Torrential downpours across several regions in the provinces of Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra over recent days have triggered devastating floods and landslides, claiming the lives of at least dozens of people, with many more still reported missing. This widespread natural disaster has also left thousands of homes severely damaged or destroyed, forcing countless residents to evacuate to safer ground.
The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) attributed the intense rainfall, which led to the extensive flooding and numerous landslides, to the presence of Cyclone Senyar. According to Erma Yulihastin, a researcher from BRIN’s Climate and Atmosphere Research Center, Cyclone Senyar is an exceptionally rare phenomenon, as such cyclonic events are almost unheard of in equatorial regions like Indonesia.
Environmental organizations and experts are highlighting underlying factors contributing to the severity of the disaster. The Indonesian Forum for the Environment (Walhi) points to environmental failures, particularly the proliferation of extractive industries, as a key reason why the impacts of extreme rainfall have become so devastating. Furthermore, Fakhrudin, a Limnology researcher at the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), noted that massive development has significantly worsened the effects of extreme rainfall by causing rivers to become shallower and alter their natural course, thus reducing their capacity to handle increased water volumes.
How is the situation developing in Aceh?
In response to the escalating crisis, Aceh Governor Muzakir Manaf officially declared a state of emergency for the province on Thursday, November 27. This decision came after numerous districts and cities were inundated by floods and severely impacted by landslides in multiple locations. The emergency status will remain in effect for 14 days, from November 28 until December 11, 2025. In a press statement, Muzakir affirmed, “Today, as the Governor of Aceh, I declare a state of hydrometeorological disaster emergency in Aceh,” emphasizing that the declaration was made in direct response to the devastating scale of the floods and mudslides.
The widespread destruction has paralyzed critical infrastructure. A key transportation artery connecting Banda Aceh to Medan became impassable after a bridge collapsed under the force of the floodwaters. The Aceh provincial government, through its regional agencies (SKPA), has mobilized immediate disaster relief and assistance efforts.
The Aceh Disaster Management Agency (BPBA) reported a grim toll, with at least 13 fatalities and 20 out of the province’s 23 districts/cities submerged by the raging floods and earth-shattering landslides. Beyond residential homes and public facilities, vast agricultural lands have also been swamped, and essential electricity and telecommunication networks have been disrupted due to fallen transmission poles.
Residents are grappling with the immediate consequences. Azharul Husna, a Banda Aceh resident, shared her experience, stating that her area had been without electricity for two days, and telecommunication signals were sporadic. “My family and I evacuated last night without electricity or internet,” Husna told BBC News Indonesia, adding that the floods in her area were caused by the overflowing Krueng Aceh river. She noted that while Krueng Aceh was on alert, the situation was not as critical as in East Aceh, North Aceh, and Lhokseumawe. Nevertheless, she expressed concern over her inability to contact family and acquaintances in East Aceh. According to Kompas.com, the Regent of Central Aceh reported severe impacts in their region, with several roads, including access to North Aceh via Gunung Salak and Gayo Lues towards Takengon-Blangkejeren, cut off by the floodwaters and landslides.
How is the situation developing in North Sumatra?
The North Sumatra Regional Police reported a somber update as of Thursday afternoon, November 27, confirming at least 43 fatalities and approximately 88 individuals still missing following the extensive disasters. North Sumatra Police Spokesperson, Commissioner Besar Ferry Walintukan, quoted by Detik.com, stated, “The number of deceased victims is 43, and 88 people are missing. Meanwhile, the number of displaced residents has reached 1,168.”
Ferry detailed a comprehensive wave of disasters, including floods, landslides, and whirlwinds, sweeping through 12 districts and cities across the entire province. The impact was particularly severe in North Tapanuli, which recorded a staggering 40 landslide sites and 12 areas submerged by floodwaters. South Tapanuli also faced significant devastation, with 13 landslide points and 31 regions engulfed by floods. Ferry concluded by emphasizing the relentless efforts of search and rescue teams: “We are continuously accelerating the search for residents who are yet to be found. Our teams are operating day and night, as in several locations, the terrain is quite challenging due to severed road access.”
How is the situation developing in West Sumatra?
In West Sumatra, Vice Governor Vasko Ruseimy confirmed that the floods and landslides have tragically claimed 12 lives in the province. An estimated 12,000 individuals have been directly affected by this wave of disasters, which has engulfed 13 districts and cities, including Padang, Pariaman, West Pasaman, and Bukittinggi. The local government of West Sumatra declared a 14-day state of emergency on Tuesday, November 25, which will remain in effect until December 8.
Abdul Muhari, Head of the Data, Information, and Communication Center for Disaster at BNPB, highlighted in a written statement on Thursday, November 27, that the Minturun River banks in Padang City were among the most severely impacted areas. Four fatalities were reported in this particular region. “The floodwaters, with their massive discharge volume, swept through numerous homes situated along the Minturun River banks. Debris of tree trunks and thick mud caused significant damage to residents’ houses in Lubuk Minturun, Koto Tengah, Padang City,” Abdul explained.
A harrowing eyewitness account came from Meri Osman, a resident of Lubuk Minturun. She recounted being abruptly awakened around 4:00 AM by a crashing sound. “I looked outside, and there was water,” Meri described, noting the water’s rapid flow. In a desperate attempt to save his family, he quickly moved his wife and child atop a wardrobe. However, the increasingly powerful current slowly began to erode their home. Meri then bravely sought other shelter, attempting to cross the fierce currents, but was momentarily swept away before managing to grasp onto a clothesline and save himself. He shared his terrifying ordeal with journalist Halbert Chaniago, reporting for BBC News Indonesia.
This report will be updated regularly.
- ‘Mr. Regent, help us’ – Thousands displaced by floods and landslides in North Sumatra, due to deforestation or extreme weather?
- Why do early warning systems for floods often fail to save lives?
- https://www.bbc.com/indonesia/articles/cp9yvdv52d3o
Summary
Torrential downpours have caused devastating floods and landslides across Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra, leading to dozens of fatalities, numerous missing persons, and thousands displaced. The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) attributed this extreme weather to the rare Cyclone Senyar. Environmental organizations and experts also highlight that extractive industries, environmental failures, and extensive development have worsened the disaster’s impact by altering river systems.
Regionally, Aceh declared a state of emergency after 13 deaths and 20 districts were submerged, disrupting infrastructure. North Sumatra recorded 43 fatalities, 88 missing, and 1,168 displaced across 12 districts, with search and rescue operations ongoing in challenging terrain. West Sumatra confirmed 12 deaths and 12,000 affected, declaring a similar emergency, with significant damage reported along the Minturun River banks in Padang City.