North Sumatra Regional Police's DVI Identifies 290 Flood and Landslide Victims

North Sumatra Regional Police Deputy DVI Commander Senior Commissioner Taufik Ismail (second from left) provides information in Medan, North Sumatra, Wednesday (3/12/2025). ANTARA/M. Sahbainy Nasution.

MEDAN - The Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) Team of the North Sumatra Regional Police (Polda) has identified 290 victims of the floods and landslides in the region.

"We have recorded 290 identified fatalities spread across 12 regencies/cities within the North Sumatra Regional Police jurisdiction as of Tuesday (December 2)," said Deputy DVI Commander of the North Sumatra Regional Police, Senior Commissioner Taufik Ismail, in Medan on Wednesday, December 3, as reported by ANTARA.

Taufik explained that the fatalities came from North Tapanuli Regency (34 people), Sibolga City (57 people), South Tapanuli Regency (79 people), Central Tapanuli Regency (82 people), and Pakpak Bharat Regency (2 people).

Furthermore, Humbang Hasundutan Regency (8 people), South Nias Regency (1 person), Padangsidimpuan City (1 person), Binjai City (1 person), Belawan District (2 people), Langkat Regency (13 people), and Medan City (10 people).

"All of this was identified through secondary data, which is data that can be directly observed from the victim's condition," he said.

He explained that the victim identification process was relatively easy because the bodies were still relatively intact. However, he continued, 120 people are still missing.

He said the identification process could become more difficult in the coming weeks if the bodies decompose.

"Therefore, we have prepared steps to ensure identification. If the bodies cannot be directly identified, we will use primary data," he said.

He explained that primary data is collected by taking DNA samples from the bodies and then matching them with antemortem data from families reporting missing family members.

"We will collect antemortem data and compare it with the DNA samples we obtain. If a match is obtained, the victim's identity can be confirmed," he said.

Taufik stated that antemortem posts are available at every police station to serve families who wish to report missing family members due to the disaster.