North Sumatra-Aceh – Yayasan Srikandi Lestari (YSL) distributed food packages to 1,527 flood-affected residents spread across a number of regions in North Sumatra and Aceh. The assistance was provided in response to the flood disaster that hit Langkat Regency, Deli Serdang Regency, Aceh Tamiang Regency, and Langsa City since the end of November 2025.
The floods were triggered by high rainfall and extreme weather that occurred consecutively, resulting in submerged settlements, agricultural land, and village infrastructure. This condition has a direct impact on the economic activities of the community, disrupted access to food and clean water, and forced some residents to flee to safer locations.
In Langkat Regency, floods hit several sub-districts, including Pangkalan Susu, West Brandan, Besitang, and Tanjung Pura. While in Deli Serdang Regency, floods affected residents in Hamparan Perak Subdistrict, and in Aceh Province covering Aceh Tamiang Regency and Langsa City.
“The floods not only submerged people’s homes, but also damaged household food reserves and temporarily stopped people’s livelihoods, especially those who depend on the informal sector and natural resources,” said YSL representatives in a written statement.
In addition to the floods, the affected communities also faced rising food prices, which further strained household economic conditions. This situation encouraged YSL to distribute basic food assistance as an urgent need to support the fulfillment of the community’s basic needs.
The distribution of aid was carried out in stages from November 30 to December 16, 2025, covering affected areas in North Sumatra and Aceh. The assistance distributed includes rice, cooking oil, instant noodles, eggs, snacks, medicines, bottled drinking water, clothing, sanitation needs, baby milk, and baby supplies, adjusted to the needs in the field and logistics availability.
YSL applies a direct distribution mechanism to the hands of affected residents without going through a post or intermediary. This method is used to ensure that the assistance is received in full by the beneficiaries, avoid overlapping distribution, and reach residents who are not in evacuation posts but are still affected by the flood.
A total of 1,146 beneficiaries were in Langkat Regency, spread across Tanjung Pura, Pangkalan Susu, West Brandan and Besitang Districts. In Deli Serdang Regency, assistance reached 127 people in Bulu Cina Village, Hamparan Perak District. While in Aceh Province, assistance was provided to 254 people, respectively in Aceh Tamiang Regency and Langsa City.
YSL assesses that this basic food assistance has a significant initial impact, especially in helping to fulfill the food needs of affected families, reduce household economic pressure during the emergency period, and provide a sense of security and psychosocial support for the community.
“The community’s response is very positive, although in the field there are still challenges such as limited access to some affected areas and the increasing need for assistance beyond initial estimates,” added YSL.
Going forward, YSL hopes that continued support from various parties can continue to strengthen recovery efforts and the long-term resilience of disaster-affected communities in the North Sumatra and Aceh regions.
