Aceh Residents Rebuild Homes Ahead of Eid After Flash Floods

RRI.CO.ID, Gayo Lues - Some survivors of the flash flood in Tetingi Village, Pantan Cuaca Subdistrict, Gayo Lues Regency, Aceh, have chosen to return to their old homes so they can gather with their families ahead of Eid al-Fitr 1447 Hijri.

Village Head Mahmud said residents are building makeshift shelters using materials salvaged from disaster debris, such as corrugated iron and planks washed away by the flood.

“Previously, residents were living in evacuation tents, but most have now chosen to return to their old homes and rebuild them, because the temporary housing provided by the government is not yet optimally habitable,” Mahmud said on Monday, March 16, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

He explained that the government, through the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB), has prepared temporary housing, but facilities such as clean water and electricity remain limited.

“We have a water pump and a well, but we cannot fill the water tank yet. The same goes for electricity. According to officials from the state-owned electricity company PLN, the supply of electricity meters has run out, so not all shelters can be connected. Some residents have therefore chosen to stay in makeshift homes,” he said.

According to village government data, Tetingi is home to 133 families with a total of 418 people, all of whom were affected by the flash flood and landslide on November 26, 2025. The disaster destroyed 33 houses completely, while 42 others suffered severe damage and were demolished.

Before the disaster, most of the village’s houses were built along the river. When the flash flood struck nearly four months ago, strong currents swept away many homes and left others badly damaged.

Despite limited resources, some residents have returned to the area to reunite with their families ahead of Eid. Mahmud added that the village is slowly recovering with assistance from the government, community groups, and volunteers from various regions. ***