MEDAN, NORTH SUMATERA — Fires that hit residents on Rahmadsyah Street (Japaris), Medan Area Subdistrict, on Sunday (7/8/2022) yesterday resulted in a number of residents losing their homes.
Currently, the victims are in evacuation tents. In these tents, Dompet Dhuafa Waspada helped with logistical needs by providing food packages to the victims on Tuesday (9/8/2022).
From the data obtained, a total of 5 (five) permanent houses were burned down, while 1 (one) other house was 20% damaged. Juraida, one of the eyewitnesses, said that the fire came from the air conditioner. Thick smoke billowed before the fire broke out.
“At first I was inside again, minding the shop, and I only smelled smoke. When I looked up, I saw that my neighbor’s air conditioner was already billowing thick smoke,” said Juraida.
Responding to the incident, Dompet Dhuafa Waspada immediately rushed to help the survivors of the fire in Japaris. Sulaiman, as the Branch Manager of Dompet Dhuafa Waspada, said that Dompet Dhuafa Waspada had coordinated with local residents regarding needs at the evacuation site.
“Logistical needs are clearly the main priority, so we are helping to distribute basic necessities. Then we also need diapers for babies, toiletries, medicines, clothes,” he said.
Sulaiman also expressed his sympathy to the victims. ‘There are many victims, indeed 6 (six) houses were burned down but there are 13 families in total, including toddlers,’ said Sulaiman.
He also hopes that the victims can be given the grace to accept the disaster. “This is a test for the victims, of course it is not easy, but hopefully there will be a lesson learned. I hope that they will be strengthened and that the basic food assistance can be useful and do not forget to thank the many donors who have entrusted Dompet Dhuafa Waspada in distributing this assistance,” he concluded. (Dompet Dhuafa / Waspada / Arlen)