The atmosphere in the village felt different back then. The usually peaceful settlement was suddenly consumed by anxiety. Relentless rain made the ground unstable, triggering landslides and floods. Many residents were forced to flee their homes for safety. “For me, that event is an experience I will never forget. The day we had to leave our home and learn to rise again,” said Patria (10).
In late November 2025, three provinces in Sumatra experienced massive floods and landslides that had a devastating impact on the lives of children and families. 1,207 people lost their lives and 4,595 families were displaced. In these conditions, children are the most vulnerable group. One of them is Patria, a child living in an affected village in Central Tapanuli Regency, North Sumatra.
“In the morning when I woke up, I saw my aunt’s house was already empty because they had evacuated to my grandmother's house. In front of her house, the floodwater was already very deep. The water kept rising. Not long after, we all left the house with a sense of fear and uncertainty. We evacuated that day, and that night we slept at the shelter with other residents,” he recalled, recounting the events as the floods hit.
Patria’s family home was severely damaged, as were those of other residents on the same lane. Floods and landslides struck their dwellings and belongings. Witnessing how his home was no longer habitable made Patria's heart heavy. Spending days in a communal shelter was also not easy for him.
“At the shelter, food was very limited. There were many mosquitoes, so we couldn't sleep soundly. At the start of the evacuation, we also struggled to get clothes. Around us, many small children were crying. At that time, I also felt very worried because I was waiting for my father, who was still in the flooded area. I was afraid I wouldn't see him again. But after about an hour of waiting, Father returned. I felt so relieved,” he expressed.
Besides Patria, other children felt the same. Entering their pre-teen years, Patria and the children in the affected villages had to process a harsh reality and a whirlwind of emotions that came so suddenly. Shock, worry, sadness, or fear were the feelings children expressed after the floods and landslides occurred. The children's lives changed drastically. Many things became very limited, such as nutritional intake, clean water, decent housing, education, and time to play.
This is why psychosocial support for children is vital to implement immediately after a disaster. As promptly and regularly as possible, children need the time and space to just be children again. Wahana Visi Indonesia (WVI) facilitated this need by opening Child-Friendly Spaces during the flood and landslide emergency response in Sumatra.
A Child-Friendly Space can take the form of a tent, a classroom, or even a house veranda. As long as it is decent and safe to use, a Child-Friendly Space can be established. There, trained adults accompany the children post-disaster. The activities might look simple—colouring, drawing, singing, or playing games. However, this is where children can safely express their feelings and opinions when faced with a life that has suddenly been upended by disaster. These spaces also function as a place for children to learn about child protection and their rights.
“Several brothers and sisters from WVI came to greet us back then. They asked for my name, age, and school. They were very friendly. Since then, my days started to feel colourful again. I could play and learn once more. I felt more fulfilled, more confident. I felt stronger and not as sad when remembering my village being hit by the floods. My friends and I also learnt not to litter and learnt about the importance of self-protection,” he said.
Now, approximately three months after the disaster, Patria and his family have been able to move into safer temporary housing, leaving the evacuation post behind. However, he constantly remembers how the activities in the Child-Friendly Space served as a guardian of his spirit during his time as an evacuee.
“For me, WVI’s presence was very meaningful because it helped me get back on my feet. I am more enthusiastic about facing each day. My hope for the future is that my village can go back to how it was before. I want to laugh together again, play with my friends, and gather once more with my family and the people in our village,” Patria concluded.
Children and families in Sumatra are striving to rise faster and recover stronger. WVI is committed to conducting the Sumatra flood and landslide disaster response until June 2026. The focus of this response is the children. WVI will ensure children can return to a full life during these difficult times. Let us support and pray so that the children in Sumatra can continue to smile and believe that there is always hope for Sumatra.
Author: Yohana Simatupang (Freelance for Sumatra Flood and Landslides Emergency Response)
Editor: Mariana Kurniawati (Communication Executive)