At least 225 people have died, and dozens are missing following severe floods and landslides that impacted three provinces on Indonesia’s Sumatra island this week. The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) announced the rising death toll on Saturday, indicating that the number could increase as rescue teams reach isolated communities affected by days of torrential rain.
Suharyanto, the head of BNPB, stated, “There are still points we have not been able to enter. The data will continue to change.” The northern region of Sumatra has faced the most severe consequences, with reports confirming 116 deaths and 42 people still unaccounted for. The heavy rainfall, especially on steep terrain, has led to landslides, washed out rural roads, and disrupted key transport routes.
In response to the crisis, the central government has mobilized additional troops and emergency personnel. This support includes aircraft and heavy machinery, along with a presidential aid package that features generators, communication equipment, and inflatable boats to assist in rescue operations.
In the province of Aceh, located at Sumatra’s northern tip, authorities have confirmed 35 deaths, with 25 individuals reported missing and eight injured. More than 4,800 households have been evacuated, and nearly 100 shelters have been established in Lhokseumawe, the second-largest city in Aceh province. The floods have significantly impacted the primary transport corridor along Aceh’s eastern coast, including the failure of a critical bridge linking the provincial capital Banda Aceh to southern districts.
In West Sumatra, the disaster agency has reported 74 fatalities, with 12 people missing and four injured. Over 3,900 households are currently taking refuge in temporary facilities. As forecasts predict continued heavy rainfall, the government has initiated cloud-seeding flights to mitigate the risk of further landslides and flash floods. Access to many roads remains limited, with debris obstructing rescue efforts.
Indonesia is known for experiencing some of the world’s most intense monsoon rains, and scientists have expressed concerns that extreme weather events are becoming more frequent as global temperatures rise. The ongoing situation highlights the vulnerability of communities in the region and the urgent need for effective disaster management strategies.
