DEMAK, CENTRAL JAVA — In response to the Demak Flood, Dompet Dhuafa has activated its disaster response team through the Central Java Branch and Disaster Management Center (DMC), focusing on evacuating residents impacted by the flooding. Notably, the team has been assisting residents of Ngemplik Wetan Village, Karanganyar District, Demak Regency, since Friday (9/1/2024).
The Dompet Dhuafa team prioritized the evacuation of vulnerable populations, including the elderly and toddlers, who were trapped in their homes by the floodwaters in Ngemplik Wetan Village.
With floodwaters exceeding 1.5 meters and submerging roadways, the evacuation process required the use of rubber boats to navigate the affected areas.
Baca juga: Dompet Dhuafa Terjunkan Tim Respons Guna Percepatan Penanganan Banjir Bandang di Bandung
“Seven sub-districts have been impacted by the flood, affecting 16,389 households and a total of 63,465 individuals. Currently, 8,170 individuals are taking shelter temporarily. The DMC team from Dompet Dhuafa is actively evacuating residents still confined by the floodwaters in their homes and is providing essential services, including warm posts,” reported Maizar Helmi, a staff member for Emergency Response, Recovery, and Volunteering at DMC Dompet Dhuafa.
On Thursday (8/2/2024), the Dompet Dhuafa team set up a Warm Post at SD Negeri Undaan Kidul 01 in Undaan Lor Village, Karanganyar District, to address the urgent needs of the residents.
“Looking ahead, we are planning to establish a public kitchen and provide supplementary food for the displaced residents in Undaan Lor, Karanganyar, Demak. We are also continuing to survey the area to assess the needs of communities that require immediate assistance,” added Maizar Helmi.
Baca juga: Respon Banjir Aceh Selatan, Dompet Dhuafa Buka Pos Gizi Hingga Suplai Air Bersih
The flooding, which began on Monday (5/2/2024), has affected several areas in Demak Regency, spanning seven sub-districts and 30 villages.
As per the Demak Regency BPBD report on Thursday (8/2/2024), the flood has impacted 16,389 households, totaling 63,465 individuals. Additionally, approximately 951 hectares of agricultural land have been submerged, severely disrupting the daily lives of the residents. To date, the BPBD of Demak Regency has reported that the number of evacuees has reached 8,170.
In light of the ongoing flood situation, the immediate needs of the affected residents include the establishment of a Public Kitchen, fast food, mats and blankets, and medications. The Dompet Dhuafa team is working diligently to quickly meet these urgent needs by setting up a Public Kitchen for the survivors.
Moreover, the Dompet Dhuafa team continues to navigate through flooded regions to perform assessments and provide rapid assistance to residents in need.
Let us all pray for the well-being of the Demak Flood-affected residents and the volunteers providing aid, that they may remain under the protection of Allah SWT. We hope for the swift receding of the floodwaters, leaving no lasting sorrow for the residents and volunteers. Remember, we only have One Earth, so let’s act now! (Dompet Dhuafa/DMC/MAA/Dhika)