Aceh Flood Relief Restores Lives of 900 Families

Severe floods and landslides that struck Aceh, Indonesia from late 2025 to early 2026 caused widespread destruction and affected thousands of people. Continuous heavy rainfall caused water levels to rise more than five metres in some areas, sweeping away homes, schools and community facilities.

Thousands of families were left homeless, while damaged roads and collapsed bridges disrupted rescue operations and humanitarian aid deliveries. In these difficult circumstances, many affected communities relied heavily on support from humanitarian organisations to survive and recover.

Aceh Flood Crisis Affects Thousands of People

The disaster across several areas in Aceh had a devastating impact on local communities.

The main challenges faced by affected communities included:

• Homes, schools and community buildings destroyed by floods and landslides.
• Roads and bridges damaged, leaving many areas isolated.
• Limited access to food supplies and clean water.
• Sharp increases in food and essential item prices, with costs rising nearly three times higher in some areas.
• Increased waterborne diseases, including diarrhoea and skin infections, due to poor sanitation conditions.
• Vulnerable groups, including babies, children, pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, older people and persons with disabilities, being among the most affected.

In agricultural areas, more than 107,000 hectares of rice fields were reportedly damaged, affecting livelihoods and food security for many families.

Islamic Relief’s Support for Aceh Flood Victims

To help reduce the suffering of affected communities, Islamic Relief Malaysia, in collaboration with Islamic Relief Indonesia, implemented the Aceh Flood Emergency Response (AFER) across three phases.

The response focused on emergency assistance, essential needs and the provision of temporary shelter for families affected by the disaster.

Throughout the project implementation, 900 families received various forms of assistance, including:

1. Temporary Shelter

A total of 497 families received high-quality tarpaulins as temporary shelter solutions, while six temporary shelters were constructed for the most vulnerable families, including older people, families with young children and persons with disabilities.

As part of a more sustainable recovery approach, some shelters were built using wood materials recovered from flood debris, reflecting an innovative circular recovery approach.

2. Food Assistance

Islamic Relief distributed food assistance to affected families through several phases of emergency response.

 

The support provided included:

• Emergency food supplies
• 50 food packs
• 64 iftar packs
• Three cattle provided for community kitchens

These interventions helped families access nutritious meals while communities continued recovering from the impact of the floods.

3. Clean Water and Hygiene Kits

To reduce the risk of waterborne diseases, Islamic Relief distributed hygiene kits and installed three clean water tanks at strategic locations that were accessible to the community.

This initiative helped families maintain better health and safety while providing access to safe water for drinking and daily needs.

Due to severe damage to roads and transportation routes, Islamic Relief also received support from the Indonesian Navy and Indonesian Red Cross to deliver humanitarian supplies by sea.

This collaboration enabled essential assistance to reach isolated communities more quickly.

Impact of Assistance on Flood-Affected Communities

The implementation of the AFER project brought significant improvements to affected communities.

Key impacts included:

• Families gained access to safer temporary shelter.
• The risk of waterborne diseases was reduced through improved access to clean water.
• Communities received better food support through community kitchen initiatives.
• Local communities worked together to build temporary shelters for families in need.
• Emergency operations were delivered efficiently through pre-positioned relief supplies.
• No serious disease cases were recorded throughout the intervention period.

Beyond meeting immediate needs, this assistance helped restore dignity, safety and hope among affected families as they began rebuilding their lives after the disaster.

Extend Your Support Through MySedekah

Natural disasters can strike without warning and leave lasting impacts on vulnerable communities. Public support plays an important role in ensuring families receive life-saving assistance when they need it most.

Through the MySedekah campaign, you can help provide food, clean water, temporary shelter and essential supplies to communities affected by disasters around the world.

Every contribution can bring renewed hope to families facing the most challenging moments of their lives.

Meaning of Sadaqah: Definition, Evidence and How It Creates Change

Sadaqah is one of the noble acts of worship highly encouraged in Islam. It is not merely a form of giving wealth, but also an expression of sincerity, compassion and an effort to strengthen one’s relationship with Allah SWT.

Through sadaqah, individuals have the opportunity to share their blessings, support those in need and contribute towards improving the lives of vulnerable communities.

