The Faculty of Forestry of Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU) has demonstrated its concern for the community through a humanitarian action carried out together with RELINDO North Sumatra and other rescue teams. Over the course of two days, November 28–29, 2025, a joint team led by Dr. Achmad Siddik Thoha conducted rescue operations in the areas of Medan Deli through Tanjungpura, Langkat Regency.

Dr. Achmad Siddik Thoha, S.Hut., M.Si., as Director of the Center for Climate Change and Disaster Mitigation Studies of Fahutan USU, as well as Chairman of Indonesian Volunteers for Humanity (RELINDO) North Sumatra, directly led the team of lecturers and students from Fahutan USU during the intensive mission.

Evacuation Operations Begin in Medan Deli

The rescue activities began on Friday afternoon, November 28, 2025, in the Medan Deli area. The RELINDO rescue team collaborated with Rescue Bitco, which had just arrived carrying large-sized inner tubes. These tubes are usually used for rafting activities in the Bukit Lawang area, but on this occasion were utilized as the main evacuation equipment.

Students from the Rimbapala Student Activity Unit of the Faculty of Forestry USU, as well as students mentored by Dr. Achmad Siddik Thoha, also took part in the operation. At around 9:00 p.m. WIB, the team began evacuating residents from Tanjung Mulia Hilir Village. Field conditions were quite challenging; electricity was out, water reached waist level, the air was cold, and lighting was minimal. During the nighttime operation, five residents were successfully brought to safety along with any valuable belongings they could carry.

Search for a Missing Teenager in Langkat

The evacuation continued at 11:00 p.m., when the team moved toward Tanjungpura, Langkat, after receiving a series of requests for assistance from residents and several parties. They immediately headed to Hinai District to search for a teenager who had reportedly not returned home. In the dark, flood-submerged residential area, they began the search process. Local residents also assisted in the search, but until dawn, the teenager had not yet been found.

Tanjungpura Isolated, Team Traverses Flooded Routes on the Second Day

On Saturday, November 29, 2025, operations continued to the city of Tanjungpura, which was isolated at the time. RELINDO rescue vehicles and ambulances attempted to pass through floodwaters along the eastern Sumatra route. A truck eventually assisted in transporting equipment and bringing the team to the deepest point still accessible by large vehicles.

The situation in Tanjungpura was deeply concerning. The team encountered elderly individuals in poor health, toddlers shivering and crying from the cold, and a pregnant woman in need of immediate assistance. RELINDO ambulances made repeated trips transporting residents to Putri Bidadari General Hospital in Stabat via routes that were still flooded.

A Heartbreaking Moment: Evacuation of a Body Without Family Assistance

Upon returning to the flooded location, the team faced another difficult task: transporting the body of a resident who had no accompanying family members and no funds for burial. RELINDO assisted in carrying out the fardhu kifayah process until the body could be buried properly. This incident became the most touching part of the mission.

After carrying out the mission for two full days, the team finally returned to the RELINDO secretariat on Saturday night. Despite having to endure long fuel queues in Medan, the volunteers returned exhausted yet hopeful that assistance for flood-affected communities would continue to flow.

Dr. Achmad Siddik Thoha emphasized that this action was a form of service by the Faculty of Forestry USU and RELINDO North Sumatra to the community. “Allah is the true helper. We are only guided to act to the best of our ability,” he stated.