Vulnerable but Empowered by Disasters

KOMPAS/VIDELIS JEMALI

Sanating, 70, a tsunami survivor, shows snacks she produced to be sold at a temporary shelter in Lere subdistrict, West Palu district, Palu municipality, Central Sulawesi, on Sept. 21. Although she has five children and despite her old age, Sanating is still financially independent after the disaster two years ago.

Disasters do not keep many from working, even among the elderly and other vulnerable groups. To avoid depending on others, these people muster extra strength to move onwards.

Sanating (70) wipes her face, drenched with sweat. She is ready to sell her hard-earned work that day. Three plastic containers contain two kinds of confectioneries ready to be sold. The delicacies are still warm. Just like any other afternoon, she plans to go around the complex of her temporary accommodation to peddle her goods.