ACEH —-— The Linge subdistrict in Central Aceh Regency remains isolated, in complete darkness, and without access to clean water on Tuesday (January 20, 2026). This marks the 55th day since the hydrometeorological disaster struck the area on November 26, 2025.
The villages in the remote Linge area are still far from recovery due to severe infrastructure damage and many land access routes being cut off, severely limiting residents’ mobility and activities, as most of them rely on farming for their livelihoods.
“It’s still dark (the electricity hasn’t been turned on) since the flood began. It’s terrifying. The generator aid only arrived two weeks later. The water is still dirty now, just like it was when the flood began. Our farmland and homes were also destroyed by landslides,” said Hendra, one of the survivors of the flash flood and landslide in Jamat Hamlet, Linge, Central Aceh, to the Dompet Dhuafa team.
The Dompet Dhuafa team convoy, accompanied by musician Is Pusakata, arrived at Jamat Hamlet, Linge, at around 7:30 p.m. The journey took nearly 10 hours, starting at 10 a.m. from the Dompet Dhuafa Satellite Post in Takengon. The road conditions varied, ranging from collapsed roads, mud, and rocks left behind by landslides, to crossing the Kalaili River.
“We had to cross this river to reach Jamat Hamlet. From here, it was only about an hour more to reach our destination. However, crossing this river was also extremely difficult. We had to fight against the river current and large rocks, and our ambulance fleet was also held up by a large rock,” said Barqu, Coordinator of the Sumatra Flood Response in Central Aceh.
On the river, the DMC (Disaster Management Center) response team also helped evacuate two truck convoys carrying humanitarian aid that were blocked by large rocks in the river. In addition, the LKC (Free Health Services) medical team also responded quickly to one of the volunteers who was injured after stepping on a nail on the side of the river while evacuating the truck.
“It was an extraordinary struggle to cross this river, but it was all for the sake of delivering the aid donated by Dompet Dhuafa to the survivors in Jamat Hamlet. Because for us, the people here are even more extraordinary in the way they live their lives,” he added.
Dear friends, you can also play a role in strengthening humanitarian solidarity for flood survivors in Sumatra. Your donations will help provide various necessities and support long-term recovery efforts. Channel your best assistance through digital.dompetdhuafa.org/donasi/pusakatabersamasumatera. (Dompet Dhuafa)
Text and photos: Dhika
Editor: Dedi Fadlil