Aceh Disaster Victims Hold Congregational Tarawih Prayers in Emergency Prayer Halls

Victims of the sporadic hydrometeorological disasters that struck Sumatra in November last year, particularly in Aceh, have been forced to observe Ramadan 2026 in displacement areas, as post-disaster reconstruction and recovery efforts remain incomplete.

One such location is Manyang Cut Village, Meureudu District, Pidie Jaya Regency, Aceh. Affected residents were seen devotedly performing their first congregational Tarawih prayers of Ramadan 2026/1447 Hijriah at an emergency prayer hall on Wednesday evening (18 February).

They were compelled to worship in the makeshift facility because the mosque they had previously used for prayers remains buried under thick mud and has not been fully cleared.

The Deputy Head Imam of the Manyang Cut Village Prayer Hall, Jailani, expressed gratitude that the emergency prayer hall was completed before Ramadan arrived.

“This is the first night of Tarawih. I am very grateful that this emergency meunasah has been built,” he said.

“With this emergency meunasah, we were able to perform Tarawih prayers on this first night. The previous meunasah can no longer be used because of the flooding,” Jailani continued.

He said the emergency meunasah can accommodate approximately 50 male and female worshippers. Tarawih prayers at the facility proceeded with full devotion.

The atmosphere of worship on this opening night of Ramadan felt markedly different compared to previous years. The congregation that would normally fill the room was now limited to just two rows of worshippers.

“This Ramadan is certainly very different for us. This is a deeply sorrowful situation because of the disaster, but we have no choice but to pray in the emergency meunasah,” he said.

According to data compiled, disaster victims particularly in Aceh Tamiang, North Aceh, East Aceh, Bireuen, and Central Aceh have been using emergency prayer halls constructed for congregational Tarawih prayers.