ASIATODAY.ID, JAKARTA — A series of deadly flash floods and landslides has engulfed three provinces in Sumatra—North Sumatra, Aceh, and West Sumatra—over the past several days, cutting off major transport routes, destroying critical infrastructure, and forcing thousands of residents into emergency shelters.
As of Friday evening, November 28, 2025, Indonesia’s National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) confirmed 174 fatalities, 79 people missing, and 12 injured across the affected regions. The disaster was triggered by Tropical Cyclone Senyar, which unleashed extreme rainfall, strong winds, and widespread flooding.
North Sumatra: Highest Death Toll, Key Routes Severed
North Sumatra recorded the highest number of casualties, with 116 deaths and 42 people still missing. Fatalities were reported across several areas:
Central Tapanuli: 51
South Tapanuli: 32
Sibolga City: 17
North Tapanuli: 11
Humbang Hasundutan: 6
Padang Sidempuan: 1
Pakpak Bharat: 2
Access to several districts remains severely disrupted. National roads such as Sidempuan–Sibolga and Sipirok–Medan were cut off in multiple sections due to landslides and overflowing rivers. In Mandailing Natal, several major roads—including Singkuang–Tabuyung and Bulu Soma–Sopotinjak—were rendered impassable.
Telecommunication networks also collapsed in several districts. To restore emergency connectivity, Starlink units have been deployed to evacuation sites and disaster response posts.
Aceh: 35 Dead, 25 Missing, Widespread Displacement Across 20 Districts
In Aceh, BNPB recorded 35 deaths, 25 missing persons, and 8 injured. The highest casualties were reported in Bener Meriah, Central Aceh, and Southeast Aceh.
As many as 4,846 households have been displaced across 20 districts/cities, including 96 evacuation points in Lhokseumawe alone.
Major transportation routes suffered heavy damage:
The North Sumatra–Aceh national road collapsed due to landslides.
Damage to the Meureudu Bridge disrupted connectivity along the Banda Aceh–Lhokseumawe–Langsa–Aceh Tamiang corridor.
Gayo Lues, Central Aceh, and Bener Meriah are currently inaccessible by land and rely solely on air routes via Gayo Lues Pioneer Airport and Rembele Airport.
West Sumatra: 23 Dead, Nearly 4,000 Families Displaced
BNPB reported 23 deaths, 12 missing, and 4 injured in West Sumatra, with victims recorded in Padang Panjang, Tanah Datar, Agam, Padang City, and West Pasaman.
Evacuation centers have been set up in:
Pesisir Selatan: 50 sites
Padang City: 3 sites
Tanah Datar, Solok, Pasaman: multiple additional sites
A total of 3,900 households have been displaced.
Transportation infrastructure suffered severe damage, including five collapsed bridges in Padang Pariaman, landslides along the Bukittinggi–Padang national route, and major road disruptions in Agam District. Around 200 vehicles were stranded in Ampek Koto after road access was cut.
BMKG: Cyclone Senyar Behind Extreme Weather, Storm Surge, and Widespread Hazards
The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) identified Tropical Cyclone Senyar as the main driver of the extreme rainfall and destructive winds across the region.
The cyclone also triggered:
Flooding and flash floods
Landslides in hilly and mountainous zones
Moderate sea waves of 1.25–2.5 meters in the Malacca Strait, North Sumatra waters, and Rokan Hilir
Prolonged severe weather not typically observed in the Malacca Strait area
BMKG is also monitoring Tropical Cyclone Koto to the north, which currently poses no direct threat but remains under surveillance.
Government Mobilizes Emergency Response Under President Prabowo’s Directive
At Halim Perdanakusuma Air Base in Jakarta, Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture, Pratikno led the dispatch of emergency relief supplies for Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra.
He emphasized that the response follows direct orders from President Prabowo Subianto to prioritize rapid deployment and fulfillment of basic needs.
Relief sent includes:
100 Starlink communication units
70 power generators
150 emergency tents
64 LCR rescue boats
Food supplies and essential logistics
Compressors and additional emergency equipment
To accelerate access reopening, the Ministry of Public Works has deployed heavy machinery to multiple landslide points. Meanwhile, weather modification operations are being carried out to divert rain clouds toward offshore areas.
“From the first night of the disaster, the President instructed us to move fast. Teams from TNI–Polri and local governments have been on the ground continuously,” Pratikno said.
The government remains on high alert for potential worsening conditions should Cyclone Koto shift toward Indonesian territory.
A Humanitarian Emergency Unfolding Across Sumatra
With over 174 confirmed deaths, tens of thousands displaced, and critical transportation and communication nodes destroyed, the disaster is now considered one of the most severe weather-related crises to hit Sumatra in recent years.
Emergency response operations continue around the clock, with authorities racing to reopen access, locate missing persons, distribute supplies, and stabilize impacted regions. (AT Network)
Follow Us at Google News and WA Channel