BNPB: 400 Households Affected by Floods in Central Tapanuli

Jakarta (ANTARA) - As many as 400 households in Central Tapanuli Regency, North Sumatra, have been affected by flooding due to high-intensity rain that lashed the area, as reported by the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) on Monday.

Head of the BNPB Centre for Disaster Data, Information, and Communication, Abdul Muhari, in a statement received in Jakarta, stated that the flooding inundated areas including Tapian Nauli II Ward in Tapian Nauli Sub-district, and Pondok Batu Ward and Pasir Bidang Ward in Sarudik Sub-district.

The BNPB Directorate of Operations Control confirmed, based on reports from the rapid assessment team, that the water levels submerging hundreds of residents’ homes were recorded at between 10-20 centimetres due to heavy rain since Saturday (28/3) evening.

“BPBD Central Tapanuli, along with related parties, has conducted assessments at the incident site and coordinated with sub-district and village governments for emergency handling,” said Abdul.

“What was reported on Sunday (29/3) is that the water has receded and residents have returned to their respective homes,” he revealed.

In response to the series of disasters, BNPB has urged the public and local governments to continue enhancing readiness and vigilance against various potential follow-up disasters.

Abdul reminded that if high-intensity and prolonged rain occurs, the public is advised to carry out self-evacuation and know safe evacuation routes. Residents living along riverbanks are also asked to routinely monitor water levels and update weather information from official agencies.