Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — The provincial government of North Sumatra has declared a disaster emergency status in 13 districts and cities after days of heavy rains and strong winds triggered widespread flooding and landslides. The declaration was issued by the Tuahta Ramajaya Saragi, the head of North Sumatra’s Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), on Monday December 2.
“We have declared a disaster emergency for North Sumatra. Currently, 13 districts and cities in the province have implemented emergency response measures,” said Tuahta, as reported by CNN Indonesia.
Tuahta emphasized, the intense rainfall over recent days has caused landslides and flooding, severely affecting residential areas. In Sibolangit, a landslide blocked the main Medan-Berastagi road, temporarily cutting off a vital route.
“The landslides occurred due to heavy rainfall, with some impacting roads and others affecting residential areas,” Tuahta explained.
The Medan-Berastagi route, particularly in Sibolangit, Deli Serdang Regency, has since been cleared of debris. However, Tuahta warned that the road might be closed again if rainfall intensifies in Sibolangit or nearby Karo Regency. While transportation along this route has resumed, restrictions remain in place.
Authorities Urge Caution
Agustinus Panjaitan, Head of North Sumatra’s Transportation Agency, advised caution for drivers traveling through landslide-prone areas. “We urge drivers to follow traffic regulations and avoid traveling during bad weather,” Panjaitan said on Monday.
Landslide Tragedy
Acting Governor Agus Fatoni confirmed that the Sibolangit landslide, which occurred on Tuesday November 26, left 10 people dead and 23 injured.
“We’ve seen residents displaced, and while the road has been reopened, caution is still necessary as the rain continues,” Fatoni said.
Joint security posts involving the Indonesian Armed Forces (TNI), National Police, and BPBD remain operational in Sembahe and Sibolangit due to the persistent heavy rainfall.
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Long-Term Mitigation Plans
To address the ongoing risk of landslides, the government plans to construct retaining walls along landslide-prone sections of the Medan-Berastagi route.
“Retaining walls will be built in high-risk areas, especially around the Tirtanadi curve, which is particularly vulnerable,” Fatoni explained.
In the meantime, personnel from TNI, the police, and BPBD are maintaining their presence at landslide sites, with heavy machinery still working to clear remaining debris.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, emphasizing the need for vigilance as heavy rainfall persist. With long-term mitigation efforts underway, the government hopes to safeguard residents and critical infrastructure from future disasters.
(Raidi/Agung)
