Terdepat Sejak Banjir, Akses Tarutung Ke Sibolga Dan Padang Sidempuan Mulai Open

JAKARTA - The government continues to accelerate the emergency handling of flood disasters in Sumatra, with one of the focuses on reopening a number of routes cut off due to landslides after extreme rains in North Sumatra.

Head of BNPB Disaster Data and Communication Center Abdul Muhari said cross-agency collaboration began to show results. Some of the main accesses previously covered by landslide materials are gradually open and can be passed by certain vehicles.

"Collaborative efforts between the central and regional governments in handling the hydromteorological disaster emergency in North Sumatra are increasingly being felt by the affected people," said Abdul Muhari in his statement, Tuesday, December 2.

The Tarutung route to Padang Sidempuan is one of the most affected. The opening of access is then prioritized because this route is also a land route that connects Medan to West Sumatra.

"One of them can be seen on the route from Tarutung to Padang Sidempuan, which was previously cut off due to being buried by landslide material. The effort to open closed lane access is one of the priorities in handling emergencies," he explained.

In monitoring BNPB as of Monday, December 1, cleaning work continues on the Tarutung kilometer 12 track, Bupayung Hamlet, Luat Lombang Village, Sipurik District to Batu Jomba. A number of heavy equipment were deployed, while officers also carried out manual cleaning at a number of narrow points.

"It's a relief but surely, land access which also connects Medan to Padang in West Sumatra is starting to open thanks to the support from the Public Works, TNI and Polri Offices," said Abdul Muhari.

According to him, there are 11 points that can now be passed at a limited speed. Several remaining points are targeted to follow in the near future. Currently, two-wheeled vehicles and small cars can reach previously isolated villages to distribute aid.

The same situation can be seen on the Tarutung 'Sibolga route. Access that was previously cut off can now be penetrated until Sibalanga Jae Hamlet, right in front of the Sibalanga Village Office, Adiankoting District.

"After access starts to open, the distribution of logistics to affected residents in the evacuation can also be completed as needed. In addition, the reach of this access also makes it easier for the search and rescue operation team (Search and Rescue-SAR) to carry out their duties with a more complete fleet," he said.

BNPB noted that the opening of access on these two routes has not been fully completed. However, integrated efforts continue to be made so that connectivity between regions returns to normal and emergency handling can run more optimally.

"All parties continue to try to open access that is still covered by landslides through integrated collaboration. The Tarutung-Sibolga and Tarutung-Padang Sidempuan routes have not been completely penetrated, but the team in the field is constantly trying to restore access so that all emergency measures can be maximized," he added.