Indonesia is facing one of its deadliest natural disasters in recent years after catastrophic flash floods and landslides swept through three provinces in the Sumatra region, killing at least 303 people and leaving 279 others missing, according to the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB).
Continuous monsoon downpours triggered massive flooding that submerged villages, destroyed homes, and cut off access to several districts. Tens of thousands of residents were forced to flee as water levels rose rapidly, overwhelming local infrastructure and leaving emergency teams struggling to reach isolated communities.
North Sumatra suffers worst devastation
BNPB Chief Suharyanto said North Sumatra recorded the highest casualties, with 166 confirmed deaths and 143 people still missing.
In West Sumatra, 90 fatalities were reported along with 85 missing persons.
In Aceh, 47 deaths and 51 missing individuals were confirmed.
Suharyanto led a coordination meeting with disaster-response units in all three affected provinces, directing them to scale up efforts now that weather conditions have begun to stabilise.
Search, connectivity, and relief: Immediate priorities
BNPB outlined three critical priorities for the ongoing response:
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Search and rescue operations to locate the hundreds still missing.
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Restoration of communication lines, many of which collapsed due to landslides and flooding.
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Rapid delivery of logistics, including food, clean water, medical supplies and temporary shelter, to displaced families.
Rescue teams continue to navigate dangerous terrain and debris-filled floodwaters. Authorities warn that the casualty count may rise further as operations move into remote areas that remain inaccessible.
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