NORTH SULAWESI — A gloomy night enveloped the village of Togid, Tutuyan Subdistrict, Bolaang Mongondow Timur Regency, North Sulawesi, on Tuesday (April 29, 2025). Heavy rain that had been falling since midday caused the river embankments in the area to collapse. As a result, a devastating flood struck the village that night, sweeping through residential areas with powerful currents that destroyed homes and cut off road access.
Dozens of houses were submerged, many of them severely damaged. Household items, including cooking utensils and essential supplies, were swept away by the floodwaters. Amid the panic of residents who lost their homes and struggled to meet basic needs, the Disaster Management Center (DMC) of Dompet Dhuafa, along with Dompet Dhuafa Sulawesi Utara, swiftly mobilized.
From Thursday to Saturday (May 1–3, 2025), DMC Dompet Dhuafa, along with all volunteers, were present among the survivors to assess the affected areas and distribute aid directly. Despite muddy and slippery roads, the DMC Dompet Dhuafa team distributed ready-to-eat meals to residents who were unable to cook due to damaged or lost cooking utensils. A Warm Shelter was also set up in the village center, serving as a gathering point for survivors to access warm drinks, light snacks, and shelter from the cold post-disaster nights.
Not only that, DMC Dompet Dhuafa also opened a medical post that provides free health checks for residents who suffered minor injuries, respiratory problems due to flooding, and post-disaster trauma. This service involves health workers from Dompet Dhuafa’s Free Health Service (LKC) who are willing to leave their families and travel hundreds of kilometers to help others.
Fai Umarama, a representative of Dompet Dhuafa Sulut who visited the site, described the heartbreaking situation faced by residents of Togid Village. Although floodwaters have begun to recede, thick mud still covers nearly all homes. The simple kitchens that once served as the heart of family life are now level with the ground, leaving behind despair.
“Ready-to-eat food supplies are an urgent need at this time. Residents are unable to cook, as their cooking utensils were swept away. Therefore, our team here is working together to distribute ready-to-eat meals while setting up a Warm Shelter to meet the daily needs of the survivors,” explained Fai.
However, Dompet Dhuafa’s efforts did not stop there. With a spirit of mutual cooperation, volunteers from Dompet Dhuafa Volunteer (DDV) North Sulawesi joined forces with local youth organizations to clean up houses that had been buried in mud. Tirelessly, they lifted heavy furniture, swept away thick mud, and restored the spirit of the residents who had lost hope.
“When we were with the residents cleaning the destroyed and mud-covered homes, we saw that spirit reignite. They began to believe that they weren’t alone, that there were brothers and sisters who cared,” Fai added.
In every step and drop of sweat, the Dompet Dhuafa team demonstrated that humanitarian missions are not just about material aid, but also about reigniting hope that had once faded.
Friends, let us send our best prayers to our brothers and sisters in Togid Village. May they be given the strength to face this trial and may Allah always protect them from all harm. Let us continue to work together to help through Indonesia Siap Siaga, because every small action we take means a lot to those who are struggling to get back on their feet. (Dompet Dhuafa)
Text and photos: Riza Muthohar
Editor: Dhika