ACEH, Indonesia — A massive landslide described by local observers as a “sinkhole-like collapse” is continuing to expand in Pondok Balik, Ketol District, Central Aceh Regency, Indonesia as of February 16. Authorities report that more than 18 rai — roughly three hectares — of land have already given way, damaging roads and nearby farms. The moving earth is now only about 400 meters away from residential houses and is advancing at an alarming pace of nearly one meter per day due to persistent heavy rainfall and weakened soil conditions.

Power lines in the area have already been relocated as a precaution, while local officials remain on constant monitoring. Evacuation remains a possibility should the ground continue to shift toward populated areas. For now, residents live under a looming uncertainty — not the sudden terror of an earthquake, but the slow, daily approach of disaster.

Unlike sudden catastrophes, creeping disasters test human psychology differently. Every day people wake up knowing the land beneath them is literally moving closer. The danger becomes normalized, and evacuation often happens only when it is almost too late. The Aceh landslide reminds us that climate-related disasters are no longer just violent storms or flash floods; sometimes they arrive gradually, quietly, and persistently.

As rainfall patterns intensify across Southeast Asia, communities face a difficult question: preparation often focuses on immediate response, but are we prepared for slow-motion disasters that require long-term relocation, emotional readiness, and economic adjustment?

The land in Aceh is still moving — and so is the conversation about climate resilience. If disasters no longer come only in sudden moments but in slow, advancing threats, are our governments and communities ready to act before tragedy forces them to? (Larawan mula sa: Weather Monitor / X)