At Least Eight Killed As Floods And Landslides Hit North Sumatra

JAKARTA, Nov 26 (Bernama) -- Floods and landslides have struck across four districts in Indonesia’s North Sumatra province following days of torrential rain, killing at least eight people, injuring dozens and forcing thousands to evacuate from their homes, according to the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB).

In Sibolga, two days of continuous downpours triggered flash floods and landslides, leaving one resident injured and damaging three houses, including a shophouse, as well as several roads.

BNPB spokesperson Abdul Muhari said the disasters also affected 11 subdistricts in South Tapanuli, killing eight people, injuring 58 and displacing 2,851 residents, while response teams used heavy machinery to clear landslide debris and reopen roads.

In North Tapanuli, 50 houses were damaged and two bridges were cut off, while in Central Tapanuli, 1,902 houses were affected across nine subdistricts.

“Floodwaters swept through homes, carrying vehicles, mud, tree trunks, debris and household waste,” he said in a statement.

Abdul Muhari said the figures, including casualty numbers and the extent of damage, are preliminary and subject to revision as assessments continue.

AThe Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) said Tropical Cyclone Koto over the Sulu Sea and Cyclone Seed 95B in the Malacca Strait contributed to the extreme weather by enhancing cloud formation and intensifying heavy rainfall across western Indonesia, including Aceh and North Sumatra.

BMKG warned that moderate to heavy rain and strong winds are expected to persist in affected areas until 7pm Western Indonesia Time on Wednesday, and cautioned of high waves ranging from 1.25 to 4 metres in the Malacca Strait, eastern North Sumatra waters and parts of the Indian Ocean and northern Pacific near Maluku-Papua.

-- BERNAMA