At least 225 people have died, and dozens more are missing following devastating floods and landslides that struck three provinces on Indonesia’s Sumatra island this week. The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) reported the grim figures on March 16, 2024, as rescue operations continue to face challenges due to ongoing adverse weather conditions.
The situation is particularly dire in North Sumatra, where officials have confirmed 116 deaths and report 42 individuals still unaccounted for. The heavy rainfall, which has been compounded by the steep terrain, triggered multiple landslides, obstructing rural roads and disrupting vital transport routes. Suharyanto, the head of BNPB, stated, “There are still points we have not been able to enter. The data will continue to change,” indicating that the death toll may rise further as rescue teams reach remote areas.
In the northern tip of Sumatra, Aceh province has also been heavily affected, with authorities confirming 35 fatalities, 25 missing, and eight injuries. Over 4,800 households have been evacuated as nearly 100 shelters have been established in Lhokseumawe, Aceh’s second-largest city. Flooding has severely impacted transportation infrastructure, including the collapse of a crucial bridge that connects the provincial capital, Banda Aceh, to its southern districts.
The disaster has also struck West Sumatra, where the agency reported 74 deaths, 12 missing, and four injuries. More than 3,900 households have sought refuge in temporary shelters across the region. With forecasts predicting continued heavy rainfall, the Indonesian government has initiated cloud-seeding flights to mitigate the risk of further landslides and flash floods.
The ongoing crisis highlights Indonesia’s vulnerability to extreme weather conditions, particularly during the monsoon season. Scientists have warned that climate change is intensifying these weather patterns, making such disasters more frequent. As rescue efforts continue, the government has dispatched additional troops and emergency personnel, along with aircraft and heavy machinery, to assist in the relief operations.
With rescue teams still working tirelessly to reach isolated communities, the full extent of the disaster remains uncertain. The national and local authorities are closely monitoring the situation, hoping to provide aid and support to those affected as soon as possible.