Today, giving sadaqah has become more accessible through online platforms such as MySedekah by Islamic Relief Malaysia, which provides an opportunity for people to contribute towards humanitarian efforts supporting vulnerable communities locally and globally.

What is the Meaning of Sadaqah?

The word sadaqah (صَدَقَةٌ) originates from the Arabic language. Linguistically, sadaqah means truthfulness or a sincere act of giving from a pure heart.

From an Islamic perspective, scholars define sadaqah as a form of giving that is performed solely to seek closeness to Allah SWT and His pleasure.

Sadaqah also refers to giving with the hope of receiving rewards from Allah SWT, without expecting anything in return from other people.

According to Ibn Manzur in Lisan al-‘Arab, sadaqah refers to a gift given for the sake of Allah SWT to the poor and those in need.

In summary, sadaqah is a sincere act of giving during one’s lifetime, with the intention of seeking closeness to Allah SWT while helping those who require support.

Reference: Meaning of the Word Sadaqah, Dr Zulkifli Al-Bakri

Evidence of Sadaqah in Islam

Allah SWT promises great rewards for those who give sadaqah with sincerity.

Allah SWT says:

إِنَّ الْمُصَّدِّقِينَ وَالْمُصَّدِّقَاتِ وَأَقْرَضُوا اللَّهَ قَرْضاً حَسَناً يُضَاعَفُ لَهُمْ وَلَهُمْ أَجْرٌ كَرِيمٌ

Meaning:

“Indeed, the men and women who give charity and lend to Allah a goodly loan will have it multiplied for them, and they will receive a noble reward.”

(Surah Al-Hadid: 18)

This verse highlights that every act of giving performed with sincere intention for the sake of Allah SWT holds great value and reward in His sight.

Why is Giving Sadaqah Important?

Sadaqah does not only benefit the recipient, but also nurtures compassion, empathy and social responsibility within the giver.

Among the importance of giving sadaqah are:

1. Helping Those in Need

Sadaqah is one of the ways to support vulnerable families, disaster survivors, refugees and communities facing difficult circumstances.

Through donations, essential needs such as food, shelter, education and healthcare can be provided to those who need them.

2. Strengthening Human Connections

The practice of giving sadaqah encourages compassion and responsibility towards society.

It reminds us that the blessings we have are not only for ourselves, but can also be shared with others who are less fortunate.

3. Creating Opportunities for Continuous Good Deeds

Today, people can perform sadaqah more easily through trusted digital platforms.

This allows more individuals to contribute according to their abilities at any time.

What is MySedekah by Islamic Relief Malaysia?

MySedekah is one of the key fundraising initiatives by Islamic Relief Malaysia that aims to provide opportunities for communities to give sadaqah and support people in need.

Through MySedekah, funds collected are used to support various emergency response and development programmes in Malaysia and around the world.

This initiative enables people to make sadaqah a continuous practice that creates meaningful impact for vulnerable communities.

How are MySedekah Funds Distributed?

MySedekah provides flexibility for Islamic Relief Malaysia to allocate donations based on current needs and programme priorities.

This approach allows assistance to reach communities most in need, especially during humanitarian crises and disasters.

Support is provided through several key sectors, including:

• Emergency response
• Sustainable livelihoods
• Education
• Healthcare
• Food assistance and essential needs

Where Does MySedekah Provide Assistance?

Besides supporting communities in Malaysia, MySedekah funds also contribute towards Islamic Relief’s humanitarian operations in various countries, including:

• Syria
• Palestine
• Sudan
• Somalia
• Indonesia
• Bosnia & Herzegovina
• And other countries requiring humanitarian support

Through Islamic Relief’s global operational network, assistance can be delivered to communities affected by conflict, poverty, natural disasters and humanitarian crises in a faster, organised and effective manner.

How to Give Sadaqah Through MySedekah?

Giving sadaqah is now easier through MySedekah by Islamic Relief Malaysia.

With a single contribution, you can support humanitarian efforts that assist vulnerable families, disaster survivors and communities in need around the world.

Regardless of the amount given, every contribution carries great meaning and can create a positive impact on the lives of others.

