It's Been 13 Days, and the Flash Flood Victims Haven't Recovered from Their Injuries

SOUTH TAPANULI, KOMPAS — A total of 19 victims of the flash flood are still being treated at the Community Health Center of Batang Toru District, South Tapanuli, North Sumatra. Meanwhile, in the evacuation centers, residents are beginning to suffer from respiratory illnesses, flu, and skin rashes. Health officials have stated that the supply of medicine is sufficient to address the needs of those affected by the disaster.

The head of the Batang Toru Community Health Center, Elida Batubara, stated that as of Monday (8/12/2025), the joint search and rescue (SAR) team has found 47 deceased victims. In addition, there are still 19 individuals receiving treatment at the health center due to various injuries sustained from the flash flood that occurred on November 25.

"Those who are still receiving treatment at the community health center mostly suffer injuries from being struck by wood while being swept away by the flood. Some have sustained internal injuries due to impacts, but more have external injuries," said Elida when met.

"Yesterday her legs were swollen and for a week she cried in pain," said Cahaya's mother, Reni Panggabean (48).

Reni recounted that when the roar of the flash flood was heard around 10:00 AM on November 25, she, her husband, and their five children ran to the Garoga Bridge. However, the water overflowed beyond the height of the bridge and swept them all away. The disaster claimed the life of Reni's eldest child.

"That's how I felt like the end of the world. I didn't remember my children anymore, I didn't remember anything. I was just trying to save myself. After the water receded, I realized my children were all gone," he said.

In addition to Cahaya, there is also Fadlan Lubis (6) who is being treated at the Batang Toru Community Health Center. The child's eyes are dark red due to being affected by mud while being swept away by the flood. Fadlan was carried off by the flood from inside his house in Garoga Village and was later found in Huta Godang Village, which is approximately 1 km away.

"I was swept away as far as Huta Godang, and only after I regained consciousness did I look for him. I found him not far from where I was safe, wedged between some pieces of wood," he said.

Junaedi Nainggolan (73), who lives in the center of Batang Toru District, intended to visit his pregnant granddaughter in Garoga Village on December 8. He was aware that Garoga had been hit by flooding, but he did not expect the impact to be so severe.

Junaedi was lying down and having difficulty breathing while attempting to cross the Garoga River at the border of Huta Godang and Garoga villages. He was then carried by the Joint Search and Rescue Team to the nearest health post.

"Maybe he had a panic attack so his blood pressure rose to 160 and he immediately fell weak," said a medical worker who provided emergency treatment to Junaedi.

Junaedi's condition only improved after he heard the news that his grandson was safe. Junaedi's grandson and his wife had evacuated to a safe location in Anguli Village before the flash flood struck Garoga at 10:00 on November 25.

"I didn't expect all the houses to be leveled like this. I've never seen a disaster this bad," he said.

In several evacuation posts, residents have begun reporting symptoms of fever, cough, and itching. This started occurring at least five days after the disaster, or on December 1, 2025.

One of the residents of Garoga who is taking refuge at the Batu Hula Post, Wahyuningsih Pasaribu (40), stated that her youngest child, Ramadhani Hutasuhut (5), has been suffering from a fever for two days. She has administered medication to Ramadhani that was provided by medical personnel from the health post at the location.

"Food, clothing, and medicines here are sufficient, but children in places (refugee camps) like this are certainly vulnerable to illness, especially since it rains almost every day," he said.

Juliana Siregar (44), who is also taking refuge in Batu Hula, took her grandson, Refal Pradipta (2), to the Batang Toru Community Health Center. The child has been receiving treatment at the health center for four days.

The head of the community health center, Elida, stated that there has indeed been an increasing number of refugees seeking treatment at the health center due to illnesses experienced while in the shelters. She mentioned that the most common ailments they suffer from are respiratory tract infections, fever, and itching.

"We can still handle everything because we have sufficient medical supplies. A lot of aid has come in from the government and the private sector," he said.