Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara (UMSU) once again carried out a humanitarian action by providing basic necessities and cash assistance totaling IDR 25 million to residents affected by flooding in Serdang Bedagai Regency (Sergai) on Tuesday (2/12).
The assistance, consisting of food supplies and cash, was delivered by UMSU Rector Prof. Dr. Agussani, MAP, represented by Vice Rector II Prof. Akrim, M.Pd and Vice Rector III Dr. Rudianto, M.Si, to Achyar, Chair of the Muhammadiyah Regional Leadership (PDM) of Sergai, at the Muhammadiyah Disaster Relief Post on Jalan Sudirman, Dusun I, Sei Rampah Village, Sei Rampah Subdistrict. The handover was witnessed by Afdalina Herwaty, Chair of the Aisyiyah Regional Leadership (PDA) of Sergai, along with other administrators and residents who were still staying at the evacuation post.
Vice Rector III Dr. Rudianto, M.Si explained that the assistance for flood victims in Sergai was a manifestation of the university’s concern for the disaster affecting local residents.
“We can all feel the impact of natural disasters experienced by communities across Sumatra in facing floods. As a Muhammadiyah charitable institution, UMSU must be present in times of public suffering. That is why today we came to the PDM of Serdang Bedagai to distribute assistance as a form of UMSU’s concern to help ease the burden of our brothers and sisters,” he said.
He added that UMSU has also reached several other areas such as Langkat, Sibolga, and Central Tapanuli. Although not all areas could be physically accessed, various forms of assistance have still been distributed.
UMSU has a strong team in responding to disasters and providing social assistance, supported by its faculties and study programs. “We have initiated this humanitarian movement by establishing relief posts and opening donations for disaster victims,” he explained.
On the same occasion, he reminded all parties of the importance of protecting the environment and understanding ecological principles. “This disaster reminds us to take collective responsibility for preserving nature,” he said.
Meanwhile, Achyar, Chair of PDM Sergai, expressed his gratitude for UMSU’s concern and assistance. “Thank you to the UMSU academic community for being present among us. We are proud that Muhammadiyah is always present in every disaster,” he said.
He explained that the IDR 25 million cash assistance and basic necessities from UMSU would be distributed to flood-affected residents in Serdang Bedagai. Rubber boats would also be used to reach areas that are difficult to access.
This flooding was more severe than usual, caused by 4–5 consecutive days of heavy rain, combined with the sea’s inability to absorb excess water, resulting in several levees breaking.
One flood victim, Sri Wahyuni, a resident of Dusun 3, Sei Rampah, shared that she and her family were forced to evacuate to the Muhammadiyah relief post because floodwaters in her home had reached chest height for adults.
“Alhamdulillah, we are very grateful for the assistance from Muhammadiyah and Aisyiyah. We are truly thankful to UMSU; the aid is very helpful for us,” she said.
Clean Water Assistance
Meanwhile, another UMSU Care Team delivered two tanks of clean water to flood-affected locations in Tanjungpura, Langkat Regency. The clean water assistance was warmly welcomed by residents who, since the flooding began on Thursday (27/11), had been struggling to obtain drinking water and water for cooking.
“Thank you to UMSU for caring. We truly need clean water because electricity is out, and we have difficulty getting clean water for our daily needs,” said Putra, a resident of Pekan Tanjungpura Village.
