Community solidarity strengthens among Agusen residents in temporary shelter following flood
Blangkejeren, Gayo Lues — Community solidarity amongst residents of Agusen Village, Blangkejeren District, Gayo Lues Regency, Aceh, appears to be strengthening as they occupy temporary shelters following the disaster.
Agusen Village was struck by a devastating flash flood in late November 2025, resulting in significant damage. Hundreds of homes were destroyed, along with a bridge, school building, and health facility, forcing all residents to evacuate.
“Yes, residents are now beginning to adapt and rebuild their social lives whilst in the temporary shelter, and they’ve started to smile again a little,” said Agusen Village Head Ramadhan when met at his temporary shelter residence on Tuesday.
According to him, Agusen has 279 families, all of whom were affected by the disaster. Of these, 155 heads of household are living in the temporary shelter because their homes were severely damaged or completely washed away by the strong currents. The remainder chose to remain and repair their old homes using materials salvaged from the flood.
Construction of the temporary shelter began in late January under Army soldiers coordinating with the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) and Gayo Lues Regency Government along with volunteers.
The temporary shelter began to be occupied by disaster survivors in late February, with each unit housing five to six families, each equipped with mattresses, gas stoves, electricity, electrical networks, clean water, and bathroom facilities.
Ramadhan therefore believes that communal solidarity is the primary strength of residents in facing difficult times, through mutual assistance in maintaining cleanliness, security, and environmental comfort of the temporary shelter.
He also established resident groups in each shelter unit to facilitate coordination and strengthen communication amongst residents.
“We want this temporary shelter to not only be a place to live temporarily, but also a space to maintain unity and the spirit of mutual cooperation,” he said.
Ramadhan hopes that the solidarity built in the temporary shelter can serve as social capital for Agusen residents to recover and rebuild their lives whilst awaiting completion of permanent housing construction.