UNDIP, Agam–Padang (December 19-20, 2025) – The third volunteer team of the Diponegoro Disaster Assistance Response Team (D-DART) from Universitas Diponegoro continues to intensify its humanitarian mission in the disaster-affected areas of West Sumatra. On Saturday, December 20, 2025, the team focused its activities on strengthening cross-agency coordination, integrated health services, psychosocial support, and mapping urgent community logistics needs. During this mission, the volunteer team successfully served around 300 flood-affected residents.
Regarding cross-agency coordination, the D-DART UNDIP coordinating team engaged in intensive communication with the Agam Regency Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), the Palembayan Community Health Center (Puskesmas), and the Pauh Community Health Center. The goal was to update the mapping of community health needs, determine the most effective aid distribution routes, and obtain up-to-date information about the conditions of survivors on the ground. Collaboration with local stakeholders is a crucial foundation to ensure that every intervention is well-targeted and sustainable.
In the psychosocial support area, the D-DART UNDIP psychosocial team provided mental health recovery services in Palembayan Subdistrict. Around 30 survivors—consisting of children, elderly individuals, and vulnerable groups—received assistance, including 10 adults and older people and 22 children. The support included emotional stabilization, psychological needs assessments, and recovery activities tailored to the survivors’ conditions.
For children, activities included coloring therapy, educational games, and the distribution of snacks and toys to create a safe and comforting environment. Meanwhile, adult survivors received Psychological First Aid (PFA), self-help group sessions, and spiritual mindfulness exercises to strengthen post-disaster mental resilience.
For health services, the D-DART UNDIP medical team provided care at the Palembayan Community Health Center and a shelter in Lubuk Basung. Services included general health check-ups, free medication distribution, and referral coordination with local healthcare facilities. At the Pauh Post, a total of 79 patients received care for various conditions ranging from internal diseases—such as hypertension, respiratory infections (ISPA), dyspepsia, type 2 diabetes mellitus, COPD, and geriatric issues—to pediatric cases like flu and ISPA, skin disorders, neurological symptoms, and anxiety disorders.
At the Lubuk Basung shelter, the team provided extended medical care to 8 adult patients and 1 child, including postoperative care and treatment for childhood respiratory infections. Meanwhile, in the Palembayan area, health services reached 95 patients with a wide range of cases, including neurological disorders, internal medicine, minor surgical needs, psychiatry, pediatrics, and eye health issues. The high number of patients reflects the substantial ongoing need for basic healthcare services in the affected areas.
Beyond medical and psychosocial services, the third D-DART UNDIP volunteer team also carried out on-site assessments of urgent logistical needs. Findings showed that protein-rich foods such as canned fish, milk, and processed meats remained in high demand, especially in Palembayan Subdistrict (Agam Regency) and Nanggalo Subdistrict (Padang City). Supplies of basic medications also remained limited, along with additional needs such as diapers for vulnerable groups.
Earlier, on Friday, December 19, 2025, the third D-DART UNDIP volunteer team conducted similar activities in several other affected locations. Coordination was carried out with the Koto Alam Community Health Center, Palembayan Community Health Center, and the Lambeh Tulang Gajah Sub-village Health Post (Pustu) to strengthen the mapping of health service needs and aid distribution. On that day, psychosocial support was provided to children, older people, and mothers through play therapy, coloring activities, and spiritual mindfulness. Health services were also delivered at the Maninjau Post and Malalak Subdistrict, with hundreds of patients receiving examinations, medications, and home visits for survivors with limited mobility.
Through integrated multidisciplinary involvement, UNDIP reaffirms its commitment to being present among communities not only as a higher education institution but also as an active and responsive humanitarian partner. The D-DART activities reflect UNDIP’s dedication to continuously providing meaningful impact, strengthening humanitarian solidarity, and supporting comprehensive recovery for disaster-affected communities. (Public Communication/UNDIP/DHW)
