Tens of thousands of survivors remain in tents two months after floods in Indonesia’s Sumatra

Nearly 92,000 people in Aceh province, Indonesia, remain displaced nearly two months after devastating floods triggered by Tropical Cyclone Senyar struck Sumatra on November 25, 2025. While authorities and volunteers are working to provide shelter, progress on constructing temporary housing is falling short of the immediate needs of those affected.

The Scale of the Disaster

The cyclone brought extreme rainfall and strong winds, causing widespread flooding and landslides across Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra. Over 3.1 million people were impacted, with a confirmed death toll reaching 1,200, and approximately 7,000 injured. Around 143 people remain missing as of January 26, 2026. Aceh province has been disproportionately affected, accounting for nearly half of the fatalities and the majority of those displaced.

Life in the Camps

Displaced residents are facing difficult conditions while living in tents. Habibah, a mother of three from North Aceh, described her family’s tent as already having holes, offering little protection from the elements. Jelamat, from East Aceh, and Hayatul Husna, from Keude Bungkalih village, both expressed hope for a swift transition to temporary housing, particularly before the start of Ramadan on February 18th.

Did You Know? Tropical Cyclone Senyar made landfall on November 25, 2025, impacting three provinces and affecting over 3.1 million people.

Challenges with Aid and Housing

Della Febriani, an evacuee from Aceh Tamiang, reported limited government assistance, with most aid coming from volunteers. Notably, volunteers associated with Indonesian Muslim preacher Adi Hidayat are constructing shelters, and soup kitchens are being run by volunteers from Malaysia, as authorities have not yet established public kitchens in her area. The National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) has requested over 29,600 temporary houses, but as of January 26, 2026, only 1,056 have been completed, with 7,414 still under construction.

Expert Insight: The reliance on volunteer organizations to provide basic necessities like food and shelter highlights the strain on existing disaster relief infrastructure and the potential for gaps in assistance reaching those most in need. A coordinated and accelerated response is crucial to prevent further hardship.

The Importance of Temporary Housing

Regent of Pidie Jaya, Sibral Malasyi, emphasized the importance of temporary housing, stating it is “safer and healthier” than tents and other emergency shelters. He added that temporary housing allows communities to begin rebuilding their lives and transitioning towards permanent solutions.

What Might Happen Next

If the construction of temporary housing does not accelerate, it is likely that many evacuees will continue to face challenging conditions in tents, particularly as the rainy season continues. A delay could also exacerbate health risks due to poor sanitation and overcrowding. The government’s stated goal of completing housing before Ramadan suggests a potential push for rapid construction, but success will depend on logistical capabilities and resource allocation. It is possible that volunteer efforts will continue to play a significant role in providing aid and shelter in the short term.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many people are still displaced?

Nearly 114,000 people remain displaced across the three provinces of Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra as of January 26, 2026.

What is the status of temporary housing construction?

As of January 26, 2026, only 1,056 temporary houses have been completed out of the requested 29,600, with 7,414 still under construction.

When is Ramadan expected to begin?

Ramadan is expected to begin on February 18, 2026, pending the moon sighting.

Given the ongoing challenges faced by those displaced by the floods, what role can community-based support play in long-term recovery efforts?