Deadly floods devastate Indonesia, leaving families displaced and homeless

When catastrophic flooding destroyed their rented home in Aceh Tamiang, in eastern Aceh province, Indonesia, Rahmadani and her nine-year-old son Dimas lost their home.

Three weeks later, they moved to a tent just yards from their destroyed house after initially seeking refuge on the side of the road.

At least 1, 170 people died in the devastating floods that occurred in Aceh, West Sumatra, and North Sumatra in December. Numerous displaced victims continue to take shelter in temporary tents despite the disaster.

The most severe impact was felt in Aceh province, with Tamiang and Aceh Tamiang ranked among the hardest-hit areas.

Rahmadani’s top concern is still her son’s health. Dias is unable to speak or walk because of an injury sustained as a baby.

“We always took him to the doctor before the floods, and he was well-cared for, so he was healthy.” We were unable to see a doctor after the floods. She said that even if there is assistance, it is just food aid.

Durant’s 3-pointer in final seconds hands Rockets close win over Suns

Gunfire in Venezuela’s capital as ‘unauthorised’ drones reported

NewsFeed

Days after the US abducted the president of Venezuela, a video shows projectiles being launched into the air over Caracas, where officials claimed unauthorised drones were seen over the city. Police reportedly fired warning shots as a deterrent, but the authorities did not provide information about the drone pilots.

Thai army says Cambodia claims new border strike was accident amid truce

Gaza children risk snipers to attend tent schools

Tulin, age 7, is getting ready for her first day of school in two years, a small tent overshadowed by the sound of nearby gunfire.

This would be an exciting time for the majority of the kids. It is a terror-filled chapter for Tulin and her mother.

The majority of Gaza’s educational infrastructure has been destroyed as a result of the ongoing Israeli conflict, which has made it difficult for families to set up “tent schools” close to Israeli forces, which Israel refers to as the “yellow zone” west of the separation line and frequently only a few meters from danger.

According to Shady Shamieh, Tulin’s mother, “I honestly walk with my heart in my hand until my daughter gets to school.”

“Many times, I find myself uninvolved following her until she leaves the classroom. She continued, “I think there is something [dangerous] that she should learn.” She would now be in second grade if not for this circumstance. However, we are determined.

“Lie in the position of sleep.”

The path to the classroom is hazardous. Tulin admits to being afraid of the open spaces while traversing the rubble of Beit Lahiya.

Tulin said, “I’m afraid of the shooting when I go to school.” “I can’t find a wall to hide behind,” he says, “to prevent shelling or stray bullets from hitting us.”

Protection is absent from the tents inside. The students are determined to learn, but the canvas walls cannot stop bullets.

Their teacher describes a terrifying daily routine, with sniper fire frequently slicing through their classrooms.

The teacher remarked, “The location is challenging because it is close to the occupation force[forces].” We instruct the children to “Take the sleeping position” when the shooting begins. I shiver when I pray for God’s protection against injuries. We leave them lying on the ground until the shooting is over.

She continued, “We have been exposed to gunfire more than once.” “We remain despite this,” Our occupation’s policy is knowledge, while our policy is ignorance.

Ahmed, who lost his father during the war, is one of the students. He told Al Jazeera, “We come with difficulty and leave with difficulty because of the shooting.” However, I want to fulfill my martyred father’s wish that I pursue a career in medicine.

One of the biggest catastrophes, in my opinion.

The enclave’s education system is being sluggish as a result of the desperate scenes in Beit Lahiya.

The UNICEF in Palestine spokesperson Kazem Abu Khalaf described the situation as “one of the biggest catastrophes” in an interview with Al Jazeera Arabic on Monday.

According to Abu Khalaf, “98% of all schools in the Gaza Strip have experienced varying degrees of damage, ranging up to total destruction.”

He noted that 88 percent of these schools either needed a complete reconstruction or a complete rehabilitation.

The human toll is staggering: 70, 000 kindergarten-aged children and 638, 000 school-aged children are completing their third year of education without success.

Speech and trauma barriers

Despite UNICEF and its partners establishing 109 temporary learning facilities for 135,000 students, alarming signs are emerging of the psychological wounds of the war.

Abu Khalaf claimed that field teams have observed severe student development regression and that educational specialists must make additional efforts.

The books are prohibited

The education sector is also facing a logistical blockade due to structural destruction and trauma. Nearly no educational materials have been permitted into the Strip since the war started in October 2023, according to Abu Khalaf.

In reality, he said, “The biggest challenge is that almost no learning materials have even entered Gaza.”

UNICEF is currently working on a “Back to Learning” campaign aimed at 200, 000 children, focusing on Arabic, English, math, and science, as well as other recreational activities to “repair the children’s psyche before anything else.”

Abu Khalaf, however, emphasized that any campaign’s success depends on Israel’s lifting of restrictions.