ARM HA IPB University Conducts Rapid Assessment and Distribution of Initial Assistance for Sukabumi Disaster
Emergency Response Team of Independent Volunteer Action of Alumni Association (ARM HA) IPB University together with Wahana Muda Indonesia (WMI) volunteers penetrated Cilopang Village, Cikaso Village, Cibitung District and Pangimpunan Village, Bojongsari Village, Jampang Kulon District, Sukabumi Regency, some time ago.
ARM HA IPB University conducted a rapid assessment as well as initial aid distribution. The two areas are two of the 176 villages that still receive minimal assistance due to floods and landslides that have hit the area since December 4, 2024.
The ARM HA IPB University team distributed 6 units of tarpaulins, 144 cans of ready-to-eat lamb and beef rendang, 10 cartons of bottled drinking water, 10 cartons of instant noodles, and 4 cartons of biscuits to 79 heads of families (KK) with a total of 202 people in the two villages.
The HA IPB University ARM team consisted of five volunteers from the fields of Disaster Management and Volunteer Management. The assistance distributed was greeted with emotion and joy by the residents.
While distributing aid, the team conducted a rapid assessment activity to record the type of disaster, the level of damage that occurred, and the number of affected residents.
In addition, an assessment of the needs required, both by residents in general and vulnerable groups such as infants and toddlers, pregnant women, the elderly, and people with disabilities was also carried out.
“Rapid assessment is a standard procedure at ARM HA IPB University and is very important to provide an overview for us in preparing assistance adequately and according to the needs of survivors,” said Ir Ali Fatoni, a member of the Board of Trustees of ARM HA IPB University who acted as team leader of the rapid assessment.
Meanwhile, the Chief of RT 01/RW 04 Kampung Cilopang, Nuryadin, revealed that the river water began to rise and inundate residents’ houses at 04.00 WIB at dawn. He said, “In this village, 12 houses were washed away, 6 of which collapsed and only the foundations remained,” he said.
Furthermore, Ustaz Syahidin said, the local mosque that is used daily for worship and recitation is now submerged as high as three meters. “All the carpets were damaged, as well as the holy Quran. We have temporarily stopped praying and reciting the Quran,” said Syahidin.
The results of the rapid assessment conducted by ARM HA IPB University will be poured into the operation plan (renops) for disaster emergency response. ARM HA has planned a larger aid distribution activity in the coming week.
Finally, ARM HA IPB University appealed to all alumni, IPB University academic community, and the wider community to help Sukabumi residents who are waiting for a helping hand.
Assistance can be channeled through support for the action of IPB University Alumni Solidarity for Sukabumi Flood and Landslide Disaster (SABA BUMI), by sending donations through Bank Syariah Indonesia (BSI) with account number 773-778-7798 in the name of HA-IPB Independent Volunteer Action. (*/Nr) (IAAS/RUM)
