Indonesia Faces Tragedy as Sumatra Death Toll Climbs After Catastrophic Flooding

Rescue teams in Indonesia are continuing desperate efforts to reach isolated communities after a week of cyclone-driven torrential rains triggered catastrophic flooding and landslides across parts of Sumatra. Authorities on Saturday confirmed that the death toll has climbed to 248, with the figure expected to rise as more victims are found. Indonesia’s National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) reported that over 100 people remain missing and more than 500 residents have been injured. Many affected areas are still inaccessible due to collapsed roads, damaged bridges, and ongoing severe weather. ‘The death toll is believed to be increasing, since many bodies are still missing, while many have not been reached,’ said BNPB head Suharyanto.