Damage due to floods and landslides in North Tapanuli

Although information about the impacts of flooding and landslides in North Sumatra and Aceh has circulated on social media timelines in recent days, most of the photos and videos that have emerged are reuploads from local residents and officials at the disaster sites. The Antara news agency had not released any photos of the impacts from the flooding and landslides in North Sumatra and Aceh as of Thursday (27/11/2025). Foreign news agencies have also not broadcast any photos from their contributors in the region.

The situation is caused by the disruption of access to the disaster site, making it difficult for journalists to be present at the location. In addition, communication networks are also down, resulting in challenges in sending news and photos of the disaster.

Initial photos of the landslide and flooding conditions in North Sumatra were only sent from the field by Kompas journalist Nikson Sinaga on Thursday afternoon. Nikson departed Medan on Wednesday night and stayed overnight in Parapat before continuing his journey to Dolok Nauli Village, Adian Koting District, North Tapanuli Regency, at the earliest opportunity that morning. "The route was quite difficult because it rained continuously throughout the journey," Nikson said.

Dolok Nauli Village is currently the last village that can be accessed by vehicle. This village, located on the Tarutung-Sibolga route, is cut off. In front of the village, it is estimated that there are 50 landslide locations along approximately 20 kilometers. From the end of the landslide on the other side, there is still a distance of 30 kilometers to the center of Tapanuli Tengah Regency.

The impact of the flood in Dolok Nauli Village is extremely massive. In the photo, the settlement on Tarutung-Sibolga Road is filled with mud. The road is also buried under flood and landslide debris. Meanwhile, the hillside has been eroded by landslides, flowing into lower areas.

The team from the North Sumatra Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) has not been able to reach the disaster locations in Central Tapanuli, South Tapanuli, and Sibolga, which are located on the western coast of North Sumatra, as of Tuesday (26/11/2025). They attempted three national road access routes to the area. However, all roads are completely cut off due to landslides or road subsidence. Logistics transport trucks are stranded on those routes.

The main road to the area is via the Tarutung-Sibolga Road, North Tapanuli. The national road is cut off at least in three locations, namely at Kilometer 29-35 in the Adiankoting District, North Tapanuli, at the border with Central Tapanuli.

Another alternative route is via the Padangsidimpuan-Sibolga road. However, this national road is also completely cut off in the Angkola Barat District, South Tapanuli. A Pertamina tanker truck was buried under landslide debris on the roadway. Several houses were also buried.

The most severe disaster areas were in South Tapanuli, particularly in the Batang Toru District. The Batang Toru River overflowed, carrying tree trunks and then hitting residential areas. Nine people died and four were missing in the area. Flash floods also damaged 320 homes and one school (Kompas.id, Tuesday, November 26, 2025).