Yogyakarta Earthquake

Although the center of the earthquake in Indonesia is in Yogyakarta, the strong and equally destructive aftershock was felt by the villagers in the neighboring cities. The news reached me an hour after the tragedy happened. When I learned of the casualties that reached almost 3,000, all I was able to utter was "My God."

Truly, tragedies happen. Unavoidable circumstances like volcanic eruptions, tsunamis, strong tropical storms, and earthquakes do not only pose a great threat in our lives, but causes an apparent change in our natural environment. The catastrophe that attacked Yogyakarta two days ago did not only destroy homes and roads, but made a temple surrender to its power. That must be a very traumatic incident. I could still remember how our house nearly crumbled due to an earthquake. But, compared with the 6.2 magnitude that hit Yogyakarta, the one that struck my hometown is only intensity 4. Just imagine how shocking the one in Indonesia have been.

However painful the truth was, the tragedy only made people all over unite to help the needy. The European union as well as the US and other Asian nations were already on the move to deliver the necessary aid in Indonesia. After the incident, I really thanked God that it did not happen in my country. But, in the end, I prayed that such disaster will never happen again.