The death toll from flooding and landslides on Indonesia’s Sumatra island has sharply increased to 442, with many more still missing, officials report.
These disasters, caused by intense monsoon rains combined with tropical cyclones like Cyclone Senyar, have devastated communities, destroyed homes, and severely disrupted infrastructure across North Sumatra, Aceh, and West Sumatra provinces.
Residents have described how floodwaters surged swiftly, engulfing homes within seconds. Survivors shared chilling accounts of escaping to higher ground only to find their houses completely submerged. Rescue efforts have been hampered by damaged roads, bridges, and power outages, leaving many stranded and relief operations extremely challenging.
Neighbouring countries including Thailand, Malaysia, and Sri Lanka are also struggling with severe flooding and landslides. Thailand has reported 170 deaths, and Malaysia’s Perlis state has been heavily affected though with fewer fatalities. Sri Lanka continues to deal with the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah, which has killed nearly 160 people and led to widespread homelessness and a state of emergency.
Meteorological experts link this extreme weather to the interaction of several tropical storms in the region, including Typhoon Koto moving towards Vietnam.
Scientists note that while monsoon season regularly brings heavy rains, climate change is intensifying these events, resulting in more frequent, severe flooding, stronger winds, and greater destruction.