Jakarta (ANTARA) - Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture Pratikno has deployed an emergency response team to handle landslides and flash floods across Sumatra.
“We have deployed aid to the affected areas. The disaster has impacted several provinces, starting with Aceh, North Sumatra in Medan and Tapanuli, as well as West Sumatra,” he said on Thursday.
He noted that relevant ministries and agencies have been mobilized, including the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas), the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB), the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Social Affairs, the Ministry of Public Works, and the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Pratikno explained that access to Tapanuli and Sibolga remains severely restricted due to floods and landslides, making air assistance essential.
“Many land routes have been damaged, so we are using all available means, including deploying Hercules aircraft to the affected areas and delivering aid by sea. The government is committed to supporting emergency response efforts in Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra Provinces,” he emphasized.
He added that all relevant parties, including local governments, are working to restore land access.
The minister also stated that his office is coordinating efforts following the Nias earthquake, which disrupted internet services.
“We just received information about the earthquake in Nias. We are working together to ensure that communities can receive assistance quickly. We hope there are no casualties,” he added.
A report from Basarnas shows that flash floods and landslides have had a major impact on Central Tapanuli District, North Sumatra. Several sub-districts were affected, including Badiri, Pinangsori, Lumut, Sarudik, Tukka, Pandan, Sibabangun, Tapian Nauli, and Kolang.
Preliminary data as of Wednesday (November 26) recorded more than 1,902 affected families, with the highest number in Kolang Sub-district at 1,261. Basarnas confirmed that one family of four in the area died after being buried by a landslide.
In South Tapanuli District, flash floods and landslides struck the Aek Ngadol, Hutagodang, Garoga, Batuhoring, and Hapesong Baru areas in Batang Toru Sub-district. Basarnas reported six deaths from the flash floods and seven residents affected by a landslide in Parsariran, Hapesong Baru.
Meanwhile, in Sibolga City, the most severe impact was recorded in South Sibolga Sub-district, where the disaster claimed eight lives and 21 people remained missing, according to reports received by the SAR post as of Wednesday evening.
To support displaced residents, the Nias SAR Office confirmed that at least three evacuation posts have been established, namely the Pandan Sports Hall in Central Tapanuli District, the Parombunan 5 Middle School building in Sibolga City, and the Bhayangkara Batang Toru Hospital, along with a village-level refugee point in South Tapanuli District.
