Flood in Tamiang Aceh: Isolated Area and Struggling after Disaster

As an extremely affected area, Aceh Tamiang became an isolated area. It is caused by infrastructure damage. The struggle of flood victims is more challenging because of the post-disaster severity. The flood in Tamiang Aceh needs an effective disaster management for evacuation and recovery.

Facts of the Flood in Tamiang Aceh

The floods in Aceh were an extreme hydrometeorological disaster. Their impacts were felt across three provinces in Sumatra. Here are the facts.

1. Extreme Flood

Aceh Tamiang is one district that was hit by an extreme flash flood. Very strong currents of flood hit everything in its path. Moreover, in some areas, the floodwaters have not receded. A notable exception is the logs in the middle of flash flood currents.

2. Caused by a Combination of Factors

A rare phenomenon in this flood case is the occurrence of a tropical cyclone. It emerged in the Strait of Malacca and brought convective clouds. The clouds caused heavy rain for several days. A flash flood happened after that.

Human activities also caused the flood, besides the natural factors. The basic factor is massive deforestation. The massive reduction in forest area decreases water catchment areas. This combination of factors increases the risk of floods.

3. Many Fatalities and Injuries

Extreme flash floods have claimed many fatalities and injuries. Hundreds of victims are also reported as missing and are still being searched by evacuation teams. It triggers a traumatic condition from the pain of loss. This situation showed that environmental damage can increase the risk of natural disasters.

4. Residential Areas are Gone

Extreme flooding in Aceh swept away everything in its path, sweeping away settlements. Sekumur Village was completely submerged and buried by landslides. Sekumur Village was swept away by floodwaters. Totally 280 houses were lost, leaving only wooden ruins. Meanwhile, Lintang Bawah Village and Sukajadi Village were seriously affected. Residential areas in there were reportedly severely damaged.

5. Isolated Area after Flood

A flash flood in Aceh is a terrible disaster that damages most of the Aceh Tamiang region. Several villages became isolated areas because of infrastructure damage. The roads and bridges were broken, so access to Aceh Tamiang was blocked. From the 12 subdistricts in Aceh Tamiang, seven are still inaccessible.

The Struggling after the Flood Occurred

Serious impacts after the flood in Tamiang Aceh need the coordination of the handling program from many parties. Residential areas, public facilities, infrastructure, and the environment are on the terrible damage. The total of fatalities has reached thousands, and the material loss is large. All victims are beginning to adapt to the post-disaster situation. Here are some of the struggles after disasters.

1. Fight Traumatic Conditions

Throwback to the Aceh tsunami in 2004, actually, the memories about the extreme disaster are certainly fresh. This year, the people felt the disaster in the same way, which was extreme floods. This incident brought back memories of their past, especially because the impact in Aceh Tamiang was so terrible and unbelievable.

Maybe some people relive their traumatic experiences. It is triggered by feelings of sadness or hopelessness. They must fight through it all to survive.

2. Struggling amidst Hunger and Health Problems

Aceh Tamiang is included in the most affected areas and is isolated. So, the people are facing starvation and suffering health problems. Food and water supplies are extremely low. The aid has not been distributed after infrastructure damage. Several illnesses began to affect them, such as flu, coughs, fevers, and itching. Low immunity triggers health problems.

3. Survive in Logistics Crisis

The post-disaster situation in Aceh Tamiang is extremely concerning. Much of the area is isolated due to the severance of land access. As a result, logistical aid has not arrived quickly. Victims in refugee areas continue to survive by conserving food supplies, sharing clothes, and sharing other supplies. This logistics crisis also threatens health due to the lack of medicines, blankets, mattresses, and clean clothing.

4. Survive in a Clean Water Crisis

Besides the logistics crisis, clean water sources are no longer available. All water sources are contaminated with mud and debris in floodwater. They were forced to consume floodwater to survive in this limitations. They will conserve any remaining clean water supplies if available. This bad situation can lead to many health problems.

5. Struggling During Power and Internet Outages

The electricity and internet have been down since the floods struck. All communication and information exchange have been cut off. Daily activities are without electricity, and communication is impossible. This situation makes them more stressed. Hopefully, their location will be immediately accessed.

The terrible effect of the flood in Tamiang Aceh is the blocked land access. It is because of road damage and bridge collapses. This isolated area exhibits extreme impacts. A better disaster mitigation program is needed to overcome the situation and prevent the same extreme disaster. The program is comprehensive from prevention to recovery.

An early warning and evacuation system can be strengthened by the government to minimize risks. Emergency messages are needed as an alert signal besides alarms or sirens. The goal is to ensure the public receives complete information. An emergency-sending system based on SMS (Short Message Service) can improve message sending.

The frequency range of the machine extends up to 2 km for all operators, enabling real-time coverage. It is available at smsbroadcaster.com. Product photos and complete specifications can be found on the official website.