On Wednesday, May 7, 2025, the Gorontalo Provincial Government took swift action to assist residents affected by a tornado that struck the Telaga Biru District in Gorontalo Regency. The disaster occurred on Monday, May 5, at approximately 2:00 PM WITA, impacting homes across four villages: Pentadio Timur, Pentadio Barat, Timuato, and Ulopato.
According to data from the Gorontalo Province Social Service, the tornado affected 120 families, totaling 434 individuals. The damage was extensive, with 48 houses severely damaged, 23 moderately damaged, and 33 lightly damaged. Additionally, two kiosks, one food stall, and a place of worship were also impacted. Among those affected were vulnerable groups, including pregnant women, infants, toddlers, and the elderly.
During the aid distribution, Sagita Warabone, the Head of the Social Service, emphasized the importance of the assistance being provided. "Today, we are distributing 5 kg of rice per family, family hygiene kits, children's clothing, and kitchen equipment. This aid is crucial because many residents' kitchens were destroyed and their belongings swept away by the winds. Tarps are also urgently needed to shield against the rain," she stated.
In addition to the immediate relief efforts, the Gorontalo Provincial Government is seeking further assistance from the regional budget (APBD) for supplementary food items such as instant noodles and eggs. They are also proposing to the central government for aid in the form of building materials, micro-business support for the affected residents, and compensation for those injured in the disaster. These requests will be followed up by Idah Syahidah, the Deputy Governor, with the Ministry of Social Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia.
Idah Syahidah expressed her condolences and concern while visiting the disaster site. She praised the role of volunteers and the community in the initial response to the disaster. "On behalf of the Gorontalo Provincial Government and personally, I extend my deepest condolences. Aid has begun to be distributed, and all affected residents will receive assistance according to the level of damage incurred," she said.
Idah Syahidah also called on the community to remain strong and uphold local wisdom in facing this calamity. "With the spirit of togetherness, mutual cooperation, and values like muhuyula and dulohupa, God willing, this burden will feel lighter," she concluded.
Meanwhile, in Tanah Bumbu Regency, the local government also acted promptly to provide social assistance to fire victims on Jalan Pelabuhan Samudera, RT 2, Simpang Empat District. The fire, which occurred on Tuesday night, May 6, 2025, at approximately 10:00 PM WITA, destroyed four houses inhabited by nine families.
On the afternoon of May 7, 2025, Bupati Andi Rudi Latif personally oversaw the inspection and delivery of emergency aid to the affected families. He noted that the assistance was delivered in collaboration with various stakeholders. "Today, we conducted an inspection and delivered emergency aid to the nine families affected," he stated during the aid distribution.
The assistance provided came from both national and regional budget funds. From the national budget (APBN), the aid included nine red mattresses, 18 blankets, 36 packages of ready-to-eat meals, nine family kits, and nine kids ware packages. The regional budget (APBD) contributed nine packages of men's clothing, nine packages of women's clothing, nine packages of toiletries, and nine packages of food supplies, which included 10 kg of rice, a box of instant noodles, 10 cans of canned fish, 2 liters of cooking oil, 2 kg of sugar, and tea bags.
Bupati Andi Rudi Latif expressed hope that the assistance would alleviate the burdens faced by the victims and help them recover from the disaster. "I hope this aid can provide support and reflect our collective concern in meeting the basic needs of the victims," he said.
Thanks to the coordinated efforts of various teams, the fire was extinguished within two hours. This included contributions from three fire units from Simpang Empat, Batulicin, and Gunung Tinggi, as well as support from the BPBD, DLH, and numerous volunteers.
Earlier that morning, Yulian Herawati, the Acting Secretary of Tanah Bumbu, also visited the fire site to deliver assistance to the victims, following the directives of the Bupati. The quick response demonstrated the commitment of the Tanah Bumbu Regency Government to support its community in times of crisis, ensuring that the basic needs of the fire victims are met.
In both Gorontalo and Tanah Bumbu, local governments are stepping up to assist their communities, showcasing the importance of swift action and collaboration in times of disaster. The ongoing efforts reflect a strong commitment to recovery and resilience in the face of adversity.
