Residents of Garoga Village Observe Ramadan in Evacuation Tents

There is no sound of firecrackers played by children after the Tarawih prayer service during this year’s Ramadan. Children now tend to rest immediately, waiting for the time for sahur (pre-dawn meal) to arrive.

“Some are reciting the Quran at the mosque and in other tents,” said Garoga Village Refugee Coordinator Yudistira when contacted by Tempo on Saturday, 28 February 2026.

Garoga Village in Batang Toru District became an area affected by flash floods and landslides in North Sumatra at the end of November last year. The village, which is traversed by the Garoga River, is now level with the ground after the torrent of water carrying logs swept away various buildings in the downstream area.

Yudistira said that despite losing their homes, Garoga residents continued their efforts to observe the Ramadan fast in evacuation tents. They remained devoted to their worship despite the limited space.

One location serving as an evacuation site for Garoga Village residents is Batu Hula Village, approximately 8 kilometres from Garoga Village. “We have been living here for almost 4 months,” said Yudistira.

Since 19 February, he said, residents of Garoga and Batu Hula have continued to work together, including preparing iftar and sahur meals for the survivors of the Sumatra disaster. “For sahur and breaking the fast, everything is cooked in the communal kitchen,” said Yudistira.

On Thursday, 26 February, the North Sumatra Provincial Government announced that the construction of thousands of temporary housing units, particularly in South Tapanuli Regency, would be completed in the coming week.

Assistant for Government and Public Welfare of the North Sumatra Provincial Government Secretary Basarin Yunus Tanjung said that according to project estimates, the temporary housing could soon be occupied by survivors. “It can be occupied by residents during Eid al-Fitr,” said Basarin.

He explained that in South Tapanuli, the temporary housing project covers four sub-districts. In South Angkola, 186 temporary housing units have already been occupied, and in Siporok, 118 temporary housing units have also been occupied by survivors.

In Angkola Sangkunur District, 11 temporary housing units have been completed, whilst in Batang Tiru, work is being accelerated with a target of 245 units. “We are continuing to expedite the work so it can be occupied by Eid al-Fitr,” said Basarin.