Recurring Floods in Central Tapanuli Continue, Residents Demand River Normalisation
Residents of Tukka District, Central Tapanuli Regency, North Sumatra, continue to be haunted by floods through March 2026. Since the major flooding that occurred on 25 November 2025, the area has been frequently inundated each time rainfall occurs.
The recurring flooding in Central Tapanuli is causing residents living in the area to live in constant anxiety. They worry that floods could return at any time and inundate their homes and possessions.
Raul Dalimunte, a resident of Tukka District, stated on Sunday (15 March) that there has been no proper mitigation measures felt by the community thus far.
According to him, some flood victims from November 2025 have indeed received permanent housing assistance. However, not all affected residents have received such assistance.
“During the dry season we can return to our homes. But when it rains, we have to evacuate to family homes because we fear floods will come again,” he said.
He explained that after floods recede, residents must clean their homes filled with sludge, soil and debris carried by currents such as wood fragments.
“We hope there will be concrete steps from the government. River normalisation must be carried out seriously for the safety of Tukka residents,” he said.
Similar sentiments were expressed by Doli, another local resident. He believes that flood mitigation in Central Tapanuli, particularly river normalisation, is progressing slowly and has not demonstrated government seriousness.
“Until now there has been no meaningful change. Residents still have to face floods each time it rains,” he said.
Residents hope that the regional government will accelerate flood mitigation through river normalisation and management of flood-prone areas so that people can return to living safely.
Floods and landslides have affected nearly all districts in Central Tapanuli Regency, North Sumatra, since Monday (16 February) afternoon. Efforts to normalise the river are considered not yet running at maximum capacity, so the threat of water overflow continues to haunt residential areas in Central Tapanuli, particularly during heavy rainfall.
Medium to high intensity rainfall has triggered flooding in Central and South Tapanuli. Residents have evacuated and electricity has gone out in several areas.
More than a month after the natural disaster that hit several areas in North Tapanuli Regency, the condition of healthcare services for affected residents still leaves questions. The Health Office is planning to submit a proposal for the acquisition of medical equipment and repair of health centre facilities damaged by the disaster.
Access to Sibolga and Central Tapanuli Regency, North Sumatra, can now be accessed again via Pakkat District route. Many residents have chosen to evacuate their vehicles, including motorcycles, to hilly areas to anticipate the possibility of another major flood that could return.