From late November to December 2025, record-breaking heavy rains continued in North Sumatra, Indonesia, causing large-scale floods and landslides.

 

In response, A-PAD Indonesia conducted rapid field assessments on December 10, identifying and supporting survivors in the five most severely impacted districts. To ensure the effectiveness of our intervention, a follow-up monitoring mission was conducted from January 25 to 28. This assessment allowed our team to evaluate the progress of recovery efforts and address the evolving needs of the community on the ground. 

 

Relief Assistance Overview:

Securing clean water is a top priority due to floods damaging existing wells. A-PAD installed MCKs* in 27 locations and clean water points in 62 locations.

*MCK refers to a facility that combines bathing, laundry, and toilet functions.

Damages Across Region:

– Pandan (3,625 households/11,485 residents)

A-PAD is currently drawing spring water and installing pipes to serve the local residents. Working with the Mobile Brigade Corps (Korps Brimob), A-PAD successfully excavated wells 20-30 meters deep. The team also collaborated with key people in each area to identify households facing the most critical shortages.

2000L water tanker with water dispenser

With the Vice Governor of Tapanuli County (third from left)

– Tuka District (1,660 households/6,422 residents)

The upstream region, where the flood damage originated, remains a designated “red zone” under an evacuation advisory and is currently restricted from standard aid interventions. The destruction of local durian farms—a primary economic driver for the area—has left many families dependent on evacuation centers, presenting a significant hurdle for long-term economic recovery. Compounding these challenges, the current water supply contains high levels of calcium carbonate, which continues to hinder both farmland restoration and successful crop cultivation.

 

– Badiri District (beneficiaries: 5,474 households/5,908 residents)

Prior to the disaster, residents relied on groundwater and river sources for their daily needs; however, the recent flooding rendered these existing wells unusable after they were filled with sediment and debris. The newly constructed wells and water storage tanks now serve as a vital lifeline, providing a reliable source of clean water for the community. Furthermore, the newly established MCK facilities have become a shared resource.

According to Rusudi Waruwu, Principal of Lopian No. 1 Primary School, the water level rose to head level at the time of the disaster, and students were rescued by boat. Although the school has reopened, many students have lost their uniforms, and the staff room and duty room are covered in mud and have not been cleaned.

– Salcombe County and West Salcombe County (910 households/2,846 residents)

Located about an hour’s drive up a mountain road from Pandan District, this area has not received any aid other than that from A-PAD Indonesia. Field assessments have confirmed structural instability, including houses tilting due to significant land subsidence, highlighting the urgent need for sustained intervention.

As the dry season begins, declining groundwater levels across Sumatra pose an additional threat to water security. Ensuring that residents can effectively manage the newly installed facilities is critical for maintaining a continuous supply of safe water.

A-PAD Indonesia remains committed to collaborating with local stakeholders to monitor the situation and deliver essential support as conditions evolve.