Spared by tsunami, Siberut, Sipora residents take to hills at night

Though not hit by the tsunami that killed hundreds and razed several Mentawai Islands coastal villages on Oct. 25, some residents on other islands in the regency move to high ground every night in fear of another disaster.

Every night since the tsunami, some residents of Siberut Island and the northern part of Sipora Island have taken refuge on high ground that was far from the beach, sleeping in makeshift tents and huts.

“No one dares to stay at their homes on the beach. They bring their wives and children and sleep in makeshift places,” Rapot P. Simanjuntak, a resident of the regency’s capital, Tuapejat, said.

Located on the far side of Sipora Island, Tuapejat was not hit by the tsunami—unlike six other hamlets on the island’s south shore.

Homes in coastal hamlets near Tuapejat, such as Mappadegat, have been abandoned by their residents every night. Earthquakes send residents fleeing in panic to temporary shelters, according to witnesses.

“Everyone is afraid now, especially after watching the tsunami two weeks ago, which arrived very quickly following the earthquake. They fear that they won’t have time to save their lives,” said Rapot, who is also director of the Mentawai Traditional Community Care Alliance.

The situation on Siberut was the same. Residents of coastal hamlets have abandoned their homes for tents and huts almost four kilometers from the beach.

“Now, the village is dead at night. Young people like me take turns to protect the village from thieves,” Muara Sikabaluan resident Bambang Sagurung, 27, said.

The tsunami that razed hamlets on Pagai and Sipora has traumatized some Siberut residents, especially after geologists predicted a massive tsunami was imminent in Siberut, Bambang said. “The northern part of Siberut Island is very inclined and the hills are very far from the coast. We are worried about this and there is no other way than to take shelter at night,” he said.

In the event of a tsunami residents would not be able to flee to safety if they were at home, he said.

Mentawai Islands Regent Edison Saleleubaja said more than 15,000 coastal residents have currently taking moved to high ground at night due to fears.

“We will also propose that other hamlets located along the coast be relocated through the Mentawai tsunami rehabilitation and relocation program,” Edison said.