Aceh Residents Walk for Kilometers to Access Flood Aid

 

Aceh – 19 December 2024

As floods continue to affect several regions in Aceh, many residents are being forced to walk for kilometers to access basic assistance, highlighting the uneven distribution of aid in remote and heavily affected areas.

In villages cut off by flooded roads and damaged infrastructure, residents said relief supplies were available only at centralized distribution points far from their homes. With vehicles unable to pass through submerged or muddy roads, families including the elderly and children had no choice but to travel long distances on foot.

Several residents described carrying bags of rice, clean water, and basic necessities while walking through muddy paths and partially flooded areas. Some said the journey took more than an hour, while others reported walking several kilometers just to reach aid posts.

“The water has gone down, but the roads are still damaged,” one resident said. “If we don’t walk, we won’t get any help.”

Local volunteers acknowledged the challenges, explaining that limited access and logistical constraints have slowed aid distribution. In some cases, relief trucks were unable to reach smaller villages, forcing residents to come to main roads or evacuation centers to collect supplies.

Disaster response officials said efforts are ongoing to improve access to isolated communities. Temporary routes are being opened, and coordination with volunteers and local leaders is being strengthened to ensure aid reaches vulnerable groups.

Humanitarian organizations warned that uneven aid access could worsen conditions for flood victims, particularly for those without transportation or physical ability to travel long distances.

While public donations and volunteer support remain strong, residents stressed that aid needs to reach communities directly. “We appreciate the help,” a resident said, “but it shouldn’t be this hard to get it.”

As recovery efforts continue, the situation underscores the urgent need for better logistics and faster response mechanisms, especially for rural areas most affected by floods.

Sources:

• Kompas.com