Flash Floods Collapse Bridges in Central Aceh

RRI.CO.ID, Banda Aceh - The Aceh Disaster Management Agency (BPBA) reported on Monday night, April 6, 2026, that devastating flash floods have once again hit Central Aceh Regency. The disaster, triggered by intense rainfall since Monday afternoon, has caused two critical emergency bridges to collapse, cutting off access to several rural communities.

According to BPBA Head Bahron Bakti, the collapsed structures were temporary bridges built specifically to restore connectivity following previous hydrometeorological disasters in late November 2025.

The collapse of these vital links has left several areas isolated for the second time in less than six months, severely hindering local connectivity. The damage is primarily concentrated in two locations, starting with the Ketol Subdistrict, where the emergency bridge in Burlah Village collapsed and effectively cut off access to four nearby villages.

Conditions are similarly critical in the Silih Nara Subdistrict, specifically in Terang Engon Village, where a bridge shifted and tilted after being struck by the heavy current, leaving an additional village isolated. Local authorities are currently monitoring these sites as the high-water levels continue to pose a threat to the remaining infrastructure.

“Two emergency bridges built after the disaster in late November 2025 have collapsed again,” Bahron said from Banda Aceh.

As of Tuesday morning, April 7, 2026, there have been no reported casualties or evacuations despite the severity of the water flow. The Central Aceh Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) has deployed two heavy equipment units to the affected sites to begin clearing debris and assessing the possibility of restoring temporary access.

Authorities remain on high alert as rain continues to fall in the highlands, keeping river currents dangerously high. Members of the Quick Response Team (TRC PB) are currently stationed on-site to monitor the situation and mitigate further risks to residents. ***