DELI SERDANG | INDATANEWS.COM - The Deli Serdang Regency Government is preparing to relocate residents affected by severe riverbank erosion along the Sungai Ular in Bandar Kuala Village, Galang District. The erosion was triggered by flooding that damaged 11 houses and threatens further settlements along the river. Deli Serdang Regent Asri Ludin Tambunan has confirmed that the affected area will no longer be used for residential purposes. Instead, it will be transformed into a green zone to prevent further loss of life.
Asri Ludin announced the plan on Monday, 2 November 2026, during a direct inspection of the affected area. Flooding in the early hours of Thursday, 29 October 2026, caused the rear sections of several houses to collapse after the river current eroded the soil around the buildings. The adjacent road is also at risk, with cracks appearing as a result of ground movement.
The damage highlights the severity of the erosion threat along the Sungai Ular. Continued soil erosion is making residential areas increasingly vulnerable, particularly when heavy rainfall raises the river's water level and increases its flow.
Riverbank Erosion Spreads as River Doubles in Width
During his inspection of the riverbank, Asri Ludin observed that erosion had spread throughout the affected area. The river, previously estimated to be around 20 metres wide, has now expanded to between 40 and 50 metres.
"Today, I visited our residents who have been affected by landslides along the riverbank. We can see that erosion is occurring along the entire stretch of the river. The river itself has also become significantly wider," he said.
According to Asri Ludin, the situation requires urgent and comprehensive action. The regional government must not only address the consequences of the flooding for residents but also ensure that people do not return to areas at risk of further erosion.
During the inspection, Asri Ludin was accompanied by the commander of Koramil 18 Galang, Infantry Captain Aris, Galang Police Chief AKP Doli Suryanto Silaban, and a representative of Danbrigif 77/RR. Following an assessment of the extent of the damage, the regional government decided that affected residents would not be allowed to return to the area.
The government also urged other residents still living near the riverbank to remain vigilant. The measure is intended to prevent further casualties should heavy rainfall return and the river level rise.
ASRI LUDIN TAMBUNAN INSPECTS THE RIVERBANK: Deli Serdang Regent
Asri Ludin Tambunan examines severe soil erosion and the widening riverbed along the Sungai Ular. (PHOTO: Edi Saputra)
Gradual Relocation Prioritises Temporary Accommodation
The Deli Serdang Regency Government is preparing relocation as a long-term solution for residents who have lost their homes. Initially, they will move into suitable temporary accommodation before permanent housing is provided.
Asri Ludin explained that some residents were currently staying with relatives, while others continued to live in emergency tents. The government is working to ensure that all evacuees receive assistance and essential supplies throughout the recovery and reconstruction process.
"Some are staying with relatives. We are also providing those living in tents with everything they need, from food and clean water to civil registration documents and educational support for affected children. We hope the community will continue to find the strength to carry on with their daily lives," he stressed.
As part of the relocation programme, the regional government will work with the central government and other relevant agencies. This includes PTPN, through Adolina, to explore the possibility of providing land for the affected residents.
The relocation will take place in stages. The first phase will focus on providing temporary accommodation so that residents can leave the emergency tents. Preparations for permanent housing will follow. The process will take into account the needs of the community and the conditions of the affected area.
Asri Ludin also emphasised that the government intends to convert the abandoned riverbank area into a green zone. The planned transformation is designed to prevent people from settling in the danger zone again while preserving the ecological function of the area along the Sungai Ular.
"We will coordinate with the central government, particularly PTPN Adolina, to relocate the residents. We will first prepare temporary accommodation, followed by permanent housing. We hope the entire area can be turned into a green zone so that there will be no further casualties in the future," he said.
GOVERNMENT PREPARES TEMPORARY ACCOMMODATION: The Deli Serdang Regency Government is planning a phased relocation of residents affected by erosion along the Sungai Ular, initially to temporary accommodation and later to permanent housing. (PHOTO: Edi Saputra)
Evacuees Receive Assistance as Daily Life Continues
Alongside the provision of new accommodation, the Deli Serdang Regency Government is ensuring that the basic needs of affected residents continue to be met. The government has reissued civil registration documents damaged by the flooding, enabling residents to maintain access to public services.
The government is also providing internet access and television sets in temporary accommodation facilities. These amenities help residents continue receiving information, communicating with one another and maintaining their daily routines while staying in emergency shelters.
Asri Ludin stressed that disaster response must not focus solely on providing housing. Maintaining the community's everyday life is equally important.
"Their current problem is accommodation. However, they must still be able to carry on with their daily lives," he emphasised.
The erosion threat along the Sungai Ular could worsen if heavy rainfall returns and the river level rises. The regional government therefore considers relocation a crucial measure to protect the community. This also applies to residents whose houses remain standing but who continue to live close to the danger zone.
Through immediate action, the provision of temporary accommodation and plans for permanent housing, the Deli Serdang Regency Government hopes to provide residents with a safer and more suitable living environment. Transforming the riverbank into a green zone is also intended to prevent people from settling in the danger zone again and reduce the risk of similar disasters in the future.
(IDNC)REPORTER: Edi Saputra | EDITOR: Fik Sagala