Sahat Simatupang, Jakarta – Floods and landslides due to heavy rainfall in several regions of North Sumatra over the past few days have caused at least 65 natural disaster incidents. Data collected from the North Sumatra Regional Police shows that landslides occurred in 38 locations and floods in 24 locations in eight regencies/cities in North Sumatra.
"Preliminary data show 4 deaths in Tapanuli Tengah, and 5 in Sibolga. In addition, 2,543 families are affected, 445 of whom have been displaced, and several roadways have been cut off," said the Head of Public Relations at the North Sumatra Regional Police, Commissioner Ferry Walintukan, in a written statement on Wednesday, November 26, 2025.
In Tapanuli Tengah Regency, Ferry mentioned that there were 8 landslide points and 10 flood points, with 4 casualties and 3 individuals still buried under landslide material. "Meanwhile, in the city of Sibolga, landslides struck 6 points, resulting in 5 deaths, 3 injuries, and 4 people still missing," he said.
Meanwhile, in Tapanuli Selatan Regency, specifically in Batang Toru District, the North Sumatra Regional Police has not yet mentioned the number of fatalities. A resident, Azis Hasibuan, stated that the conditions in three villages, namely Garoga, Huta Godang, and Aek Ngadol, are currently completely paralyzed. "The flood victims' bodies cannot be buried because the water level is still high and impassable. The aid from the Regent of Tapsel and the North Sumatra Provincial Government has not arrived yet," said Azis to Tempo.
The Head of Batang Toru Community Health Center, Elida Batubara, stated that the preliminary data on flood-related fatalities in the district amounted to 6 people. However, Elida estimated that there are still unidentified deceased victims. The identities of the six flood flash victims are Selvi, Tiurmeli Manalu and her husband, Nurhafizah, Ros Siregar, and one unidentified victim.
The Regent of Tapsel, Gus Irawan Pasaribu, who was contacted, has not responded to Tempo's messages and calls. Meanwhile, the Head of the North Sumatra Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), Tuahta Ramajaya Saragih, stated that food aid from the Department of Social Affairs and the BPBD of North Sumatra has been brought to the flood-affected areas. However, because access to the flooded and landslide-affected areas remains impossible, the North Sumatra Provincial Government has not yet been able to deliver aid to the location.