“The Hot Meals Helped Us Feed Our Families”: Voices from North Sumatra
After the floods in North Sumatra, daily life became uncertain for thousands of families who suddenly lost access to basic necessities. Cooking, eating, and maintaining hygiene turned into daily challenges, especially for those living in damaged homes or temporary shelters.
Through the emergency response carried out by PBV and ASAR Humanity, many families were able to regain a sense of stability, even in the midst of recovery.
For many, the public kitchens became a crucial source of support. One mother from the affected community shared that the hot meals provided over ten days made a significant difference for her family. “The hot meals really helped us because we struggled to feed our families every day, especially those of us with children and elderly family members,” she said.
Parents also spoke about the impact on their children, who had been relying heavily on instant food after the disaster. “Our children have been eating too much instant food since the disaster happened. The public kitchen allowed them to eat proper home-cooked meals again.”
Food packages distributed during the response also played an important role in helping families sustain themselves beyond the immediate emergency period. This support became even more meaningful as communities approached the holy month of Ramadan. One resident explained, “The food packages helped families survive longer, especially during Ramadan when we need food for both iftar and sahoor.”
Maintaining hygiene after the floods was another major concern. Many families were surrounded by mud and debris, making it difficult to keep clean and avoid health risks. “The hygiene kits are very important because it is difficult to maintain clean sanitation when mud and trash are everywhere,” one beneficiary shared.
For those living in temporary shelters, the distribution of family kits provided not only practical support but also emotional relief. “The family kits gave us more comfort while living in tents. We can sleep more warmly and perform our prayers properly during Ramadan.”
Beyond the physical assistance, many beneficiaries emphasized the importance of knowing that they were not alone. “Thank you to the donors and everyone who worked together to bring help and hope during these difficult times,” one resident said.
For the communities affected by the floods, recovery is still ongoing. But through continued support and solidarity, families are taking steady steps toward rebuilding their lives.