MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, LHOKSEUMAWE – Conditions in the flood-affected regions remain in an emergency state. Water has not fully receded, communication networks are down, and road access has been severely damaged, disrupting residents’ daily activities.
This description of the disaster situation in Lhokseumawe was conveyed by the Deputy Chair of the Muhammadiyah Central Board’s Disaster Resilience Department (LRB PP Muhammadiyah), Indrayanto, on (1/12) to muhammadiyah.or.id reporters.
“Some areas are experiencing power outages and unstable communication, Roads are cut off leaving many residents isolated,” he said.
Indra added that the lack of access has created a serious problem in several affected points, as food supplies have become limited. Aid has also not been distributed evenly up to this point.
Even so, the government continues working to open access routes and deliver assistance. These efforts are being carried out gradually due to the difficult conditions on the ground. Muhammadiyah Disaster Management Center (MDMC) is also taking part in the response.
“MDMC Muhammadiyah is providing rescue and evacuation services to affected residents. Vulnerable groups such as pregnant women, the elderly, people with disabilities, children, and the sick are being prioritized,” he added.
Emergency service posts have been opened by Muhammadiyah volunteers across several regions. In Aceh, they are spread across Langsa, Lhokseumawe, Bireuen, Singkil, and Bener Meriah.
Response efforts are also being expanded to Central Aceh and Aceh Tamiang, Volunteers continue to monitor developments and assess residents’ needs,” he said.
Meanwhile, in North Sumatra, MDMC has established service posts in Langkat, South Tapanuli, and Medan. Plans are underway to expand operations to Sibolga and Central Tapanuli.
In West Sumatra, service posts are active in Agam, Padang Pariaman, Solok, Tanah Datar, and Pesisir Selatan. Aid distribution is carried out daily according to urgent needs.
Volunteers are distributing food, clothing, hygiene kits, sleeping mats, blankets, family kits, and providing health services. They even traveled by sea using fishermen’s boats, as land routes remain impassable.
MDMC has listed urgent needs such as basic food supplies, baby kits, cooking equipment, and hygiene kits. Additional needs include women’s supplies, sleeping mats, blankets, tarpaulin tents, emergency shelters, prayer equipment, clean water, as well as healthcare services and medicines.
A circulating video also shows Muhammadiyah volunteers assisting the evacuation of a pregnant woman to a maternity clinic in Lhokseumawe, Aceh. The footage shows floodwaters still high, limiting community activities. (Bintang Adrian)
