BNPB Chief Inspects North Aceh Floods, Orders Immediate Borehole Drilling For Clean Water Access

Aceh Utara – The head of Indonesia's National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), Lieutenant General Suharyanto, conducted a critical inspection of flood-impacted areas in North Aceh Regency on Monday, December 15, 2025. His visit to evacuation centers in Langkahan District underscores the severe and ongoing humanitarian crisis triggered by the devastating floods of late November.

During the inspection of Desa Rumoh Rayeuk and Desa Geudumbak, Suharyanto witnessed firsthand the extensive damage, including vast piles of timber debris. He affirmed the central government's full support, stating that the state's primary principle is to be present at the disaster site. "We are ready to assist with all the regent's requests," he said, committing BNPB's resources, including heavy equipment teams, to accelerate mud-clearing operations.

A top immediate priority announced by the BNPB chief is the urgent excavation of boreholes at evacuation sites. This intervention is deemed essential to provide safe, clean water for the thousands of displaced residents currently taking shelter. Ensuring these basic needs are met is a fundamental part of the emergency response.

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The scale of the disaster remains massive. Official reports confirm that as of Monday, a staggering 69,020 people continue to shelter across 138 evacuation points spread over 25 districts in North Aceh. The human toll is profound, with 163 fatalities reported and six individuals still missing.

Beyond the immediate human displacement, the floods have crippled agricultural infrastructure, which is vital to the region's economy. Assessments reveal that 12 irrigation areas have been damaged, with an additional eight tertiary irrigation systems also destroyed. This damage threatens long-term food security and livelihoods.

The agricultural impact is visually and economically catastrophic. A total of 14,509 hectares of rice fields are now submerged under a layer of mud, one to two meters deep, rendering them unusable for the foreseeable future. Restoring this land will be a lengthy and costly challenge.

While addressing immediate needs, Suharyanto also outlined plans for medium-term recovery. He mentioned that the process of building temporary housing would require further coordination across multiple ministries. This indicates a transition from pure emergency response to planning for sustained recovery.

In his concluding remarks, the BNPB head reinforced the government's commitment. "We ensure all needs of the flood victim evacuees, government services, will be assisted by the central government," he stated. This pledge aims to provide assurance to the affected communities that support will continue through the different phases of disaster recovery.

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Aceh Flood BNPB Borehole Clean Water Disaster Response Evacuation Humanitarian Aid Indonesia Suharyanto