The earthquake and tsunami that hit South Pagai, North Pagai and south Sipora (25/10/2010) sent the population of Siberut fleeing into nearby hills. The earthquake that hit the following Tuesday (09/11/2010) with a strength of 5.2 M and Thursday (12/02/2010) with a magnitude of 4.2 M reinforced the popular public opinion that a massive earthquake – ‘the big one’ - is imminent.

In order to mitigate the spread of misinformed rumours PASIH has been engaged in public information and raising awareness campaigns related to seismic activity in Muara Siberut and surrounding areas. These activities aim to counteract gossip, rumors, and inaccurate and unhelpful predictions about the earthquakes and encourage an understanding of amongst the local population based on scientific facts.

Information from seismic experts has indicated that there is a potential for a much larger earthquake to occur in the Siberut area and this is referred to as the Mentawai Megathrust. It is predicted that this earthquake will strike with a magnitude of 8.9 M and bring with it a high risk of a tsunami.

In order to reduce the risks resulting from this potential earthquake and tsunami PASIH has been working with the inhabitants of the villages of Mailepet and Muntei and Siberut harbour to establish evacuation routes to the nearby hills that can be reached by inhabitants and will protect them from any potential tsunami. PASIH has also helped identify points that can serve as safe evacuation sites for residents in Siberut.

PASIH has an on going relationship with the West Sumatra NGO network Lumbung Derma and has been working with this network to establish systems and procedures for disaster management during an emergency. PASIH also works with local government to establish mechanisms for effective coordination and communication at the time of a disaster. With a strong social network in the field, PASIH stand ready to mobilize local resources and work with local partners to deal with natural disasters such as earthquakes and tsunami. (Darmanto)

Photo from Kompas.com/Lucky Pransiska