12 Residents Lost Due To Flash Floods In Humbahas, North Sumatra

JAKARTA - A total of 12 people were reported missing due to the flash flood that hit Simangulampe Village, Baktiraja District, Humbang Hasundutan Regency, North Sumatra, Friday (1/12) night.

Reports compiled by the Center for Control and Operations (Pusdalops) of the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), the disaster occurred after previously heavy rain flushed the Humbang Hasundutan area for a long period.

"This then triggered flash floods carrying large boulders of rock and debris in the form of tree trunks and twigs along with floods mixed with mud," said Head of the BNPB Disaster Data, Information and Communication Center Abdul Muhari as reported by ANTARA, Saturday, December 2.

Abdul said the incident also caused material losses of 12 houses to be heavily damaged, including one house of worship and one inn. In addition, one elementary school was also affected and agricultural land covering an area of approximately five hectares was also flooded.

As an effort to handle the emergency, he said, the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) of Humbang Hasundutan Regency immediately went to the field to coordinate with the relevant agencies, conduct rapid assessments and search and rescue efforts.

In an effort to find and rescue, members of the BPBD of Humbang Hasundutan Regency together with a joint team lowered heavy equipment types of excavators, fire engines, and ambulances to facilitate the search, rescue, and material cleaning processes.

"BPBD Humbang Hasundutan Regency is also coordinating with the National SAR Agency to accelerate search and rescue operations for victims," said Abdul.

To note, currently the joint team is still trying to search and help. On the other hand, the fulfillment of the basic needs of the affected residents is also continuously carried out, one of which is through the establishment of public kitchens to meet basic food needs for affected residents and all teams in charge of emergency handling.