Severe flooding and landslides triggered by cyclonic rains on Indonesia’s Sumatra island have claimed 303 lives, according to Suharyanto, head of the country’s disaster mitigation agency. This marks a sharp increase from the earlier reported 174 fatalities. The disaster has left at least 279 people missing, while tens of thousands have been forced to evacuate.
Widespread Devastation Across Sumatra
The cyclone, which also brought torrential rains to Malaysia and Thailand, caused significant damage across Sumatra, particularly in its northern regions. Approximately 80,000 people have been evacuated, yet hundreds remain stranded in isolated areas of three provinces. Landslides and damaged roads have cut off entire communities, making rescue operations challenging. Helicopters have been deployed to deliver aid and transport stranded residents. “We are trying to open the route from North Tapanuli to Sibolga, which has been severely cut off for a third day,” Suharyanto said, emphasizing the ongoing difficulties faced by rescue teams.
Military forces are set to be increased on Sunday to assist with relief efforts and restore access to the hardest-hit areas. Meanwhile, some affected residents in Central Tapanuli attempted to seize emergency supplies amid the chaos, highlighting the strain on relief operations. Authorities are working to stabilize the situation and ensure essential supplies reach those trapped by the floods and landslides.
Regional Impact and Ongoing Threat
The cyclone’s effects extend beyond Indonesia. In Thailand, southern provinces have also faced severe flooding, with the death toll rising to 162, up from 145, according to government spokesperson Siripong Angkasakulkiat. Across the Malacca Strait, Malaysia has similarly been impacted by heavy rains and storm-related disruptions. Meteorologists have warned that the tropical storm remains active, with further rainfall likely in affected regions, heightening concerns about additional landslides, road blockages, and damage to infrastructure.
Authorities in all affected countries are coordinating relief and rescue efforts, but continued inclement weather and difficult terrain are slowing operations. International and local aid agencies have been mobilized to assist with food, medical support, and emergency evacuation of stranded populations.
