The death toll from the recent floods in Indonesia, mainly affecting the northern part of Sumatra Island, has risen to over 755, authorities confirmed on Wednesday. The National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) reported that about 2,600 people are injured and 647 are still missing. The cyclone ‘Senyar’ has affected 3.3 million people with torrential rains, landslides, and floods.
At least 1.1 million individuals have been displaced from their homes, with 3,600 houses severely damaged, 2,100 moderately damaged, and 3,700 sustaining mild damages. Search and rescue efforts continue in the affected areas, involving the Army, volunteers, and emergency teams. They are searching for hundreds of missing people, clearing mud, providing food, and reopening roads. However, authorities have warned that the death toll could rise further.
Out of the 3.3 million affected, around 1.5 million are in Aceh province, 538,000 in North Sumatra, and 100,000 in West Sumatra. Many have sought shelter in schools, government buildings, and tents. The destruction caused by the rains is severe due to the prolonged period of heavy rainfall, leading to river overflow. Indonesia is entering its rainy season, raising concerns in other regions that have not been as severely impacted.
President Prabowo Subianto announced the dispatch of several ships to deliver humanitarian aid to the displaced in North Sumatra, as road traffic remains disrupted by floods and landslides. He mentioned the deployment of a Hercules aircraft with possible daily landings at various points. BNPB chief Suharyanto highlighted Sibolga and Central Tapanuli as priority areas for aid distribution.
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