Magnitude 7.5 earthquake strikes Aceh

The Indonesian province of Aceh was struck by a 7.5 magnitude earthquake at 3:08 PM local time (8:08 AM GMT). The epicentre was 319 km (198 miles) off the coast of Sumatra, close to the island of Simeulue. At least three people have been killed and several buildings have been damaged. The same region was hit by an earthquake in 2004, that triggered a tsunami. In 2004 over 170,000 people were killed or missing.

According to local citizens the quake lasted about one minute and was felt in Banda Aceh, the province capital, approximately 300 km (185 mls) away, also in Meulaboh and Gunung Sitoli on Nias island. The U.S. Geological Survey, that reported the earthquake, says that no local tsunami warning has been issued.

Minutes after the quake hit, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center issued a warning that parts of the Sumatran coast were at risk of a possible tsunami but was later cancelled. Japan’s meteorological agency said India’s Andaman and Nicobar island chain was also at risk.

Indonesia’s meteorology and geophysics agency recorded at least two aftershocks about 20 minutes after the first tremors, one measuring 5.5 and the other 5.3 on the Richter scale. Budi Waluyo, an official at the National Meteorology and Geophysics Agency said the quake occurred about 30 kilometres beneath the ground. The US Geological Survey measured the quake at 7.6 on the Richter scale. “The quake has no tsunami potential because it’s happening under the ground, not the sea,” Waluyo said.

From our friends in Aceh:

Thanks for your concern. I am in Banda Aceh. YES we felt it and it sent the city into a bit of a panic. We are all fine.You may have seen on the internet or CNN we had a large earthquake, 7.5 out on Simeuleu.  I am in Banda Aceh and we really felt it.  Sent the city into panic.  I hear there is a lot of damage out where the earthquake was but cannot confirm deaths or how much damage yet.  Tsunami warnings went off but thankfully no tsunami.  More homes to build!

Fortunately our training center and factories where we make our Laga bags were not affected.

Thank you for your concern.

We at Laga Designs are proud to announce our specialized handbag training program for the handicapped in Banda Aceh. Having been involved in the rehabilitation and rebuilding process after the 2004 tsunami in Indonesia, we have taken yet another step in our effort to reach those most in need. We asked our manager/trainer, Hana, to write a summary regarding the new handicap training program we are providing:

     “We are partnering with LCI ( Leonard Cheshire International) which exists in 55 countries around the world. This idea came up when LCI came to Banda Aceh after the tsunami with a great passion to train and develop the handicapped here. LCI heard about Laga Designs which has been conducting training on the making of Aceh traditional handbags. They came to us asking to partner with them in helping the handicapped so that they could have the same work opportunity as those who are fully functional. 

     “We conducted the first training in November 2007 in  Laga Designs’ workshop.

      “Ten candidates joined the training; eight were mute and deaf since they were born, one didn’t have one hand and the other hand was without fingers, and one had a deformed foot. There was only one who did not qualify to attend the training course.     

“Impression during the training:

     “The women had a great willingness to learn, which was evident by their commitment to attend every class even though they lived far away from the training workshop. Since it was sometimes difficult to communicate with them, we used a lot of visual samples and had to be very patient in explaining the instructions over and over again.     

“After the twelfth day of training which was held daily from 9am to 5pm, three women were already able to do the embroidery. They now work from home since our workshop is quite far, coming in to the workshop only to bring in the finished handbags.

     “On February 19, 2008 we begin another handicapped training course for another eight women.”

We are truly excited to be able to provide yet another way to rehabilitate victims of disaster and are dedicated to finding new ways to help those in need.

After coming home from Atlanta, GA, Louise and I came down with the flu and are recuperating, hopefully just in time for our next show in Las Vegas.

We are going with great expectations. A number of people have emailed us that they are going to meet us there; we will be in corner booth # 758. If you are able, please don’t forget to stop by and say hello. It is for the “trade” only, but we do have some extra passes so call if you’re interested.

We will also meet with our Nevada Laga Consultant, Pam Starr; we are looking forward to seeing her.

We anticipate a great show…

Roy van Broekhuizen

February 6, 2008…..

ACEH… Economically Aceh is very rapidly collapsing. Unemployment is skyrocketing, shops and houses are empty and the place is looking almost deserted as organizations have pulled out. We however look forward with a heart of expectancy and anticipation for the New Year. We are anxious to see how God will come through next for us, our team and the people of Aceh. The future of Aceh at this time seems very uncertain with many predictions of rough times ahead.

With those thoughts in mind, I plan a trip to Aceh sometime in April 2008. I am looking forward to working with our team in Aceh, and especially anxious to meet our newest members in our handicap training program. Please feel free to comment on this blog.

Wishing all of you a great 2008…..

Roy Van Broekhuizen