Indonesia Disaster: Sumatra Floods Leave 62 Dead and Thousands Homeless
Severe flooding and landslides on the Indonesian island of Sumatra have killed at least 62 people and displaced thousands within the past three days, according to the latest data released by local authorities on Thursday.
North Sumatra Worst Hit
North Sumatra recorded the highest number of casualties, with 37 deaths across several regions:
South Tapanuli — 17
Sibolga — 8
Central Tapanuli — 4
Humbang Hasundutan — 4
Pakpak Bharat — 2
South Nias — 1
Padangsidimpuan — 1
In West Sumatra, officials confirmed 12 additional deaths, including four in Sungai Minturun, Padang, where overflowing rivers carried mud and uprooted trees into residential areas, said Abdul Muhari, spokesperson for the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB).
Aceh: 13 Dead, 12 Missing
In Aceh’s Bener Meriah Regency, flash floods and landslides have struck multiple districts since Wednesday, resulting in 13 deaths and 12 people missing. Ilham Abdi, head of the Bener Meriah Communications and Information Agency, reported that communication lines are down and electricity is unavailable in most affected areas.
“The situation in Bener Meriah is extremely concerning. We have lost communication, power is out, and many regions are difficult to reach. We are still trying to connect with all disaster sites,” Ilham told state radio RRI on Thursday.
Flooding Still Ongoing
As of Thursday morning, floodwaters in Medan and Deli Serdang remained high. The Deli and Belawan rivers overflowed, submerging residential areas under up to three meters of water in some locations.
Rescue teams continue evacuating residents, many of whom are trapped in their homes. Flooded roads have left hundreds of vehicles stranded after drivers attempted to pass through deep water.
Emergency crews from the Regional Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD), the National Search and Rescue Agency, the military, and the police are using inflatable boats to evacuate residents in Medan Maimun, one of the worst-hit areas along the Deli River.
In Sei Mati, around 300 families have evacuated as water levels continue to rise. Children and elderly residents are being prioritized for relocation to temporary shelters.
Several other districts in Medan are also undergoing evacuation operations. In Deli Serdang’s Helvetia village, homes are submerged under two meters of water, forcing residents to seek refuge in nearby mosques.
Local resident Anto said his home began flooding at around 8 a.m., with water initially reaching his ankles before rising to nearly two meters by late afternoon, damaging his furniture.
“Our most urgent needs are food, clean drinking water, and clothing. We haven’t received any aid yet. We hope the government arrives soon,” he said.
Floodwaters also reached Jalan Kapten Sumarsono, where one meter of water stalled numerous motorcycles, forcing residents to push their vehicles to safety.
Authorities have yet to release official figures on the number of displaced people, but thousands of homes are believed to be submerged, with hundreds of families evacuated.
Why Flooding Continues to Occur in Sumatra
Floods and landslides are recurring seasonal problems in Sumatra. Experts say the situation has worsened in recent years due to a combination of natural weather patterns and human activity.
1. Heavy Rainfall from Monsoon and Climate Patterns
Sumatra lies directly along the equatorial monsoon path, making it prone to prolonged heavy rainfall. Recent La Niña cycles and Indian Ocean Dipole variations have intensified rainfall events.
2. River Overflows and Overburdened Watersheds
Major river systems such as the Deli, Belawan, Batang Arau, and Musi often overflow after days of continuous rain, flooding low-lying areas.
3. Deforestation and Land-Use Change
Environmental groups report significant deforestation in upstream regions due to:
expansion of farms and plantations,
mining,
industrial development.
Loss of vegetation reduces soil absorption and increases surface runoff, raising the risk of floods and landslides.
4. Rapid Urban Growth Without Adequate Drainage
Cities like Medan and Padang have expanded rapidly, outpacing drainage and waste-management infrastructure. Clogged drainage systems and narrowed riverbanks cause water levels to rise quickly.
5. Poor Riverbank Management and Sedimentation
Sedimentation has shallowed many riverbeds, reducing their capacity to contain high water volumes. Illegal dumping and construction along riverbanks further obstruct water flow.
Source : https://jakartaglobe.id/news/floods-and-landslides-kill-62-across-sumatra-thousands-displaced
