CENTRAL TAPANULI, NORTH SUMATRA —-— “We are safe!” exclaimed one of the survivors of the Sumatra flash flood via a device connected to his family far away, when the network was connected and they were able to communicate after days of not knowing each other’s whereabouts.
The flash floods and series of landslides that hit Tapanuli Tengah (Tapteng) Regency, Sibolga City, Tapanuli Selatan (Tapsel), and Tapanuli Utara (Taput) since November 22, 2025, continue to cause grief. Nearly the entire affected area remains isolated; roads are cut off, and several residents are still reported missing.
Moderate rainfall that continued until December 4, 2025, slowed down the recovery process. Access to fuel was limited, electricity was cut off for days, and communication networks were down, making it difficult for residents to contact their families.
In an emergency like this, communication is a basic necessity—not only for coordination, but also to ensure that hope remains alive. Amidst the silence of the signal, the Dompet Dhuafa Humanitarian WiFi Post stands as a beacon of hope, uniting thousands of anxious hearts.
Located at the Raudatul Jannah Mosque evacuation center in Aek Sitio Tio Village, Pandan District, this post was the busiest spot visited by survivors on Thursday (December 4, 2025). The Humanitarian WiFi Station provides cell phone charging services and free WiFi with Starlink connection.
“Because electricity and networks are still down, we are trying to set up a Humanitarian WiFi Station so that residents can contact their families,” said Taqi Falsafati, Field PIC for the North Sumatra Disaster Response Station.
There, dozens of residents—the elderly, mothers, and teenagers—queued up to send a simple text message: “We are safe. Our house is damaged, but we are fine. Please let our family in the village know.”
Some residents were relieved after finally connecting with their families. The DMC Dompet Dhuafa team witnessed how a single video call could erase days of anxiety.
In addition to the WiFi Post, DMC Dompet Dhuafa also operates a Community Kitchen providing food for around 3,000 people, as well as a Warm Post serving at least 80 displaced persons in need of a recovery space.
On Thursday morning, the DMC Dompet Dhuafa team joined the search operation with Basarnas in Rampa Village, Sitahuis District, Central Tapanuli. They also assisted in the reception and distribution of logistics flown by SAR helicopters to isolated areas.
Recovery efforts continued with assessments in the affected areas, market assessments, and checks on the readiness of additional logistics for the next distribution. Affected residents still need urgent assistance in the form of ready-to-eat meals, clean water, family kits, hygiene kits, school kits, and other basic necessities.
Read also: Aid Post and Public Kitchen Set Up for Flood Survivors in Pidie, Aceh
Amidst logistical limitations and disrupted access, Dompet Dhuafa continues to fight to open the way for humanitarian aid—including providing small connections that can rekindle great hope. The Dompet Dhuafa DMC Post in North Sumatra is located on Jl. DR F.L Tobing, Pandan, Central Tapanuli.
Friends, they [NEED IMMEDIATE HELP] PRAY FOR SUMATERA. With kindness, let’s take a moment to send our best prayers to those who are grieving and let’s strengthen our solidarity to support those affected. (Dompet Dhuafa)
Text and photos: Muhammad Afriza Adha/DMC
Editor: Dhika