JAKARTA (December 1, 2024) - Ministry of Social Affairs (MoSA) distributed aid for flood victims in Binjai City, North Sumatra, on November 27, 2024. This aid fulfilled the basic needs of affected citizens across five districts and 16 villages.

Acting Director of Social Protection for Natural Disaster-Affected Persons (PSKBA), Masyriani Mansyur, said that MoSA is committed to providing a quick response to help citizens affected by disasters.

“We have distributed various types of aid, more than IDR 470 million. This aid is expected to ease the burden on the affected citizens while accelerating the post-disaster recovery process,” said Masyriani, in Jakarta on Sunday (1/12/2024).

The aid distributed included 2,000 packages of ready-to-eat food, 100 packages of children's food, 200 packages of ready-to-eat side dishes, 150 sheets of mattresses, 50 sheets of rolling tents, 10 units of portable family tents, 150 sheets of blankets, 50 packages of children's clothing, 150 packages of family kits, and 150 packages of kidswear. This aid was sent from Sentra Bahagia's warehouse in Medan. In addition, the public kitchen established by the Social Office and Disaster Response Volunteers (Tagana) of Binjai City on November 27, 2024, has provided 3,000 servings of packaged rice daily. The operation of the public kitchen is planned to end on December 1, 2024.

Currently, the flood has receded in all affected areas. Citizens assisted by Tagana and volunteers are cleaning up the remaining mud and garbage at the location. MoSA continues coordinating with the Binjai City Social Office and various related parties to ensure that citizens’ basic needs are met. “We will continue to monitor the situation and be ready to provide additional support if needed,” said Masyriani.

Heavy rains that lasted from Tuesday afternoon, November 26, 2024, until Wednesday morning caused Binjai City to flood. The rains overflowed the Bingai, Mencirim, and Bangkatan Rivers, inundating five districts and 16 urban villages. The affected citizens reached 4,076 households, and 4,108 houses were also submerged. Although no evacuees were recorded, this flood caused material losses and disrupted citizens’ activities.