Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara (UMSU) continued its community service program by opening a health service post and deploying more than 50 volunteers to disaster-affected areas in Aceh Tamiang on Tuesday (16/12), as conditions in the region remain concerning.
UMSU Rector, Prof. Dr. Agussani, MAP, explained that the volunteer team, equipped with tools to clean flood debris and mud, was deployed at Muhammadiyah Junior High School (SMP Muhammadiyah) Kualasimpang on S. Parman Street, Aceh Tamiang. The school was found to be covered in knee-high mud, making it unfit for teaching and learning activities.
In addition, UMSU also sent doctors and medical personnel to open a health service post for flood-affected residents. Approximately 10 UMSU medical personnel from Pratama Clinic and the Faculty of Medicine, led by dr. Ella Humayrah Agustin, provided health services in Paya Bedi/Bukit Rata Village. The presence of this health post is expected to help address health issues experienced by disaster victims.
According to the Rector, the deployment of volunteers and medical teams to Aceh Tamiang reflects UMSU’s commitment to actively responding to disaster situations that have occurred since 27 November 2025.
“The establishment of the health service post and deployment of volunteers demonstrate UMSU’s commitment to actively assisting communities affected by disasters across Sumatra,” he stated.
Accompanying the program were UMSU Vice Rector III Dr. Rudianto, M.Si., Dean of the Faculty of Economics Dr. Radiman, M.Si., Head of BAUM Bureau Dr. Erwin Asmadi, Head of Public Relations and Protocol Dr. Ribut Priabadi, and Head of Student Affairs Dr. Zuhdi Abduurrahman.
During the community service activities, UMSU also distributed aid packages containing food supplies, snacks for children, vitamins, and medicines to local residents.
Vice Rector III Dr. Rudianto, M.Si., noted that UMSU had previously provided logistical assistance and established health service posts in Aceh Tamiang, Langkat, South Tapanuli, Sibolga, and Central Tapanuli. This time, assistance to Aceh Tamiang focused on mobilizing volunteers to clean schools and continue operating the health service post.
“Alhamdulillah, today UMSU deployed volunteers to clean the remaining flood mud that covered the school,” he said.
He expressed concern over the school’s condition, which remains covered in thick mud, preventing students from resuming learning activities.
Appreciation for Volunteers and Medical Team
Vice Chair of the Muhammadiyah Regional Leadership of Aceh Tamiang, Juanda, S.IP., and Chair of the Aisyiyah Regional Leadership, Ratnawati, expressed appreciation for the presence of 50 UMSU volunteers.
“I admire the militancy and enthusiasm of the volunteers. They are well-coordinated, although the thick mud makes it impossible to complete the cleanup in a single day,” said Juanda.
During the flood, the school was submerged under nearly four meters of water, leaving only second-floor classrooms unaffected. After the flood receded, thick mud remained, even covering desks.
Regarding health services, dr. Ella Humayrah Agustin, Head of the Medical Team, stated that many residents complained of respiratory infections, skin irritation, diarrhea, fever, and hypertension.
This health service activity took place in the evacuation area of Paya Bedi/Bukit Rata, where residents were seen queuing for treatment. The health post operated until the afternoon and served approximately 100 patients.
Current challenges in Aceh Tamiang include thick mud cleanup, damaged environments, and limited access to clean water, forcing many residents to leave their homes and stay in temporary shelters.
Chair of the Aisyiyah Regional Leadership of Aceh Tamiang, Ratnawati, expressed hope that UMSU’s community service activities in Aceh Tamiang would continue. She also requested assistance in cleaning other Aisyiyah educational facilities, such as ABA kindergartens and a mosque in Paya Bedi/Bukit Rata.
