Central Tapanuli and South Tapanuli Isolated, Road Access and Communications Paralyzed, 13 Dead

MEDAN, KOMPAS – More than 24 hours have passed since the districts of Tapanuli Tengah, Tapanuli Selatan, and Sibolga in North Sumatra were isolated following flash floods and landslides in dozens of locations. Three national roads leading to the area have been completely cut off. Communication access is also paralyzed due to the absence of cellular network coverage. The electricity supply is down, while 13 residents have been reported dead.

"We've been stuck in North Tapanuli since yesterday. As of Wednesday morning (November 26, 2025), there's no land access to Central Tapanuli and South Tapanuli. The area can only be reached by air," said Sri Wahyuni Pancasilawati, Head of Emergency Response, Equipment, and Logistics at the North Sumatra Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), when contacted by Kompas.

Thousands of houses are estimated to be severely damaged by flash floods and landslides. Landslides occurred at dozens of points. In addition to three isolated districts/cities, floods and landslides also occurred in Mandailing Natal and North Tapanuli regencies. The area is still accessible.

Wahyuni stated that the team from the North Sumatra Regional Disaster Management Agency has not yet been able to reach the disaster locations in Central Tapanuli, South Tapanuli, and Sibolga, which are located on the western coast of North Sumatra. They attempted to access the area via three national roads. However, all routes are completely blocked due to landslides or road subsidence. Logistics transport trucks are stranded on those routes.

The main access road to the area is via the Tarutung-Sibolga Road, North Tapanuli. This national road is cut off at least in three locations, namely at kilometers 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.

Another alternative route is from Humbang Hasundutan Regency via the Pakkat-Barus Road. "However, that road has also experienced landslides at three locations and is impassable," said Wahyuni.

The locations of the disaster that are quite severe include South Tapanuli, particularly in the Batang Toru District. The flow of the Batang Toru River overflowed, carrying tree trunks and striking residential areas. A total of 9 people have died and 4 are missing in the area. The flash flood also damaged 320 houses and one school.

In Central Tapanuli, four residents have been reported dead. The number of houses and buildings damaged in the area is still being assessed. The impact of the damage in the city of Sibolga is also still under assessment.

Wahyuni stated that they are currently focused on opening access roads and communication to Tapanuli Tengah, Tapanuli Selatan, and Sibolga. Officers already present at the location are also taking emergency disaster response actions to evacuate residents who are still trapped. The handling is currently being carried out by the local government in collaboration with the police and the military present at the site.

The Head of Public Relations of the North Sumatra Police, Commissioner Ferry Walintukan, stated that police officers are working to open access roads to the disaster sites in South Tapanuli and Central Tapanuli. As of Wednesday at 11:30 AM WIB, these locations remain inaccessible due to landslides at several points.

The public is urged to postpone travel to areas currently experiencing disasters. "For the latest information, you can also monitor the official account of the Public Relations of the North Sumatra Police," said Ferry.

Ferry stated that officers from the local resort police and its sector police were also deployed to take emergency disaster response actions. They evacuated several residents who were still trapped in their homes or who were still remaining in landslide-prone areas.

On Tuesday afternoon, the Regent of Tapanuli Tengah, Masinton Pasaribu, stated that flash floods occurred in several locations in Tapanuli Tengah. From the video sent by Masinton, the flash floods with very strong currents struck residential areas, reaching nearly the height of the rooftops. The swift current overflowed from the river, carrying materials such as tree trunks.

"Four people died due to a landslide in Mardame Village, Sitahuis District. Landslides and floods also occurred in other areas, inundating thousands of homes in various locations," said Masinton.

However, they have been unreachable since Tuesday night. Kompas also attempted to contact colleagues in Central Tapanuli and Sibolga. However, from Tuesday night until Wednesday morning, communication to those areas was unavailable. Cell phones in those areas were inactive.