Ahmed Husein, IFRC Communications Manager, Jakarta
When an earthquake measuring 7.2 on the Richter scale struck off the coast of Aceh in North West Sumatra on Sunday 9 May, most people in Indonesia feared a repeat of the 2004 tsunami that devastated the same area five years ago. Fortunately, the tsunami never materialized, but the earthquake triggered an early warning system that would have saved the lives of thousands had a real disaster happened.
12:59 (local time)
An earthquake measuring 7.2 on the Richter scale occurs 66 kilometres west of Meulaboh, Aceh Barat, at a depth of 30 kilometres. Shortly after the shock, the Indonesian metrological, climatological, and geophysical agency (BMKG) issues a tsunami warning for the west coast of Aceh.
13:05
Little more than five minutes after the earthquake, the national headquarters of the Indonesian Red Cross Society establishes contact with their local branch in Aceh Barat.
Red Cross branches in Calang and Melaboh in the coastal areas of Aceh Jaya district mobilize 40 Satgana (disaster response team) members along with more than 30 community-based action team volunteers. They activate hand held sirens and help several communities to evacuate to higher and safer ground. They also monitor any unusual changes in sea levels. There are no immediate reports of any damaged buildings in Calang.
The Red Cross operations centre in Jakarta establishes contact with their branch on Simeulue Island using HF radio.
13:10
Almost 10 minutes after the tremor, local and international media start calling the International Federation delegation in Jakarta for information. The Indonesian Red Cross files its first earthquake update report on the Federation's disaster management information system (DMIS).
13:15
Communication is fully established between the Indonesian Red Cross headquarters, Aceh chapter and branches and the Federation. The latest updates are shared. Red Cross branches in Nagan Raya and Aceh Barat exchange information on any impact from the earthquake in their respective areas.
13:30
The Red Cross Calang branch reports that the local community has been evacuated to safer locations in the area. No reports of any damages.
13:40
The Red Cross Nagan Raya branch reports that Satgana members have been deployed to the field to help organize and reassure the community as many people are still in a state of panic. Villagers continue to monitor the coast for a potential tsunami.
13:55
The Red Cross Simeulue branch shares their latest update with their headquarters. There are no reports of casualties or damage in Simeulue city and other sub-districts.
14:00
Several National Red Cross Societies offer assistance. The International Federation delegation in Jakarta updates the Federation Asia Pacific zone office about the current situation.
14:04
The chairman of Red Cross Aceh Barat branch reports that all volunteers and Satgana members from Suak Ribee and Pang Gong villages have been deployed to the field to help people. Sea levels continue to be monitored. No injuries or damage are reported in this area.
14:56
An Indonesian Red Cross volunteer and Federation field officer in Aceh report that only a few accidents have occurred in the streets caused by people who panicked. There was no damage to buildings. The sea level rises slightly by about 20 centimetres, but only for a brief period.
15: 20
Communities from seven villages have been evacuated to the head of district’s office, mosque, and fields on higher ground. Everyone will return after the tsunami warning has been lifted. All Red Cross teams remain in the field to monitor the situation and provide help to communities. The Red Cross uses three ambulances and two operational cars to support the evacuation process. Many people have been moved to higher ground in Mata Ie.
15:30
The authorities lift the tsunami warning. Some minor damage is reported in Banda Aceh (Ulee Lheu, Lambaro, Simpang Dodik and Lamprit). A few people suffer minor injures. People start returning to their homes.