November 27, 2025 | 10:25 am
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Since November 25, 2025, extreme weather in North Sumatra, Indonesia, has triggered severe floods and landslides across four regencies: Sibolga, North Tapanuli, Central Tapanuli, and South Tapanuli.
Abdul Muhari, Head of the Data, Information, and Communication Center for Disaster Management at the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), reported that the recent floods were particularly strong, inundating homes and sweeping away vehicles and infrastructure.
“The water carried mud, tree trunks, building debris, and household waste along its path,” Abdul said in a written statement on Wednesday, November 26, 2025.
The disaster has resulted in multiple fatalities and has affected thousands of residents.
17 Dead, 58 Injured
In South Tapanuli Regency, floods and landslides have claimed eight lives, injured 58 people, and forced 2,851 residents to evacuate.
Abdul noted that the injured are receiving medical treatment, but emphasized that all casualty figures remain preliminary as field assessments continue.
The North Sumatra Regional Police reported four deaths in Central Tapanuli and five in Sibolga. Commissioner Ferry Walintukan, Head of Public Relations for the regional police, said 2,543 households were impacted, with 445 residents evacuated and several roads cut off.
“Three individuals were buried under landslide debris in Central Tapanuli, and four people are still missing in Sibolga,” Ferry added.
Landslides were reported at 38 locations, while floods affected 24 sites across eight districts and cities in North Sumatra.
Communities Struggle to Bury Victims
Residents in Batang Toru District, South Tapanuli Regency, described dire conditions in villages including Garoga, Huta Godang, and Aek Ngadol.
Azis Hasibuan explained that floodwaters prevented the burial of victims, and assistance from local and provincial authorities had not yet reached the area.
Elida Batubara, Head of the Batang Toru Community Health Center, reported six confirmed flood fatalities in the district, though more victims may remain unidentified. Confirmed victims include Selvi; Tiurmeli Manalu and her husband; Nurhafizah; Ros Siregar; and one unidentified individual.
Widespread Infrastructure and Housing Damage
In North Tapanuli, floods and landslides damaged 50 homes and severed two connecting bridges. Authorities recommended the Pangaribuan-Silantom route as a temporary road access.
Central Tapanuli experienced the greatest housing impact, with 1,902 homes across nine sub-districts, including Pandan, Sarudik, Badiri, Kolang, Tukka, Lumut, Barus, Sorkam, and Pinangsori, affected by floodwaters. Refugee tents have been set up, and food aid distributed to displaced residents.
Abdul Muhari stressed that all data on affected residents and areas are provisional, and the BNPB continues to monitor the situation while coordinating with local governments to accelerate emergency response.
Residents living near riverbanks, hillsides, and landslide-prone areas are advised to evacuate immediately if heavy rainfall persists for more than an hour.
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