Deploy Teams And Heavy Equipment, BPBD Is Still Looking For Missing Residents Due To The Samosir Flash Flood

The post-flood conditions in Samosir Regency, North Sumatra, Wednesday (15/11/2023). (ANTARA/HO-BNPB)

A resident was reported missing due to flash floods crashing into Samosir Regency, North Sumatra (North Sumatra). The Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPDB) deployed a search team.

"We are still in the search stage. We together with the joint team on Wednesday morning (15 November) have deployed heavy equipment in the search process, starting from around the victim's residence," said Head of BPBD Samosir Regency, Sarimpol Simanihuruk, in a statement, Thursday, November 16, which was confiscated by Antara.

The BNPB Operations Control Center (Pusdalops) reported that floods in Samosir on Monday night, November 13, caused five houses to be heavily damaged, four bridges damaged, and irrigation networks and clean water were also damaged. In addition, three educational facilities, two health center buildings, two church units, and 266 hectares of agricultural land were also affected.

Sarimpol added that the flood had also expanded, which previously had an impact on four sub-districts, so far it has reached five sub-districts. The affected sub-districts are Harian District, Sianjur Mulamula District, Palipi District, Nainggolan District and Simarionggo District.

Temporary rapid assessment, he said, at least 620 people were displaced as a result of this incident. Responding to this, the joint team has also set up refugee tents. The refugee point is in the Catholic Church ST Bonaventure in Pintu Batu Village, Pangururan District.

The distribution of logistics and medicines as basic needs, he said, had also been distributed for emergency handling.

He said the material carried away during floods such as wood, stone, and mud was a separate obstacle in the emergency handling process.

In addition, the coverage of the affected areas also closed a number of roads that disrupted travel access and public facilities.

Referring to the BMKG weather forecast until Friday, November 17, Samosir Regency still has the potential to rain with moderate to heavy intensity. Responding to this, BNPB urges residents to increase preparedness and vigilance in anticipating potential hydrometeorological disasters.

For the time being, residents can reduce activities around the river flow. If needed, residents can evacuate independently if they see signs of an increase in water discharge after heavy rains pour with a long duration.