Photo : BNPB.
ACEH, JAKTIMES.COM – A series of hydrometeorological disasters striking Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra over the past week has left a devastating toll.
According to the latest data from Indonesia’s National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) as of Friday (Nov 28), 174 people have died, 79 remain missing, and 12 have been injured.
The updated report was delivered by BNPB Chief Lt. Gen. Suharyanto during a press briefing at Silangit Airport, North Tapanuli. Additional details were confirmed by Abdul Muhari, Ph.D., Head of BNPB’s Disaster Data, Information and Communication Center, in a statement to Jaktimes.com.
North Sumatra: 116 Dead, 42 Missing, Multiple Transport Routes Severed
North Sumatra recorded the highest number of casualties:
116 people dead and 42 missing, distributed across:
- North Tapanuli: 11
- Central Tapanuli: 51
- South Tapanuli: 32
- Sibolga: 17
- Humbang Hasundutan: 6
- Padang Sidempuan: 1
- Pakpak Bharat: 2
“The number may increase as several landslide-hit areas remain inaccessible,” Suharyanto said.
Evacuation centers are still being verified, with Mandailing Natal recording 8 shelters and Humbang Hasundutan 1 shelter.
Major road and bridge failures have hampered ground operations:
- National Route Sidempuan–Sibolga cut off at one point
- Sipirok–Medan route severed in two sections
- Roads such as Singkuang–Tabuyung and Bulu Soma–Sopotinjak rendered impassable
Relief distribution is ongoing, including food packages, tents, tarpaulins, and family kits. Presidential aid — communication equipment, generators, LCR boats, tents, and compressors — has also been deployed.
An Airbus EC-155 helicopter supports aerial distribution to isolated zones.
Aceh: 35 Dead, 25 Missing, Nearly 5,000 Families Displaced
BNPB recorded:
- 35 deaths
- 25 missing persons
- 8 injuries
The worst-affected districts include Bener Meriah, Aceh Tenggara, and Aceh Tengah.
“We are still updating the data because many areas remain isolated,” said Suharyanto.
Evacuations span 20 districts/cities, with 96 shelters in Lhokseumawe alone.
Transportation networks across Aceh suffered extensive damage:
- National border route between North Sumatra and Aceh collapsed due to landslides
- A bridge collapse in Meureudu cut connectivity between Banda Aceh, Lhokseumawe, East Aceh, Langsa, and Aceh Tamiang
- Gayo Lues, Aceh Tengah, and Bener Meriah are unreachable by land
Air routes are now the primary access points, using Gayo Lues Pioneer Airport and Rembele Airport.
Starlink units have been installed in Gayo Lues, Bener Meriah, and Aceh Tengah to restore emergency communication.
Logistical aid — rice, instant noodles, cooking oil, eggs, diapers, and medicine — has begun flowing into affected areas. Three Hercules aircraft transported additional presidential relief items.
West Sumatra: 23 Dead, 12 Missing, 3,900 Families Evacuated
In West Sumatra, BNPB reported:
- 23 deaths
- 12 missing persons
- 4 injuries
Casualties are spread across Padang Panjang, Tanah Datar, Agam, Padang City, and West Pasaman.
Evacuation centers have been established in:
- Pesisir Selatan: 50 shelters
- Padang City: 3 shelters
- Additional points in Solok, Tanah Datar, and Pasaman
Infrastructure damage includes:
- Five damaged bridges in Padang Pariaman
- Landslides along the national Bukittinggi–Padang route
- Around 200 vehicles stranded due to road collapse in Ampek Koto District
Emergency supplies — hygiene kits, food packages, foldable mattresses, and tents — have been distributed to Tanah Datar and Bukittinggi.
Additional presidential aid has arrived, including generators, LCR boats, communications gear, and ready-to-eat food.
Weather Modification Operations Begin in All Three Provinces
Responding to increasing disaster risks, BNPB has launched simultaneous Weather Modification Operations (WMO).
- Aceh: Began Friday (Nov 28) from Sultan Iskandar Muda Airport
- North Sumatra: Started Thursday (Nov 27) from Kualanamu Airport; four sorties completed with 3,200 kg of seeding material
- West Sumatra: Begins Saturday (Nov 29) from Minangkabau International Airport
“WMO aims to divert rain clouds away from high-risk zones,” Suharyanto explained.
According to Abdul Muhari, the operation is crucial as extreme rainfall continues to threaten new floods and secondary disasters.
Emergency Command Center Established in Silangit
BNPB Chief Suharyanto is now stationed full-time in Silangit to coordinate the multi-province disaster response.
- North Sumatra: Led directly by the BNPB Chief and Deputy for Emergency Management
- Aceh: Headed by BNPB’s Deputy for Rehabilitation and Reconstruction
- West Sumatra: Led by BNPB’s Secretary-General
“All relevant agencies, TNI/Police, ministries, and volunteers are working around the clock. Our top priorities remain restoring access, distributing aid, and locating missing persons,” Abdul Muhari told Jaktimes.com (Wan)