North Sumatra Governor: Residential Areas Severely Damaged by Lopian River Overflow
Medan (ANTARA) - North Sumatra Governor Bobby Nasution has reported that residential areas suffered severe damage due to the overflow of the Lopian River in Tapanuli Tengah district, North Sumatra.
Bobby added that some settlements in Badiri sub-district, Tapanuli Tengah, were displaced by the upstream overflow of the Lopian River that occurred earlier this week.
“We have assessed the condition of residents’ houses. There are categories of damage — minor, moderate, and severe. We have already inspected several affected locations,” Bobby stated after visiting the disaster site in Badiri, Tapanuli Tengah, on Wednesday.
The governor said he went directly to verify the affected locations and meet residents who had fallen victim to the flooding in Badiri, Tapanuli Tengah.
His team engaged in direct dialogue with local residents as they were carrying out evacuation and clean-up operations at the flood-affected sites.
“They conveyed their grievances, as they can no longer occupy their homes. Some have even lost their dwellings entirely, similar to what occurred in other areas in November 2025,” Bobby said.
The governor also reassured residents of government assistance from central, provincial, and district levels, including infrastructure repairs and the provision of permanent housing.
“We are preparing the aid. There is assistance from the central government as well as the district. For residents, please use Bank Sumut accounts. If you do not have one yet, we will set one up in your name,” he said.
Bobby also instructed district government officials from hamlet, village, sub-district, and district levels to promptly compile factual data on residents affected by the flooding.
“We are requesting that data on affected communities be submitted to us by the district as soon as possible. Likewise for disaster response — we already have a reconstruction and post-disaster rehabilitation plan in place,” Bobby explained.
Tapanuli Tengah Regent Masinton Pasaribu reported that flooding had struck several sub-districts across the Tapanuli Tengah area on Monday (16 February).
“In Tukka sub-district, Tapanuli Tengah, the impact was quite severe, even causing power outages,” Masinton said.
Flooding and landslides triggered by heavy rainfall struck several sub-districts in Tapanuli Tengah, North Sumatra, on Monday (16 February) at approximately 2:00 PM local time.
Tapanuli Tengah Police traffic unit head AKP Dela Amtoni reported that wood and rock debris had blocked the Rampa Poriaha road at kilometre 7 Sigarupu, Mardame village, Sitahuis sub-district, Tapanuli Tengah, causing a complete traffic standstill.
He said landslides also occurred at multiple points along the Sibolga–Tarutung road from kilometre 23 to kilometre 26, rendering the road impassable to vehicles.
At kilometre 23.5, he continued, a landslide had temporarily blocked a river channel, triggering flooding around the area.
“There were no fatalities in this incident, although seven houses were affected by the flooding and landslides,” Dela Amtoni said.