Floods Strike Central Tapanuli: Residents Evacuated, Roads Collapse

Floods have once again struck several areas in Central Tapanuli Regency, North Sumatra, following heavy rainfall since midday on Monday (16/2).

Central Tapanuli Regent Masinton Pasaribu said that rain had continued to fall across nearly the entire region into the evening. Flooding also continued to inundate several areas previously affected by major floods on 25 November.

“Since 25 November 2025, and then on 11 February there was a subsequent flood, and now there is another subsequent flood — the second follow-up flood — on 16 February. So it was only five days apart before heavy rain struck again and flood-prone villages were once more inundated,” Masinton said.

“Even areas that had not previously experienced flooding have now been affected. The river water levels are already high due to sedimentation, so it is overflowing into residential areas,” he added.

Masinton shared several video clips from a number of villages submerged by floodwaters. The footage showed flooding inundating residents’ homes across several villages and blocking road access.

Many residents panicked and attempted to evacuate to safer locations. A significant number were in tears as their areas were flooded again following a full day of heavy rain.

Masinton said his administration had prepared evacuation and shelter points for affected residents, including schools, community health centres, and government offices.

“We have asked communities living along river basins to evacuate, and residents in landslide-prone areas to do the same. The evacuation process is currently underway,” he said.

Furthermore, Masinton said several road sections had also been affected by the flooding. According to him, some roads had collapsed or were on the verge of caving in, posing a risk of severing transport links.

“Several roads have been obstructed — pushed by water, some have collapsed, some are on the verge of caving in — so we have carried out evacuations in villages where roads are nearly severed. We have also requested PLN to cut electricity in flooded areas for safety, and we have provided generators for lighting,” he said.

Previously, six sub-districts in Central Tapanuli were hit by flash floods. Residents were evacuated to safer locations after floodwaters submerged their homes since Wednesday (11/2) afternoon.

The six affected sub-districts were Tukka, Sibabangun, Sarudik, Pandan, Barus, and Sitahuis.