Late November 2025 will be remembered as one of the most devastating periods in recent memory for communities across North Sumatra and Aceh. Torrential monsoon rains beginning on November 23rd triggered widespread flooding and landslides, causing loss of life, mass displacement, and severe infrastructure damage throughout the region. Entire districts remain cut off, and thousands of households are struggling to access clean water, food, and basic necessities.
As of November 29th, reports indicate:
303+ confirmed deaths
Many more missing
Dozens injured
Tens of thousands displaced from their homes
The human toll continues to rise as rescue teams battle blackouts, unstable terrain, and road access blocked by debris and rising waters. Major bridges and village roads have been washed out, communication lines severed, and entire communities forced to seek refuge in surrounding hills.
For the Orang Utan Republik Foundation, the crisis hits especially close to home. Our field teams in Medan, Bahorok, and Besitang have been directly affected.
OURF Team Members Directly Impacted
Over the past week, we have received troubling updates from our partners:
Our Medan team’s neighborhood is nearly submerged, forcing families to abandon belongings as floodwaters rose inside their homes.
The Bahorok team became trapped by rising waters, unable to travel or assist with ongoing conservation programs.
The Besitang team and several surrounding villages were unreachable for days, only making contact once they had evacuated to higher ground. Families continue to shelter in hillsides as the rain persists.
Although water levels began to recede slightly today, conditions remain dangerous. Beginning tomorrow, our partners will attempt to deliver essential supplies by motorcycle, since cars and trucks cannot pass through washed-out roads. Fuel is limited, telecommunications remain unstable, and access remains a daily challenge.
Why This Disaster Matters to OURF’s Mission
While OURF’s work focuses on education, conservation, and community-based initiatives to protect wild orangutans, we understand a simple truth:
When the people suffer, conservation suffers with them.
These are the same communities that live beside orangutan habitats—villagers, students, mothers, youth groups, forest guardians, and field educators who work with us to build environmental awareness and protect wildlife. Their wellbeing directly influences the health of the ecosystems they call home.
Today, they need urgent humanitarian support.
Giving Tuesday 2025: Redirected to Emergency Flood Relief
In light of this crisis, OURF is pivoting our Giving Tuesday 2025 campaign to focus entirely on emergency flood relief for affected communities in North Sumatra and Aceh.
Funds raised will support:
Food supplies for displaced families
Clean drinking water and filtration materials
Dry clothing, blankets, and basic shelter needs
First-aid kits, medicines, and hygiene items
Fuel for emergency motorcycles delivering aid to remote areas
Support for families taking refuge in hills or community shelters
Even small contributions will make a meaningful difference:
$25 provides water, food packs, and hygiene essentials
$50 supports sleeping mats, water filters, stoves, and mosquito nets
$100 equips families with blankets, baby supplies, and first-aid kits
$250 supplies community-level relief kits and supports evacuation shelters
How You Can Help Right Now
This Giving Tuesday, we invite our supporters, friends, and global community to stand in solidarity with the people of Sumatra.
Your donation—no matter the amount—will be directly channeled to our trusted field teams who are already organizing relief deliveries in the most affected areas.
👉 Donate to OURF Emergency Flood Relief: https://orangutanrepublik.org/givingtuesday2025
Standing Together Through Crisis
In times of great hardship, the strength of community carries us forward. Our Indonesian partners have worked tirelessly alongside OURF for years, committing themselves to education and conservation so future generations—both human and orangutan—can thrive.
Now, it is our responsibility to stand with them.
As the situation evolves, OURF will continue to share updates and ensure transparency in how relief funds are used. We extend our deepest sympathy to all those affected, and our gratitude to everyone who chooses to give during this difficult moment.
With compassion and commitment,
The Orang Utan Republik Foundation Team