Search for 40 Missing North Sumatra Flood Victims Called Off as 4,638 Residents Remain Displaced

The flash floods and landslides that struck North Sumatra in late November 2025 claimed hundreds of lives. A total of 376 people were confirmed dead and 40 others declared missing.

Sri Wahyuni Pancasilawati, Head of Emergency Response, Equipment and Logistics at the North Sumatra Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), said the search for the 40 missing victims has been officially called off. The decision was taken after various considerations, including field conditions and the readiness of victims’ families.

“The total number of deceased victims found stands at 376 people. The search for the remaining 40 has been halted,” Sri Wahyuni said.

According to Sri Wahyuni, the families of those yet to be found have accepted the cessation of search operations. At several affected locations, families have held communal prayers and flower-scattering ceremonies as a final tribute.

“There are still 40 missing. However, the search has been stopped and the families have come to terms with it. Flower-scattering ceremonies have been conducted at the sites,” she said.

BPBD North Sumatra data shows that Central Tapanuli Regency suffered the highest death toll at 131 people, with 33 missing. South Tapanuli Regency followed with 93 dead and four missing.

Sibolga recorded 55 deaths; North Tapanuli Regency had 36 dead and two missing; Deli Serdang Regency had 17 dead; Langkat Regency had 16 dead; and Humbang Hasundutan Regency had 10 dead and one missing.

Medan city recorded 12 deaths; Pakpak Bharat Regency had two deaths; Padangsidimpuan city had one death; Nias Regency had two deaths; and South Nias Regency had one death.

Despite the disaster having occurred three months ago, 4,638 residents continue to live in evacuation shelters. Local government has begun a phased process of clearing the shelters as infrastructure repairs and housing reconstruction progress.

“We are currently in the phase of clearing evacuees. It is hoped that there will be no more displaced persons in evacuation tents by Ramadan,” she explained.