Aceh Rings Alarm as Floods, Landslides Hit Central Region

Aceh Governor Muzakir Manaf has called for heightened awareness among residents and partners regarding the risk of natural disasters as heavy rains begin in the central region of Aceh. The hydrometeorological disasters from last year have left the terrain unstable, according to government spokesperson Nurlis Effendi in Banda Aceh on Tuesday.

Reports indicate that floods and landslides have reappeared in Aceh over the past two days, especially in the highlands of Gayo Lues Regency, Central Aceh, and Southeast Aceh. The Aceh Disaster Management Agency (BPBA) reported that the initial disaster struck Gayo Lues on Sunday afternoon, causing flooding in Badak and Rigeb Villages in Dabun Gelang District. A subsequent landslide in Putri Betung District blocked the Blangkejeren-Kutacane road.

By evening, the flooding had extended to Southeast Aceh, impacting 11 villages across five sub-districts. This led to submerged homes, damaged bridges, collapsed embankments, and disrupted roads and public facilities. Early Monday, a landslide in Central Aceh affected four sub-districts, resulting in one death and 13 injuries at Datu Beru Regional Hospital.

Based on predictions from the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), Aceh is currently on alert for moderate to heavy rainfall starting in September. Governor Muzakir Manaf has issued a mandate for early mitigation and preparedness measures, requesting support from the police, military, universities, and other stakeholders to bolster disaster response.

Collaboration is essential to enhance preparedness, speed up reactions on the ground, and ensure public safety remains a collective priority, emphasized Nurlis Effendi.