BNPB ensures that clean water tank cars operate 24 hours in Tapteng

Clean Water Tank Car Operates 24 Hours in North Sulawesi/ Photo: ANTARA

JAKARTA - The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) has ensured that a number of water tank cars are fully operational to meet the need for clean water for residents in Central Tapanuli, North Sumatra, after a late flood accompanied by landslides.

Quoted from ANTARA, Sunday, December 21, 2025, Head of the BNPB Disaster Data, Information and Communication Center, Abdul Muhari, reported that currently six tank cars from the Ministry of Public Works and one tank car from the BNPB have been deployed, with additional support from a number of humanitarian organizations, including the Indonesian Red Cross (PMI).

The tanker cars operate for 24 hours to supply water to hospitals, public kitchens, evacuation sites, public hydrants, and residential areas, with a system of picket officers divided into three shifts.

According to Abdul, such a scheme must be carried out because the clean water supply system in the area has suffered heavy damage due to the disaster since late November.

BNPB confirmed that not only the Tapanuli Tengah PDAM Office but also most of the piping network at the spring source also suffered severe damage, which impacted clean water services in 15 sub-districts.

The joint team, said Abdul, is still trying to repair the damage to the clean water network, despite the many challenges, such as the danger of landslides due to long-term heavy rain.

Meanwhile, Tora Limbong, a resident of Pandan District, Central Tapanuli, expressed his gratitude for the clean water assistance that has arrived from various parties who have sent it using tanker cars.

But during the almost one month after the disaster, he and other residents of Pandan used the water assistance for washing clothes. For drinking, cooking and bathing needs, they still depend on the source of the hill springs, such as from Bukit Matauli.

He hopes that the repair of the PDAM clean water network can be completed as soon as possible because although there are springs that can be used all the time, they have to face the danger of landslides to install and ensure that the hose is connected well from Bukit Matauli.