CENTRAL JAVA – Heavy rains that fell on Kendal Regency on Monday (20/01/2025) caused dozens of villages in 11 sub-districts to be submerged in water. This disaster affected thousands of residents, so they had to evacuate to safer places.
Responding to this emergency situation, Dompet Dhuafa Central Java Branch swiftly mobilized a response team on Wednesday (22/01/2025), established an emergency public kitchen, and distributed logistics in the form of ready-to-eat food to flood survivors. According to Yusuf, the person in charge of the Dompet Dhuafa Central Java Disaster Program, this step was taken to ensure that the basic needs of the affected community could be met.
Floods began to inundate the area since Monday night, with water levels reaching one to three meters. Residents were forced to flee to the roof of their houses as the water continued to rise and isolate them. In addition to causing damage to houses, the flood also submerged public facilities, including schools and places of worship, disrupting the activities of the local community.
“We are trying to provide appropriate and quick assistance to flood-affected communities. The emergency public kitchen and logistics that we distribute are expected to help ease their burden in this emergency phase,” Yusuf said.
Read also: Darling Rides Fast to Assist Lampung Flood Survivors
Dompet Dhuafa’s public kitchen is able to provide hot meals for hundreds of flood survivors every day. In addition, Dompet Dhuafa also distributed logistical assistance in the form of ready-to-eat food, mineral water, clean clothes, and other basic needs. This assistance aims to help residents survive amid limited access and resources during the emergency response period.
The floods that hit the Kendal area not only damaged physical infrastructure, but also had a psychological impact on the victims, especially children and the elderly. In this situation, Dompet Dhuafa Central Java also provided psychosocial support to affected residents to reduce trauma due to the disaster.
“We not only provide material assistance, but also try to assist the community to remain mentally strong in facing this disaster,” Yusuf added.
Read also: Handling Sukabumi Flash Flood, Dompet Dhuafa Conducts Evacuation to Establish a Public Kitchen
Meanwhile, one of the flood survivors, Arif Fajar Hidayat, expressed his gratitude for the assistance he received. According to him, this assistance really helped him and his family and other people affected by this difficult situation. With the Public Kitchen, he feels that for the time being he doesn’t need to worry about his daily meals.
“I am very grateful for the assistance provided by Dompet Dhuafa Jateng. This assistance really helps us in dealing with this difficult situation. With the public kitchen, we don’t have to worry about daily food,” he said.
Dompet Dhuafa Jateng also invites the wider community to help flood survivors in Kendal. Everyone can be part of the solution by providing appropriate and quick assistance.
“Let’s join hands to help our brothers and sisters affected by the flood,” Yusuf invited.
For people who want to participate in helping flood survivors in Kendal, Dompet Dhuafa Central Java opens opportunities for donations and assistance through various channels. Further information can be obtained by contacting Dompet Dhuafa Jateng via WhatsApp at 0815 7798 783.
In addition, Dompet Dhuafa Jateng also invites volunteers to be directly involved in the process of distributing aid and assisting residents. The presence of volunteers in the field is expected to accelerate the process of distributing aid and provide encouragement and moral support to affected communities.
With these emergency response measures, Dompet Dhuafa Jateng hopes to alleviate the suffering of Kendal residents affected by the flood. Cooperation from various parties, both individuals and institutions, is needed to help people get back on their feet and live life as before. (Dompet Dhuafa)
Text and photo: Riza Muthohar
Editor: Dhika