CENTRAL TAPANULI, NORTH SUMATRA —-— From the western coast of North Sumatra, there is a heartbreaking story of an elderly woman who has to struggle to survive amid the recent flash flood disaster. She has difficulty finding clean water to bathe, to the point that she has to wait for rain to fall in order to get clean water.
The elderly woman, Sahdiamin Tambunan, resides in Aek Tolang Induk Village, Tukka Subdistrict, Tapanuli Tengah Regency, and is one of the beneficiaries of the Clean Water Distribution program on Friday (December 12, 2025). She revealed that in her area, access to clean water has been scarce for over a week.
“It has been more than a week since we had water. The water is muddy and dirty. We bathe using rainwater when it rains. If it doesn’t rain, we don’t bathe,” said Sahdiamin.
In that area, said Sahdiamin, there is still a nearby spring. However, the water is murky and unfit for use. He said that the unfit water still forces residents to queue to get it. However, Sahdiamin, who feels afraid, traumatized, and anxious, is reluctant to queue at the spring.
“The water is near the mountain. But it’s crowded. Day and night, at one o’clock, people are still washing there. I can’t do it anymore, I’m old. I’ll just endure it (going to the nearest river). Until now, the river water is still murky,” he continued.
During that week, residents could only hope for rain. When it rained, they collected whatever water they could to bathe and cook. Meanwhile, the water pipes from the mountain, which had been the lifeline of the community, suddenly stopped flowing completely. Landslides had cut off the flow. Thick mud had buried the access roads.
“We couldn’t even walk on the road. The mud was knee-deep. We couldn’t even lift our feet,” said Sahdiamin.
In addition, the flash flood not only destroyed residents’ homes, but also ruined rice fields, which were buried in mud. Sahdiamin’s rice crops, which were almost ready for harvest, were also destroyed, crushed by the mud. All that remained were a few stalks that were still standing, which was nothing compared to years of hard work.
“It’s a shame, son. But what can we do?” said Sahdiamin resignedly.
Late at night, when the sound of rain accompanied the silence of the night, there was a knock on the door. A small group of volunteers arrived, bringing food. A bowl of green bean porridge was a sign that they were not completely alone.
“I did accept it. I said thank you, but I cried when I received it, son. I felt sad,” said Sahdiamin.
On another night, almost at 9:30 p.m., the door to his house was knocked on again.
“Assalamualaikum, Ma’am. Is there any food?” the voice was simple.
However, for Sahdiamin, that act was like God sending a reminder that life was still worth living.
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When the water tank truck carrying 6,000 liters of clean water finally arrived in their area, Sahdiamin looked a little relieved. He no longer had to wait for rain to bathe. No more collecting muddy water. No more waiting in line for hours at the mountain spring, which was also threatened by landslides.
“I am so grateful to God that the children brought the water here. I can no longer carry water from there, even if there is any, I cannot lift it,” said Sahdiamin.
The water has brought life back for cooking, washing, bathing, and simply easing the fear that had been invisible all this time. Yet behind his gratitude, there is a prayer he whispers softly, filled with hope.
“Whatever is best, that is what we ask of God. The best is what is given. If possible, we ask God for no more (disasters), enough suffering,” concluded Sahdiamin while praying.
Sahdiamin’s story teaches us a great deal about perseverance in the face of adversity. For this reason, Dompet Dhuafa invites all of you to contribute to helping disaster survivors on the island of Sumatra by playing a role in donating so that clean water supplies remain available. Let’s set aside some of our blessings for our brothers and sisters in Aceh, West Sumatra, and North Sumatra through digital.dompetdhuafa.org/donasi/prayforsumatera. (Dompet Dhuafa)
Text: DMC Dompet Dhuafa, Moh Reynaldi Risahondua
Photo: DMC Dompet Dhuafa
Editor: Dhika