BNPB Stresses Intensive Coordination for Flood and Tornado Response in North Sumatra

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) has emphasised the need for strengthened cross-sector coordination in the field to accelerate emergency response to flash floods and tornadoes that hit two regencies in North Sumatra Province.

Head of the BNPB Data, Information and Communication Centre for Disasters, Abdul Muhari, stated in Jakarta on Thursday that the series of hydrometeorological disasters struck the regions of Asahan Regency and Deli Serdang Regency simultaneously from Tuesday (16/6) afternoon until evening.

“Data collection and handling in the field are still being optimised by the local BPBD together with relevant agencies. Intensive coordination with sub-district and village governments continues to ensure the fulfilment of affected residents’ needs,” he said.

Abdul explained that in Asahan Regency, the flooding was triggered by high-intensity rainfall that inundated residential areas in four villages across three sub-districts, directly impacting at least 183 families or the equivalent of 521 individuals.

The BNPB Operations Control Centre confirmed that in Asahan, 152 residential houses, one place of worship, two educational facilities, and one public facility were flooded, with fluctuating water levels ranging between 30 and 70 centimetres.

The agricultural sector was also reported to have been significantly affected, with 50 hectares of rice fields submerged. However, the latest report as of Wednesday (17/6) indicated that floodwaters in several locations had begun to gradually recede.

Meanwhile, on the same day, a tornado struck three villages in Deli Serdang Regency, affecting 18 families and causing physical damage to residential structures.

Material loss assessments in Deli Serdang recorded 14 houses with minor damage and four houses with moderate damage. Local residents have now begun working together to repair roof structures that were torn off by the wind.

“Following this series of disasters that may occur due to weather factors, BNPB urges local governments and the public to increase vigilance against potential disasters according to the characteristics of their respective regions,” said Abdul.