West Aceh Deploys Emergency Raft for Remote KAT Sikundo Community

The West Aceh district government has deployed an emergency raft to assist the remote indigenous community (KAT) of Sikundo in Pante Ceureumen District, who have been struggling with access after a suspension bridge in the area was damaged by a flash flood. The acting head of the West Aceh Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), Teuku Ronal, stated in Meulaboh on Saturday that the raft is secured to a pulley system attached to a steel cable, allowing residents to cross the river without fear of danger. He explained that the crossing mechanism utilises the river’s current in a controlled manner, making it safe for both residents and schoolchildren. The area is one of the regions affected by flash floods last year. The direct provision of this emergency crossing raft is intended to ensure the safe and comfortable mobility of residents and elementary school students in the area. Previously, residents and students were forced to risk their lives crossing the river using the remnants of the damaged cable swing bridge. The emergency vessel, measuring approximately four metres, is specially designed using a combination of plastic drums, iron plates, and sturdy wooden flooring. “This step was taken as a short-term solution so that the vital access to education and the economy for the Sikundo community is not completely cut off,” Teuku Ronal said.