Give your sadaqah today through MySedekah and be part of creating meaningful change.

Sudan Emergency Relief Supports Thousands of Conflict-Affected People

The ongoing armed conflict in Sudan continues to fuel one of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises. Millions of people have been displaced, lost their livelihoods, and been left without access to basic necessities.

To support those most affected, Islamic Relief Malaysia, through the MySedekah fund and Sudan Emergency Relief, implemented the Lifesaving Interventions for IDP Families – Sudan Emergency (LIFE Project) in Gedaref and Red Sea states, Sudan, in 2024.

The project focused on supporting Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) who were forced to flee their homes due to the ongoing conflict.

Humanitarian Crisis Deepens in Sudan

The continuing conflict has forced thousands of families to seek safety in areas such as Gedaref and Red Sea. However, life in displacement sites remains extremely challenging.

Among the major issues faced by displaced families are:

• Food shortages and limited access to daily necessities due to loss of income.
• Insufficient safe shelter, leaving families exposed to harsh weather conditions and security risks.
• Women, children, and adolescents experiencing trauma and psychological distress caused by the conflict.
• A severe cash shortage caused by the financial crisis, making daily transactions increasingly difficult.
• Drone attacks and escalating violence that continue to hinder humanitarian operations on the ground.

These conditions make emergency humanitarian assistance critical to helping affected families survive with safety and dignity.

Comprehensive Assistance for Internally Displaced Families

Through the LIFE Project, Islamic Relief Malaysia delivered a range of humanitarian interventions that addressed both immediate needs and emotional well-being.

1. Cash Assistance

A total of 280 families received SDG125,000 in cash assistance (approximately RM800 per family). The assistance enabled families to purchase food, medicine, and other essential items according to their most urgent needs.

2. Emergency Shelter

A total of 73 families received emergency shelter tents, providing safer living conditions, protection from extreme weather, and greater privacy.

3. Psychosocial Support

A total of 1,900 women, children, and adolescents participated in psychosocial support (PSS) sessions and recreational activities designed to reduce stress, trauma, and anxiety resulting from the conflict.

4. Community Activities and Safe Spaces

Ten community programmes were organised at IDP settlements, including activities such as puppet theatre performances and coffee corners, creating safe spaces for social interaction, emotional recovery, and community support.

5. Protection and Accountability

Islamic Relief also implemented a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system alongside safeguarding awareness sessions to ensure beneficiaries understood their rights and had access to safe and confidential complaint mechanisms.

6. Strategic Partnerships

The project was implemented in collaboration with the Humanitarian Aid Commission (HAC), the State Ministry of Health, and the State Ministry of Social Welfare, helping ensure aid reached vulnerable communities effectively and efficiently.

Impact of the Sudan Emergency Relief Project

Throughout the implementation period, the LIFE Project reached 4,030 conflict-affected people through a comprehensive package of humanitarian assistance.

Key achievements of the project include:

• Reducing hunger by enabling families to purchase food and other basic necessities through cash assistance.
• Providing safer temporary shelter for families displaced by conflict.
• Improving the mental well-being of women, children, and adolescents through psychosocial support programmes.
• Strengthening collaboration between Islamic Relief and local authorities, contributing to more efficient and transparent humanitarian operations.

Standing with the People of Sudan

Despite ongoing security challenges and Sudan’s financial crisis, Islamic Relief remains committed to delivering life-saving humanitarian assistance to those in need.

Support from the public through MySedekah enables more conflict-affected families to receive emergency assistance that saves lives, restores dignity, and offers hope for rebuilding their future.

Every donation does more than meet today’s urgent needs, it provides hope for thousands of families facing one of the world’s most devastating humanitarian crises. Donate now: MySedekah

Philippines Flood Response Brings Relief to 770 Families in La Paz

Heavy rainfall caused by a shear line weather system struck La Paz, Agusan del Sur in the CARAGA Region of Mindanao, Philippines, in February 2026, triggering flash floods and landslides that devastated thousands of families.

