BNPB Prioritizes Aek Doras River Normalization for Sibolga Post-flood Recovery

SILANGIT - The National Disaster Management Agency together with the Sibolga City Government continues to prioritize the normalization of the Aek Doras River as the main step in post-flood and landslide recovery that hit the area.

Head of the BNPB Disaster Data, Information and Communication Center, Abdul Muhari, said that the cleaning of flood materials and the normalization of the Aek Doras River flow was still ongoing to prevent the recurrence of flooding and accelerate the recovery of community activities.

"The normalization of the Aek Doras River continues because the river overflow is the main factor in flooding. This effort is important so that the flow of water can flow smoothly and the risk of subsequent disasters can be suppressed," said Abdul, Thursday, December 18.

According to Abdul, the affected community's living conditions are gradually recovering. Learning activities at schools have resumed, fuel distribution is generally normal although there are still queues at some gas stations, and most areas have been reconnected to electricity. Telecommunications networks are improving, while PDAM clean water services have been functioning at around 80 percent.

BNPB noted that the flood and landslide disaster in Sibolga City had an impact on four sub-districts, namely North Sibolga, South Sibolga, Sibolga Sambas, and Sibolga City.

Provisional data showed that the number of fatalities was 54 people, one person was still missing, and 61 people were injured. The number of refugees was recorded at 1,232 people spread across 16 evacuation points in seven villages, with the largest concentration in the North and South Sibolga Districts.

Abdul explained that the Sibolga City Government had established an emergency response status that had been extended until December 23, 2025. During the emergency response period, intensive coordination was carried out between the local government, BNPB, vertical agencies, and various other elements to support the acceleration of recovery.

"In addition to river normalization, road cleaning from mud and sediment is also being carried out so that people's economic activities can resume," he said.

Damage from the disaster includes places of worship, school buildings, bridges, roads, and a number of government facilities. Abdul said that the limitations of heavy equipment were still one of the obstacles in accelerating the normalization of the river and cleaning up flood materials.

Today, the joint team of BNPB and local governments is monitoring the distribution of logistical assistance and clean water, reviewing the condition of river flow, and ensuring health services and psychosocial support for affected residents, especially children.

BNPB is also continuing to coordinate with the provincial government and relevant ministries for the plan to build permanent housing for flood-affected residents. Abdul emphasized that efforts to normalize rivers and restore infrastructure would continue to be pursued so that the community could return to activities safely.

"We are working with all stakeholders to accelerate recovery while prioritizing the safety of residents," he said.