West Aceh Deploys Emergency Raft for Remote KAT Sikundo Community

Meulaboh (ANTARA) - The West Aceh Regency Government has readied an emergency raft to assist residents and schoolchildren in the remote Sikundo Customary Community (KAT) in Pante Ceureumen district, whose access has been disrupted after a suspension bridge in the area was damaged by a flash flood.

“We have fitted this raft to a pulley attached to a steel cable, so that residents can cross the river without fear of danger,” said acting head of the West Aceh Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), Teuku Ronal, in Meulaboh, West Aceh Regency, Aceh Province, on Saturday.

He explained that the crossing mechanism harnesses the measured push of the river current, making it safe for the mobility of residents and schoolchildren alike. The area is one of the regions affected by last year’s flash floods.

He said the emergency crossing raft was prepared directly to ensure the mobility of residents and primary school children in the area remains safe and comfortable.

Previously, residents and students had been forced to risk their lives crossing the river using the remains of the damaged hanging cable bridge, which posed a serious safety hazard.

He explained that the emergency vessel, measuring around four metres, was specially designed combining plastic drums, iron plates and a sturdy wooden deck.

“This step was taken as a short-term solution so that the vital education and economic access of the Sikundo community is not completely cut off,” said Teuku Ronal.