Heavy Rain in Simalungun Causes Temporary Paralysis of Medan-Siantar Main Road
Heavy rain that lashed Simalungun Regency, North Sumatra, from Thursday night (30/7) into Friday morning caused flooding on the Sumatra Trans-Island Highway (Jalinsum) connecting Medan and Pematangsiantar, specifically at the Pondok Batu Silangit junction in the Tapian Dolok District.
The Chief of Dolok Batu Nanggar Police, IPTU Rido V. Pakpahan, stated that the flooding was exacerbated by the overflowing Sikam River. The flood also submerged residential areas in the Pasar Bawah Serbalawan market area, Dolok Batu Nanggar District.
“The flooding began after high-intensity rain hit the Simalungun region. The increased water volume caused flooding that covered the road surface on the Jalinsum, specifically at the Pondok Batu Silangit junction,” he said on Friday (31/7).
As a result, traffic flow on the main artery connecting Medan and Pematangsiantar was temporarily paralysed. Both two-wheeled and four-wheeled vehicles were unable to pass due to the high level of standing water. Police personnel were immediately deployed to the location to manage traffic and mitigate risks to road users. The flood temporarily blocked the road, causing significant congestion.
Amidst the flooding, a motorcyclist attempted to brave the waters but the vehicle stalled in the middle of the flow and was subsequently swept towards an area belonging to PT Bridgestone. No fatalities were reported in the incident.
In addition to the highway, flooding hit the Pasar Bawah Serbalawan area after the Sikam River overflowed, with water entering homes and submerging several residences. Personnel from the Dolok Batu Nanggar Police, along with relevant authorities, advised residents to immediately secure their valuables and evacuate to safer locations. During the peak of the flood, three residents were reported to be trapped inside their homes.
Evacuation efforts were carried out by the Simalungun Regency Fire Department with assistance from other relevant agencies. While the water at the Pondok Batu Silangit junction receded by approximately 00:30 WIB on Friday, allowing normal traffic to resume, the situation remains critical near the Sikam River.
“Water levels are reported to still reach approximately three metres, so handling and monitoring processes are ongoing. It is suspected that some residents are still sheltering on their rooftops awaiting evacuation,” he added.
To prevent the risk of electrocution, the electricity supply in the affected area has been temporarily disconnected. Meanwhile, the Simalungun Regency Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) has arrived on-site to conduct data collection and assist with flood management and resident evacuations.