Paradise lost after quake at Sorake beach, Nias

Paradise lost after quake at Sorake beach, Nias

To surfers around the world, Sorake beach in southern Nias was once a paradise to showcase their skills in riding the wild waves.

The 8.7-magnitude earthquake rocked the whole island of Nias on March 28 and inflicted widespread damage to buildings, while also disrupting the lives of the islanders. The earthquake also resulted in the disappearance of the white sand at Sorake beach, leaving only dried mud with brownish foam. Pristine coral reefs beneath the water were demolished.

Foreign surfers can no longer be seen since the earthquake. Their visits made a vital contribution to the local economy. Local people can now only collect dried seaweed for meals, and search for potable water.

Only local youths and children roam the beach now to kill time.

Below are some images of the desolation following the earthquake that affected Sorake beach, which was once a paradise for surfers from around the world. -- Text and photos by R. Berto Wedhatama

Photo A :

This tower is now in ruins, as no one has been able to repair it. Before the earthquake, the tower served as a place for judges to assess the performance of surfers riding the waves. Almost every month a surfing competition was held at the beach.

Photo B :

Daniel walks to the beach to surf as he has nothing to do now. Many people in the coastal area relied for their livelihoods on the growing tourism industry, which attracted visiting foreign surfers, as they could work as food vendors or tourist guides.

Photo C :

A bed of dried mud has replaced Sorake's white sand where tourists sunbathed and rested after riding the waves.

Photo D :

Children roam the beach to collect seaweed or shells. Widespread rumors of renewed earthquakes and a tsunami have made local fishermen too fearful to resume their usual activities at sea.

Photo E :

Many lodges along the coast have also been severely damaged. The March 28 earthquake ruined some of the buildings.