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Dec 29, 2004

Approaching the Epicenter

If you have ever seen the movie "The Andromeda Strain" then you have an idea of what it is like trying to reach Banda Aceh. Banda Aceh is the provincial capital and largest city in Aceh, Indonesia with a population of 150,000 and one of the closest cities to to the epicenter.

Since the earthquake I have tried to reach anyone in Banda Aceh to no avail. There is no phone service by either cellular or land lines anymore. I spent the last few days trying to contact the Kuala Tripa Hotel and nothing. I fear that it no longer exists.

Surveillance from flights over the town have indicated that it has been “wiped out”.

Pitch black and dead bodies littering the roads. No one dare approaches the town at night. But then again, Jakarta is taking their time.

The sun is just now rising over here now, it is morning and the bulk of relief crews should be arriving today including I believe a mission from Malaysia.




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