In Indonesian village, a mournful vigil for bodies at church swept away by ‘river’ of mud

Muis Pangalo, 45, holds up a photo pulled from the debris, showing his daughter among friends at a Bible study camp. She is believed to be buried under the rubble in Jono Oge. (Timothy McLaughlin for The Washington Post)

October 4 -- The Washington Post

JONO OGE, Indonesia — Windy Mantong was excited for her chance to lead an evening prayer last Friday night at her village church near the coastal city of Palu. She taught Bible studies on Sundays. So she wanted it to be perfect.

About 5:30 p.m., she sent a text message to her mother. “What should I wear?” she asked. The 17-year-old settled on a dark gray shirt and black jeans.

At 6 p.m. her father, Mika, who like many Indonesians goes by one name, was eager to get moving. He did not want to be late getting to the church, where his daughter was preparing for her big moment.

Eight minutes later, the ground heaved. His house was still standing when the shaking stopped from the 7.5-magnitude earthquake. He guessed the church was also fine.

But no one could reach Windy. Finally, he hopped on his motorbike to check on the church and find his daughter.

Full story here.