Indonesia Takes Urgent Action to Evacuate Sumatra Residents Amid Rising Death Toll from Floods

Floods and landslides in Indonesia’s North Sumatra province have claimed the lives of 34 people, with ongoing rescue efforts hampered by severe road and communication disruptions. According to North Sumatra regional police spokesman Ferry Walintukan, 52 individuals are still missing as of Thursday. The affected areas, including Sibolga and Central Tapanuli, have faced communication breakdowns and power outages, complicating rescue operations. A tropical cyclone led to flooding and landslides in Sumatra, resulting in the evacuation of 8,000 people and blocked roads due to debris. Rescue aid is currently being delivered via helicopters as large parts of Southeast Asia continue to battle fatal flooding.