High intensity rainfall from 24 to 26 November 2025 triggered river overflows and widespread inundation in Aceh Tamiang Regency, a situation further intensified by the presence of two tropical cyclones as monitored by BMKG in the eastern coastal area of Aceh. The flooding submerged residential areas, damaged houses, and disrupted access to basic services, affecting 209 out of 213 villages and urban wards. Several bridges and transportation routes were cut off, accompanied by disruptions to electricity and communication networks, resulting in urgent needs for temporary shelter, access to clean water, emergency sanitation facilities, basic household items, and health support.
This situation placed significant pressure on affected communities, with many families forced to leave their homes due to severe structural damage and persistent floodwaters, while various institutions and local volunteers carried out initial data collection, evacuations, and limited relief distribution.
Yayasan SHEEP Indonesia conducted a hydrometeorological disaster impact assessment in East Aceh and Aceh Tamiang Regencies from 8 to 14 December 2025, following major flooding along both the upper and lower reaches of the Tamiang River caused by extreme rainfall and environmental degradation. The assessment was carried out through direct field observation, document review, and interviews with village authorities, health cadres, and affected communities, covering urban areas as well as villages accessible only by river transport.
The assessment results indicate severe levels of housing damage, with most houses swept away or suffering major structural damage, forcing families to take refuge in schools and public buildings. Survivors began constructing temporary shelters using remaining materials due to the urgent need to return to basic living spaces. Electricity access had not yet been restored, leading residents to rely on improvised lighting, while limited fuel availability and high prices further hindered daily recovery efforts.
In the water, sanitation, and hygiene sector, conditions remain highly constrained, as household wells were contaminated by floodwaters and clean water sources are located far from residential areas. Communities relied on water collected from riverbanks through simple excavation or on limited distribution from urban areas, while access restricted to river routes hampered water delivery to upstream villages, directly affecting environmental hygiene and family health.
Basic health services have not yet functioned optimally due to damaged health facilities and limited medicine stocks, leaving village midwives able to provide only basic care. Affected communities reported increasing cases of skin diseases, diarrhea, coughs, and colds resulting from exposure to mud, dust, and standing water. During the assessment period, Yayasan SHEEP Indonesia distributed limited non food assistance including blankets, tarpaulins, clothing, cooking utensils, and drinking water to several affected villages, and the assessment findings will serve as the basis for developing response mechanisms and planning for the response and early recovery of the hydrometeorological flood disaster.
