Landslide Cuts Main Road Linking Two Villages in Aceh Tengah

ACEH TENGAH | INDATANEWS.COM ~ A landslide triggered by continuous heavy rainfall on the night of April 20, 2026, completely blocked the only connecting road between Pilar Wih Kiri and Tirmiara villages in Rusip Antara District, Aceh Tengah, on Tuesday morning (April 21, 2026).

The incident disrupted daily mobility, including school transportation, as the road serves as a vital access route for both communities.

Heavy Rain Triggers Landslide

Authorities confirmed that prolonged rainfall overnight caused large volumes of soil and rock to slide onto the roadway, covering its entire width. As a result, vehicles—especially cars—were unable to pass through the affected section.

The blocked route immediately impacted residents' activities, with students among those most affected as they attempted to reach schools.

Emergency Cleanup Operations Launched

Since 07:00 local time, personnel from the Rusip Antara Police Post, supported by local residents, have been conducting cleanup operations to reopen the road.

The efforts are focused on restoring access for both two-wheeled and four-wheeled vehicles. Due to limited equipment, most of the clearing work is being carried out manually using basic tools. Despite these constraints, authorities and residents continue working to restore connectivity as quickly as possible.

Unstable Soil Raises Ongoing Risk

Officials also pointed to unstable ground conditions as a contributing factor to the landslide. The area remains vulnerable due to previous hydrometeorological impacts recorded on November 26, 2025, which weakened soil stability in the region.

Aceh Tengah Police Chief Muhamad Taufiq, praised the strong cooperation between police officers and local residents during the emergency response.

"This rapid response demonstrates strong solidarity and a shared sense of responsibility between the police and the community. We appreciate the active support from residents, which has helped speed up access restoration," he said.

He also urged residents to remain alert as continued rainfall may trigger additional landslides. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation in coordination with relevant agencies to ensure public safety.

By 09:00, cleanup operations were still ongoing, while the road had become partially passable. Further measures will continue until full safety and accessibility are restored. (IDNC)

REPORTER: Adli Safwan | EDITOR: Fik Sagala