Humbang Hasundutan (Humbahas) Regency is one of the disaster-prone areas in North Sumatera. The area is prone to landslides, which are exacerbated by deforestation and prolonged rainfall. The Humbahas region has a high rainfall intensity with a poor surface drainage system. This triggers hydrometeorological disasters in the form of floods and landslides. From these disasters, the society felt great losses such as infrastructure damage in residential areas, damage to plantations, rice fields, and crop failure. As an anticipatory step and implementation of the Tri Dharma of Higher Education, Lembaga Pengabdian Pada Masyarakat Universitas Sumatera Utara (LPPM USU) organizes disaster mitigation and adaptation activities through the Society Service Program (PKM) thematic disaster mitigation and adaptation.
The program, launched on July 4th, 2024, at the Bukit Barisan Hall in Humbahas Regency, represents a crucial collaboration between Lembaga Pengabdian Pada Masyarakat (LPPM) USU and the Humbahas regional government. This initiative aims to equip the region with the tools and knowledge to effectively minimize the impact of disasters. Tua Marsatti Marbun as a representative of the Humbahas Regency government stated about this launch signifies a commitment to provide stakeholders involved in the disaster mitigation program with the necessary resources and infrastructur.
The program operates under two distinct schemes: the PKM Assisted Village Program and the PKM Regular Mono Year. The PKM Assisted Village Program takes a long-term approach, providing multi-year support to designated villages. Conversely, the PKM Regular Mono Year program focuses on short-term interventions. Dr. Oding Effendy, the implementing coordinator of the disaster mitigation thematic activities, elaborated that both programs will run for seven months each year, spanning a total of nine locations and encompassing a range of activities.
The program tackles disaster preparedness on multiple fronts. One key activity involves the formation of Disaster Resilient Villages (DESTANA) which empowers communities to manage potential threats, environmental conservation (tree planting), economic development (sustainable tourism), and public health improvement. Furthermore, a unique initiative involves designing disaster mitigation gymnastics for elementary school students, aiming to instill a culture of preparedness from a young age.
The program launch fostered a vibrant discussion with Ir. Yusak Maryunianta, M.P. (Chief Executive of PKM Assisted Village), Dra. Fatma Wardy Lubis, M.A. (Chief Executive of PKM Regular Mono Year), Benthon Juber Lumban Gaol, ST., M.Si. (Head of BPBD North Sumatera), and Manutur Parulian Naibaho, S.Sos., S.H., M.Si. (Head of Prevention and Preparedness). One crucial concern raised was the need to address the underlying economic factors that contribute to environmental destruction. Recognizing this, USU emphasizes a holistic approach, extending its support beyond disaster mitigation and adaptation to encompass local economic development initiatives. By empowering communities economically, the program aims to reduce the pressure on natural resources driven by poverty. Through this activity, it is hoped that the entire implementation team and also the stakeholders involved will be able to realize each planned program so that it is right on target according to the needs of the society in Humbang Hasundutan Regency.