Reflection On 20 Years After The Earthquake And Tsunami, Residents Pray Together In Gampong Lambung

The tsunami victim prayed together at the Gampong Lambung Rescue Building, Banda Aceh City, Thursday (12/26/2024). (ANTARA/M Haris SA)

JAKARTA - Hundreds of residents who survived the earthquake and tsunami in Gampong (Village) Lambung, Banda Aceh City, gathered in prayer together to commemorate the devastating disaster that occurred 20 years ago, precisely on December 26, 2004.

The joint prayer event held on Thursday took place at the Rescue Building, or better known as Escape Building in Gampong Lambung, Meuraxa District, Banda Aceh City. In addition to praying, the activity was also filled with video screenings depicting the major disaster that occurred two decades ago, as well as the process of recovery and reconstruction after the disaster in the area.

Keuchik (Village Head) Lambung, Yasir, explained that the event was a reflection of the life journey of the victims who survived the earthquake and tsunami 20 years ago. In addition, they also prayed for the martyrs who died as a result of the disaster.

"This joint prayer has become an annual tradition, and this year is the 20th anniversary. We hope that the disasters that occurred two decades ago will be a lesson and meaningful experience for all of us," said Yasir.

Yasir added that around 2,000 residents of Gampong Lambung were victims of the earthquake and tsunami that occurred on December 26, 2004. Meanwhile, only less than 100 people managed to survive.

"Some of those who survived managed to survive after being dragged by the tsunami waves, there were about 20 people. The rest managed to survive because they were outside the areas affected by the tsunami," he explained.

Lambung Village is located about two kilometers from Ulee Ulee Beach. When the disaster occurred, only one house was partially intact, while the other houses were razed to the ground.

During the recovery and post-disaster rebuilding period, Gampong Lambung was built with a disaster-friendly concept. Road access is widened, and rescue buildings that have five floors are also built to protect residents from potential similar disasters in the future.