Indonesia Earthquake 2009
The Western coast of the Indonesian island of Sumatra was hit by two devastating earthquakes that struck over a 48-hour period. On Wednesday, September 30, 2009 the first earthquake measuring 7.6 on the Richter scale struck offshore close to the district of Padang Pariaman in the West Sumatra province. The second earthquake struck the same region the following morning, measuring 6.8.
Hidaya Foundation completed its relief efforts in Padang, Indonesia in January of 2010.
After the earthquakes badly destroyed much of Padang Indonesia (the capital of West Sumatra), Hidaya Foundation had team members on the ground monitoring the situation of the people and certain areas. In late November, Qurbani was done in the small village of Durian Daun (a village of a little over 300 families), which was among the worst hit places. Over the next few months, this same village was visited by our team, who assessed the damage to each and every family’s home in the village. Based on extensive surveying and meeting with the families and seeing the condition on the ground, Hidaya’s team in the field held counsel with the village leaders as well as Hidaya Foundation’s Management in USA on how to best utilize the funds from our donors.
A total of 311 families were selected and varying amounts in cash were distributed among those affected based on the level of damage of their homes, so they would be able to rebuild.
The day of distribution looked like Eid Festivities in the Durian Daun village, as the smiling faces of the men, women, children and elderly alike showed their relief and gratitude. The villagers who received the help were so happy to be getting aid from people on the other side of the world, whom they had never even seen or met, and were making du’a (praying for) those who remembered them in their time of difficulty. May Allah (God) reward all who helped to donate for this project, and accept this effort from all of us.