Flood Landslide Death Victims In North Sumatra Reach 5 People, Sititation Worsens

Illustration of flooding (doc BNPB)

TAPANULI As many as 25 people died due to flash floods and landslides that hit a number of areas in North Sumatra Province (North Sumatra) as of Thursday, November 27. Meanwhile, dozens of people are suspected to be still buried in Sibolga City.

Thousands of residents from 11 areas were forced to evacuate after the disaster occurred from 24 to 26 November 2025.

The affected areas include Central Tapanuli, South Tapanuli, Sibolga City, and several other areas on the west coast. Floods and landslides not only damaged settlements, but also paralyzed transportation access and caused disruption to telephone and internet networks.

Data from the North Sumatra Police recorded 25 fatalities with details: 12 people in South Tapanuli, 8 people in Central Tapanuli, and 5 people in Sibolga City. The west coast area is listed as the area with the worst impact.

"Officers are focused on evacuating the community to a safe place," said the Head of Public Relations of the North Sumatra Police, Senior Commissioner Ferry, in his statement on Wednesday, November 26.

In South Tapanuli Regency (Tapsel), floods and landslides hit 11 sub-districts, namely Siringok, Marancar, Batangtoru, West Angkola, Muara Batangtoru, Angkola Sangkunur, South Angkola, Sayur Matinggi, Batang Angkola, Tanah Tumbuhan Angkola, and Angkola Muaratais.