KBRN, Aceh Tamiang: The deadly flash floods that struck Aceh Tamiang Regency in early December have highlighted the community’s heavy reliance on centralized water systems.

As relief efforts accelerate, many residents are now considering self-sufficient solutions such as private bore wells to secure their future supply.

The disaster was among the worst in recent years, with more than 950 people killed, 293 missing, and over 1 million displaced across Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra provinces.

In Aceh Tamiang alone, thousands of homes were inundated, leaving residents without clean water and electricity.

Relief operations have begun to ease the crisis. Clean water is now being delivered directly to homes by both government agencies and private organizations.

Irmayani (38), a resident of Dalam Hamlet, said the situation has improved. “Since this week, clean water assistance has been smooth, arriving once every two days,” she said on Sunday night, December 14, 2025, as reported by Antara.

The latest shipment to Kampung Dalam was sourced from Sibolangit, Deli Serdang Regency, North Sumatra. Irmayani explained that city residents struggled in the immediate aftermath because most relied on the Regency-owned Drinking Water Company (PDAM). “Learning from this flood disaster, you really have to have your own well, even if you live in the city,” she added, noting her plan to build a bore well at home.

Majah (36), a resident of Rantau Panjang Village, Karang Baru Subdistrict, shared similar relief. She said the water aid arriving in recent days was clear and suitable for drinking. “A neighbor who works at the Health Agency helped bring the clean water. It is very clear, almost too good to use for bathing. We save it for cooking and drinking,” she said.

Majah has since returned home after initially evacuating to the village mosque with dozens of others. She recalled the early days of the disaster when clean water was scarce and wells were polluted with mud. “At the evacuation center, clean water was hard to find. We bathed and cooked using well water at the mosque and floodwater from the ditches,” she recounted.

Meanwhile, Head of the Aceh Tamiang Regional Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD) Iman Suhery confirmed that clean water has been supplied to affected villages for several days. Aid from private groups is also being distributed door-to-door. “When tanker trucks were provided by the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB), we immediately began supplying clean water. Operations started two days ago,” he said.

The BNPB initially deployed two tanker trucks, later adding four more, leaving BPBD with four standby units. “Clean water can now be sourced from PDAM, and private sector assistance is also reaching the field directly,” Iman concluded. ***