Central Tapanuli Regency, North Sumatra, is once again grappling with the aftermath of flash floods and landslides that struck on Monday. The disaster has revived traumatic memories of devastating floods and landslides that impacted parts of Sumatra less than three months ago.
Impact and Disruption
Hours of intense rainfall caused rivers to overflow, sending floodwaters mixed with logs into residential areas of Lopian subdistrict in Badiri district and parts of Tukka district. Water levels reached chest height in some areas, forcing residents to evacuate to higher ground. Hundreds of homes were inundated.
The flooding has severely disrupted transportation. The Sibolga–Padang Sidempuan national road, a key transport link in western North Sumatra, is paralyzed, and a sedan was swept away by the current. Access roads in Lopian are completely cut off. Landslides along the Tarutung–Sibolga route have also severed road access for travelers.
Authorities have warned that continued rainfall could trigger further slope failures and river overflows. Although local government officials have not yet issued an official damage assessment, search-and-rescue teams and emergency workers are on the ground providing assistance.
Recent History and Response
The latest flooding follows a major disaster in November that killed more than 1,200 people across North Sumatra, West Sumatra, and Aceh, with at least 140 people still reported missing.
In response to the November disaster, the Ministry of Public Works restored access to all previously isolated districts. Sovereign wealth fund Danantara has launched a temporary housing program, aiming to build 15,000 temporary homes across Aceh, West Sumatra, and North Sumatra, including approximately 2,000 units in South and Central Tapanuli.
Looking Ahead
If rainfall continues, further slope failures and river overflows are possible. It is likely that damage assessments will be conducted in the coming days to determine the full extent of the impact. Continued evacuation efforts and assistance for affected residents are also anticipated.
Frequently Asked Questions
What areas were affected by the recent flooding?
The flooding impacted Lopian subdistrict of Badiri district and parts of Tukka district in Central Tapanuli Regency, North Sumatra.
How does this event relate to past disasters in the region?
This flooding occurred less than three months after widespread floods and landslides devastated parts of Sumatra in November, resulting in over 1,200 deaths and at least 140 people still missing.
What is being done to help those affected?
Search-and-rescue teams and emergency workers have been deployed to evacuate residents and provide assistance. Danantara is also building temporary homes in the region.
How will communities in Central Tapanuli rebuild and prepare for future extreme weather events?
