MoSA Provides ATENSI Services for Children Affected by Tornadoes in Rokan Hulu Regency

ROKAN HULU (July 8, 2021) - A hurricane struck two villages, namely Koto Tinggi Village and Pematang Berangan Village, to be precise in Pasir Putih Timur Hamlet and Pasir Putih Utama Hamlet, Rambah District, Rokan Hulu Regency, Riau Province on Sunday (4/7) afternoon at 5:26 p.m., causing 78 houses to be severely, moderately, and lightly damaged. After the hurricane, residents only fled to their neighbors.

As directed by the Minister of Social Affairs, Tri Rismaharini, all Technical Implementation Units (UPT) of the Ministry of Social Affairs must be responsive in handling disasters in their working areas through logistical support, Psychosocial Support Services (LDP), as well as trauma healing for disaster victims. The Pekanbaru "Rumbai" Center is here to respond to these conditions by providing Social Rehabilitation Assistance (ATENSI) services and conducting LDP for children affected by the tornado.

A total of 65 children received services in the form of meeting basic needs and daily needs such as rice, oil, food, and family kits packages (toiletries and other things needed by children) according to the results of the assessment carried out.

Head of the Pekanbaru "Rumbai" Center, Ahmad Subarkah said that the Ministry of Social Affairs through the "Rumbai" Center in Pekanbaru was present in providing ATENSI services to children affected by the tornado.

In addition to providing services to meet basic needs in the form of necessities and other children's needs, the Ministry of Social Affairs also provides Psychosocial Support Services (LDP) for these children. "This intervention, which is carried out in limited quantities may help ease the burden and problems faced by these children," said Ahmad Subarkah.

The head of the Pasir Putih Timur hamlet, Pematang Berangan Village, Erman S. recounted a traumatic incident when a tornado damaged houses, warehouses, and stalls owned by the residents, the walls and roofs of buildings were damaged and blown off. He also expressed his deep gratitude to the Pekanbaru "Rumbai" Center for the response and ATENSI services for childe in the form of fulfilling needs and LDP which were considered very useful for the residents.