Safrizal Zakaria Ali, director general for Regional Administration, said he was ordered by the home affairs minister to lead the assessment.
“The floods and subsequent landslides occurred at six locations. We have coordinated with the Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture and the BNPB chief,” he said.
Monday’s floods and landslides affected four subdistricts in Sibolga and 20 subdistricts in nearby Central Tapanuli District, according to the ministry.
Safrizal said heavy rain from Monday through Tuesday triggered a chain of landslides, forcing thousands of residents to flee, including in neighboring Aceh.
Evacuations continued through Tuesday afternoon, with joint teams from the military, police, regional disaster agencies, municipal police and firefighters deployed to affected sites.
“Our municipal police and fire units are trained for disaster response and emergency rescues. As a concrete step, the Home Affairs Ministry and BNPB will set up a National Command Post tonight in North Tapanuli to channel air-delivered supplies because road access is fully cut off. We are also sending urgently needed tents,” he said.
The ministry said it had already moved to strengthen disaster readiness through a Nov. 18 circular on hydrometeorological hazards, urging regions to activate preparedness protocols ahead of peak rainfall.
Follow-up coordination was carried out during a nationwide virtual meeting on Nov. 21 with provincial and district heads of disaster agencies, municipal police, and fire and rescue departments.
Related news: Sumatra reels as deadly floods and landslides devastate communities
At the meeting, Safrizal warned that much of Indonesia faces a high risk of hydrometeorological disasters, particularly floods and landslides.
Rising rainfall, extreme weather and the vulnerability of many regions require “measured and integrated” preparedness, he said.
“Local governments must raise alert levels and ensure all units remain ready. Early response is crucial so we are not caught off guard,” he said.
Safrizal instructed regional governments to immediately hold hydrometeorological disaster-preparedness drills involving disaster agencies, municipal police, firefighters, the military and police, volunteer groups and other stakeholders.
“Regions must verify the readiness of personnel, equipment and logistics. Preparedness drills are essential to ensure all components are fully ready—no complacency,” he said.
Related news: Indonesia to hold emergency meeting on Sumatra floods, landslides
Translator: Fianda S, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
Copyright © ANTARA 2025
