Schools, ports still closed in Nabire after earthquake

Andi Hajramurni, The Jakarta Post/Makassar

Students stayed at home in Nabire on Wednesday, following a devastating earthquake two weeks ago that destroyed dozens of schools in the city. Meanwhile, at the city's port, loading and unloading activities are yet to recommence.

Nabire Deputy Regent Tonny Karubaba, said that his administration was in the process of estimating the material losses suffered by schools in the Nov. 26 earthquake, measuring 6.4 on the Richter scale.

The regent said he would also ask the Papua provincial and central governments to allocate funds for a reconstruction program in the regency, but, for the time being, urged the two administrations to provide tents so that schooling could resume.

If emergency tents were provided, children could be back at school by January next year, said Tonny.

Meanwhile, Nabire port's quay broke into three after the earthquake and sank, leaving ships with no place to dock and disrupting the port's regular activities. Ships are now anchored further out at sea and passengers are transported in small boats to board them.

"In the future, the government must build an anti-tremor quay. This is important as the seaport is the backbone of the city's economy," said Tonny, as quoted by Antara news agency.

The Nabire earthquake, the second in nine months in the city, claimed at least 32 lives and injured hundreds of residents.

Separately in Makassar, refugees returning to their homes from Nabire, said they would stay put until the situation returned to normal.

Abdul Kadir, 48, a native of Makassar, who had worked and lived for years in Nabire, said he and his family returned to Makassar as the constant fear of aftershocks had proved too much for them.

"We don't want to risk our lives in Nabire," said Abdul, who is one of thousands of Makassar immigrants who returned home via Makassar port.

Kasman, 29, a native of Tana Toraja in South Sulawesi, said he was still traumatized following the quake. He recalled discovering bodies buried under rubble and grief-stricken children who had lost their parents. He too vowed to stay in Makassar until the situation in Nabire had improved.

Some 20,000 South Sulawesi immigrants lived in Nabire prior to the earthquake, working in various professions, including as traders, civil servants and plantation workers.