In early February 2024, flooding wreaked havoc in the districts of Grobogan and Demak, resulting in casualties and significant losses. In Grobogan, the flood disrupted the main road in the Gubug District, a crucial link between Semarang and Purwodadi. Moreover, it submerged 2,822 residential units across 33 villages in 12 sub-districts. Meanwhile, in Demak, the flood severed the main route along the northern coast of Java around the Tanggul Angin Bridge in Karanganyar Village, disrupting the connection between Demak and Kudus. Seven sub-districts were affected, with Karanganyar bearing the brunt of the impact. The flood forced approximately 21,000 Demak residents to seek refuge in various locations, including river embankments, Kudus Terminal, and other public facilities near the flood site.
Among the affected populace, individuals with disabilities are the most vulnerable group requiring special attention. Various obstacles hinder their ability to evacuate and access humanitarian aid. Moreover, they are often not actively involved in disaster management efforts. Notably, in the flood response in both districts, two individuals with disabilities played pivotal roles: Budi in Grobogan and Asrofi in Demak. Both are members of the Disability Inclusive Services Unit (LIDi) for Disaster Management (PB). LIDi PB is a collaborative working group comprising individuals with disabilities, Disability Organizations (OPDis), and local government agencies, specifically the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD). In Grobogan and Demak, LIDi units have been established, with Budi and Asrofi serving as members.
Budi and Asrofi underwent inclusive disaster management training facilitated by ASB Indonesia and the Philippines in November 2023. The training focused on executing inclusive disaster management efforts and reducing disaster risks, particularly involving individuals with disabilities. Additionally, they were briefed on the use of Skyhydrant as a water purification tool for disaster management. They directly participated in the provision of clean water using Skyhydrant alongside ASB disaster response teams stationed in Grobogan and Demak. Both individuals were pleasantly surprised by how beneficial the knowledge gained from the training proved to be in the current flood disaster response efforts in Grobogan and Demak.
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Read the next part of the Journey Story of Demak Flood Response
Flood Response in Wonorejo Village [Part 4 of Journey Story of Demak Flood Response]
