Jakarta: The death toll from devastating floods and landslides on the Indonesian island of Sumatra has risen to at least 303 people, according to updated figures from the national disaster agency. Rescue teams continue to search for hundreds of missing people as communities struggle with widespread destruction caused by days of heavy rainfall linked to a severe cyclone.
Officials say around 279 people are still unaccounted for, and the number of victims may continue to rise as emergency teams reach remote areas. Many villages remain cut off after roads, bridges and communication lines were destroyed by landslides and fast moving floodwaters.
More than 80,000 residents have been forced to leave their homes and are now sheltering in makeshift evacuation centers. Many families fled with little warning as water levels rose quickly and swept through residential areas.
The government has deployed military helicopters, rescue boats and heavy equipment to assist relief work. However, ongoing rain, unstable ground and damaged access routes are slowing down recovery operations. Some remote areas are reachable only by air, making distribution of aid difficult.
Local officials in Central Tapanuli have reported rising frustration and fear as survivors wait for food, clean water and medical supplies. Some attempts to seize relief goods have been reported, though authorities say efforts are being made to increase supply distribution.
The disaster has severely damaged infrastructure, including farmland, power grids and water systems. Emergency teams are prioritizing reopening major roads, restoring communication and providing medical care for injured and vulnerable people.
Environmental specialists say the extreme weather is likely influenced by changing global climate patterns, which have made storms in the region more intense and unpredictable. Indonesia is prone to natural disasters including floods, earthquakes and volcanic activity, but officials described this event as one of the worst flooding disasters in recent years.
President Joko Widodo expressed his condolences to affected families and assured that the government would provide long term support for rebuilding. Humanitarian organizations and international partners have also begun coordinating assistance.
With thousands displaced and many areas still underwater, authorities warn that the next several days remain critical for rescue operations and stabilizing affected regions.