Sumatra (HRNW)– The death toll from heavy rains, catastrophic floods, and massive landslides on Indonesia’s Sumatra Island has climbed to 600, with 174 people still missing, raising fears of an even higher final count.
Dozens of villages have been completely wiped out as landslides buried homes and residents under thick layers of debris. Rescue teams continue to recover bodies, with more than a dozen victims found today alone.
Over 3,500 police officers, along with rescue and fire brigade teams, are taking part in large-scale operations. However, damaged roads, collapsed communication systems, and the lack of heavy machinery have severely hindered relief efforts. Many regions in North Sumatra have become inaccessible by land.
Air assistance is now being used to deliver relief supplies, while rescuers are forced to rely on their hands, shovels, and basic tools due to machinery shortages. In Agam district, around 80 people remain trapped beneath rubble across three villages.
The worst-hit region is Aceh, where local residents, soldiers, and police are working tirelessly amid overwhelming devastation. The governor has declared a state of emergency until December 11.
The recent cyclone that battered Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and Malaysia has now weakened, but heavy rains continue to trigger deadly landslides. Combined, more than 1,000 deaths have been reported across the affected countries.
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