River Overflow Floods In Medan: 24,874 Affected Residents, 7,699 Houses Submerged

The North Sumatra Regional Police Mobile Brigade Unit evacuated residents affected by the floods in Medan, North Sumatra, Wednesday (27/11/2024). (ANTARA)

The Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) of Medan City, North Sumatra, reported that flooding due to river overflow had submerged 7,699 houses and affected 24,874 people in the area.

"A total of 8,751 families were affected by the flood, with details of 67 elderly people, 34 toddlers, 129 children, and two pregnant women," said Head of BPBD Medan City, Yunita Sari, on Thursday, November 28.

Floods hit 10 sub-districts in Medan City, namely Medan Maimun, Medan Johor, Medan Sunggal, Medan Amplas, Medan Denai, Medan Helvetia, Medan Labuhan, Medan Baru, Medan Deli, and Medan Selayang. This condition is caused by overflows from three main rivers, namely the Deli River, Babura River, and Sei Belawan River.

Some of the affected residents are still in refugee camps, such as houses of worship, schools, and houses of other residents, while some others choose to stay to protect property at home.

Head of the BMKG Regional I Medan, Hendro Nugroho, explained that the intensity of rain in North Sumatra is in the medium to high category with a fairly long duration.

This factor is exacerbated by a number of atmospheric phenomena, including the MJO (Madden Julian Oscillation) phase which is active in phases 2 and 3, as well as negative IOD (IOD Ocean Dipole) values of -0.73.

"In addition, the Asian Monsoon brings humid air masses from the South China Sea and the Indian Ocean west of North Sumatra. Wind patterns show convergence in the form of bends and wind slowdowns in the North Sumatra region," explained Hendro.

The impact of the seeds of tropical cyclone 99B in the Indian Ocean west of Sumatra also exacerbated the situation, increasing the potential for very heavy rain with a long duration in almost all parts of North Sumatra.

The Medan City BPBD appealed to the public to remain vigilant against potential aftershocks and prioritize safety.