At the end of November 2025, several days of extremely heavy rainfall triggered major floods, flash floods, and landslides in West Sumatra, North Sumatra, and Aceh. Overflowing rivers and collapsing hillsides inundated hundreds of villages and severed various vital infrastructures, including inter-village connecting bridges. This disaster not only damaged residential areas and public facilities but also claimed hundreds of lives, leaving a severe impact on the affected communities.
Badan Nasional Penanggulangan Bencana (BNPB) reported that as of Monday (01/12), a total of 593 people had been confirmed dead and 468 others were still reported missing due to the flash floods and landslides across Sumatra. In addition to the casualties, BNPB also recorded extensive physical damage, with approximately 3,500 houses severely damaged, 4,100 moderately damaged, and 20,500 slightly damaged. Public infrastructure was also affected, including 271 damaged bridges and 282 damaged educational facilities (source: news.detik.com).
Evacuation efforts continue to this day, mobilizing all available resources to assist the affected communities. Feelings of panic are still very evident among residents, especially as daily activities have come to a halt and can only be carried out in a limited manner at evacuation sites with minimal facilities.
As a form of solidarity and response to the disaster, the University of Riau will conduct a fundraising initiative, the proceeds of which will be distributed to the victims of the floods and landslides in West Sumatra, North Sumatra, and Aceh. For those who wish to contribute, donations may be made through:
Bank Syariah Indonesia
No. Rek : 711 850 9743
a.n Mesjid Arfaunas Universitas Riau
Information & Confirmation: +62 811 7670 901 (Iswadi, ST., MT., PhD)
Donations will be accepted no later than Thursday, December 4, 2025, after which they will be compiled and distributed.