The disaster not only damaged homes but also disrupted livelihoods, reduced access to food, and affected the daily lives of communities that rely heavily on agriculture. Through the Shearline Flood Response in La Paz, Agusan del Sur project, Islamic Relief Malaysia, in collaboration with Islamic Relief Philippines, provided emergency assistance to help affected families meet their immediate needs.

More Than One Million People Affected by the Floods

The extreme weather conditions caused widespread destruction across several parts of the Philippines. Overall:

• 260,339 families (more than 1.08 million people) were affected.
• 7,757 families were displaced and forced to seek temporary shelter.
• 115 homes were damaged.
• Eight people lost their lives.

Beyond the loss of homes, many families also lost their livelihoods as farmlands and agricultural areas were submerged. Food supplies became increasingly limited, raising the risk of food insecurity, particularly among vulnerable groups such as women, children, and people with disabilities.

In La Paz, 10,304 families (approximately 42,016 people) across 15 barangays (villages) were among the communities most severely affected by the disaster.

Cash Assistance Helps Families Meet Urgent Needs

To support affected communities, Islamic Relief Malaysia, through Islamic Relief Philippines, implemented a cash-based emergency assistance programme, enabling families to purchase the items they needed most.

Under this project:

• 770 families received emergency cash assistance.
• Each family received PHP 3,000 (approximately RM198).

The programme prioritised:

• Farmers and agricultural workers.
• Flood-affected families.
• Families whose homes were damaged.
• Families living in high-risk areas.
• Families who had not yet received assistance from other organisations.

Cash assistance gives families the flexibility to purchase food, medicine, household essentials, and other urgent necessities according to their individual circumstances.

Helping Families Rebuild Their Lives After the Disaster

The emergency assistance not only addressed immediate needs but also supported families as they began rebuilding their lives.

The project has helped to:

• Reduce the risk of food insecurity.
• Enable families to meet their essential daily needs.
• Support the recovery of household livelihoods after income losses.
• Ensure assistance reaches those who need it most.

Every contribution provides hope and helps affected families recover with dignity after experiencing the devastating impact of the floods.

“The assistance we receive helps us cover our immediate needs, including food and other essential daily expenses. Before receiving this support, we depended solely on our irregular income from farming, making it difficult to provide for our family’s daily needs and support our daughter’s education.

“To the donors and supporters of Islamic Relief, we would like to express our heartfelt gratitude for your generosity. Your support brings hope to families like ours and gives us the strength to move forward despite the challenges we continue to face.” – Angelie Padrones, right holder

Be a Lifeline for Families Affected by Disaster

When disasters strike, vulnerable families need immediate support to access food, shelter, and other essential necessities.

Through Islamic Relief Malaysia’s MySedekah campaign, you can help ensure that more families affected by disasters receive timely humanitarian assistance.

Donate today through the MySedekah campaign and help bring hope, relief, and a brighter future to families in need.

Hygiene and Baby Essentials for Families Affected by the Kg Bahagia Fire, Sandakan

Alhamdulillah, on 22 June 2026, hygiene and baby essentials were distributed to families affected by the fire in Kg Bahagia, Sandakan.

This humanitarian initiative was made possible through the generous sponsorship of Hong Leong MSIG Takaful, demonstrating its commitment to supporting families affected by the disaster.

Supporting 200 Affected Households

A total of 200 selected heads of households received essential aid to help ease the challenges they face following the fire.

The assistance focused on providing basic hygiene items and essential products for babies and young children to support families in meeting their daily needs.

Items Distributed

The aid packages included:

• Laundry soap
• Bath soap
• Toothbrushes and toothpaste
• Disposable diapers
• Medicated oil

These essential supplies are expected to help affected families maintain their daily hygiene and care for their children while recovering from the impact of the fire.

Acknowledgement

We extend our sincere appreciation to everyone who contributed directly and indirectly to the success of this programme, especially the teachers from the Child Development Centre, who provided invaluable support during the distribution process.

The strong collaboration between all parties ensured that the aid distribution was carried out smoothly and efficiently.

We hope this small contribution brings some relief to the affected families and inspires more humanitarian initiatives in the future.

Our heartfelt thanks also go to all donors and partners for their continued support in helping communities in need. Donate now through the MySedekah campaign by Islamic Relief Malaysia