The death toll from floods and landslides on Indonesia’s Sumatra island has risen to 248, according to authorities overseeing rescue operations. Officials have warned that the number may increase further as search teams continue to recover victims and locate those still missing.
Heavy monsoon rains triggered flash floods and landslides across West and North Sumatra provinces, destroying homes, bridges, and roads. Several districts remain cut off, complicating relief efforts and delaying the delivery of essential supplies to affected communities.
The National Disaster Management Agency confirmed that more than 3,000 houses and public buildings have been damaged or submerged. Thousands of residents have been displaced and are currently sheltering in temporary facilities, with urgent needs for food, clean water, and medical assistance.
Rescue workers, supported by helicopters and limited heavy equipment, are struggling to reach isolated areas. Authorities have acknowledged that damaged infrastructure and poor weather conditions are slowing the pace of recovery operations.
The disaster underscores Indonesia’s vulnerability to extreme weather events, with climate change and deforestation intensifying the risks of flooding and landslides. International aid agencies are monitoring the situation and may extend support as relief efforts continue.
