ACEH TAMIANG, Indonesia, Dec 7 – Following deadly floods in Aceh Tamiang, Indonesians are facing a worsened disease situation and a shortage of medical assistance. The lone hospital in the area is overwhelmed as workers try to provide aid to numerous affected residents. Cyclone-induced floods and landslides have caused extensive damage in three provinces on Sumatra island, including Aceh, resulting in a death toll of at least 940 people, with 276 individuals still reported missing according to government data released on Sunday.
The destruction of homes in the region has exacerbated the spread of diseases such as diarrhoea, fever, and myalgia. The environment’s post-disaster condition has contributed to the escalation of health issues, as stated by Indonesia’s health ministry. Waterlogged medical equipment, scattered syringes, and lost medicines due to floods have added to the challenges faced by healthcare workers at the hospital in Aceh Tamiang.
One patient, Ayu Wahyuni Putri, recounted the tireless efforts of the workers who strived to maintain medical services even amidst the chaos. Nurse Nurhayati described the hospital’s struggles in accessing necessary supplies, leading to a devastating situation where even ventilators for infants were lost to rising water levels. Despite their best efforts, one baby tragically succumbed to the lack of medical resources, highlighting the urgent need for healthcare facilities to be operational.
Dr. Chik M. Iqbal emphasized the difficulties faced by medical personnel due to damaged infrastructure, making it nearly impossible to reach remote areas of Aceh Tamiang. With emergency rooms set to resume services only on Monday, the dire need for medical assistance remains critical. President Prabowo Subianto’s visit to the region underscored the urgency of repairing vital bridges and dams, along with providing support to farmers affected by the disaster.
Calls from local government officials for Jakarta to declare a national emergency signal the necessity of additional resources for rescue and relief efforts. The impact of the floods on 31 hospitals and 156 health centers across the affected provinces further highlights the widespread devastation caused by the natural disaster.
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