Aceh Disaster Victims Again Hit by Thunderstorm, PU Ministry Makes Improvements

58 units of flood survivors in Langkahan District, North Aceh Regency, Aceh, were damaged by tornadoes. Photo: Dok. PU 

JAKARTA - The Ministry of Public Works (PU) stated that it would handle 58 temporary housing units (huntara) for survivors of flash floods in Langkahan District, North Aceh Regency, Aceh, which were damaged by tornadoes.

Minister PU Dody Hanggodo instructed the ministry's ranks through the Strategic Infrastructure Working Unit (Satker) (PS) Aceh to immediately repair the huntara that was damaged.

This step, he said, so that the public can return to occupy the residence safely and comfortably.

"Public safety and comfort are the top priority, so the handling must be done as quickly as possible so that residents can return to normal activities," said Dody, quoted from a written statement, Thursday, June 4.

Dody said that the Aceh Strategic Infrastructure Unit Technical Team together with PT Pembangunan Perumahan as the implementing contractor had carried out damage mapping as an emergency response step.

Including helping to clean the affected building materials and preparing emergency handling steps for residents.

The PU Ministry, continued Dody, also coordinated with local governments and related parties to set up emergency tents as temporary shelters if needed during the repair process.

Based on the results of the initial identification of the technical team, there were damages to several parts of the building.

Among others, such as the ceiling and roof of Block A, ceiling leakage in Block B, minor damage to the roof of Block C, and damage to the ceiling of the kitchen area in Block D.

In addition, the technical team of the Ministry of PU is currently conducting further inspections to ensure that all repairs can be carried out properly with a target of being completed in one week.

Huntara in Langkahan District is one of the facilities built by the Strategic Infrastructure Directorate General of the Ministry of PU to support the handling of disaster-affected people in Aceh.

The construction was carried out on land provided by the North Aceh Regency Government (Pemkab) of around 1,440 square meters with a total of five blocks of huntara buildings with a capacity of around 60 families (KK).

The Democratic Party politician said that the construction of the huntara technically uses a modular system with a light steel frame structure that allows the construction process to take place quickly and efficiently.

"Each unit is equipped with insulated panels, ventilation, exhaust fans, and fans to maintain the comfort of residents," he said.

In addition, there are various supporting facilities such as communal toilets, washing areas, shared kitchens, electricity and lighting networks, and adequate clean water and sanitation systems.

The tornado made the residents of the huntara face the impact of the disaster again in the midst of the recovery process which is still ongoing.

Therefore, accelerating repairs is important so that the function of the huntara as a temporary shelter for residents can immediately return to normal.