Rescue teams in Indonesia are racing against time to find hundreds of people feared trapped beneath landslides after catastrophic floods swept across the region.
So far, the combined death toll across Southeast Asia has climbed to 900, and officials warn it could rise further as recovery efforts continue.
Desperation Grows Among Survivors in Sumatra
On Indonesia’s island of Sumatra, the aftermath has left residents scrambling for basic necessities.
Survivors have been forced to take food and water from abandoned shops just to survive.
Authorities in Sri Lanka reported a growing death toll of 193 from floods and mudslides there.
The Human Toll in Indonesia
The floods hit Indonesia nearly a week ago, killing 442 people and displacing 290,700.
The destruction is widespread: nearly 3,000 homes have been damaged, including 827 completely destroyed or washed away.
Landslides, broken roads, and downed communication lines have cut off entire communities, making rescue efforts even more difficult.
Thousands Still Missing Amid Challenging Conditions
The National Disaster Management Agency reports that 402 people remain missing across North Sumatra, West Sumatra, and Aceh.
Harsh weather and limited heavy equipment have slowed rescue operations, particularly in the hardest-hit areas like Sibolga and Central Tapanuli.
Social media shows harrowing images of people wading through waist-deep floodwaters, dodging broken glass, and navigating crumbling barricades to access food, medicine, and fuel.
Looting Highlights Urgent Need for Aid
Police spokesperson Ferry Walintukan confirmed reports of looting, explaining that panic and fear drove residents to take action before official aid arrived.
“They didn’t know help was coming and feared they would starve,” he said.
Regional police were dispatched to restore order.
Helicopters and Naval Ships Deliver Lifesaving Supplies
In response, eleven helicopters from Jakarta were sent to deliver essential supplies to areas cut off by floods, while four navy ships docked at local ports to assist with aid distribution.
Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya noted that “unpredictable weather often hampers relief operations,” making logistics a constant challenge.
Videos released by the Cabinet Secretariat show villagers in North Tapanuli waving frantically as supplies are dropped from the air.
Starlink Steps in to Help Communications
Tech entrepreneur Elon Musk announced that Starlink internet services will be provided free throughout December to support affected areas in both Indonesia and Sri Lanka, helping coordinate relief and keep people connected despite downed communication lines.
Sri Lanka Battles Devastating Weather
Meanwhile, Sri Lanka continues to face severe flooding and mudslides, with 193 dead and 228 missing.
Nearly 148,000 people have been displaced and are staying in temporary shelters.
Torrential rains, particularly in the tea-growing central hills, worsened conditions last Thursday, causing landslides and widespread flooding.
Cyclone Senyar Leaves Millions in Peril
Beyond Indonesia and Sri Lanka, other parts of Southeast Asia have also been hit hard.
Thailand and Malaysia experienced extreme weather caused by Cyclone Senyar, affecting millions and contributing to the region’s 900-plus death toll this month.
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