Jakarta. Authorities are accelerating recovery efforts across North Sumatra after catastrophic floods and landslides triggered by Cyclone Senyar left more than 770 people dead, 463 missing, and displaced over 746,000 residents across North Sumatra, West Sumatra, and Aceh, according to the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB).

Much of the devastation remains concentrated in Tapanuli Tengah and the coastal city of Sibolga, where key roads are still buried under landslide debris. Heavy equipment continued clearing operations on Wednesday, but the main route from North Tapanuli to Sibolga, a vital corridor for aid distribution, remains impassable. Authorities aim to reopen the road in stages to restore ground access to isolated communities.

BNPB has set up a national logistics hub at Silangit Airport in North Tapanuli to coordinate relief operations. Large orange tents now serve as warehouses for incoming supplies flown in from Jakarta, including food packages, ready-to-eat meals, family tents, blankets, sleeping mats, medicine, hygiene kits, kitchen equipment, and polyethylene boats. With many roads damaged, BNPB has ramped up air deliveries, deploying at least six helicopters and additional Hercules aircraft to reach communities cut off by landslides.

“Air operations will continue until ground access is fully restored,” BNPB said, adding that teams on the ground are mapping the worst-hit areas to prioritize further drops.

Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia said the government aims to restore electricity in Tapanuli Tengah by Friday, stating that all necessary materials for repairing substations and high-voltage transmission towers are ready. However, adverse weather remains a significant obstacle. “God willing, everything will be clear by Friday. It’s not an easy task,” he said.

North Sumatra Governor Bobby Afif Nasution said the central, provincial, and local governments, together with police and the military, are working to reopen critical routes. “We are repairing all main access roads, both those leading to Tapanuli Tengah and those within the affected areas,” he said.

BNPB separately reported 294 confirmed deaths and 155 missing in North Sumatra alone as of Tuesday, identifying Tapanuli Tengah, Tapanuli Selatan, Sibolga, and Tapanuli Utara as the worst-affected regions.

Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture Pratikno apologized for what he called “less-than-optimal” response efforts, citing the vast affected areas and ongoing poor weather. “The government has worked hard. We apologize if it has not been optimal,” he said. “The President has instructed all ministries and agencies to mobilize every resource.”

He urged the public for patience, prayers, and support as teams continue to reach stranded survivors across the wider disaster zone.

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