Images

Images

Almost three months have passed since Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam
witnessed a tragedy worse than anything it could have imagined
when a massive earthquake, followed by a devastating tsunami, hit
the province.

Many loved ones remain missing, people still have to take
shelter in refugee camps as their homes have been reduced to
rubble, and life as it was seems as far away as ever.

Even under such dire circumstances, the Acehnese are
struggling to return to a sense of normality in their lives:
Slowly the buildings are starting to be repaired, plans are being
made, odd jobs are being found.

With their own high spirits and with help from others --
foreigners as well as fellow Indonesians -- it is hoped they will
recover sooner rather than later.-- Text and photos Leony Aurora

Photo A
Endang, 40, makes daily visits to the missing-persons center in
Mata Ie Camp to look for news of her three children (fifth to
seventh left photos in the lowest complete row).

Photo B
A Mexican ship docks at Krueng Geukuh harbor, Lhokseumawe, to
deliver 20 mini water-purifying units. Although some assistance
is still coming in, some -- like the hospital ship USS Mercy --
has departed.

Photo C
Child refugees in Lhok Sukon, North Aceh, read books at a local
library as they wait their turn to go to school in the afternoon.

Photo D
Mata Ie camp in Banda Aceh turns romantic as Syamsul, 23, and
Karmila, 21, who met when they sought refuge after the tsunami
ravaged their homes, tie the knot.

Photo E
The setting sun shines through a gateway at Baiturrahman mosque,
Banda Aceh. It is one of many mosques that remain relatively
unscathed, despite widespread devastation all around.

F. The mosque by the sea in Lampuuk, Aceh Besar, however, was
damaged by the earthquake and the subsequent tsunami. Two workers
demolish damaged walls prior to rebuilding them.

G. A little boy cries as he awaits the return of his mom, who has
gone to perform her ablutions before praying. Many children have
become highly sensitive since the disaster.