North Sumatra Governor stated that the focus of handling flash floods and landslides affecting several regencies/cities in North Sumatra is on services, search, rescue and evacuation of victims, as well as reopening road access cut off by the disaster.

This was conveyed during a disaster management coordination meeting held via video conference at the Governor’s Official Residence.

For logistical assistance, the North Sumatra Provincial Government has distributed aid to disaster-affected areas. However, there are still areas that cannot be accessed by land routes. Therefore, efforts to clear landslide debris continue. The goal is to open logistics and communication routes in several affected areas.

“For 8 regencies/cities, our aid can already reach them via land routes, but there are 2 regencies/cities we cannot supply – Central Tapanuli and Sibolga – because access remains completely cut off,” said the Governor.

Nevertheless, coordination has been made with the military for the option of entering these areas by air. Two helicopters have been prepared for this purpose.

In addition, the Governor has also established a disaster emergency status, provided assistance in affected regencies/cities, coordinated multi-sector Rapid Response Teams, established evacuation posts and field posts, and mobilized assistance from state-owned enterprises, regional-owned enterprises and related stakeholders.

Based on current data, there are 10 regencies/cities affected by floods and landslides. These include Central Tapanuli, Sibolga, North Tapanuli, Mandailing Natal, Humbang Hasundutan, Pakpak Bharat, Langkat, Padang Sidimpuan, and South Nias. A total of 30 fatalities have been reported in North Sumatra. Approximately 4,035 residents have been evacuated.

Separately, the Head of North Sumatra Communication and Information Service stated that efforts are underway to restore communication networks. Several disaster-affected areas have experienced communication disruptions since the floods and landslides occurred.

“In accordance with the Governor’s directives, communication network restoration continues. Currently, there are still regencies/cities with disrupted communication networks, so we continue to coordinate to resolve this issue,” the official stated.

Previously, the Governor had deployed personnel and evacuation equipment to disaster-affected areas. The North Sumatra Regional Disaster Management Agency has also prepared aid packages worth IDR 60 million.

The equipment sent for evacuation and rescue includes 4 rubber boats, 2 boat engines, 2 air jacks, 2 generators, 6 portable pumps, 4 Kohler pumps, 2 evacuation tents, 2 Starlink units, 2 chainsaws, and 42 lantern lights.

The Governor has also coordinated with the central government regarding disaster management assistance and support needs. The Provincial Government has coordinated with the National Disaster Management Agency for ready-to-use funds for affected regencies.

The Provincial Government has also coordinated with state-owned enterprises for community assistance. The Governor has also sent 1 ton of cooking oil, 500 kg of white sugar, 500 boxes of tea bags, 20,000 packs of instant noodles and 1,000 cans of sardines.

The Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture affirmed the central government’s serious commitment to responding to disasters affecting 3 provinces: North Sumatra, Aceh and West Sumatra. Plans for post-emergency recovery have also been prepared.

“The President has ordered us to seriously respond to emergency disaster management, while simultaneously preparing for the post-emergency phase for community recovery, as infrastructure must also be immediately restored,” the Minister stated in Jakarta.

North Sumatra

North Sumatra is a province on the Indonesian island of Sumatra, renowned for its stunning natural landscapes centered around Lake Toba, the largest volcanic lake in the world. The region is the homeland of the Batak people, whose distinct cultures and traditions have been preserved for centuries. Historically, it was also home to significant pre-Islamic kingdoms and later became a major center for trade and plantation agriculture under Dutch colonial rule.

Central Tapanuli

Central Tapanuli is a regency located in North Sumatra, Indonesia, historically significant as the heartland of the Batak Angkola people. The region is known for its traditional adat (customary law), distinctive rumah adat (traditional houses), and its historical role within the Tapanuli region. It also contains natural attractions, such as parts of the Batang Toru ecosystem.

Sibolga

Sibolga is a coastal city located on the western shore of North Sumatra, Indonesia, historically serving as a significant port for the surrounding Batak Highlands. Its strategic location made it a vital hub for trade and transportation during the Dutch colonial era. Today, it remains an important gateway and fishing port, though it is also known as a transit point for travelers heading to the nearby island of Nias.

North Tapanuli

North Tapanuli is a regency located in North Sumatra, Indonesia, historically significant as the heartland of the Batak Toba people. It is home to key cultural sites such as the ancient stone chairs (batu parsidangan) in the village of Sitorang, where tribal chiefs traditionally held judicial meetings. The region’s history is deeply intertwined with the powerful Sisingamangaraja dynasty, which led a long resistance against Dutch colonial rule in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Mandailing Natal

Mandailing Natal is a regency in North Sumatra, Indonesia, historically known as a significant cultural heartland of the Mandailing people. It was once a powerful federation of kingdoms and is renowned for its traditional music, such as Gordang Sambilan, and its historical connection to the ancient trade routes and the Padri War. Today, it is also known for its production of high-quality Arabica coffee.

Humbang Hasundutan

Humbang Hasundutan is a regency located in North Sumatra, Indonesia, on the island of Sumatra. Its history is deeply intertwined with the Batak people, and it is part of the Toba Batak cultural region, situated near the renowned Lake Toba. The area is known for its traditional villages, distinctive Batak architecture, and its significant role in preserving Batak culture and history.

Pakpak Bharat

Pakpak Bharat is a regency located in North Sumatra, Indonesia, established in 2003 after being separated from the Dairi Regency. It is the traditional homeland of the Pakpak people, one of the Batak ethnic groups, with a rich cultural heritage centered on traditional customs, ceremonies, and ancestral villages.

Langkat

Langkat is a regency in North Sumatra, Indonesia, historically known as the seat of the Langkat Sultanate, which was a significant Malay-Islamic kingdom from the 17th century. Its most famous cultural site is the Azizi Mosque, built in 1902, which stands as a landmark of the sultanate’s legacy and Islamic architecture in the region.