Central Aceh Villagers Face Hunger After a Week Isolated by Floods

Central Aceh: Nearly 1,000 residents in Ketol District, Central Aceh Regency, are beginning to face hunger after being cut off for seven days following flash floods and landslides that struck on November 26, 2025.

Road access to three villages—Bergang, Karang Ampar, and Pantan Reuduek (Pueting)—has been completely severed, preventing food and medical aid from reaching the area.

The Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) from Kodim 0106 Central Aceh, together with local residents, have begun evacuating communities trapped in the isolated villages. These areas remain the hardest hit and have yet to receive sufficient logistical support since the disaster.

With supply lines cut off, villagers have survived only on boiled bananas and sweet potatoes. Clean water shortages and limited access to medical services have heightened risks for the elderly, pregnant women, and children.

Bergang Village has 508 residents, Karang Ampar houses 579 people, and Pantan Reuduek is home to around 300 families. Most rely on farming coffee, cocoa, betel nut, and other horticultural crops.

Access routes remain blocked by landslide debris, massive rocks, and fallen logs. Authorities recorded at least 14 landslide points, making it impossible for vehicles to enter the area.

To evacuate residents, officials constructed an improvised 50-meter emergency crossing using steel power cables supported by bamboo poles. Residents must also pass two makeshift bridges under dangerous, slippery conditions to reach safer locations.

Babinsa officers from Kodim 0106 -,Sergeant Sarno and Corporal Anto Wibowo,- were among those assisting vulnerable evacuees, helping women, children, and the elderly navigate the hazardous crossings.

Evacuation efforts are ongoing as joint teams continue working to reopen access to the isolated district. Local authorities are being urged to expedite the delivery of food aid and strengthen emergency response measures.