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View all search resultsNorth Sumatra declares state of emergency in seven regencies as forest fires spread
The National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) has recorded at least 61 wildfires across North Sumatra since the beginning of the year, destroying more than 4,400 hectares of land.
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A resident stands near a forest fire on Aug. 7, 2022, in Simulop village, Panguruan district, Samosir regency, North Sumatra. (Antara/Fransisco Carolio)
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even of the 33 regencies and cities in North Sumatra have declared a state of emergency as forest fires continue to sweep across the province, burning thousands of hectares of land.
North Sumatra Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD) Head Tuahta Ramajaya Saragih said the seven affected regencies are Toba, Samosir, Simalungun, Humbang Hasundutan, Karo, Dairi and North Tapanuli.
"We decided to declare a state of emergency considering the large amount of land that is affected by forest fires in these regencies. We are currently preparing to launch weather modification operations in these regions,” he said.
The National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) has recorded at least 61 wildfires across North Sumatra since the beginning of the year, destroying more than 4,400 hectares of land.
Read also: Wildfires sweep through multiple regions in Sumatra
Firefighting efforts are still underway in Boho Village, Samosir Regency, where a blaze has been burning since Saturday. The village lies on the shores of Lake Toba, one of the most popular tourist destinations in the province.
“The fire is burning through a protected forest in the village and has spread dangerously close to residential areas,” said Zainuddin Harahap, the Protection, Law Enforcement and Capacity Building Division head at the North Sumatra Environmental Agency (DLHK), on Sunday, as quoted by Kompas.com.
