Heavy Rain Triggers Floods in Central Tapanuli, 145 People Displaced

Heavy rainfall has caused flooding in several areas of Central Tapanuli Regency (Tapteng), North Sumatra, forcing hundreds of residents to evacuate and disrupting community activities in multiple locations. The Head of Emergency Management, Equipment and Logistics at the North Sumatra Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), Sri Wahyuni Pancasilawati, stated that the flooding occurred after heavy rain fell on the region on Saturday (18/7), causing several rivers to overflow. In Tukka District, flooding occurred in Sipange, Hutanabolon, and Bonalumban sub-districts. In Sipange, the overflowing Aek Silaga-laga River caused water to enter residents’ homes, leading some to seek refuge in safer places. Meanwhile, in Hutanabolon, the river overflow submerged houses. A similar situation occurred in Bonalumban after a dyke burst, resulting in waist-deep water inundating the settlement. The flooding also hit Badiri District, where overflowing rivers in Lopian sub-district flooded the main road, disrupting traffic flow and temporarily preventing both two-wheeled and four-wheeled vehicles from passing. In Pinangsori District, floodwaters submerged residents’ homes in Pinangsori and Albion sub-districts after drainage channels overflowed due to the high rainfall intensity. In Sarudik District, the water level of the river in Pondok Batu sub-district was reported to have risen, but conditions there remain safe and are not yet threatening residential areas. The BPBD, together with military personnel, the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas), village supervisory non-commissioned officers (Babinsa), and the local community, immediately carried out response efforts in the affected locations. Teams evacuated residents, monitored the condition of dykes, and set up a public kitchen to meet the logistical needs of the flood victims. BPBD officers remain on standby at several locations to assist with the cleanup of flood debris and to anticipate the possibility of subsequent rainfall. There were no fatalities in the incident. However, according to BPBD data, evacuees were only recorded in Sipange sub-district, Tukka District, where 145 people are sheltering at the HKBP Sipange Church building. A public kitchen has been operated to distribute logistical aid and meals to meet the needs of the displaced.