place and spooked tourists, but with a magnitude of 6.0 and three deaths, Bali will not be as heartbroken as Lombok or Sulawesi. 

What does this mean for Indonesia? 

The severity and frequency of earthquakes and other natural disasters has been increasing exponentially in recent years. Many scientists claim this could be due to global warming and rising sea levels. And because these disasters are running their course more often, developing countries such as Indonesia may start seriously struggling to keep up with the damage costs. Not only are these natural disasters detrimental to the families they effect, but the economic damage continues to be more and more severe. 

What will happen when countries like Indonesia can't pay for repairs after these disasters? What will happen to all of the people who live in rural communities who continue to struggle for years after? How will it affect people's mental health when they have to live with the loss of loved ones? These are all questions that don't have answers. Yet. Soon enough, developing countries will have yet another heavy weight on their shoulders, with that being the economic impact of these disasters. Until everything starts to play out, the rest of the world needs to continue providing support and refuge to the victims of these disasters.

Click here to offer your support or donations to the victims of the Indonesian earthquakes: CLICK HERE