Aid in Action

One-Year Commemoration of Nias Earthquake

The one-year commemoration of the Nias earthquake took place in Gunung Sitoli, Nias on March 28, 2006.

Nias | Tuesday, April 11, 2006

Thomas Morris/USAID

U.S. Ambassador B. Lynn Pascoe and BRR Director Kuntoro Mangkusubroto

The one-year commemoration of the Nias earthquake took place in Gunung Sitoli, Nias on March 28. The 8.7 level earthquake of March 28, 2005, which would have attracted worldwide notice had it not followed the December 2004 tsunami disaster, caused significant damage to Nias:

more than 850 died;
6,000 people were injured;
several thousand people fled to Sumatra;
3,500 people currently reside in tents due to the destruction of 13,000 houses;
800 kilometers of road were rendered impassable;
403 bridges were rendered impassable;
and twelve ports and piers were destroyed.

The event included a visit to a mass grave, a handover of 615 new houses to community members, a children’s art competition, and a visit to Gunung Sitoli Hospital by U.S. Ambassador B. Lynn Pascoe. The hospital benefited greatly from the work of UNICEF and USAID in water and sanitation services, which provided medical supplies and support to the hospital through the International Medical Corps.

Learn more: Tsunami Reconstruction | About this activity

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