T

hree people vacationing around the Pelaruga waterfall in Langkat, North Sumatra, were killed and a dozen others were injured after a powerful flood swept through the popular tourist site.

The three departed are Johannes Simamora, 27, and Gloria Maranata Simamora, 15, both from Pematang Siantar, and Hadi Santoso, 20, from Medan.

The bodies of Johannes and Hadi were found about 500 meters from the location where they were swept away after being hit by the flash flood on Sunday afternoon.

Gloria, who was earlier reported missing, was eventually found dead on Monday.

Binjai Police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. M. Rendra Salipu said Gloria’s body was found by a joint Search and Rescue team around 300 meters away.

All of the victims, along with the other vacationers, were swimming in a creek that is a part of the attraction at the Pelaruga waterfall.

“The victims’ bodies were taken to the Namu Ukur community health clinic and then later handed over to their families,” Rendra told The Jakarta Post on Monday afternoon.

Rendra said the flash flood also injured 12 others.

The vacationers were swimming in the creek at 4 p.m. local time, Rendra said. The 2-meter high flash flood rolled in and swept them away.

“The three dead victims were swept away by the flash flood, while the others survived after being helped by tour guides,” said Rendra, adding that all the injured victims received treatment and had returned to their respective homes.

Two weeks ago, a flash flood followed with a landslide also hit the Dua Warna waterfall in Sibolangit district, Deli Serdang regency. As many as 19 vacationers were found dead, while another two remain missing as of now.

Medan Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysical Agency (BMKG) data and information division head Sunardi said the weather conditions in North Sumatra were currently classified as extreme. He advised residents to be cautious, especially when visiting swimming and bathing areas.

“BMKG has warned residents living along rivers and those vacationing at bathing locations to be aware of flash floods that could occur anytime,” said Sunardi.

Sunardi added that the current extreme weather in North Sumatra would be characterized by high rainfall until June. According to Sunardi, high rainfall has the potential to cause flash floods.

“A characteristic of flash floods that people must be aware of is a sudden change in the color of water as it turns murky. If that occurs, seek immediate shelter at a safer place,” said Sunardi.

He added that besides high rainfall, the extreme weather also had the potential to trigger landslides, whirlwinds and high waves at sea.