Future Uncertain for Displaced Indonesians

The major earthquake that hit Padang last week has ruined the homes and taken away the livelihood for tens of thousands of Filipinos.

Life is especially difficult for those living in the rural areas.

Landslides caused by the earthquake buried their homes and cut off roads for aid relief.

More than 1,500 quake victims are gathered in and around a market in Sungei Batang, over 90 miles from the center of Padang.

They are receiving free food and water from the local government but have to live in the open in overcrowded conditions.

[Yunizar, Quake Victim]:
"There are more than 1,500 people gathered here. Those who have relatives here are staying with their family. We have no house left and no relatives so we came to stay here."

Aid to this area has been slow in arriving as it is further away from the quake distribution centers in the cities of Padang and Pariaman.

Many quake victims now live with whatever basic foodstuff and clothing they have.

[Yunizar, Quake Victim]:
"It's difficult for us to get by here. We came here only with the clothes on our bodies and no money."

Vendors are slowly returning to their businesses in the market currently occupied by the quake victims.

[Datuak Batuah, Governor, Sungai Batang, Datuak Batuah]:
"It is my opinion that the people can only stay here for seven days. This market has to open so that it can be used for economic activities. And in the next five days, I hope some aid group can set up a camp for the refugees at the football field."

The Indonesian government has not announced any long-term housing plan for these quake victims.

Those who have chosen to stay put inside or near their village homes can only hope the rebuilding effort is accelerated.

[Bagindo Muswardi, Quake Victim]:
"We really need help to rebuild my home as well as my brother's home. Our homes have been destroyed by the earthquake."

Padang lies on one of the most active fault lines in the world.

One geologist says that the city was ill-prepared and remains at risk of being wiped out in the next decade by a more powerful earthquake.