Ministry of Social Affairs Presents to Provide Social Assistance and Psychosocial Services for Flood Victims

SUKABUMI (September 28, 2020) - The Ministry of Social Affairs through the Social Rehabilitation Center for Persons with Mental Disabilities "Phala Martha" in Sukabumi HADIR deploys a Case Response Team to provide Psychosocial Support Services and Logistical Social Assistance for affected residents Flash floods in Cicurug District, Sukabumi Regency.

Based on a release from the National Board for Disaster Management (BNPB) on Friday (9/25/2020) at 23.00 WIB, BNPB noted that 3 sub-districts, 13 villages and 23 villages were affected by the flash flood. The three sub-districts are Cicurug (5 villages and 11 villages), Parungkuda (2 villages and 2 villages), and Cidahu (6 villages and 10 villages). The flash flood also swept away three residents and all three were found dead. In addition, 10 people were injured. Meanwhile, the total number of affected residents is 282 families/948 people.

The "Phala Martha" team, led directly by the Head of the Center, Neni Riawati, together with social workers, social educators, psychologists, and nurses went to the location to provide social assistance and Psychosocial Support Services to disaster victims. This activity also synergizes with the “Kahuripan” workshop in Sukabumi, the Sukabumi District Social Service which assigned Sakti Peksos, and the Family Hope Program Companion (PKH).

"On this occasion, we have come to provide psychosocial support services," said Neni. "It is hoped that it will be entertainment for residents affected by the disaster, hopefully all are in the protection of Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala, and this disaster will end soon," he hoped.

This activity was carried out at two points affected by the disaster, namely Cibuntu Village and Nyangkowek Village, Cicurug District, Sukabumi Regency. The social assistance provided was in the form of 50 packages containing dry food, medicine, and cleaning equipment.

The "Phala Martha" Center’s Team also provides Psychosocial Support Services to mothers and children around the location. The psychosocial support services are in the form of sharing, advice giving, counseling, and trauma healing through several games and chants. The team did not forget to check the temperature and reminded them to always apply health protocols by wearing masks, washing hands, and keeping a distance in the era of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The sudden flash flood disaster certainly left a deep trauma for the residents, in addition to the loss of family members, property, and other valuables. The sense of loss is certainly a sadness that is not an easy thing to recover. With the presence of the "Phala Martha" Team in providing psychosocial support services, joy begins to appear to remove sadness, relieve burdens and feelings of trauma, and can provide encouragement to get through the post-disaster phase.