Sumatra-Flood
In late 2025, over the course of just two days, 24–25 November, large parts of Sumatra were struck by flash floods and landslides. The disaster struck with little warning, leaving behind widespread destruction and deep loss.
According to Indonesia’s National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), as of 14 January 2026, at least 1,190 people lost their lives, 141 remain missing, more than 131,500 residents were displaced, and 53 regencies and cities across Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra were affected.
In North Sumatra, particularly in Central and South Tapanuli, the impact was especially severe. Homes, public facilities, and vital infrastructure were destroyed, leaving thousands of residents struggling to rebuild their lives.
In Aek Manis Village, Sibolga, I met one of the survivors, Mr. Aminuddin (23th photo). He shared his story quietly. “I lost my beloved wife and my first child. My child had just gotten married two days before the disaster,” he said. “I feel as though half of my life is gone. I was fortunate to survive, even though half of my body was already buried in mud. This experience has taught me many lessons about life.”
Another survivor I met was Mr. Sudiarojeda (25th photo) from Parombunan Village. “When it happened, we couldn’t save anything,” he said. “The only thing left was the clothes I was wearing.”
The photographs in this story were fully supported by Habitat for Humanity Indonesia.
