Hello.  I was hoping you could help me.  A friend of mine was diving in Palau Weh when the tsunami hit Indonesia yesterday.  We have no way of knowing if the island still exists.  Can you tell me what forms of communication are normally available and if it was hit by the tsunami, if people would have any hope of survival?  So many of us are concerned our friend was killed and we're seeking any way to find out about Gapang Beach which is where she was supposed to be staying.
Please e-mail me right away.
Cindy Seligman

spencer - Dec 28, 2004

email or phone.  perhaps the ferry companies have information? 

There are some high points on the island so I would think it still exists. 

Please post anything you find here and I will do the same.  Best of luck and God Bless.

- Dec 29, 2004

Hey everyone...

There is at least a bit of good news in this disaster.  Go check out this thread:

http://thorntree.lonelyplanet.com/messagepost.cfm?postaction=reply&catid=23&threadid=677000&messid=5742765

It seems that everyone on both Ibioh and Gapang survived though all of the buildings were destroyed. 

-Adam :-)

Adam - Jan 14, 2005

I'm still getting quite a few hits to this page from people looking for info on Palau Weh.  The Lumba Lumba dive center has set up a new site with all the latest information.  Here is that URL:

http://www.rubiah.com

Cheers,
-Adam