Indonesia Battles Deadly Floods and Landslides as Toll Hits 61

Post by : Saif Nasser

Indonesia is facing a severe natural disaster as floods and landslides sweep across the island of Sumatra, leaving at least 61 people dead and hundreds stranded. Rescue operations are ongoing, with authorities warning that the toll could rise as rain continues and access to remote areas remains limited.

A rare tropical cyclone, which passed over the western Indonesian archipelago and the nearby Malacca Strait, caused fast-flowing muddy waters to destroy homes and inundate communities. Officials say 43 people have died in North Sumatra, nine in West Sumatra, and nine others in Aceh province. About 100 residents are still missing.

The country’s disaster mitigation agency reported that helicopters are being used to deliver aid and reach isolated communities, particularly in northern Sumatra where roads and communication networks were damaged by landslides. Twelve thousand people have been evacuated, but many more are awaiting help.

“Floods hit the area around dawn and smashed into houses,” said a resident identified only as Radi in Padang, West Sumatra. Reuters observed overturned cars, trapped residents, and widespread damage caused by the rushing waters. Local officials warn that the death toll is likely to increase, citing blocked bridges and continued rainfall.

Authorities have pointed to human activities as factors that worsened the disaster. Masinton Pasaribu, head of Central Tapanuli local government, said illegal logging and land clearing for palm plantations had made the area more vulnerable to floods and landslides. “Illegal logging in the hills had threatened the orangutan, and palm fruit trees are also being planted in many areas,” he said. Indonesia is the world’s largest producer of palm oil.

Rescue teams continue to work under challenging conditions, carrying residents, including children, to safety. Social media videos show people being rescued in plastic containers and boats through deep waters. Power outages and cut-off communication lines have complicated relief efforts further.

This flood disaster is part of a series of extreme weather events in Southeast Asia this week. Thailand and Malaysia have also suffered floods, killing more than 30 people combined, with water levels high enough to submerge hospitals and cut off communities.

Meteorologists warn that climate change and rising sea surface temperatures are contributing to more frequent and severe storms across the region. Governments and relief agencies are urging residents to stay cautious while rescue and recovery operations continue.