BIREUEN, ACEH —-— The emergency response phase has ended, and Aceh Governor Muzakir Manaf has declared a 90-day period of recovery from the Aceh hydrometeorological disaster, starting from January 29 to April 29, 2026. However, survivors are still struggling amid limitations. What about the fate of survivors who have lost their homes? What about the fate of children’s education in Sumatra?
Dompet Dhuafa continues to strive to be an extension of kindness for donors who want to support the recovery of survivors. This good intention came from Sekolah Quran Asy Syahid, which distributed dozens of food packages in Gampong Kubu, Peusangan Siblah Krueng District, Bireuen Regency, Aceh.
Dompet Dhuafa, together with the Disaster Management Center (DMC) and Dompet Dhuafa Volunteers (DDV), distributed food packages containing rice, sugar, oil, flour, and canned fish directly to survivors affected by the disaster in Bireuen Regency.
An emergency bridge has been firmly erected, with red and white flags flying along its length as a sign that Aceh has not given up. Entering Gampong Kubu, piles of dried mud line both sides of the road, as high as an adult human. The thick dust clouds make visibility slightly hazy.
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However, this did not dampen the volunteers’ enthusiasm to deliver these goods. On Monday (11/26/2026), one of the food packages was received by Mahdaleni, a survivor. She recounted how the floodwaters and mud had destroyed her house, especially the kitchen and bathroom, making it difficult for Mahdaleni to cook.
Mahdaleni also said that heavy rain since Tuesday had caused the river to continue rising until around 10:00 p.m. Initially, the water only overflowed at the back of the house as usual and had not yet entered the neighborhood, so it was ignored. However, around dawn, at around 5:00 a.m., the water began to rush into the house and rose even higher at 6:00 a.m.
In a short time, at around 6:30 a.m., residents were forced to run for their lives because the floodwaters were already chest-high and continued to rise until nightfall, almost submerging the surrounding buildings. The situation became so dire that residents living near the mosque had to evacuate to the second floor to avoid the floodwaters.
“We went to the second floor at the back, and people from the village also ran to our place, so it was very crowded there. We didn’t sleep for three nights, just sitting there with the water still there,” said Mahdaleni.
For days, Mahdaleni and other residents survived in the dark, without signal, without food supplies.
“Then my mother’s house behind us collapsed, and I don’t know where it was taken by the water. Now, I feel a little relieved, but what can we do? There is no toilet, and the well has been washed away. Now, there are old wells, so that’s where we go. The important thing is that there are wells,” continued Alhamdulillah.
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The food package assistance from the collaboration between Sekolah Quran Asy Syahid has become a ray of hope for Mahdaleni and other survivors. For Mahdaleni herself, the food packages she received will be cooked at home for daily needs, especially as meals for her children before they go to school. That way, if she doesn’t have time to pick up rice at the mosque in the morning, she and her family will still have food that they can prepare themselves.
He expressed his gratitude and happiness because the rice supply at home had completely run out, and even the rice that was left had been washed away by the floodwaters. This situation left his home with almost no food at all, so the aid he received was very meaningful in meeting his daily needs.
“Thank you for distributing food packages from the Asy Syahid Quran School. These food packages are very useful for me because I can cook for my children to go to school. I am very grateful to have received these food packages, which contain rice, sugar, oil, sardines, and flour. They are very useful for me and my family,” said Mahdaleni.
In addition, residents take water for drinking and cooking from the aid post. Furthermore, every morning and evening, they also come to the location to collect rice that is distributed regularly.
Anto Langgeng Prayoga, the Retail Fundraising Team of ZIS Dompet Dhuafa, greatly appreciates the kindness initiated by the entire Asy Syahid Quran School family. He also expressed his gratitude for the trust given to Dompet Dhuafa.
We would like to express our deepest gratitude to all partners and donors, especially to our partner, Sekolah Quran Asy Syahid, for their contributions and trust in Dompet Dhuafa in the Indonesia Siap Siaga program. This support is not merely material assistance, but a tangible demonstration of shared concern and commitment to delivering broader benefits. Going forward, we hope that this synergy will continue and grow stronger, so that more impactful programs can be realized in a sustainable manner,” said Anto.
The collaboration between retail partners and humanitarian organizations like Dompet Dhuafa is expected to continue helping alleviate the suffering of flood and landslide survivors in Sumatra. (Dompet Dhuafa)
Text and photos: Anndini Dwi Putri
Editor: Dhika