Heavy Rain Lashes Motorcyclist Returnees on the National Route from Banda Aceh to Medan
Returnees travelling back for Lebaran 1447 H/2026 M on the National Route from Banda Aceh in Aceh Province to Medan in North Sumatra were hit by heavy rain on Saturday (24/3). They were students and migrants returning to Banda Aceh or vice versa, using motorcycles.
The heavy rain suddenly poured down on the main route connecting Banda Aceh, the capital of Aceh Province, with various districts and cities in the northern, eastern, central, and southeastern regions of Aceh. This land route also connects to North Sumatra Province and as far as Lampung.
Based on investigations by Media Indonesia, the heavy rain occurred around 14:00 WIB until the evening. It affected the entire stretch through Pidie Regency, including the routes through Mutiara Timur Subdistrict, Mutiara, Peukan Baro, Indrajaya, Pidie, Sigli City, Grong-Grong, and Padang Tiji Subdistrict.
As a result, returnees without raincoats were left drenched from head to toe. To protect clothes in their bags and other belongings, they had to stop or take shelter at roadside stalls, petrol stations, community halls, or prayer rooms.
“Suddenly, upon arriving in Beureunuen City in Mutiara Subdistrict, a drizzle started to wet us. A few minutes later, it got heavier. Since I didn’t have a raincoat, I had to stop and wait for the rain to subside,” said Ihkwan, a motorcyclist heading towards Banda Aceh, who stopped at Taqwa Lampoih Saka Mosque in Peukan Baro Subdistrict, Pidie.
Meanwhile, most other motorcycle returnees continued their journeys to and from Banda Aceh, using raincoats to protect themselves from the downpour.
In particular, student motorcyclists departing from East Aceh, North Aceh, Central Aceh, and Southeast Aceh could not stop for long, as their journey to Banda Aceh was still far.
“Avoid travelling late at night. Especially female students using motorcycles,” said Ghina Zuhaira, a young doctor practicing at Syiah Kuala University (USK) in Banda Aceh. (H-2)