Destructive flash flood near Lake Toba in Indonesia buries homes, claims one life and leaves 11 missing

Severe flash floods hit Simangalumpe Village near Lake Toba in Indonesia’s North Sumatra province on the evening of December 1, 2023, following heavy rainfall. The village is located in Baktiraja District, Humbang Hasundutan Regency.

The floods caused significant damage, impacting homes, a church, a school, and a hotel in the area.

According to the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB), one person lost his life and 11 others are missing.

The intensity of the floods was such that large stones, trees, and mud were dragged down the hillsides, burying some houses up to their roofs, as depicted in images released by the agency.

Lake Toba, recognized as the world’s largest volcanic lake, is a renowned destination attracting both local and international tourists.

Rescue efforts are currently underway with approximately 350 personnel using heavy machinery. Additionally, around 200 individuals have been evacuated from the affected areas.

The BNPB continues to coordinate the search and rescue operations to locate the missing individuals and provide assistance to those affected by the disaster.

References:

¹ One dead, 11 missing in flash floods around Indonesia’s Lake Toba – Reuters – December 3, 2023

² Updates posted by BNPB on December 3 and 4, 2023

Featured image credit: BNPB